It is a useful habit, I think, for, apart from the mental exercise and experience that one gains from it, an appreciable proportion of these cases ultimately come into my hands, and then the previous consideration of them is so much time gained." "Have you formed any theory to account for the facts in this case ?" I asked.
"Yes; I have several theories, one of which I especially favour, and I am waiting with great interest such new facts as may indicate to me which of these theories is probably the correct one." "It's no use your trying to pump him, Berkeley," said Jervis.

"He is fitted with an information-valve that opens inwards.

You can pour in as much as you like, but you can't get any out." Thorndyke chuckled.

"My learned friend is, in the main, correct," he said.

"You see, I may be called upon any day to advise on this case, in which event I should feel remarkably foolish if I had already expounded my views in detail.