How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)
Quote #4
"I was looking out for loiterers in the street, but I saw none. We are dealing with a clever man, Watson. This matter cuts very deep, and though I have not finally made up my mind whether it is a benevolent or a malevolent agency which is in touch with us, I am conscious always of power and design." (4.99)
The Hound of the Baskervilles is careful to emphasize not only Holmes' smarts but also Stapleton's. (At this point, of course, Holmes does not know that the spy watching Sir Henry is Stapleton the murderer.) After all, if the novel doesn't even pretend that there's a chance that Holmes might fail, why would we keep reading? There wouldn't be any suspense if Holmes' opponent was too easy to outsmart.
Quote #5
"I tell you, Watson, this time we have got a foeman who is worthy of our steel. I've been checkmated in London." (5.142)
Holmes' use of the word "checkmated" here catches our attention—it's a pretty general term for failure, of course, but the "checkmate" also applies specifically to final defeat in a game of chess. Indeed, often Holmes seems to think of his adventures out-thinking Stapleton as a game of strategy. Why do you think that Holmes is in this business of detection? Does he have a strong moral sense, or is it just the best way for him to test his wits? Can you imagine Holmes ever turning to crime? Why or why not?
Quote #6
"I wonder what your friend Holmes would do if he were here."
"I believe that he would do exactly what you now suggest," said I. "He would follow Barrymore and see what he did."
"Then we shall do it together." (9.6-8)
Sir Henry and Watson mention Holmes here as a model for what detectives should do, so they're trying to learn from Holmes' example. Also, has anyone noticed that it's been a while since Holmes actually appeared in this novel? This passage comes from Chapter 9, and Holmes left Watson at the train station in Chapter 6. It's been about three chapters since we've had any serious Holmes time, and we're starting to miss him. Maybe he comes up in conversation here just to reassure us that we are reading a Holmes story and that he will be reappearing with his usual intellectual fireworks.