tain if all the bones belonging to each region are
present, and if not, which are missing.

3. Measure the extreme length of the principal bones and compare
those of opposite sides.

4. Examine the bones with reference to the age, sex, and muscular
development of the deceased.

5. Note the presence or absence of signs of constitutional
disease, local disease of bone or adjacent structures, old or
recent injuries, and any other departures from the normal or
usual.

6. Observe the presence or absence of adipocere and its position,
if present.

7. Note any remains of tendons, ligaments, or other soft
structures.

8. Examine the Sidcup hand with reference to the question as to
whether the finger was separated before or after death.

9. Estimate the probable period of submersion and note any changes
(as, e.g., mineral or organic staining) due to the character of
the water or mud.

10. Ascertain the circumstances (immediate and remote) that led to
the discovery of the bones and the names of the persons
concerned in those circumstances.

11. Commit all information to writing as soon as possible, and make
plans and diagrams on the spot, if circumstances permit.

12. Preserve an impassive exterior; listen attentively but without
eagerness; ask as few questions as possible; pursue any inquiry
that your observations on the spot may suggest.

These were my instructions, and, considering that I was going merely to
inspect a few dry bones, they appeared rather formidable; in fact, the
more I read them over the greater became my misgivings as to my
qualifications for the task.

As I approached the mortuary it became evident that some, at least, of
Thorndyke's admonitions were by no means unnecessary. The place was in
charge of a police-sergeant, who watched my approach suspiciously; and
some half-dozen men, obviously newspaper reporters, hovered about the
entrance like a pack of jackals. I presented the coroner's order which
Mr. Marchmont had obtained, and which the sergeant read with his back
against the wall, to prevent the newspaper men from looking over his
shoulder.

My credentials being found satisfactory, the door was unlocked and I
entered, accompanied by three enterprising reporters, whom, however, the
sergeant summarily ejected and locked out, returning to usher me into
the presence and