The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes

"Of course I remembered him," said I as I laid down the letter. "Big Bob Ferguson, the finest three-quarter Richmond ever had. He was always a good-natured chap. It's like him to be so concerned over a friend's case."

Holmes looked at me thoughtfully and shook his head. "I never get your limits, Watson," said he. "There are unexplored possibilities about you. Take a wire down, like a good fellow. 'Will examine your case with pleasure.'"

--"Your case!"

--"We must not let him think that this agency is a home for the weak-minded."

Dogs don't make mistakes.

We must look for consistency. Where there is a want of it we must suspect deception.

I am sorry. I am accustomed to have mystery at one end of my cases, but to have it at both ends is too confusing. I fear, Sir James, that I must decline to act.

When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.

Well, Watson, we can but possess our souls in patience and see what the hour may bring.

That the dog should die was after the beautiful, faithful nature of dogs.

In my profession all sorts of odd knowledge comes useful, and this room of yours is a storehouse of it.

"I have found out who our client is," I cried, bursting with my great news. "Why, Holmes, it is —""It is a loyal friend and a chivalrous gentleman," said Holmes, holding up a restraining hand. "Let that now and forever be enough for us."

A complex mind. All great criminals have that.

Cut out the poetry, Watson.

It is simpler to deal direct.

Things must be done decently and in order.

"I should say that there is no more dangerous man in Europe." "I have had several opponents to whom that flattering term has been applied."

It was worth a wound; it was worth many wounds; to know the depth of loyalty and love which lay behind that cold mask. The clear, hard eyes were dimmed for a moment, and the firm lips were shaking. For the one and only time I caught a glimpse of a great heart as well as of a great brain. All my years of humble but single-minded service culminated in that moment of revelation.

When one tries to rise above Nature one is liable to fall below it. The highest type of man may revert to the animal if he leaves the straight road of destiny.

I am an omnivorous reader with a strangely retentive memory for trifles.

I have my plans. The first thing is to exaggerate my injuries. They'll come to you for news. Put it on thick, Watson. Lucky if I live the week out — concussion — delirium — what you like! You can't overdo it.

"This agency stands flat-footed upon the ground, and there it must remain. The world is big enough for us. No ghosts need apply."

Come at once if convenient — if inconvenient come all the same.

I am not the law, but I represent justice so far as my feeble powers go.

"Matilda Briggs was not the name of a young woman, Watson," said Holmes in a reminiscent voice. "It was a ship which is associated with the giant rat of Sumatra, a story for which the world is not yet prepared."

It may be some fussy, self-important fool; it may be a matter of life or death.