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A person who had altogether studied the case in all its bearings more attentively was sent by me to the Consul at Canton to watch and assist in the proceedings and to prove the identity of the links and the watch. I fully expected likewise that he would be invited to make suggestions for bringing together the various witnesses and combining the evidence from different points.
13. Unquestionably Mr. Drave is at this moment the person who can most usefully assist by his advice, independent of the direct evidence which he can give. Nevertheless, he has been compelled to return without a chance of communicating with the Authorities and making his testimony available in the case because Mr. Robertson has distinctly refused him any facility for doing so, on the ground that the business appertains to the Consulate and Mr. Deane "has charge at Canton."
14. I am about to earnestly request Mr. Robertson to reconsider the attitude which he so rigidly assumes, and I sincerely hope that he may be induced to adopt a course more likely to promote the ends of justice. I confess, however, that notwithstanding all the clues obtained by patience and perseverance, and which with ordinary tact ought to be leading to a successful issue...