:QUEER* QUOTES:
Queer quotes from Study in Scarlet
"Gregson rubbed his hands in a self-satisfied way. "I think we have done all that can be done," he answered; "it's a queer case though, and I knew your taste for such things."" (Gregson says to Holmes)
""I shall never do that," I answered; "you
have brought detection as near an exact science as it ever will
be brought in this world."
My companion flushed up with pleasure at my words, and the
earnest way in which I uttered them. I had already observed that
he was as sensitive to flattery on the score of his art as any
girl could be of her beauty."
""And now for lunch, and then for Norman Neruda. Her attack and her bowing are splendid. What's that little thing of Chopin's she plays so magnificently: Tra-la-la-lira-lira-lay."" (Holmes singin' in the cab)
From Sign of Four:
"A dog, I suppose."
"Yes, a queer mongrel with a most amazing power of
scent. I would rather have Toby's help than that of the whole
detective force of London." (Watson and Holmes)
"Lend me your bull's eye, Sergeant," said my companion. "Now tie this bit of card round my neck, so as to hang it in front of me. Thank you. Now I must kick off my boots and stockings**. Just you carry them down with you, Watson. I am going to do a little climbing. And dip my handkerchief into the creosote. That will do. Now come up into the garret with me for a moment." (Holmes)
"No: I am not tired. I have a curious constitution. I never remember feeling tired by work, though idleness exhausts me completely. I am going to smoke and to think over this queer business to which my fair client has introduced us. If ever man had an easy task, this of ours ought to be. Wooden-legged men are not so common, but the other man must, I should think, be absolutely unique." (Holmes to Watson)
"In the early dawn I woke with a start and was surprised to find him standing by my bedside, clad in a rude sailor dress with a peajacket and a coarse red scarf round his neck." (Watson; kun Holmesilla on kumma tapa yrittää tuijottaa hänet hereille)
"Only that I insist upon your dining with us. It will be ready in half an hour. I have oysters and a brace of grouse, with something a little choice in white wines. -- Watson, you have never yet recognized my merits as a housekeeper." (Holmes Watson and cops)
"For myself, I felt elated at the thought that we were nearing the end of our task, and I caught something of Holmes's gaiety***." (Watson thinking while spending a cheerful time with Holmes and a policeman)
"--old fort of Agra. I don't know if any of you gentlemen have ever read or heard anything of that old fort. It is a very queer place -- the queerest that ever I was in, and I have been in some rum corners, too." (the man with the wooden leg to Holmes)
*QUEER, a very common word in Victorian literature, but nowadays it has earned a bit different meaning....
**Stockings, at least my dictionary says it means women's tightsocks
***gaiety, happiness. Or we can wonder what Watson caught...