#the treasures of agra

[flammentanz]

Russian soul for English gentlemen

Vasily Livanov as Sherlock Holmes and Vitaly Solomin as Dr. John H. Watson in "The Treasures of Agra"

#vasily livanov #vitaly solomin #sherlock holmes #dr. watson #the treasures of agra #russian sherlock holmes #so adorable

[sherlockianscholar]

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

#whatcha gonna do #¯\_(ツ)_/¯ #sherlock holmes #soviet sherlock holmes #russian sherlock holmes #vasily livanov #russian holmes #soviet holmes #the treasure of agra #original post

[wp-blaze]

Surveillance video shows Diddy assaulting former girlfriend, Cassie

A 2016 surveillance video obtained exclusively by CNN shows Sean “Diddy” Combs grab, shove, drag and kick his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura during an altercation that matches allegations in a now-settled federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November. The footage, compiled from multiple camera angles dated March 5, 2016, appears to show the rapper, producer and business mogul during an […]

[eirinstiva]

Fast as the Aurora

A new letter from my friend Watson titled "The Great Agra treasure" and there's racism too, not a suprise. To finally find the treasure and Watson being the one to deliver it is a surprise.

“The treasure is lost,” said Miss Morstan, calmly. As I listened to the words and realized what they meant, a great shadow seemed to pass from my soul. I did not know how this Agra treasure had weighed me down, until now that it was finally removed. It was selfish, no doubt, disloyal, wrong, but I could realize nothing save that the golden barrier was gone from between us. “Thank God!” I ejaculated from my very heart.

Watson, I know that you don't want to look like a gold digger, but to show openly how happy you are for Mary losing the treasure is a bit asshole-ish. Also, you barely know her!

“Because you are within my reach again,” I said, taking her hand. She did not withdraw it. “Because I love you, Mary, as truly as ever a man loved a woman. Because this treasure, these riches, sealed my lips. Now that they are gone I can tell you how I love you. That is why I said, ‘Thank God.’” “Then I say, ‘Thank God,’ too,” she whispered, as I drew her to my side. Whoever had lost a treasure, I knew that night that I had gained one.

This loves confession was faster than the Aurora!!! You're lucky that she loves you too (and that Holmes is too busy with this case to say anything and interrupt your love confession).

#letters from watson #the great agra treasure #the sign of four #SIGN #sherlock holmes #john h watson #mary morstan #acd canon #letters in the underground

[msclaritea]

The Story of Agra

A real treasure

Chapter Text

 "But I love you," Hephaestus said sadly to Aphrodite.    "You must be joking," she responded, waving her hand aside. "Surely you can't expect me to love you. You're so hideous I can barely tolerate looking at you, much less touching you. Besides, why would I go through the labor and agony of childbirth for you? Any child of yours would be a deformed little monster." Aphrodite fluffed her hair as she turned her back to him and continued buffing her nails. Weeks had passed since his rejection, but still Hephaestus sat alone and embarrassed, and his forge was silent. "Poor Hephaestus," Zeus said. "His heart is broken. What be sure that the design properly reflects the sun and moon, for day or night she must look stately and wise as well as beautiful." He thought of nothing but Athena and, as his design took form, so did his love for her. What can we do to help?" "He needs to work," Athena said. "I'll ask him to design new armor and weapons for me. That should cheer him up." She went to Hephaestus and asked him and soon he was absorbed in his new project.     "I don't need love," Hephaestus thought. "I have all the satisfaction I need in my work, after all, no one anywhere in the universe is as talented as me." He set to work to design the perfect armor. "I must be inspired to design Athena's armor," he thought, "for she is perfect and anything that touches her must also be perfect." He thought about Athena, daydreaming about how she might appear on the battlefield.  He pounded gold into a wrist protector that looked more like an intricate decorative bracelet than the battle gear it really was. He held it up and turned it over in his hands. "This is very nice," he said proudly. "Athena will be impressed. Oh, how she will love me when she sees it. I'll adorn her with fabulous treasures that I alone can create, and her love for me will grow with every gift I give her for surely she will understand that there is no one else in the universe like me. We'll have marvelous children together, for they will be beautiful and wise like her and inventive and artistic like me. Ah," he sighed, "this is surely what must be." He was jarred from his daydream as the door opened and Athena walked in. "How is my armor progressing?" she asked. "Can I try it on?" Hephaestus heard nothing that she said. Instead, the lame and ugly artisan, unable to control himself, attacked her with a flurry of kisses. "What's wrong with you? Stop that right now!" she commanded, but he didn't listen. "Get away from me!" she screamed, as she pushed him away.

The more he was rebuffed, the more excited he became until, in his excitement, he tore off his clothes. That stimulated him so much that his semen spurted out, hitting Athena on the thigh.

"Oh, no!" she yelled in disgust as she wiped her leg with a leaf and threw it on the ground. Kicking dirt over the leaf, she stepped back; then the patch of ground trembled and a crack appeared.

Hephaestus and Athena, on opposite sides of the shivering mound, stood frozen with curiosity as they watched a child's head break through the surface of the earth. Soon, like a little plant, a tiny body slithered snakelike through the fissure and into the open air.

