Chapter One.

An Adventure Afoot.
Watson

As the bell rang, I smiled and thought, "Another day of school is over!" But it faded when I continued," ... and another evening of homework is on its way." I sighed.

"Hullo Watson!" Holmes came up behind me.

"Oh, hullo Holmes."

"So, I heard what happened to you in chemistry class today." He said trying to hold back his laughter.

"Oh you did, did you? Well what about what you did in biology class? Hmmm? I heard you didn't do so well either." I said trying to defend myself.

"I don't want to talk about it." He said holding his stomach and turning green. Now I was the one trying to hold back my laughter.

"All I know is that I cannot do that again, and that I'm possibly going to fail that class because of that… incident." Holmes said matter-of-factly with a grimace at the end.

"I agree with you on the fact that you cannot do that again." I chuckled "But I don't believe you'll fail the class. Why, all you need is the right instructions, and I'm sure you'll do just fine when the test comes around." Then he gave me the most mischievous look, then said," Say, Watson, you're good at biology aren't you?"

"Yes, I suppose I am."

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Probably not. Why? What are you thinking?" I asked puzzled.

"Could you help me with my biology? Please? I need to pass this class or Mycroft's going to kill me!"

"Of course I could. On one condition: You help me with my chemistry. If I concoct another of those wretched potions incorrectly again, that teacher will surely drop me from his class! I cannot let that happen."

"It's a deal then. Do you suppose you could come to my house to start in on that homework?"

"I think I could, but I'd have to ask my father's permission first, and be back before supper. I suppose I could be there by four o' clock." I said with a smile.

"Then four o' clock it shall be then." He said and returned the smile, then ran off to catch up with his brother, who was already walking down the street.

There was an odd feeling of an adventure just around the corner of the cobblestone street. Maybe I was just in over my head….

"But why can't I come Johnny? You're just going to do home work," complained my sister when I told her where I was going.

"Because it is just going to be us boys, and you said that boys are 'icky.' And it just wouldn't be proper."

"Did not, and since when were you ever use the word 'proper.'"

"Did too, and don't deny it. Since always. Now, I have to leave now to get there on time."

"Did you ask Dad?" She said with a mocking tone in her voice.

"Yes," said I with the same tone. She sighed in defeat, and bounced off to her room.

"You ready to get this pile of homework done Watson?"

"Ready as I'll ever be, I suppose."

"I feel the same way." He said as we went in the study to do our homework.

I helped him with his Biology, and he helped me with Chemistry. But we actually did more talking than homework.

"My sister really wanted to come, you know."

"Why on earth would she want to do homework with us?"

"I don't know…Maybe she likes you," said I with a slight smile. But wait, did my eyes deceive me? Did he just blush?

"Maybe you like her?"

"Well… I, uh…." said he as he was nervously sticking his pencil in the floor boards. Then all of a sudden the floor burst open, and I was staring into complete blackness.

Holmes was sitting right on top of the secret door when it opened and it half through him across the room.

"Holmes? Are you alright?"

"Yes, I think so," said he getting up and dusting himself off.

We both stood there, just looking down into the blackness. There were old, worn steps going down there. It looked scary. I was rather wary of going down there, while Holmes was looking for a match a lamp, ready to go.

"Why don't we go down and take a look see, shall we Watson?" I don't know which scared me more, going down there, or the gleam in his eye.

"We should probably stay and do our homework…"

"Who stays and does homework when there is a secret passage way to be explored? I'll tell you who: Weasels. Weasels who are scared of the dark. And that is the last thing I'll be."

"I'm not a weasel, and I'm certainly not scared of the dark." said I defiantly. I took the lit lamp from his hand, which he held out to me, and led the way…. What was I doing…?

It was a long way down, and it got to the point where I had the only light. It was very dusty. The first thing I saw was cases of dusty books.

"Watson! Books! Oh we've hit the jackpot." Holmes exclaimed in a rush of excitement. But that wasn't all that was in the room. Also there was an old desk and chair, with old, dark green upholstery, and new quill and ink.

"Watson! Come quick! I think I hear footsteps!" Holmes whispered urgently. I took two steps and down I went. I suppose it was my turn to fall.

"You alright?"

"…No," I sighed wearily. What on earth did I trip over?

"Bravo Watson! I believe you've made a discovery!" He whispered, helping me to my feet. I turned around to see what I tripped over. It was a big brown leather chest. It had a lock, but it was sawed off.

"Let's investigate, shall we-"he was interrupted by somebody coming through the door. We both hid behind the gigantic chest, for it was big enough.

We didn't know what to expect. Holmes quickly turned down the light just as a young man stepped in the door way.

"Who goes there?" cried the man. "Well, come on out!" He shouted even louder. Holmes and I held up our hands and blinked.

We stared at him, and he stared at us. Then all of a sudden he burst out laughing, and it startled us both. We also started laughing, but it was more out of nervousness, and we put our hands down.

"Why, I haven't had visitors is a long time! My name is Grover. Come, have a seat."

He led us into another room which had some chairs and a little table with treats on a tray.

"Go ahead; help yourselves to a treat or two. By the way, what are your names?"

"Oh, I'm Holmes, Sherlock Holmes and this is John Watson."

"What fine names for fine boys." I smiled at the comment, while Holmes looked curiously at the man.

"So, how do you live down here?" Holmes asked curiously.

"Oh, well, that's easy once you get the hang of it." He said with a chuckle. Then he went on this tangent about what life was like to live down here. Holmes listened with the utmost interest to this round-about narrative. I thought it was boring.

"You don't have today's paper on you do you?" Mr. Grover asked.

"I don't, but I could get you one if you like." offered Holmes.