The Sign of Four: Observations

[methylviolet10b]

Author: methylviolet10b
Rating: PG
Character(s): Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson, Miss Mary Morstan, Athelney Jones, Thaddeus Sholto
Summary: Holmes reflects on the events of SIGN.
Warnings: Spoilers for all of SIGN.
Word Count: 60, times 12 - one 60-word drabble for each chapter of SIGN.
Author's Notes: 60 words of my own inspired by one of the canon stories.
Disclaimer: I don't own them.

SIGN -- The Sign of the Four

1.

Watson is wrong about the cocaine. His brain is nothing like mine. How can he understand the good it does me, or the agonies I suffer from boredom without drugs?

But he is not entirely wrong to warn against it. Had I not dosed myself, I would have observed his manner and not just the pocketwatch, and avoided hurting him.

2.

Observing people is my stock in trade. I noted many things about Miss Mary Morstan, my latest client, when she entered the sitting room. Before she spoke a single word, I could have told you many things about her profession, social status, and the various habits of her dress- and boot-maker.

I noticed her beauty, but dismissed it as irrelevant.

3.

My afternoon’s researches proved enlightening, but not as much so as they might have been. Miss Morstan was in many aspects an admirable client, having the wit to lay before me all the facts and evidence in her possession about the coming meeting. However, she failed to share the strange paper her father so carefully kept until our second meeting.

4.

I have observed my Watson in many circumstances, but I had never yet seen him in attendance on a hypochondriac. A more perfect specimen of overindulged nerves than Thaddeus Sholto would be difficult to produce. The contrast between the two men was extreme: my friend, capable, self-sufficient, and brave despite his injuries, and Sholto, wealthy, healthy, and literally worried sick.

5.

Of all the surprising events in the case – and there were many – none were so random than the chance that saw an old boxing opponent of mine acting as gatekeeper to Bartholomew Sholto’s residence. McMurdo’s surprised reaction was hardly greater than my friend’s. Watson did not exclaim aloud, but his eyebrows rose nearly to his hairline, and his eyes twinkled.

6.

Thaddeus Sholto was right to be nervous about the police, at least in the case of Athelney Jones. I would have far preferred Lestrade’s presence, or Gregson’s. Althelney Jones has some powers of observation, but he has one great flaw: he attempts to fit all that he sees into a pre-formed theory, rather than allowing the evidence to guide him.

7.

It occurred to me, after I sent Watson off, that I might have miscalculated. Much depended upon his swift return. I needed Toby’s tracking abilities, and I counted on Watson’s sturdy presence beside me. But Miss Morstan was distraught, and Watson naturally compassionate. What if he delayed?

I knew my Watson well. He returned with the hound, ready for adventure.

8.

Watson’s preoccupied manner in the hansom on our return to Baker Street informed me that the case – or Miss Morstan – taxed his spirits just as much as the chase had taxed his body.

The first problem was beyond me. All I could do was ensure that Watson ate a good breakfast before I lulled him to sleep with my violin.

9.

Watson slept long and heavily. I was glad to see him rest. My own thoughts settled somewhat in his sleeping presence, despite the ongoing lack of news about the Aurora. I was even able to amuse myself with a book while my friend drowsed upon the settee.

All tranquility vanished when he woke, with his first thoughts of Miss Morstan.

10.

I spoke utter truth to Watson when I told him that I would prefer facing a bullet to one of those poisoned thorns. Finding the packet of them relieved some of my worry, but not all. I kept a sharp eye out through the entire boat-chase, as did Watson.

I still shudder to think how close a call we had.

11.

It was, perhaps, not kind of me. I took Jones aside and argued him into letting Watson take the treasure-chest directly to Miss Morstan.

I was nearly certain that there was no treasure to be found. I had, after all, been paying close watch to the activities on the Aurora. I had no desire to be present at the revelation.

12.

A strange, sad case of circumstances and personalities. One man, a murderer, yet astonishingly loyal to his friends, regardless of their color. Another man, weak and effete, yet driven by an inner spark of honor to try and right the wrong done to a stranger’s daughter. And a third man, a priceless treasure himself, lost by one, gained by another.

Comments

[shadowycat.livejournal.com]

You've been busy! These constitute a truly beautifully done summing up of Holmes's thoughts as he progressed through this case. They're all excellent and the last line of that last drabble is particularly heartbreaking.

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you! I wasn't expecting Holmes to want to provide a running commentary, but I'm glad it worked. :-)

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Wow, this is impressive. What a great summary of the story, with added insights into Holmes' thoughts.

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you! Holmes had a lot to say this week.

Sunday, 21 April 2012

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

User thisprettywren referenced to your post from Sunday, 21 April 2012 (http://holmesian-news.livejournal.com/203311.html) saying: [...] by (Holmes, Watson | G | ACD) Observations [...]

[tweedisgood.livejournal.com]

Ok, make us all feel lazy then.

:-D as ever, lovely collection of connected ficlets.

[methylviolet10b]

Hee! I'm not trying to make anyone feel lazy, I assure you! There was just a ton to comment on in this story. I'm glad you enjoyed the 60-drabbles.

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

In honor of a brilliant, over-the-top collection, some of my favorite turns of a phrase:

I would have observed his manner and not just the pocketwatch, and avoided hurting him.
the various habits of her dress- and boot-maker.
and Sholto, wealthy, healthy, and literally worried sick.
one great flaw: he attempts to fit all that he sees into a pre-formed theory, rather than allowing the evidence to guide him.

I could keep listing, but the review would be as long as the post. Point is, it's all in the details, and you draw those little details in so well.

[methylviolet10b]

Aw, you are too kind, as usual! Thanks!

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

Wow, you did a lot of work! I like this in-depth approach, it's like a summary of the case from Holmes's perspective.

The first one is very interesting. I wonder if Watson really can't understand at all the effects ordinary life has on a mind such as Holmes's. But of course I fully agree with his reluctance to let Holmes get through with it, poisonous as the sh** is.

The greatest tragedy for me lay in the case's cruel conclusion. Watson wants Holmes to get better, but just makes it worse, though he certainly doesn't intend it, and who could judge him for wanting to get married? On the other hand, it's because of Holmes that he finds his wife, and your eigth and ninth texts show so many of those complexities.
If it wasn't for the sweet lovestory, this would be a mightily sad book indeed.

I particularly like your fifth story, the boxing gets way not enough attention (héhé), and Holmes meeting old acquaintances is gold. Also, nice (hair-) line in the end. ;P

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you! FOUR had so much going on, I really wanted to 60 each chapter - and then it all turned into Holmes. :-) And it's hard to know how the case could have turned out any other way, given Holmes' intractability about the drugs and his general habits at the time, and Watson's increasing frustration, as shown in the first chapter.

And yes, the meet-up with the old boxing partner was gold!

[wytchcroft.livejournal.com]

these were indeed very fine :))

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you!

60 for 60, week 44: The Sign of the Four

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