The child twisted his neck and looked up into the eyes of his parents. He had Athena's alert blue gray eyes, but he also had a deformed spine and legs that were even more snakelike than his father's. Athena and Hephaestus stopped their fussing and looked with pity on the poor child.

"Don't feel sorry for me,"

he said. "

I'm a miracle. I have my mother's wisdom and my father's creativity. The world will be a better place because I am here,"

the child said confidently.

Athena gently picked him up and cradled him close to her heart, while a warm tear ran down her cheek as she held his face next to hers.

"I'll name you Erichthonius,"

she whispered to him,

"and I will give you the gift of immortality."

The parents immediately began to prepare their baby's gift. Hephaestus designed and constructed a magnificent golden chest. It was intricately carved and inlaid with emeralds, amethysts, rubies, sapphires and diamonds in a design of the tree of life. Then Athena took some wool from her father's nurses' magical goat and spun the soft hair into a wonderful blanket. She wrapped her baby in it and placed him in Hephaestus' golden trunk.

"Now I must find someone to care for my baby,"

Athena said. After finding something wrong with everyone she thought of, she finally chose the three daughters of another son of Hephaestus, the king of Athens.

King Cecrops and his three daughters, Pandrosos, Herse and Aglauros, were waiting when Athena arrived. Pandrosos stood next to her father and they listened carefully as Athena said, "

This chest is the most important thing in the world to me. Keep it safe from harm but promise that you will never open it."

Pandrosos and King Cecrops nodded in agreement, but Herse and Aglauros paid attention only to the beautiful trunk.

"What could it be that's so important to have such a lovely box?"

Aglauros whispered to her sister.

Pandrosos carefully picked up the chest and took it to her room to hide it safely, but her sisters were not so obedient.

They sneaked behind her and watched as she hid the chest. The sisters waited until the next day when Pandrosos was gone.

Then, checking that no one was looking, they let themselves into her room and pulled off the cloth that hid the golden chest. The magical chest sparkled in the sunlight, its jewels casting a rainbow of light against the wall. Any one of the jewels was larger than anything they had ever seen,

but all the jewels together were overwhelming. They ran their fingers across the sides, toying with the emeralds and rubies as their fingertips touched the gems.

The branches of the jewel encrusted tree of life seemed move across the box, as if it were blowing in a gentle wind. "This is the most magnificent box I've ever seen," Aglauros said. "Whatever is inside must be very valuable. Pandrosos is gone. Let's take a look." "I don't know if we should," Herse said nervously. "Athena said, 'Do not open that box!' I think we should obey her." "No. Athena told Pandrosos and Father never to open it," Aglauros said. "She didn't ask us." Herse smiled, then nodded in agreement. They each grasped a corner of the trunk and raised its lid.

  Inside a baby was wrapped in a blanket and a snake coiled around him. The girls screamed and the snake darted out of the chest, biting Aglauros first, and then her sister. Within seconds the poisonous venom drove them both mad and they saw themselves jumping off the Acropolis while Athena screamed, "

you are driven mad by your curiosity and lack of principles. Fools; to most want what you are denied."

Then the girls lost consciousness.

When Pandrosos returned to her room, she saw the open empty chest between the dead bodies of her sisters. Athena had already taken Erichthonius and she never again entrusted his care to anyone else. There are several versions to this myth, but the main one used has the sisters falling to their deaths into the sea.

 The sister Aglauros is also referred to as AGRALOS, from Attica.

SIGN

"Bartholomew is a clever fellow," said he. "How do you think he found out where the treasure was? He had come to the conclusion that it was somewhere indoors: so he worked out all the cubic space of the house, and made measurements everywhere, so that not one inch should be unaccounted for. Among other things, he found that the height of the building was seventy-four feet, but on adding together the heights of all the separate rooms, and making every allowance for the space between, which he ascertained by borings, he could not bring the total to more than seventy feet. There were four feet unaccounted for. These could only be at the top of the building. He knocked a hole, therefore, in the lath-and-plaster ceiling of the highest room, and there, sure enough, he came upon another little garret above it, which had been sealed up and was known to no one."

Garret, "a top-floor or attic room".

 In the second half, Faust takes the embodiment of Plutus, and meets an interesting boy in a chariot.

The Boy-Charioteer who drives Faust is the personified spirit of poetry, a selfless source of beauty and inspiration.

The main sources of imagery in this scene, fire and gold, refer to the dangerous elements within and beneath society,

both of which can equally be used for good and evil.

"A golden evening..a house on fire"

Faust

See what hitherward is tending! Lo! a four-yoked chariot splendid Through the crowd its way has wended, Yet the crowd it does not sunder; I can see no crushing yonder. In the distance colours shimmer, Stars gay-coloured beam and flimmer, Magic-lantern-like they glimmer. All storm on as to assault. Clear the way! I shudder!

Boy Charioteer. Halt! Steeds, let now your wings fall idle, Feel the well-accustomed bridle; Master self as you I master; When I thrill you, on! and faster! Let us honour now these spaces! Look around at all the faces; More and more admirers cluster. Herald, up! Take wonted muster! Ere we flee, tell thou our stories, Name us and describe and show us; For we all are allegories, Therefore thou shouldst surely know us.

