Reuben's rooms have been searched by the police, who failed to find any skeleton or duplicate keys; but this proves nothing, as he would probably have made away with them when he heard of the thumb-mark being found.

As to the other matter, I have asked Reuben, and he has no recollection of ever having made a thumb-mark in blood.

So there the matter rests." "And what about Mr.Hornby's liability for the diamonds ?" "I think we may dismiss that," answered Thorndyke.

"He had undertaken no liability and there was no negligence.

He would not be liable at law." After my colleague retired, which he did quite early, I sat for a long time pondering upon this singular case in which I found myself involved.
And the more I thought about it the more puzzled I became.