Part 32 (1/2)
CHAPTER XVI
THORNd.y.k.e PLAYS HIS CARD
As Thornd.y.k.e took his place in the box I looked at him with a sense of unreasonable surprise, feeling that I had never before fully realised what manner of man my friend was as to his externals. I had often noted the quiet strength of his face, its infinite intelligence, its attractiveness and magnetism; but I had never before appreciated what now impressed me most: that Thornd.y.k.e was actually the handsomest man I had ever seen. He was dressed simply, his appearance unaided by the flowing gown or awe-inspiring wig, and yet his presence dominated the court. Even the judge, despite his scarlet robe and trappings of office, looked commonplace by comparison, while the jurymen, who turned to look at him, seemed like beings of an inferior order. It was not alone the distinction of the tall figure, erect and dignified, nor the power and ma.s.sive composure of his face, but the actual symmetry and comeliness of the face itself that now arrested my attention; a comeliness that made it akin rather to some cla.s.sic mask, wrought in the ivory-toned marble of Pentelicus, than to the eager faces that move around us in the hurry and bustle of a life at once strenuous and trivial.
”You are attached to the medical school at St. Margaret's Hospital, I believe, Dr. Thornd.y.k.e?” said Anstey.
”Yes. I am the lecturer on Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology.”
”Have you had much experience of medico-legal inquiries?”
”A great deal. I am engaged exclusively in medico-legal work.”
”You heard the evidence relating to the two drops of blood found in the safe?”
”I did.”
”What is your opinion as to the condition of that blood?”
”I should say there is no doubt that it had been artificially treated-probably by defibrination.”
”Can you suggest any explanation of the condition of that blood?”
”I can.”
”Is your explanation connected with any peculiarities in the thumb-print on the paper that was found in the safe?”
”It is.”
”Have you given any attention to the subject of finger-prints?”
”Yes. A great deal of attention.”
”Be good enough to examine that paper” (here the usher handed to Thornd.y.k.e the memorandum slip). ”Have you seen it before?”
”Yes. I saw it at Scotland Yard.”
”Did you examine it thoroughly?”
”Very thoroughly. The police officials gave me every facility and, with their permission, I took several photographs of it.”
”There is a mark on that paper resembling the print of a human thumb?”
”There is.”
”You have heard two expert witnesses swear that that mark was made by the left thumb of the prisoner, Reuben Hornby?”
”I have.”