I’m afraid not.
I’m afraid that after all you feel disappointed that I have not laid down some cast-iron rule which will throw you into the high tide of success in our business like the touch of Aladdin’s lamp.
Let me say to the disappointed ones confidentially give up the idea of ever becoming a detective.
It will be just as well, in fact, a great deal better.
If you can’t see the force of all my remarks, if you can’t learn the lessons contained in the cases cited, believe the old man when he tells that your genius runs in other channels, and you will do better to leave the detective business severely alone.
As for the rest of you—you who have read this little book and enjoyed it, I mean—there is at least reason to believe that you might make successful detectives if you have a mind to persevere.
But is the game worth the candle?
Think what a detective’s life means.
Hard work, exposed to cold, hunger, thirst, great danger, and every privation. I’ve been through all of these things, and just so sure as you embark in the business you’ll find yourselves there too.
Another thing which I haven’t mentioned that shouldn’t be forgotten. It is the social position which the detective occupies—always has and always will.