Explore "The Technique of the Mystery Story" by Carolyn Wells on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
The attitude of the Transcendent Detective toward other detectives with whom he comes in contact, is--doubtless because of the fierce light that beats upon his throne--one of complacent superiority.
Lecoq expresses himself thus, and Sherlock Holmes and his heirs and successors forever, voice similar sentiments: "That will do," interrupted M Lecoq. "If I choose to lend you a helping hand, it is because it suits my fancy to do so. It pleases me to be the head, and to let you be the hand. Unassisted, with your preconceived ideas, you never would have found the culprit; if we two together don't find him, my name is not Lecoq."