But when the case had been heard in Court, it was evident either that the proceedings would be abandoned--which was unlikely--or that there would be new developments.
"I watched the progress of events with profound interest.

An attempt had been made (by Mr.Jellicoe or some other person) to get the will administered without producing the body of John Bellingham; and that attempt had failed.

The coroner's jury had refused to identify the remains; the Probate Court had refused to presume the death of the testator.

As affairs stood, the will could not be administered.
"What would be the next move?
"It was virtually certain that it would consist in the production of something which would identify the unrecognised remains as those of the testator.
"But what would that something be?
"The answer to that question would contain the answer to another question: Was my solution of the mystery the true solution?
"If I was wrong, it was possible that some of the undoubtedly genuine bones of John Bellingham might presently be discovered; for instance, the skull, the knee-cap, or the left fibula, by any of which the remains could be positively identified.
"If I was right, only one thing could possibly happen.

Mr.Jellicoe would have to play the trump card that he had been holding back in case the Court should refuse the application; a card that he was evidently reluctant to play.
"He would have to produce the bones of the mummy's finger, together with John Bellingham's ring.