The Return of Sherlock Holmes Respect and Reputation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Story.Paragraph) or (Story.Section.Paragraph) if applicable.

Quote #7

"Well," said Lestrade, "I've seen you handle a good many cases, Mr. Holmes, but I don't know that I ever knew a more workmanlike one than that. We're not jealous of you at Scotland Yard. No sir, we are very proud of you, and if you come down to-morrow, there's not a man [...] who wouldn't be glad to shake your hand. (Six Napoleons.150)

Lestrade gives us some great insight into how Holmes is viewed by other law enforcement officers; Holmes is a sort of living legend and the other officers respect his skills. It's notable that Lestrade gets this piece of dialogue as well, since he was the one with whom Holmes had a rather childish competition in the "Dancing Men."

Quote #8

"When once the law is invoked it cannot be stayed again, and this is just one of those cases where, for the credit of the college, it is most essential to avoid scandal. Your discretion is as well known as your powers, and you are the one man in the world who can help me." (Three Students.5)

The law seems to be some sort of runaway boulder, a la Indiana Jones, here. Or like someone eating Pringles – once it starts, it can't be stopped. It's also interesting that the law seems blind to scandal in this scenario.

Quote #9

For years I had gradually weaned him from that drug mania which had threatened once to check his remarkable career. (Three-Quarter.4)

This is one of the few instances where Watson highlights his own actions and even notes them with pride. Again, we see how protective Watson is of Holmes's reputation. He's like his PR agent.