Herald. There's no name I could ascribe thee, But I rather might describe thee. Boy Charioteer. Try it then!

Herald. I must avow, Firstly, young and fair art thou. A half-grown boy thou art; but women rather Would see thee full-grown altogether. It seems that thou wilt be a fickle wooer, Right from the start a real in-doer.

Boy Charioteer. That's well worth hearing! On with thee, Discover now the riddle's happy key.

Herald. Thy flashing ebony eyes, locks black and glowing, More radiant from the jewelled diadem! And what a graceful robe doth stream From shoulder down to buskin flowing, With glittering gaud and purple hem! Now might we flouting "Maiden!" deem thee, Yet, good or ill as it might be, Already maidens would esteem thee. They'd teach thee soon thine A B C.

Boy Charioteer. And yonder one, in splendour glowing, Who proudly sits on chariot throne?

Herald. A king he seems, of wealth o'erflowing; Happy the man who has his favour won! He has naught more to earn and capture, He swift espies where aught's amiss, And has in giving more pure rapture Than in possessing and in bliss.

Boy Charioteer. To stop with this will not avail; Thou must describe him in far more detail. Herald. There's no describing Dignity. The healthy, full-moon face I see, The lips so full, the cheeks so blooming Beneath the turban's beauty looming, The flowing robe he's richly wearing- What shall I say of such a bearing? He seems a ruler known to me.  

Boy Charioteer. Plutus, the god of wealth, is he. Hither he comes in gorgeous trim; Sorely the Emperor longs for him. Herald. Now thine own What and How relate to me!

Boy Charioteer. I am Profusion, I am Poesy! The poet who's attained his goal When he's poured out his inmost soul. I too am rich with untold pelf And value me the peer of Plutus' self, Adorn, enliven, make his revels glow; And what he lacks, that I bestow.

Herald. Bragging becomes thee charmingly, But now thine arts, pray, let us see.

Boy Charioteer. Here see me snap my fingers. Lo! Around the chariot gleam and glow! And now a necklace of pearls appears!

  The Boy to Plutus:

Didst thou not give me charge supreme Over the four-yoked, whirlwind team? Guide I not happily as thou leadest? Am I not everywhere thou biddest? And on bold pinions did I not for thee Bear off the palm of victory? However oft for thee as I've contended, Success was ever my portion; and when now The laurel decorates thy brow, Did not my hand and art entwine and blend it?  

Plutus. If need be that I testify, then hear it! I say with joy: Thou art spirit of my spirit! Thy deeds are ever after my own will; Rich as I am, thou art richer still. Thy service to reward in fitting measure, The laurel more than all my crowns I treasure. This truth in all men's hearts I would instill: In thee, dear son, I have much pleasure.

Boy Charioteer [to the crowd]. The greatest gifts my hand deals out, Lo! I have scattered roundabout. On this head and on that one too There glows a flamelet that I threw. From one to other head it skips, To this one cleaves, from that one slips; It seldom flares up like a plume, And swiftly beams in transient bloom. Ere many its worth recognize, It burns out mournfully and dies.

Even at an early age, Erichthonius was clever and creative, and he had a cheery disposition despite his disability.

His only concern was that his lack of mobility limited him.    He went to his father's workshop and, for weeks, watched as Hephaestus used his tools and worked the forge crafting item after magnificent item. "Your work is beautiful," he said to Hephaestus. "How did you learn to make all these marvelous things?"   "I learned by doing," the god said. "The more you try, the more you can do. You must always be willing to try something new, and never be afraid of making a mistake. Learning what doesn't work is as important as learning what does work." Hephaestus spoke while he deftly formed a bezel around a huge black pearl. The silver setting glowed, showing off the silver-gray pearl to perfection. "Start with something small and simple. Then build up in complexity as your skills grow with you." "I have a project already in mind," Erichthonius said to his father. "May I try it?" "Of course," was his response. "What is it?" Erichthonius smiled, "I can't tell you. It's a secret." So he set to work on his project without even telling his father.  He scrutinized every detail and, before very long, he had built a beautiful cart with two high wheels on the outside and with a long yoke between them. Then Erichthonius purchased four huge gray stallions. He tied them to the yoke and then sat upon the bench in the bronze cart. "I'm calling this a chariot," he proudly told his father. Holding the reins loosely, he slapped them against his stallion's backs and then headed for Earth, where he practiced handling his new vehicle upon the bumpy roads to Athens. 

The Boy Charioteer, the treasured child from the bejeweled chest. In early Greek culture, the snake was an earthly symbol; 'From The Earth' or 'Earthly'. He is an aspect of Faust; his more human, poetic, side; perhaps how he wished to be, just as how Dorian saw Basil, who immortalized him in a portrait...or Watson, who immortalized Holmes?

