The appearances, therefore, did not quite agree with the apparent purpose.
"Then, could there be any other purpose with which they agreed better?
Yes, there could.
"If it had happened that John Bellingham were known to have worn a ring on that finger, and especially if that ring fitted tightly, the removal of the finger would serve a very useful purpose.

It would create an impression that the finger had been removed on account of a ring, to prevent identification; which impression would, in turn, produce a suspicion that the hand was that of John Bellingham.

And yet it would not be evidence that could be used to establish identity.

Now, if Mr.
Jellicoe were the murderer and had the body hidden elsewhere, vague suspicion would be precisely what he would desire, and positive evidence what he would wish to avoid.
"It transpired later that John Bellingham did wear a ring on that finger and that the ring fitted very tightly.

Whence it followed that the absence of the finger was an additional point tending to implicate Mr.
Jellicoe.
"And now let us briefly review this mass of evidence.