Like Mr.
Marchmont, I have no expectation of any result from your efforts, but I am very grateful to you, all the same, for going into the case so thoroughly.

I suppose you don't see any possibility of upsetting that will--if I may ask the question ?" "At present," replied Thorndyke, "I do not.

But until I have carefully weighed every fact connected with the case--whether it seems to have any bearing or not--I shall refrain from expressing, or even entertaining, an opinion either way." Stephen Blackmore now took his leave; and Thorndyke, having collected the papers containing his notes, neatly punched a couple of holes in their margins and inserted them into a small file, which he slipped into his pocket.
"That," said he, "is the nucleus of the body of data on which our investigations must be based; and I very much fear that it will not receive any great additions.

What do you think, Jervis ?" "The case looks about as hopeless as a case could look," I replied.
"That is what I think," said he; "and for that reason I am more than ordinarily keen on making something of it.

I have not much more hope than Marchmont has; but I shall squeeze the case as dry as a bone before I let go.