"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. No other course was possible.
"But not only would the bones and the ring have to be found together.
They would have to be found in a place which was accessible to Mr.
Jellicoe, and so far under his control that he could determine the
exact time when the discovery should be made.
"I waited patiently for the answer to my question. Was I right or was
I wrong?
"And, in due course, the answer came.
"The bones and the ring were discovered in the well in the grounds of Godfrey Bellingham's late house. That house was the property of John Bellingham. Mr. Jellicoe was John Bellingham's agent. Hence it was practically certain that the date on which the well was emptied was settled by Mr. Jellicoe.
"The oracle had spoken.