#Agra #The Re4al Treasure #Greek Myth #The Sign of Four #ACD #Meta

[contact-guy]

the end of SIGN OF THE FOUR is so funny because Holmes, Watson, and the police retrieve an immensely valuable treasure locked in a box and Holmes is like 'my buddy wants to show the treasure to this girl he's into, that cool?' and the police just...let him do it. Completely unobserved as he takes the treasure box to Mary Morstan and forces the lock open. Then Watson comes back like 'funny story!! there was nothing in the box!' and no one questions him further. Anyway, I'm writing Gay Watson AU but can someone write Criminal Mary and Watson AU where they steal the Agra treasure and go on the run and Holmes has to catch them (and then lets them go as a wedding present)

#i know half the treasure belongs to mary but the other half is for thaddeus sholto who really puts up with a lot in this story! #anyway why does every adaptation do mary morstan so dirty #there are so many potential fun interpretations of her character #(i mean #i know why) #sherlock holmes #acd canon

[terikanae]

soviet treasures of agra give me sooo many emotions and thoughts

#art #fanart #the adventures of sherlock holmes and doctor watson #soviet sherlock holmes #russian sherlock holmes #sherlock holmes #john watson #irene adler

[ecoamerica]

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[princesselisabethofhesse]

1902-1903 Postcards

In December 1902, Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig began his trip to India and Egypt. During his journey, he sent his daughter, Princess Elisabeth of Hesse, numerous postcards, which are preserved in the Hessian State Archives in Darmstadt.

When he departed in December 1902, Ernst Ludwig left his first “Gruss Haus Darmstadt” postcard for his beloved daughter, where he wrote in English: “Goodbye my darling. God bless you. Papa’s love is always near you, sleeping or walking."

On the outward journey, Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig sent numerous postcards to Elisabeth, e.g. “tender kisses” from Paris or a picture of his hotel in Marseille with details of his balcony.

On the postcard above, written on board the Arabia on December 16, 1902, Ernst Ludwig told his daughter: "I send you a big kiss. Till now the weather was bad & I was seasick but now it is lovely & the sun is shinning & it is warm. I saw flying fish. A big kiss from Papa.” He celebrated Christmas on board the "Arabia" and Elisabeth sent him and his entourage a Christmas card.

On January 1, 1903, Ernst Ludwig enthusiastically reported to his daughter about his impressions from Delhi: “All those many people dressed in every color of the rainbow. It was lovely. A big kiss from Papa.” The cards are mostly in black and white, but for her daughter to get a better impression, he also described the colours of everything he saw.

On the postcard above, written on January 15, 1903, he wrote: "This lovely place is all in white marble with a blue (sky ?) & lots of green parrots flying about & screaming. They are green with red beak & a red ring round their necks. Papa"

Almost every day he sent his daughter postcards with picturesque pictures and short, sweet greetings. Postcards with motifs that were exotic to Elisabeth document his journey to destinations in northern India that are still classic today, such as Benares, Agra with the Taj Mahal, Jaipur and Fatehpur Sikri.

At the end of February, Ernst Ludwig finally began his return journey - but made a stopover in Egypt. On March 5, 1903, on a postcard from the Shephard's Hotel, the most famous luxury hotel in Cairo at that time, Ernst Ludwig announced to his daughter what should not be missed on a trip to Egypt: “Today, I go for a week up the Nile.”

On March 11, 1903, he sent birthday greetings to Elisabeth on a card from Aswan. He also visited Luxor and Karnak and, of course, the pyramids of Giza at the end.

On the postcard above, written on March 22, 1903, he proudly reported to Elisabeth about his climb to the pyramids: "I klimbed (sic.) up the pyramid yesterday & got very out of breath. Today I krept (sic.) into the inside. It was very difficult because all was so very slippery. Papa."

On the postcard above, written on March 23, 1903, Ernst Ludwig sent his daughter "a big hug from Papa".

He finally returned to Darmstadt via Genoa on April 3, 1903. In the following months, Ernst Ludwig continued to send postcards with loving greetings to Elisabeth from his travels through Germany. In one of his last cards, written on August 6, 1903, he told her: “Next time you must come with me.”

source: landesarchivhessen.de Thank you Thomas Aufleger for sharing this little treasure with me!

#princess Elisabeth of Hesse #Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig of Hesse #1902 Letters & Diary entries #1902 #1903 Letters & Diary entries #1903 #1902 Biography #1903 Biography

[teatitty]

Alright you ready for me to bust out this WatsHolmes theory out of my ass? Good so here we go: The reason Watson doesn’t puruse Holmes as a romantic interest is because he thinks Holmes is above his station. Think about it: in Sign of Four he literally says to Mary that he can marry her because she hasn’t inherited some huge amount of money and become rich. She’s of the same class as him now, they’re equal, and it wouldn’t feel improper for he, as an english gentleman, to marry ���above his station” because he isn’t anymore. If Mary had inherited the Agra Treasure he would not have married her 

And if you consider this with Holmes... Yes he still lives in Baker Street in their little London flat but we know he’s rich because he gets paid in fucking gold and diamonds, he’s worked for Kings and nobility and done cases for the French government, he regularly attends the Opera (very expensive past time) his brother works in government himself and he’s related to a french artist

