It is surprising how difficulties, and even impossibilities, dwindle if you look at them attentively.

My experience has taught me that the most unlikely case is, at least, worth thinking over." "By the way, why do you want to look over Jeffrey's chambers?
What do you expect to find there ?" "I have no expectations at all.

I am simply looking for stray facts." "And all those questions that you asked Stephen Blackmore; had you nothing in your mind--no definite purpose ?" "No purpose beyond getting to know as much about the case as I can." "But," I exclaimed, "do you mean that you are going to examine those rooms without any definite object at all ?" "I wouldn't say that," replied Thorndyke.

"This is a legal case.

Let me put an analogous medical case as being more within your present sphere.
Supposing that a man should consult you, say, about a progressive loss of weight.