How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Story.Paragraph) or (Story.Section.Paragraph) if applicable.
Quote #7
The fact that several rough-looking men called during that time and inquired for Captain Basil made me understand that Holmes was working somewhere under one of the numerous disguises and names with which he concealed his own formidable identity. (Black Peter.3)
Holmes has a definite theatrical streak. This mention of his alternate identity helps to highlight how much he enjoys going undercover. Deception is fun for Holmes. And with his love of costumes, he would have gotten along fabulously with Sydney on Alias.
Quote #8
"You have nothing else to tell us?"
He hesitated.
"No, there is nothing."
"You have not been here before last night?"
"No."
"Then how do you account for that?" cried Hopkins, as he held up the damning notebook [....]
The wretched man collapsed. (Black Peter.2.46-52)
We can just hear Hopkins yelling that last bit melodramatically. Holmes and the police are on the same page here: both groups often lead suspects into traps and dramatically catch them in lies.
Quote #9
It is years since the incidents of which I speak took place, and yet it is with diffidence that I allude to them. For a long time, even with the utmost discretion and reticence, it would have been impossible to make the facts public [....] (Milverton.1.1)
Despite what Holmes thinks, Watson is a very good secret-keeper. It's notable that some lies are very difficult to abandon and some truths very difficult to tell here.