Sherlock Holmes - Character Illustrations

Even his iron constitution, however, had broken down under the strain of an investigation which had extended over two months, during which period he had never worked less than fifteen hours a day and had more than once, as he assured me, kept to his task for five days at a stretch. (Dr John Watson)
I found him a prey to the blackest depression. Even the knowledge that he had succeeded where the police of three countries had failed, and that he had outmanoeuvred at every point the most accomplished swindler in Europe, was insufficient to rouse him from his nervous prostration.

A little diplomacy was needed, but when Holmes understood that the establishment was a bachelor one, and that he would be allowed the fullest freedom, he fell in with my plans.

Holmes waved away the compliment, though his smile showed that it had pleased him.

Holmes shrugged his shoulders with a glance of comic resignation towards the colonel.

“The fates are against you, Watson,” said he, laughing.

As he leaned back in his chair in the familiar attitude I knew that the case was hopeless.

He sank his head into his hands again and remained for some minutes in the deepest thought. When he raised his face again I was surprised to see that his cheek was tinged with colour, and his eyes as bright as before his illness. He sprang to his feet with all his old energy.

“I think Mr. Holmes has not quite got over his illness yet. He’s been behaving very queerly, and he is very much excited.” (Inspector Forrester)

We found Holmes pacing up and down in the field, his chin sunk upon his breast, and his hands thrust into his trousers pockets.

“Watson, your country trip has been a distinct success. I have had a charming morning.”

“Excellent!” cried Holmes, clapping the inspector on the back. “You’ve seen the postman. It is a pleasure to work with you.”

It was his specialty to be accurate as to fact.

Holmes walked slowly, taking keen note of the architecture of the house. I could tell from his expression that he was on a hot scent.

“I am afraid that my explanation may disillusion you, but it has always been my habit to hide none of my methods, either from my friend Watson or from anyone who might take an intelligent interest in them.”

“But, first, as I am rather shaken by the knocking about which I had in the dressing-room. I think that I shall help myself to a dash of your brandy, Colonel.”

“I trust you had no more of those nervous attacks.”
Sherlock Holmes laughed heartily. “We will come to that in its turn,” said he.

Looking in amazement at this man who was forever confounding me with some new phase of his astuteness.

“I could see that you were commiserating me over my weakness,” said Holmes, laughing. “I was sorry to cause you the sympathetic pain which I know that you felt.”

“Watson, I think our quiet rest in the country has been a distinct success, and I shall certainly return much invigorated to Baker Street to-morrow.”