The Sign of the Four

while the individual man is an insoluble puzzle, in the aggregate he becomes a mathematical certainty.

”

He smiled gently. “It is of the first importance,” he said, “not to allow your judgment to be biased by personal qualities.

Look here, Watson; you look regularly done. Lie down there on the sofa, and see if I can put you to sleep."

He took up his violin from the corner, and as I stretched myself out he began to play some low, dreamy, melodious air, – his own, no doubt, for he had a remarkable gift for improvisation. I have a vague remembrance of his gaunt limbs, his earnest face, and the rise and fall of his bow. Then I seemed to be floated peacefully away upon a soft sea of sound, until I found myself in dream-land, with the sweet face of Mary Morstan looking down upon me.