The servants, for instance, when cleaning out the rooms, would have observed him." Here Thorndyke interposed with an indulgent smile at his junior: "My learned friend is treating the inquiry with unbecoming levity.

We accept the conclusion that the man did not remain in the house alive." "Very well.

Then did he remain in it dead?
Apparently not.

The report says that as soon as the man was missed, Hurst and the servants together searched the house thoroughly.

But there had been no time or opportunity to dispose of the body, whence the only possible conclusion is that the body was not there.