The Adventure of the Copper Beeches: A Country Mouse Reflects on Holmes' Views of the Countryside

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Adventure of the Copper Beeches
Title: A Country Mouse Reflects on Holmes' Views of the Countryside (part of The Ocelot Tales)
Author: thesmallhobbit
Rating: PG

A blow, a cry, another blow and silence. ‘At least that’s one less mouth to feed.’

I have heard it called natural selection when a weak mouse dies of cold and another gets eaten by a fox.  And yes, if there is not much food, only some will survive.  But to kill without reason and without anybody knowing or caring?

Comments

[fenm.livejournal.com]

It took me a moment to figure out what this was referring to... but, yeah, that little kid was really creepy...

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

It refers to when Holmes says on the train "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." And his explanation of that belief.

[debriswoman]

Chilling.

The mouse is quite right to be puzzled at such deeds.

I do think Holmes' view of rural life is a little harsh, though:-)

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Yes, I agree with you. Although I can see how the potential for such actions was there.

[methylviolet10b]

Poor child. I understand the mouse's bewilderment. And sadly, Holmes' comment had some basis in fact - although I think he let the worst parts of London off too lightly, too.

The mouse is right - humans can be incomprehensibly horrid sometimes. Fortunately, most people are just fine.

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Yes, I'm not sure that the neighbours would act on the drunkard's blow in the way that Holmes assumed.

[methylviolet10b]

Agreed - in fact I'm fairly sure they wouldn't. An odd instance of Holmes romanticising on the behalf of his Irregulars, perhaps. Or maybe his own experience of the countryside colors his views.

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

I feel it must be the latter - isolation providing a greater opportunity for crime perhaps.

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

I suppose the mouse's mistake here is that somebody does know and care -- the sadistic little child himself. He enjoys the killing, even if it is fully without reason.

Excellent creepy job!

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Thank you.