From Watson’s perspective that would make Holmes WAY above his station as a humble writer and doctor. It doesn’t matter that Holmes is living a middle-class life and probably dumps most of the cash he earns because he doesn’t need it, for a Victorian that sort of income and social connection would mean A Lot. We also know that, in canon, Watson cares way more about these sorts of things than Holmes does (see Mary above and also that Holmes has no issue shit talking a King to his face) so. Yeah I’m completely convinced that the only thing stopping Watson from pursuing Holmes is himself and his own propriety

Which is why they work so well as a post-reichanbach couple because he’s already lost Holmes once and lived with that regret of what they could’ve been and he’s not about to do it a second time. He’s in his late 30′s - early 40′s or whatever now and no longer gives a fuck about that stuff like he used to. And also “I’m going to buy your entire practice for way more than it’s worth just so you can move in with me” Holmes is definitely not going to let him walk away a second time

#acd holmes #watsholmes #meta post #WANTED TO GET THESE THOUGHTS OUT FOR AGES #SO HERE IT IS! FINALLY I CAN REST #fucking theory has been gnawing at me for weeks #peace out bitches I'm going back to granada now

[nevergeneralize]

An incomplete list of bizarre yuumori details I thought were Anime Weirdness License but turned out to be Arthur Conan Doyle Holmes canon (hereafter, “ACD” or just “canon”):

- All Moriartys are named James!! (or at least we have Professor James Moriarty and his brother Colonel James Moriarty; the possible third brother is disappointingly unspecified. It’s also possible that there are only two brothers, the named Colonel and the unnamed “station-master” being the same Very Employed brother mentioned differently in different stories, but it is hard now not to picture Albert in uniform and Louis in a jaunty railway cap)

- Colonel Moran the platonic ideal of a sharpshooter

- …his near-perfectly silent and accurate airgun sniper rifle that fires revolver bullets for some reason (I don’t know anything about the history of weaponry so maybe this only strikes me as implausible because I’m uninformed)…

- …built by an eccentric genius blind German named Von Herder (really really thought he was mostly just M + engineering genius in a spy media so he must be German by definition + anime trope of blindfolded weird smart guy. We don’t meet him in canon so this is still probably the recipe for his character traits/personality but the basic ingredients were suggested right there in ACD!)

- “Good night, Mr Sherlock Holmes” and Adler’s perfect disguise

- Also Sherlock’s house burning plan is bonkers in canon and in every adaptation and I’m delighted every time. (I tricked you dear reader, I already knew these two truths because I love A Scandal in Bohemia in particular. Everyone within the sound of my internet voice should just go read it, it’s so short and so unhinged)

- Sherlock does indeed repeat The Line (“once you’ve eliminated the impossible…”) absolutely as often as he can plausibly fit it into conversation

- Mycroft is The Government. Totally forgot this was not an invention of the BBC show, it’s just late in canon and retconned to have always been true. We meet Mycroft in The Greek Interpreter as a regular boring government employee and he gets the upgrade in The Bruce-Partington Plans; the in-universe explanation is that Sherlock can trust Watson with the truth now, and…

- …Watson being generally trustworthy according to Sherlock’s judgment definitely makes it totally fine for him to have government secrets

- Milverton plot beats are shockingly similar up to the involvement of Moriarty: “oh no milverton has blackmail on a client I better go burgle his house, stay out of it watson” “I’m coming too we’re best friends and roommates even in prison!!” “Ok fine” “awesome. I’m going to go sew burglar masks” (even the fancy-night-out alibi! And in canon, Holmes himself rather than Watson is the hot boy bait / fake plumber who pretends to court the maid so that she will tell them how to get in but it still happens this way!) ((another side note holmes loves 2 burgle. Every opportunity for a break-in he is THERE, and he’s so psyched to tell cops that he would be great at crime. In the Valley of Fear he mentions to a Scotland Yard officer that he’s been to Moriarty’s office three times, the officer says “I thought you hadn’t met him” and he says “I haven’t and you probably shouldn’t ask any more questions about this [smiles innocently].” I love him))

- also the anime version’s “wow milverton is here at the door right exactly when we are just finished talking about him, what a crazy random happenstance” aligns with approximately 100% of character entrances in canon

- “Clearly the only way to solve this Treasure of Agra issue safely is by getting Small to throw it into the river” and thus LESTRADE AND THE BOYZ GO ON A SICK HIGH SPEED BOAT CHASE

Bonus: Not really that weird but a fun oddly-accurate nod that made me smile to discover:

- We meet Fred Porlock in ACD as a character who has betrayed Moriarty by writing Sherlock letters tipping him off about their criminal organization’s plans, then he’s discovered and has to stop sending tips. I think it’s sort of cute, then, that we see him writing to Sherlock when he planned to “betray” William/disrupt the Final Problem to save him, and he’s discovered and interrupted by Louis

#yuumori #moriarty the patriot #yuukoku no moriarty #jay reads holmes #ynm spoilers #sherlock Holmes canon spoilers i guess? if we’re still putting spoilers on things old enough to be public domain #yuumori meta

[jabbage]

#Letters from Watson #lettersfromwatson

[mariana-oconnor]

The Red-Headed League pt 3

Here I had heard what he had heard, I had seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and grotesque.

