The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.

He did not look at things quite as other men looked at them.

He had no prejudices and he knew no conventions.

When other men were cocksure, Thorndyke was doubtful.

When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
Thus it had been in the only other case in which I had been personally associated with him--the so-called "Red Thumb Mark" case.