The lowest and vilest alleys of London do not present a more dreadful record of sin than does the smiling and beautiful countryside.

It is my belief, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin than does the smiling and beautiful countryside.

There is nothing more unaesthetic than a policeman.

There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.

I had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air -- or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day will permit a man to be. Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained.

London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained.