He called it A Study in Scarlet. When it appeared in
the shops, I hurried out to buy it, and then sat for
hours in a park reading it. The story was excellent -
fast -moving, exciting and clever. I ran back to Baker
Street. I could not wait to give the book to Holmes.
He looked up quickly as I entered the room.
'You're late, Watson,' he said. 'Were you ashamed to
come here with that book in your hand?'
'Ashamed, Holmes?' I cried. 'No! ACD has done well. I
see you have read it. Why don't you like it?'
I was soon sorry that I had spoken.
'Like it? It is rubbish, wild and fantastic rubbish. He has
been careless with the facts, added all kinds of
unnecessary lies, and made the most stupid
mistakes.'
'But Holmes ... ' 'I wonder what kind of doctor he is. I
am sorry for his patients. I would not be surprised to
hear that he had cut off a man's leg because the
man had a stomach ache. He is clearly not
interested in facts.'
'Holmes,' I said as calmly as I could, 'a writer does not
just report facts. He must make sure that the story is
interesting to read. I am sure you understand that.'
Holmes smiled at me sweetly.
'My dear fellow,' he said. 'I forget. You know all about
fine writing. How stupid of me to worry about a few
careless mistakes! But your friend Mr Doyle has shown
that he does not understand how important my work
is. He thinks that the criminals I fight against are
stupid, miserable little beings. They are not. I fight
against evil itself. He has failed to understand that.
The book is worthless. Away with it, and with your
friend the writer!'
I wondered what to say to ACD, but there was no
need to worry. A Study in Scarlet was not a success,
and he began to write about other things. Several
years later he decided to write about Holmes again,
but at that time 1 had other things to think about. I
had fallen in love with Miss Mary Morstan. When she
agreed to become my wife, I hurried to tell Holmes. I
was full of happiness.
I can still hear the cold surprise in his voice as he said,
'I cannot pretend to be happy about this.'
This hurt me terribly, but I tried to laugh.
'Well, Holmes,' I said, 'I hope you won't be too lonely
when