When Gregson, or Lestrade, or Athelney Jones are out of their depths - which, by the way, is their normal state - the matter is laid before me.
I examine the data, as an expert, and pronounce a specialist's opinion.
I claim no credit in such cases.
My name figures in no newspaper.
The work itself, the pleasure of finding a field for my peculiar powers, is my highest reward.
But you have yourself had some experience of my methods of work in the Jefferson Hope case."
"Yes, indeed," said I cordially. "I was never so struck by anything in my life. I even embodied it in a small brochure, with the somewhat fantastic title of 'A Study in Scarlet.' "
He shook his head sadly.
"I glanced over it," said he.
"Honestly, I cannot congratulate you upon it.