# XV: The Fingerprint Experts explained — The Red Thumbmark

> Chapter companion for The Red Thumbmark by R. Austin Freeman.

## What happens

The trial of Reuben Hornby begins. The court is sworn in, and Sir Hector Trumpler presents the prosecution's case, calling John Hornby as the first witness. John Hornby testifies about the delivery of diamonds, their placement in the safe, and the discovery of the theft and a bloody thumbprint. Sergeant Bates then testifies about his investigation, including obtaining a thumbprint from a family Thumbograph that matched Reuben Hornby's print, leading to his arrest. Anstey cross-examines Bates about the identification of the blood.

## Themes in this chapter

### Forensic Science and Evidence

The prosecution relies heavily on the thumbprint evidence, with Sergeant Bates describing the matching process and the use of the Thumbograph.

### Justice and Wrongful Accusation

Reuben Hornby is on trial for a crime he claims he did not commit, with the thumbprint evidence seemingly condemning him.

### Family Loyalty and Conflict

John Hornby's testimony reveals tension as he is forced to testify against his nephew, and Mrs. Hornby's Thumbograph is used as evidence despite her distress.

## Character check-ins

### Reuben Hornby

The prisoner, appears calm and self-possessed in the dock, pleads not guilty.

### John Hornby

First witness for the prosecution, testifies about the diamond delivery and discovery of the theft and thumbprint.

### Sergeant Bates

Testifies about his investigation, obtaining the Thumbograph, and matching Reuben's thumbprint to the crime scene print.

### Juliet Gibson

Present in court, expresses fear and anxiety to Jervis during the proceedings.

### Dr. Christopher Jervis

Observes the trial, comforts Juliet, and anticipates Thorndyke's evidence.

### Walter Hornby

Enters the court and takes a position near the bench.

## Key lines

> The first witness whom I shall call," said Sir Hector Trumpler, "is John Hornby."

Sir Hector Trumpler begins the prosecution's case by calling John Hornby as the first witness.

_Opening of the prosecution's evidence._

> I compared them with the photograph that I had with me and discovered that the print of the left thumb of Reuben Hornby was in every respect identical with the thumbprint shown in the photograph.

Sergeant Bates testified that Reuben Hornby's left thumbprint matched the one from the crime scene.

_Key forensic evidence presented by the prosecution._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/xv-the-fingerprint-experts
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters