He collects facts and keeps an open mind.

As to me, I am a mere legal Autolycus, a snapper-up of unconsidered trifles of evidence.

When I have accumulated a few facts, I arrange them, compare them and think about them.

Sometimes the comparison yields new matter and sometimes it doesn't; but in any case, believe me, it is a capital error to decide beforehand what data are to be sought for." "Yes, I suppose that is so," said Stephen; "though, to me, it almost looks as if Mr.Marchmont was right; that there is nothing to investigate." "You should have thought of that before you consulted me," laughed Thorndyke.

"As it is, I am engaged to look into the case and I shall do so; and, as I have said, I shall keep an open mind until I have all the facts in my possession." He glanced round the sitting-room, which we had now entered, and continued: "These are fine, dignified old rooms.