Disclaimer: I do not own Madeline, The Great Mouse Detective, Sherlock Holmes or any canon characters. They are the properties of their respective owners. I do own Joshua Jones.
Notes: I'd been working on a much longer version of this written in more of a narrative form, but wanted to try writing it in the style of the Madeline books. So, this is what came of it! When reading, please envision the animated forms of the characters; Madeline and friends as if in the animated series, Basil and Dawson as if in Disney's The Great Mouse Detective.
There are no pairings in this, just friendship. Warnings include child abduction and potential OOC.
I hope you enjoy this!
(Linebreaks hate me so I will use MFB.)
MFB
In an old house in Paris
That was covered with vines
Lived twelve little girls
In two straight lines.
They left the house at half-past nine
In two straight lines
In rain or shine.
The smallest one was Madeline.
MFB
Everyone was feeling fine
As they departed the old house in two straight lines
Because they were on their way
To London for a two-week holiday.
Though excited, Madeline felt doubt
Something was wrong, but what? She'd find out
That children in London have been taken;
The case was such even Scotland Yard was forsaken.
"What of Sherlock Holmes?" Anne had inquired.
Nona replied, "I'm afraid he's retired.
But sometimes he'll be
Right back home at 221B".
Madeline knew what had to be done
At that, she set out across London.
Instead of getting there using her feet
She caught a taxi to Baker Street.
MFB
After a ten minute drive she stood
In Sherlock Holmes' former neighbourhood.
Unfortunately, he was no longer there
And Madeline felt a sense of despair.
While sitting on the step, she got a surprise;
A tiny figure was seen from the corner of her eyes.
She was unaware that she soon would meet
The great Basil of Baker Street.
She offered her hand and said, "I am nice
To all animals and especially mice."
The mouse smiled and nodded, hopped up on her hand
With the acceptance leaving Madeline feeling grand.
Upon closer inspection it seemed the mouse
Was dressed rather sharply, like he'd come from his house.
"Bonjour, Monsieur Mouse, how do you do?
I'm Madeline Fogg, it's nice to meet you".
"Ahh, Miss Madeline, I've heard about you!"
Madeline glanced at the mouse, "was that you?"
The mouse nodded and smiled, he bowed, "Basil of Baker Street".
"Oh la la! A talking mouse! What a treat!"
The smile faded though not quite a frown.
"Miss Madeline, it was you who saved the crown
And the royal jewels from a pair
Of thieves, one of which had flaxen hair.
I read of your story in the papers, you see
Though did not expect to see you outside of 221B."
Madeline explained her trip was elective
In hopes to seek out the famous detective.
"Children are being taken away
It is causing their parents so much dismay!"
Basil nodded, "it's the same for us mice.
So, you hoped to see Mr. Holmes for advice?"
"One of my friends was taken, you see
So I decided to come here to 221B.
Scotland Yard didn't appear to have a plan
But, if anybody could find them, Monsieur Holmes can!"
A nod of his head, his ears twitched at a sound
Still in Madeline's palm, he looked down to the ground.
There was another mouse, a stout, concerned chap
Wearing a jacket and a matching cloth cap.
"Dawson, my friend, come here and meet
This young girl who travelled to Baker Street
Seeking out Mr. Holmes as she doesn't feel fine;
We read of her earlier, young Miss Madeline".
Dawson looked up, tipped his hat, "how do you do?
Miss Madeline, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Madeline returned the fond enchanter
And smiled brightly for the first time that day.
"If Monsieur Holmes isn't here then I
Would like to give solving the mystery a try!"
Dawson looked puzzled, Basil was alert;
"You've stopped a crime before, it couldn't hurt.
But, Miss Madeline, I must enquire of your history
In solving more than a single mystery.
Dawson and I will open up the house."
Madeline giggled "it's handy being a mouse".
She set Basil down beside his good friend
And watched as they hurried around a concealed bend.
Within minutes; maybe five but no more
She found she was able to open the door.
MFB
They sat in an empty room filled with sunlight.
"To be in Monsieur Holmes' old home is a delight!"
"Now, Miss Madeline, if you'd be so kind
To share your detective history as defined."
Madeline spoke of clothes being stolen all over town
And finding missing snakes, royal headwear and a clown.
She shared for an hour of things that were lost
And how sometimes it came with a personal cost.
Basil nodded, his eyes gleaming with glee
He said, "Miss Madeline, why not collaborate with me?"
Dawson was shocked, he felt positively wild!
"Basil, my friend, she is only a child!"
But, Madeline answered in one way...can you guess?
That's correct, a firm, resounding "yes".
"Sorry, Dawson, it's two against one!
