Hence it will be well for me to begin by giving the conclusions that I reached by reasoning from the facts set forth in the newspapers before any of the further facts came to my knowledge.
"From the facts as stated in the newspaper reports it is obvious that there were four possible explanations of the disappearance.
"1.

The man might be alive and in hiding.

This was highly improbable, for the reasons that were stated by Mr.Loram at the late hearing of the application, and for a further reason that I shall mention presently.
"2.

He might have died by accident or disease, and his body failed to be identified.

This was even more improbable, seeing that he carried on his person abundant means of identification, including visiting cards.
"3.