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10. Ascertain the circumstances (immediate and remote) that led to
the discovery of the bones and the names of the persons
concerned in those circumstances.
11. Commit all information to writing as soon as possible, and make
plans and diagrams on the spot, if circumstances permit.
12. Preserve an impassive exterior; listen attentively but without
eagerness; ask as few questions as possible; pursue any inquiry
that your observations on the spot may suggest.
These were my instructions, and, considering that I was going merely to
inspect a few dry bones, they appeared rather formidable; in fact, the
more I read them over the greater became my misgivings as to my
qualifications for the task.
As I approached the mortuary it became evident that some, at least, of
Thorndyke's admonitions were by no means unnecessary. The place was in
charge of a police-sergeant, who watched my approach suspiciously; and
some half-dozen men, obviously newspaper reporters, hovered about the
entrance like a pack of jackals.


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