Besides, it is one of the most interesting cases that I have ever met with, and I am not going to see it bungled.

He couldn't object to a little general advice in a friendly, informal way--_amicus curiae_, as old Brodribb is so fond of saying; and there is nothing to prevent us from pushing forward the preliminary inquiries." "Of what nature would they be ?" "Well, to begin with, we have to satisfy ourselves that the conditions of clause two have not been complied with: that John Bellingham has not been buried within the parish boundaries mentioned.

Of course he has not, but we must not take anything for granted.

Then we have to satisfy ourselves that he is not still alive and accessible.

It is perfectly possible that he is, after all, and it is our business to trace him, if he is still in the land of the living.