Now, let us be off, there is much to be done!
Miss Madeline, we shall stay with you
Together we'll search for each vital clue."
Madeline agreed with the plans made that morning
But, she felt that the mice deserved a fair warning.
"We are staying in a rather fancy hotel
So, it might not be fine with Miss Clavel
And even though my friends really are nice
I am afraid they are not fond of mice".
Basil crossed his arms, "it's our best option, you see
For I doubt you can return to 221B.
But, what if to prevent needless squawking
We simply inform we are capable of talking?
You can keep us safe from traps in the hotel
And reassure your friends and your Miss Clavel.
Come, Dawson, we must hurry and pack!
Bring enough of your supplies, who knows when we'll be back?"
Madeline watched them scurry away
Before she stepped back outside into the light of day.
When she went to sit back down on the step
She found herself feeling quite full of pep.
MFB
"Excuse me, my dear, are you Miss Madeline?
Are you sure Mr. Basil and the doctor will be fine?"
Madeline turned to the source of the sound
And there was a third mouse standing there on the ground.
She smiled and nodded, she hoped to reassure
The female mouse who looked rather unsure
"Monsieur Basil and Doctor Dawson will be safe, you'll see
And in no time at all will return to 221B."
Basil and Dawson approached with a laugh.
"Actually, my dear, we live in 221 1/2!
Now, Mrs. Judson, I assure we'll be fine
Mice are safe around Miss Madeline."
Mrs. Judson nodded and saw them off with a smile.
"Now then, since we'll be travelling a while
I think it would be wise to know the names
Of my friends; with whom I like to play games."
Madeline showed Basil and Dawson a photo.
"This was taken just two weeks ago.
Here's Nona and Lulu, Monique, Anne and Sylvie
Nicole, Yvette, Chloe, Janine, Danielle, Ellie.
In each of my mysteries they all helped me
But, the one who helped me the most was Chloe.
She was my assistant in helping take down
The thieves who intended to steal the royal crown.
I was sent to London to attend Finishing School
Because it was thought I couldn't follow rules.
Chloe led the investigation in Paris
Proving to the adults they were wrong about me."
MFB
In no time at all the trio arrived at the hotel
And were greeted by a flustered, worried, fretting Miss Clavel.
"Madeline, I was so very worried about you!
If you'd been taken, oh, what would I do?"
Madeline hugged Miss Clavel
Assuring her that all was well.
"But, I have something I need to say
To you and all of the girls right away!"
Miss Clavel nodded, hurried away and came back
With the eleven little girls halfway through a snack.
Madeline spoke, "please don't worry, they're nice"
And presented to them the gentlemen mice.
The girls were ready to let out a loud shriek
But paused, when they heard, instead of a squeak
"Dawson, prepare to cover your ears
For I fear they may be left ringing for years!"
"Talking mice? That's rather adsurd!" Miss Clavel exclaimed.
"We do talk, Miss, and we are both named.
This fellow, Doctor Dawson, I'd like you to meet
As for myself, I'm Basil of Baker Street.
Madeline met us outside of the home
Of our former shared tenant Mr. Sherlock Holmes.
Unfortunately, he has indeed retired
To Sussex, where his bee-keeping was inspired."
"What brings you two here?" Chloe wanted to ask.
"Miss Chloe, it is a momentous task!
A fine predicament catching our Scotland Yards in a vice!
It's the abductions of children; both human and mice.
Miss Clavel, there may be clues to this caper
In every report found in the newspaper.
I ask that you being back some from the past fortnight
With hopes the reports can shed some light.
Little girls, I ask your assistance
We can only find the missing youth with persistence
So, each of you read from a paper or two
And Dawson, likewise is what we shall do."
MFB
Throughout the room everyone sat reading
From papers they hoped would guide them by leading
To clues of the disappearance of each missing child
And has left many families feeling quite wild.
They read through the day and well into the night
Until it was time to turn out the light.
"Good night, little girls, and to our guests, I hope you sleep well."
All responded good night to Miss Clavel.
MFB
Basil found he could not sleep a wink.
He sat up on the pillow and with a blink
Realised Madeline was not in her bed
Otherwise he would've seen the back of her head.
He looked around the silent room
And found her gazing up at the moon.
He approached her and asked, "can you not sleep, my dear?"
She shook her head, "there is much that I fear".
They departed the bedroom so as not to wake all
Tiptoed out into the suite's hall
Then sat in the living area on the sofa.
With Basil on her knee, she said "I hope it's soon over.
I am afraid I am feeling some doubt
Of if I truly am able to help out."
Basil frowned and shook his head
"I'm a bit disappointed, Miss Madeline," he said.
