I agree that it's a tragic story, and that much of the tragedy comes from the failure to communicate. I also keep wondering every time I read the story if the outcome would have been different if Holmes hadn't talked Mr. Cubitt out of his original intention to arm his men and ambush Slaney. Mr. Cubitt could have survived, but on the other hand, given how dangerous Slaney was, someone of the estate's men could have been killed. Or perhaps Holmes even prevented a massacre, if an enraged Slaney had gone on a kiling spree. I need a fanfic of that: Holmes contemplating and blaming himself, and Watson reassuring him.
Holmes reading Watson: this happens twice in the canon, if I'm not mistaken, when Holmes practically reads Watson's thoughts from minor observations. One time Watson agrees that it is simple, and the other time he is still astonished after the explanation. Anyway, Holmes has an advantage here: he knows Watson and his habits very well. That is, Holmes would not have been able to be that precise with anyone else. He knows Watson intimately, and hence, being as observant as he is, he can read Watson so well. It's actually a bit creepy, isn't it? Holmes knows precisely whom Watson meets and when and what they talk about. But I suppose it's Holmes being Holmes, and Watson is used to that.
The check-book thing is one of my favourties in the canon :D
A note on Mr. Cubitt's description: he is robust and ruddy, and can be easily recognised as a country-dweller, just like Miss Violet Smith from SOLI. The city environment was so polluted that poor Londoners were pale and less healthy due to constant exposure, as many historians write.
The case takes place 4 years after Holmes's return, in 1898, since Mr. Cubitt states that he met his wife the previous year, when he came to Londor for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, which was in 1897.
It is never not amusing how Watson can sit around for hours watching Holmes at work. The dude literally watches another dude for TWO hours, noting all minute changes in his manner, like whitsling, singing or frowning. Oh Watson!
Watson's tact and consideration shine yet again in this story: despite being curious, he doesn't force Holmes to share any thoughts on the case, waiting instead when Holmes is ready to do so himself. He trusts Holmes and knows that Holmes will talk to him eventually. Holmes is really lucky to have such a partner as Watson.
"At last the violet rim of the German Ocean appeared over the green edge of the Norfolk coast..." I did a double take of this line, wondering where the German Ocean might be. Turns out, "The North Sea was known as the German Ocean until the early 20th C., when hostilities with Germany meant this name became politically unacceptable in Britain." A fun little fact, isn't it?
Inspector Martin: "A dapper little man, with quick, alert manner and a waxed moustache". I'd say it was Poirot XD
Abe Slaney, who is in love with Elsie, yells, "Say that she is not hurt!" when he is told of Elsie's state. It's quite telling that Holmes exclaims excatly the same words in 3GAR when Watson is shot.
no subject
Holmes reading Watson: this happens twice in the canon, if I'm not mistaken, when Holmes practically reads Watson's thoughts from minor observations. One time Watson agrees that it is simple, and the other time he is still astonished after the explanation. Anyway, Holmes has an advantage here: he knows Watson and his habits very well. That is, Holmes would not have been able to be that precise with anyone else. He knows Watson intimately, and hence, being as observant as he is, he can read Watson so well. It's actually a bit creepy, isn't it? Holmes knows precisely whom Watson meets and when and what they talk about. But I suppose it's Holmes being Holmes, and Watson is used to that.
The check-book thing is one of my favourties in the canon :D
A note on Mr. Cubitt's description: he is robust and ruddy, and can be easily recognised as a country-dweller, just like Miss Violet Smith from SOLI. The city environment was so polluted that poor Londoners were pale and less healthy due to constant exposure, as many historians write.
The case takes place 4 years after Holmes's return, in 1898, since Mr. Cubitt states that he met his wife the previous year, when he came to Londor for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, which was in 1897.
It is never not amusing how Watson can sit around for hours watching Holmes at work. The dude literally watches another dude for TWO hours, noting all minute changes in his manner, like whitsling, singing or frowning. Oh Watson!
Watson's tact and consideration shine yet again in this story: despite being curious, he doesn't force Holmes to share any thoughts on the case, waiting instead when Holmes is ready to do so himself. He trusts Holmes and knows that Holmes will talk to him eventually. Holmes is really lucky to have such a partner as Watson.
"At last the violet rim of the German Ocean appeared over the green edge of the Norfolk coast..." I did a double take of this line, wondering where the German Ocean might be. Turns out, "The North Sea was known as the German Ocean until the early 20th C., when hostilities with Germany meant this name became politically unacceptable in Britain." A fun little fact, isn't it?
Inspector Martin: "A dapper little man, with quick, alert manner and a waxed moustache". I'd say it was Poirot XD
Abe Slaney, who is in love with Elsie, yells, "Say that she is not hurt!" when he is told of Elsie's state. It's quite telling that Holmes exclaims excatly the same words in 3GAR when Watson is shot.