The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

I am afraid that I rather give myself away when I explain. Results without causes are much more impressive.

That is the case as it appears to the police, and improbable as it is, all other explanations are more improbable still.

"Is there any other point to which you would wish to draw my attention?"

"To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time."

"The dog did nothing in the night-time."

"That was the curious incident," remarked Sherlock Holmes.

"I have the advantage of knowing your habits, my dear Watson," said he. "When your round is a short one you walk, and when it is a long one you use a hansom. As I perceive that your boots, although used, are by no means dirty, I cannot doubt that you are at present busy enough to justify the hansom."

"Excellent!" I cried.

"Elementary," said he.

It is of the highest importance in the art of detection to be able to recognize, out of a number of facts, which are incidental and which vital. Otherwise your energy and attention must be dissipated instead of being concentrated.

Nothing clears up a case so much as stating it to another person.

Any truth is better than indefinite doubt.

If I were assured of your eventual destruction I would, in the interests of the public, cheerfully accept my own.