"Although, I can see why you feel this way
This crime will not be solved in the course of a day."
Madeline nodded, "I know that is true
But everyone's counting on you, and me too".
Basil sat there and smiled, "do not fret
We'll solve this mystery and save the children yet!
Although you may have to stay behind
Seeking out clues with your friends, I don't mind.
Miss Madeline, I'd like you to know
I'm not quite the mouse I once was long ago.
I would work alone, had no-one but me
When my mind drew a blank it caused misery.
But, that all changed when I met my dear friend
He knows how to put my black moods to an end.
A cup of tea here, a word of advice there
Adventures and mysteries abound did we share.
Dawson's the one who continues to help me
You're not alone either, you have friends like Miss Chloe.
This truly may be your biggest mystery yet!
But, you're not working alone, my dear, don't forget."
Madeline smiled at Basil's words so kind
"Merci, Monsieur Basil, you helped open my mind!
We will find the criminal and save everyone!
But, we should go back to sleep for now as there's much to be done".
Though Basil hated sleeping during a case he agreed
Sleep was something he knew Madeline would need.
So they both returned silently to the bed
And Basil watched Madeline as she rested her head.
MFB
The very next morning as it was presumed
The search for clues in the paper resumed.
Though eleven girls went out for their walk
Accompanied by Dawson, with whom Chloe did talk.
Dawson sat cozily in the brim of her hat
And shared with her a most amiable chat
Of how to help see a detective friend
Through to a mystery's very end.
The group of thirteen soon arrived at a scene
Of an abduction, with hopes there'd be something to glean.
They searched for hidden doors, panels and holes
But found nothing more than dirt and coals.
MFB
The first search was fruitless, but they could not despair
As they knew someone who'd been there was gone, but where?
Back at the hotel Basil let out a gasp
"Miss Madeline, I've got them in my grasp!
I found a clue, how could Scotland Yard miss it?
Listen closely as I read you this bit:
A girl aged ten saw a toy as she called her mother
And hurried to get it for her baby brother.
Her mother heard a shriek then all was quiet
Turned to her daughter to say they should buy it.
But much to her alarm and dismay
Her little girl had been taken away.
The toy had remained, a wooden train
It looked as if it had been doused in the rain.
But, the sun had been shining all summer, you see
So, the train was wet by either sewer, river or sea!
A sewer hideaway would be a perfect plan!
In fact, it had worked for my old nemesis Ratigan!
If not there, then I have a notion
The children are on a boat headed to the ocean.
It requires some further investigation;
It must be carried out without hesitation!"
Madeline nodded, "I do understand
But, you'll need Doctor Dawson to lend you a hand!"
Basil sighed, "I'm afraid you're quite right
For even though I am able to hold my own in a fight
Chances of being outnumbered I'd learned
So, for now I'll wait until he's returned".
MFB
The exploration team arrived within the hour.
To Dawson, Basil said, "I ask you lend me your power!
I found a clue and must act post-haste!
Have your lunch on the way, we have no time to waste!"
The mice ran out of the hotel
Right past the girls and Miss Clavel.
Madeline beamed, "Monsieur Basil knows what to do!
He will follow his newly found clue!"
MFB
Before it was time for the girls to break bread
The mice returned exhausted and ready for bed.
"No sign of the blackguards, I've been gravely misled!"
Basil appeared to have a grey cloud over his head.
"We checked on the boats making a motion
To head out with cargo towards the ocean.
Alas, the cargo was food, wine and more
But none was what we'd been looking for.
We scoured the eastern sewers of the city
And though witnessed sights far from pretty
Found nothing concerning the missing children.
But, there's more, so tomorrow we'll search again."
Madeline offered the mice some food;
Though Dawson accepted, Basil was not in the mood.
He refused to eat, instead to the papers he'd kept
And when morning arrived, it was clear he hadn't slept.
MFB
Dawson tutted and huffed, "Basil, I swear
You need to treat yourself with greater care!"
Basil waved his concerns away
"Doctor, just leave me be today."
"Come now, old boy, we still have to search
In the sewer system under the church.
I'm sure we'll find the children yet.
So, come now, my friend, do not fret."
Madeline watched the whole exchange;
"Monsieur Basil, it's rather strange...
The other night you told me not to forget
That I'm not alone and we'll solve the crime yet.
But, you are pushing Doctor Dawson away
And sounding close to giving up today.
The other night I disappointed you with my doubt
And you reassured me we'd have it worked out.
So, Monsieur Basil, if you should give up
What hope is left for each boy, girl and pup?
They are counting on us to set them free
And return them to their families!"
Basil looked up, "I apologise.
Miss Madeline, thank you for opening my eyes.
