Explore "The Tragedy of a Third Smoker" by Cutcliffe Hyne on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
A STORY OF THE METROPOLITAN RAILWAY.
-"I ABOMINATE detective stories," said the Q.C., laying down his cue along the corner of the billiard - table and going across to the shelf where the cigar - boxes stood. "You see, when a man makes a detective story to write down on paper, he begins at the butt - end and works backwards. He notes his points and manufactures his clues to suit 'em, so it's all bound to work out right. In real life it's very different," - he chose a Partaga, looking at it through his glasses thoughtfully - "and I ought to know; I've been studying the criminal mind for half my working life."