"But the fact is that I have just examined and identified the body at the British Museum, where it was deposited by Mr.Jellicoe.I don't say that he murdered John Bellingham--though that is what the appearances suggest--but I do say that he will have to account for his secret disposal of the body." Inspector Badger was thunderstruck.

Also he was visibly annoyed.

The salt which Mr.Jellicoe had so adroitly sprinkled on the constabulary tail appeared to develop irritating properties, for when Thorndyke had given him a brief outline of the facts he stuck his hands in his pockets and exclaimed gloomily: "Well, I'm hanged! And to think of all the time and trouble I've spent on those damned bones! I suppose they were just a plant ?" "Don't let us disparage them," said Thorndyke.

"They have played a useful part.

They represent the inevitable mistake that every criminal makes sooner or later.