Come, Dawson, we have much to do;
After all we still have that one vital clue!"
MFB
Alas, the search once again turned up empty
And Basil was sinking into a pit of misery.
Madeline asked, "what if we set up a trap?"
Basil nodded, "but, how to lure out the chap?"
"I volunteer to help, but I need you.
Here is what we should do.
I'll be the next child that's taken
But, if he thinks I'm alone, he's mistaken!
When we find out where he has his lair
You can escape and lead Scotland Yard there!"
Miss Clavel frowned, "I cannot accept this!"
Dawson nodded, "I quite concur, Miss.
Basil, before you deign to agree with the plan
I want you to remember as much as you can
About how children should never be caught up in a trap
If even to catch a most ruthless chap!"
Madeline looked determined, "I may be a child
But, my behaviour is far from mild!
If the criminal tries to make me cry boo-hoo
I'll instead look him in the eye and say pooh-pooh!
I will keep my courage bared
For the sakes of the children who will be quite scared!
I have to do this, who else could it be?"
Chloe spoke up, "I disagree.
Madeline, you're putting yourself in harm's way!
It's paining me just to hear you say
You'll allow yourself to be taken away;
What if you never again see the light of day?"
Dawson voiced, "Basil, what if you cannot escape?
There truly are too many chances to take!"
"My dear Dawson, calm down, have a drink
And remember there's always a chance if one can think.
We'll plan for if anything should go awry."
Madeline nodded, "we have to at least try!"
With much hesitation and reluctance, it was agreed
So the group discussed what Madeline and Basil would need.
MFB
The next morning, though she seemed alone
Madeline did not leave the hotel on her own.
Basil was hiding in her coat pocket, his head poking out
Scanning with care of their whereabouts.
A puppy had barked, Madeline followed it
And before they both knew, they fell into a pit.
"Now, you will accompany me to my house."
Madeline gasped at the crook, "a mouse?!".
The mouse bared his teeth with a devious grin.
"Well, well, look at who fell in!
The girl responsible for my owners being locked away!
Little girl, for that, I will make you pay!"
In her pocket, Basil muttered "I see
So, Miss Madeline was the true target in this mystery!
What a fool I was to agree to your idea!
But, I'll work out how to save you, my dear".
MFB
Without the crook knowing, Basil had seen
Enough of the area's details that he could glean
Their whereabouts so when they're left alone
He could escape, alert help and get the children home.
"Monsieur Mouse, why are you doing this?"
"Why? I'll tell you why, Miss!
The humans you stopped were those with whom I lived.
With them gone, I was on the streets, so you, I can't forgive!
I looked past their crimes, not like my record's clean.
I was the nastiest kidnapper London's ever seen!"
Basil remembered he'd seen him in an old paper
"So, Joshua Jones is responsible for this caper!"
MFB
Jones led the girl to a damp, dirty room.
"You can stay here while I plot out your doom."
"But, what of the other children you took, where are they?"
Jones shrugged, "here or not, I won't say".
Once Jones was gone, Basil jumped to the ground.
Scanned the room until he'd found
An airvent that he could squeeze into
Before leaving, he assured, "I will come right back to save you".
Madeline nodded before she sat down.
Her face revealed she wore an angry frown.
She knew Basil would be gone for a while
Since the nearest police station's distance was miles.
The room had no window, it had little light
So, Madeline was unsure of when day turned to night.
Sleep was a chance she could not take
So she forced herself to stay awake.
MFB
A few hours later, the door opened wide
She jumped but relaxed when she saw who ran inside.
She held out her palm for him, the mouse that she'd missed
And smiling widely, his cheek she had kissed.
Basil had turned a rather bright red
Cleared his throat and boldly said
"The children have all been found thanks to you
And now, there's something that we must do.
It's time to return to the hotel
So we can let everyone know we are well;
For surely we gave them an awful fright
By disappearing well until midnight."
MFB
The case had been closed, Jones locked away
And the girls could finally enjoy their holiday.
Madeline spent time with Dawson and Basil
Filling in the case's most vital detail.
MFB
After two weeks, it was time to say goodbye.
"You shan't be forgotten," Basil did sigh.
To an old house in Paris covered with vines
Returned twelve little girls in two straight lines.
That night, they all broke their bread
Brushed their teeth and went to bed.
Madeline whispered a good night to her friends on a foreign shore.
And that's all there is, there isn't any more.
MFB
After-notes: If I was capable of drawing the scenes, I definitely would. This was a fun little adventure, and maybe someday I will have the lengthier version done.
Thanks for reading! You don't have to leave a review, but if you want to say something, please don't flame. Constructive criticism is more than welcome.
