The Return of Sherlock Holmes Lies and Deceit Quotes

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

Quote #4

I confess that I was filled with curiosity, but I was aware that Holmes liked to make his disclosures at his own time and in his own way, so I waited until it should suit him to take me into his confidence. (Dancing Men.73)

Watson is paralleled with Hilton Cubitt here, when he describes how he won't force Holmes to confide in him. Holmes and Watson are actually paralleled to various kinds of relationships in this book, including marital ones, brothers, and even a father/son bond in the "Priory School."

Quote #5

"I know where your son is, and I know some, at least, of those who are holding him."

The Duke's beard had turned more aggressively red than ever against his ghastly white face.

[...]

"And whom do you accuse?"

Sherlock Holmes's answer was an astounding one. [...]

"I accuse you," said he. (Priory School.2.32-39)

Watson is highly attuned to body language and this passage highlights both his ability to "read" people and his stylistic flair, with the imagery of the red beard and the "ghastly" face.

Quote #6

"I will conceal nothing from you. I agree with you that complete frankness, however painful it may be to me, is the best policy in this desperate situation to which James's folly and jealousy have reduced us. (Priory School.2.64)

The Duke basically states the position that most of Holmes's clients and suspects end up taking here. Honesty often is the best policy in these stories, for people other than Holmes of course. Holmes reserves his prerogative to lie as he sees fit.