The Speckled Band: He Needn't Hang

[musamihi.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Speckled Band
Title: He Needn't Hang
Author: musamihi
Rating: PG
Author's Notes: Not much to this one; quite off-topic, a Google search in my part of the world for 'Speckled Band' brings up our local Sherlockian society, which I was rather excited about until I realized they wouldn't be terribly excited about me. Personally, I think any such group that wouldn't have Dorothy Sayers for a member is doing it wrong, but I digress.

Like all wretched men, Roylott found his strength in weakness. A man must have some driving force behind his arm – however powerful he may be – to bend iron to his will, and his was the black, creeping sap of cowardice. He had feared poverty; after Julia, almost as much as destitution he had feared the rope.

The wrong rope, alas.

Comments

[sherlockholmes.livejournal.com]

Personally, I can't believe these societies still exist this way. I mean, the issues I have with mine are bad enough.

Alas.

[musamihi.livejournal.com]

Yours lets you talk, anyway - but, yes. In a lot of ways Holmes fandom has aged remarkably well, but in some sad, outlying pockets, it really hasn't.

[sherlockholmes.livejournal.com]

I swear, if my talk about Irene Adler does not go over well, I'm not going back.

[snycock.livejournal.com]

Ooh, that last phrase puts a very chilling turn to things! I like it. He feared the wrong rope, indeed. That he never thought his pet could turn against him is a good example of his arrogance.

[bwblack.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. I've not been to a local Sherlockian society. But they drink a lot of wine if Facebook can be believed and I for one respect that. Seem to be big fans of Sherlock as a group and not so much of Elementary although more problems with Holmes's father than with Joan Watson so... And Wine.

The wrong rope indeed! Ooopsies. Well, result's the same. :)

[debriswoman]

Oh, nicely done! Finding his strength in the weakness of others sums him up very well.

Perfect last line:-)

I have no knowledge of any of the Sherlockian societies; startled to see the huge number and variety when I just had a peep online.

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

I've been a die-hard translator for the fandom of a Japanese rockstar for many years, Holmes fandom really can't shock me anymore. But that doesn't mean I haven't learned my lesson of being very, very careful with the fandumb. Hope you'll find better guys to share the passion!

Hah, very apt description of Roylott's. I love how this story clearly points the finger at him, instead of blaming innocent girls or whatever else certain personalities come up with.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Nice. A really nice twist there. Well done.

Saturday, 15 September and Sunday, 16 September 2012

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

User thisprettywren referenced to your post from Saturday, 15 September and Sunday, 16 September 2012 (http://holmesian-news.livejournal.com/236445.html) saying: [...] by (Holmes, Watson | G | ACD) He Needn't Hang [...]