Этюд в багровых тонах
The Science of Deduction.
Beforeturningtothosemoralandmentalaspectsofthematterwhichpresentthegreatestdifficulties,lettheenquirerbeginbymasteringmoreelementaryproblems. Lethim,onmeetingafellow-mortal,learnataglancetodistinguishthehistoryoftheman,andthetradeorprofessiontowhichhebelongs. Puerileassuchanexercisemayseem,itsharpensthefacultiesofobservation,andteachesonewheretolookandwhattolookfor. Byaman’sfingernails,byhiscoat-sleeve,byhisboot,byhistrouserknees,bythecallositiesofhisforefingerandthumb,byhisexpression,byhisshirtcuffs—byeachofthesethingsaman’scallingisplainlyrevealed. Thatallunitedshouldfailtoenlightenthecompetentenquirerinanycaseisalmostinconceivable.”
“Whatineffabletwaddle!”Icried,slappingthemagazinedownonthetable,“Ineverreadsuchrubbishinmylife.”
“Whatisit?”askedSherlockHolmes.
“Why,thisarticle,”Isaid,pointingatitwithmyeggspoonasIsatdowntomybreakfast. “Iseethatyouhavereaditsinceyouhavemarkedit. Idon’tdenythatitissmartlywritten.Itirritatesmethough. Itisevidentlythetheoryofsomearm-chairloungerwhoevolvesalltheseneatlittleparadoxesintheseclusionofhisownstudy.Itisnotpractical. IshouldliketoseehimclappeddowninathirdclasscarriageontheUnderground,andaskedtogivethetradesofallhisfellow-travellers. Iwouldlayathousandtooneagainsthim.”
“Youwouldloseyourmoney,”SherlockHolmesremarkedcalmly.
