They say that genius is an infinite capacity for taking pains," he remarked with a smile. "It's a very bad definition, but it does apply to detective work.

The larger crimes are apt to be the simpler, for the bigger the crime, the more obvious, as a rule, is the motive.

As a rule, the more bizarre a thing is, the less mysterious it proves to be.

The most difficult crime to track is the one which is purposeless.

It is a pity he did not write in pencil. As you have no doubt frequently observed, the impression usually goes through -- a fact which has dissolved many a happy marriage.

The fair sex is your department.

Desultory readers are seldom remarkable for the exactness of their learning.