Still don't know whether the plot is clear to me because I'm writing it from my comfortable position in the 21st century having seen a lot of fictional cons like it, or whether ACD deliberately makes Watson unable to put together the clues to make Holmes look better in comparison and to make the reader feel really smart. Probably a bit of both.

On entering his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat.

'official police agent' is a strange way of putting it, but sure. Also, not quite so rude a description as the past few times, but 'sad-faced' strikes me. Also, the fact that Watson feels the need to point out the shininess off his hat. Is this just Holmes' love of observing details and Watson's attempts to emulate him showing up, or is the hat literally so shiny Watson couldn't help but mention it? Can he see his own face in it.

Also love the detail of the 'oppressively respectable frock-coat.' With Watson you need to walk a fine line of being just respectable enough, but not overly respectable. The full description of Mr Merryweather (ironically named, it seems) puts me in mind of a Tim Burton film. He's got a very gothic caricature vibe.

"We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in his consequential way.

It's a double date! How fun.

"I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," observed Mr Merryweather gloomily.

Live footage of Mr Merryweather trying to retrieve the keys to the bank in time to get to his rubber.

"...he has the makings of a detective in him. It is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly correct than the official force."

Your standard 'oh he's an amateur but he does okay, I suppose. And damning with faint praise here 'been more nearly correct than the official force'. I tried to parse that out and the best I can come to is that neither Holmes nor the police was right about the case, but Holmes was less incorrect than the police. Like if they were playing Cluedo and Holmes got the room right and the weapon right, but the police only got the right room. I assume this is a lie and Holmes was actually wholly correct (but maybe didn't catch the criminal as we know he doesn't always bother with this bit...

...unless Holmes as secret sea demigod who is causing shipwrecks just to bring criminals to justice?)

Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I have not had my rubber.

I know this means Bridge. I know it does. And yet... it still seems like an innuendo. No wonder Mr Merryweather is so down if he's missing his rubber for this.

"John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger."

Please note how nowhere in that list does it say confidence trickster, fraudster or any kind of grifter. I refuse to believe he is any good at that, for all they are trying to convince me he is a criminal mastermind. Clearly in this con he had to be the front man because the red-headed man had to be at the league, and they were lucky that Mr Wilson was as gullible as he was. Because genuinely 'Victor Spalding' is The Most Suspicious.

He's a remarkable man, is young John Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been to Eton and Oxford.

Really not that remarkable. Go to the houses of parliament and throw a brick and you'll hit someone answering to pretty much exactly that description. Especially in this era. Sure, Duke is the highest rank of nobility, fi-i-ine, some of them are only related to marquises, earls, viscounts or barons and sometimes it's only by marriage. But seriously. An Eton educated child of aristocracy? It would be more remarkable if he wasn't Eton educated. Oxford, you say? How unusual! Practically unheard of!

There is the indication that he's illegitimate, so it's a little more remarkable, but still not very. I have a sneaking suspicion that there were a lot of illegitimate children of aristocracy running around London at the time, too. The peers of the realm were not well known for keeping it in their pants.

Basically the man is nothing special and I refuse to acknowledge him as such.

"He is not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone."

Ah, it's Holmes' turn to be rude. He does tend to leave it for the police. I love how this essentially boils down to 'He's an idiot, but we've done the hard bit, so all we really need him to do is grab the guy'.

"I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?"

Really, Mr Merryweather! It's the naughty corner for you. Sit in the corner and think about what you have done. Tut tut.

Holmes does save up his insults for abusers and people who disrupt investigations.

"We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of France."

Six of which will mysteriously turn up at a later date. 😄

The crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between layers of lead foil.

The naughty corner is a lot shinier than I remember it being.

OMG... The reason his hat is so shiny! His hat is made of gold. He's already stolen some of the napoleons and melted them down to make a hat.

Sorry, I've been in a car half the day and it's been a weird week. My mind is in a very strange place rn.

If they fire, Watson, have no compunction about shooting them down.

Feel free to murder, bestie. Totally fine. According to this piece of paper in my pocket, I can absolutely give you permission to do that.

The light flashed upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes's hunting crop came down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone floor.

Drop it!

The entire set up of this scene is very dramatic. Watson's description of the wait and hearing everyone's breathing, then the sudden action. It's very good. I could have quoted a lot of it, but that would have just been a massive chunk of writing. This story as a whole is a lot more dramatic and active than many of the others. So far we've rarely had Holmes and Watson face the villain like this. There have been a couple of times where they've had conversations. In the Reigate Squires, Holmes was attacked by them off screen and the reader and Watson come upon it later. Oh, and Holmes chases Mary Sutherland's dick of a step-father out of the house, but often there is no confrontation.

This is very satisfying.

Also - bank robbery of French gold. It's just such a satisfying and clean motive as well.

"I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and 'please.'"

If I had any respect for the man, I would have lost it here. Seriously? Pompous ass. Yeah, yeah, your grandad was a duke. Find me literally anyone who gives a fuck other than you... go on, I'll wait.

"Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question."

His fourteen year old maidservant is very pleased about this. As am I.

Holmes gives a very thorough detailing of every clue and indication. I did miss the bit where he tapped his cane on the ground.

"It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence."

Mood.

Nice to have a story with a definitive resolution where the bad guys are caught, the good guys emerge victorious and the only real downside is that Mr Wilson has to fill in a bloody great hole in his cellar. No convenient shipwrecks. No 'well, we can't really do anything about it because technically nothing illegal has happened'. Just a good old fashioned bank robbery foiled by an ambush. Yes. Very satisfying.

#Letters from Watson #Sherlock Holmes #The Red-Headed League #long post

[flammentanz]

Vasily Livanov as Sherlock Holmes and Vitaly Solomin as Dr. Watson in “The Treasures of Agra” (1983)

We are listening to the voices of Wolfgang Lohse (for Livanov) and Erik Veldre (for Solomin).

The entire Russian series was dubbed in the 1980s - unfortunately in a shortened version - for East German television (it was never broadcast on West German television) with changing voice actors for the two main actors, but unfortunately only the German dubbed versions of "The Hound of the Baskervilles", "The Treasure of the Agra" and "The Twentieth Century Approaches" still seem to exist. 

#vasily livanov #vitaly solomin #Sherlock Holmes #dr watson #the treasures of agra #russian sherlock holmes #russian soul for english gentlemen #german version

[travel-mr]

Incredible India: 5 Must-Visit Destinations for Every Traveler

India, the land of vibrant colors, rich history, and diverse cultures, beckons travelers with its unique charm. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, adventurous thrills, or breathtaking landscapes, India has something for everyone. Today, we embark on a virtual journey across this fascinating country, exploring five must-visit destinations:

1. The Taj Mahal, Agra: No trip to India is complete without witnessing the architectural marvel of the Taj Mahal. This white marble mausoleum, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, embodies eternal love and is sure to leave you awestruck.

2. Varanasi, the Ghats: Immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of India at Varanasi. Take a boat ride along the Ganges River, witnessing ancient rituals and vibrant life unfold along the sacred ghats. This city promises an unforgettable experience for any seeker of spirituality.

3. Kerala Backwaters, Alleppey: Glide through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat. Witness lush greenery, serene villages, and diverse wildlife as you enjoy the laid-back pace of life. This unique experience is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.

4. Jaisalmer, the Golden City: Step back in time amidst the golden hues of Jaisalmer, a desert city in Rajasthan. Explore majestic forts like Jaisalmer Fort, wander through narrow lanes bursting with local life, and experience the warm hospitality of the Thar Desert.

5. Goa, the Beach Paradise: Unwind on Goa's pristine beaches, soaking up the sun and the laid-back vibes. Indulge in delicious seafood, explore historical churches and Portuguese heritage, and experience the vibrant nightlife for a truly unforgettable beach vacation.

This is just a glimpse into the vast treasures India holds. From snow-capped Himalayan peaks to bustling metropolises, India offers endless possibilities for exploration. So pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and discover the magic of Incredible India!

Bonus Tip: Don't forget to savor the diverse flavors of Indian cuisine! From spicy curries to melt-in-your-mouth sweets, your taste buds will be in for a treat.

#india #travel #tourism

[viratsteelspecial-blog]

Are you looking for Tool and Die Steel Supplier in Faridabad, Haryana?

Faridabad is the most populous city in the Indian state of Haryana and a part of Delhi National Capital Region. The river Yamuna forms the eastern district boundary with Uttar Pradesh. Faridabad was founded in 1607 by Shaikh Farīd, treasurer for the Mughal emperor Jahāngīr, to protect the high road between Delhi and Agra. It is a major industrial hub and a smart city under the Government of India’s flagship Smart Cities Mission.

One of the best Tool & Die Steels Supplier in Faridabad city is:

VIRAT SPECIAL STEELS PVT. LIMITED , INDIA : This is a company that deals in all kinds of tool steel, die steel, plastic mold steel, high speed steel, and alloy steel. They provide value added services, such as material machining, cut pieces, and tailor-made material. They also offer metallurgical advice and quality assurance.

Virat Special Steels offer “Make In INDIA” products at competitive prices, great quality, and prompt servicing to increase & improve CPC (Cost Per Component) for their customers.

Our overseas company business partner ( Past & existing): Thyssenkrupp, Poldi, Huta Celsa, Vitkovice, Lucchini, DEW, SWG, Edelstahl Groditz, Nippon, Hyundai steel, Seah, Villarus ( Bohler Subsidiary ), TG , EWK, DEW, A Finkl , Swiss Steel, Sanyo, Somers Forge etc.

We have a state-of-the-art plant in Gurugram and Ludhiana. We have also have a strong distribution network across India.

