The former explanation is the most probable, and, coupled with this fellow's statement, seems unquestionable.

There would be no apparent reason why he should lie." "No; there is none.

I--I--really, I have thought this all the time; but about those others ?" "Vail and Neale, you mean?
It seems to me they fit in exactly with the story.

Everything had been removed from Philip's pockets, and all ordinary means of identification destroyed.

There must have been a purpose in this, and it must have been done by a second party, as there is no suggestion of suicide.