Lawyers are not engaged in academic discussions or in the pursuit of truth, but each is trying, by hook or by crook, to make out a particular case without regard to its actual truth or even to the lawyer's own belief on the subject.

That is what produces so much friction between lawyers and scientific witnesses; neither can understand the point of view of the other.

But we must not sit over the table chattering like this; it has gone half-past seven, and Polton will be wanting to make this room presentable." "I notice you don't use your office much," I remarked.
"Hardly at all, excepting as a repository for documents and stationery.
It is very cheerless to talk in an office, and nearly all my business is transacted with solicitors and counsel who are known to me, so there is no need for such formalities.

All right, Polton; we shall be ready for you in five minutes." The Temple bell was striking eight as, at Thorndyke's request, I threw open the iron-bound "oak"; and even as I did so the sound of footsteps came up from the stairs below.

I waited on the landing for our two visitors, and led them into the room.
"I am so glad to make your acquaintance," said Mrs.Hornby, when I had done the honours of introduction; "I have heard so much about you from Juliet--" "Really, my dear aunt," protested Miss Gibson, as she caught my eye with a look of comical alarm, "you will give Dr.Thorndyke a most erroneous impression.