"She was of the opinion that the skeleton ought to have been destroyed or else handed over to some anatomical museum.

But--well, it is a curiosity, you know, Mr.Rickaby.Besides, as I have said, it was once the property of her late father, a most learned man, sir, most learned, and as it was of sufficient interest for him to retain it--oh, well, we collectors are faddists, you know, so I easily persuaded Mrs.Bawdrey to allow me to bring it over to England with me when we took our leave of Java.

And now that you have seen it, suppose we have a look at more artistic things.

I have some very fine specimens of neolithic implements and weapons which I am most anxious to show you.

Just step this way, please." He let the skeleton's hand slip from his own, swing back into the case, and forthwith closed the glass door upon it; then, leading the way to the cabinet containing the specimens referred to, he unlocked it, and invited Cleek's opinion of the flint arrow-heads, stone hatchets, and granite utensils within.
For a minute they lingered thus, the old man talking, laughing, exulting in his possessions, the detective examining and pretending to be deeply impressed.