Learn More: https://www.viratsteel.in/locations/tool-and-die-steel-supplier-in-faridabad/

Any further queries feel free to contact us : Email: [email protected] or Call: [phone]

#ludhiana #india #viratsteels #gurgaon #faridabad #toolsteelsupplier #viratspecialsteels #gurugram #iso9001 #steel #din 2714 #din2344 #diesteel #h13steelbarexporter #h13steel #h13 #db6 steel #h11steel

[bright-holidays]

7 UNESCO Heritage Sites of India by Bright Holidays

Introduction:

India is a country with a lot of different cultures, a long and interesting history, and beautiful natural scenery. It has many places that tourists from all over the world find interesting. Whether it’s amazing buildings or places of worship, India’s tourist spots provide a wide range of experiences. Here, Bright Holidays presents a curated list of seven UNESCO World Heritage sites that encapsulate India’s unique charm.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India:

1. Taj Mahal:

Undoubtedly one of the most iconic symbols of India, the Taj Mahal stands as a testament to eternal love. Located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, this pristine white marble mausoleum was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Its intricate architecture, intricate carvings, and the mesmerizing play of light during sunrise and sunset make the Taj Mahal a must-visit destination for any traveller.

2. Red Fort:

Situated in the heart of Delhi, the Red Fort, or Lal Qila, is a historic fortress that served as the main residence for Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. Constructed using red sandstone, the fort is a remarkable blend of Persian, Timurid, and Indian architectural styles. The Red Fort hosts the annual Independence Day celebrations of India on August 15th.

3. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park:

Located in Gujarat, this UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses the archaeological remnants of a medieval capital and the hill fortress of Pavagadh. Recognized in 2004, it showcases a harmonious blend of Hindu-Muslim architecture and culture. Highlights include the Jami Masjid and intricately carved temples on Pavagadh Hill, offering a glimpse into the historical and cultural significance of this unique site.

4. Qutab Minar:

Delhi, with its rich history, is home to the Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world. Built-in the 12th century, the Qutab Minar complex includes various historical structures and ruins, such as the Iron Pillar of Delhi. The intricate carvings on the minaret narrate the history of its construction and the dynasties that ruled over Delhi.

5. Konark Sun Temple:

Located in the state of Odisha, the Konark Sun Temple is a mesmerizing architectural marvel dedicated to the sun god Surya. Built in the 13th century, the temple is renowned for its intricate stone carvings that depict scenes from daily life, mythology, and the celestial world. The temple’s chariot-shaped design and the precision of its artwork make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. Ajanta Caves:

The Ajanta Caves, located in India, are a fascinating historical site with a lot to offer. These caves are known for their ancient rock-cut architecture and beautiful paintings that depict scenes from the life of Buddha. Visiting the Ajanta Caves provides a unique and captivating experience, allowing you to explore the rich cultural and artistic heritage of India.

7. Ellora Caves:

In the western state of Maharashtra, the Ellora Caves comprise a series of rock-cut temples representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Carved between the 6th and 10th centuries, the caves showcase the artistic and architectural prowess of ancient India. The Kailasa Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a highlight, featuring a monolithic structure carved from a single piece of rock.

Conclusion:

Embark on a journey through these seven iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each narrating a unique story of India’s history, cultural diversity, and architectural brilliance. As you explore the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Golden Temple, Qutab Minar, Konark Sun Temple, Ajanta Caves, and Ellora Caves, witness the timeless beauty that invites you to discover the magic within India’s borders. Bright Holidays invites you to embrace the richness of India’s past and present, offering a profound and unforgettable travel experience amidst these UNESCO treasures.

About Us:

Bright Holidays proudly holds the title of the best tour and travel agency in Ahmedabad, offering unparalleled travel experiences that cater to your every wanderlust desire. Whether you’re dreaming of international adventures, exploring captivating domestic destinations, or seeking personalized travel itineraries, our dedicated team is committed to creating seamless, remarkable journeys that transform your dreams into unforgettable memories.

#travel #tourism #tour #tourist #india

[spiritcc]

i'm sure you expected this. top 5 feet

it's the honest belief here that something has changed a year and a half since the last time this was asked, like as if i deepened my research and am now on better footing, so to say. but i dont have cold feet, so let's proceed

i mean i lie bc i genuinely tried the other day....went on wikifeet and diligently went through all photos, but didn't even register feet like two pics in... it's just feet... sometimes undeserving of their stellar rating... a lot of racecar white boys have ratings that somehow go beyond the maximum five, so everyone who got like 5.36/5 somehow is defs Top Feeter

some other white racecar boy who got 4.46/5 feet and like 80 pictures to his name. well i took a look, very unremarkable feet but the fans are delusional. but they are much more eloquent and knowledgeable so i cant fight their academic commentary on soles and arches and whatever so i have to stay quiet.

remember me crying over livanov's feet making it into soviet sh and my fears that one day he'll get his own wikifeet, just like jeremy brett recently? still hasn't happened, but what i did do this year is create a special subtitle file for the episode where the feet happened, the so-called TREASURES OF AGRA EPISODE 1 ANTI-FEET VERSION, take a look and see how.

yes jeremy brett is 4/5 currently. im glad you asked

the bottom of the list are every feet i've seen on ancient egyptian statues recently man they SUCK, DAMN!!! gnarly ass rakes, no sole pics, too flat, the arch must be non-existent, shit history, kms.

#great