Carter Watson caught a quick vision of that eating-fork inserted uncomfortably between his ribs, knew that it would be rash to talk further with his mouth, and promptly turned to go.
But Patsy, charging like a bull, had the momentum of his rush, while Watson, whirling to meet him, had no momentum.
This was the first feeble sign that such a novelty as the telephone business could be established; and no money ever looked handsomer than this twenty dollars did to Bell, Sanders, Hubbard, and
Watson. It was the tiny first-fruit of fortune.
"Because, my dear Watson, I had the strongest possible reason for wishing certain people to think that I was there when I was really elsewhere."
"Work is the best antidote to sorrow, my dear Watson," said he; "and I have a piece of work for us both to-night which, if we can bring it to a successful conclusion, will in itself justify a man's life on this planet..
"There was her statement, Watson, and to me, as you can imagine, it was like a light on a dark night.
We shall find him in Hudson Street to-morrow, Watson, and meanwhile I should be the criminal myself if I kept you out of bed any longer."
This gentleman, whose name was Watson, shook me heartily by the hand; and expressing great joy at meeting me, proposed our immediately drinking a bottle together.
Here, when we arrived at the tavern, Mr Watson applied himself to the drawer only, without taking the least notice of the cook; for he had no suspicion but that I had dined long since.
"Really,
Watson, you excel yourself," said Holmes, pushing back his chair and lighting a cigarette.
"Come, we are getting on, Watson." His brow clouded, however, as he glanced over the contents.
I fear, Watson, that all our expectations come to nothing.