There are times in the Community Sherlockian when we tend to refer to "standing on the terrace." It's a good tradition. A solid tradition. But tonight I find myself thinking it's just not enough.
I have to blog about something that will come very hard for me, and if you are up on the locals of Sherlock Peoria, you might half expect what that is. If not, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
The Lascar left us tonight. Quickly, quietly, in the company of folks who cared for him.
But when I think of my friend, the terrace scene from "His Last Bow," does not seem to ring true at all. I find myself going to "The Devil's Foot."
Holmes and Watson are sitting on the grass, after coming as close to death as they had been in any case I can think of.
"Upon my word, Watson!," Holmes said, "I owe you both my thanks and an apology. It was an unjustifiable experiment even for oneself, and doubly so for a friend. I am really very sorry."
Watson is quick with his reply: "You know that it is my greatest joy and privilege to help you."
The Lascar and I had a few unjustifiable experiments in our Sherlockian time. He was a rascal, that one, as his namesake, and we did wind up, on occasion, sitting in the figurative grass. (I say figurative, because even if you sat on the Lascar's lawn, the grass was always trimmed so short it you could hardly touch it.) And it was, when all is said and done, a joy and a privilege to find one's self there with him.
There shall undoubtedly be more on this subject in days to come, but for now I think I'm just going to sit on the grass a few more minutes.
The ongoing investigation of Sherlock Holmes, reported from the Peoria, Illinois outpost of Baker Street's dirtiest half a dozen.
Brad, so very sorry to hear of the loss of the Lascar. Back when I frequented the Hounds of the Internet his posts could always be counted on to stir up conversation, controversy, and more than a few chuckles. The world just became a little less interesting by his passing.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the Lascar, but I feel sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences, Brad. I feel like I just lost someone I was getting to know, as I've been reading through all the newsletters you gave me and the Lascar's wit and acuity shaped those publications beautifully. I would have liked to have met him in person. You have my prayers for your peace and comfort during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteAn amazing number of people all over the world mourn this man who almost never left home. He was one of a kind, and he will be missed by so many of us. What wonderful puns there will be across the Reichenbach!
ReplyDeleteBrad, sincere condolences on the loss of your neighbour and friend. The Lascar was a rascally one and he stirred up plenty over the years and made us all chuckle or groan, depending upon how corny his jokes were. It wasn't the scrapple that finally did him in, was it?
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