"Oi! Sam! C'mon, Guv's got a new case f'r us!"

Sam sighed. "Aw, Wiggins, I jus' got comf'rtable."

"Th'r's sixpence in't for ya!"

Sam sprang up. "Well, now, `at's more like it! Lead the way, Guv!"

Wiggins took off at a fast trot down the alley, calling to various cronies along the way. Sam ran at a quick lope, long legs lazily pumping, exchanging words with various boys who jumped out of hidden crannies.

"C'mon, `Olmes's gotta new case!"

"C'mon, boys, work to be done!"

221B Baker Street came into view. By now some half-dozen street arabs were gathered, Wiggins at the head, Sam close behind. Wiggins rang the bell at 221, and Mrs. Hudson poked her head out.

Her genteel smile disappeared. "Oh, it's you lot again!"

Wiggins started to talk, but Sam stopped him, and stepped forward. "Beggin' y'r pardon, ma'am, but y'see, the Guv's expecting us. We're on oh-fish-ial bizn'ss, and I think `e'd be a bit put out if'n you did'n let us in."

Mrs. Hudson scowled, but stepped aside. Sam grinned. "Thankee much, ma'am, we're very much `bliged." Wiggins motioned to the other boys, and the Baker Street Irregulars flew up the stairs.

"Why, Watson, I do believe these are our friends now," remarked Holmes. Watson turned as a clattering of feet on the stair announced the arrival of Wiggins and his band. The half-dozen dirty youths fell into line, Wiggins and Sam at the end farthest from the door.

Holmes sighed as he stood. "I have told you before- Have Wiggins or Sam come up here, and report to them."

Wiggins grinned. "Sorry Guv, bu' you know `ow boys like us c'n be." Holmes nodded, a slight smile on his face.

"Now then," he said, becoming business-like, "I am looking for two men, the first with pale red hair, fifty or sixty years old, walks with a cane. His accomplice is a young man of about twenty, black hair and dark eyes. They go by the name of Gael or Tors, one as a grandfather, the other the grandson. The younger works as a banker. The usual fee, and a half-pound to the one who finds them."

Holmes handed each one a sixpence, and they all turned towards the door. "And Sam," said Holmes. Sam turned, eyebrows raised. "I should like to talk to you."

Wiggins glanced at Sam, who waved him away. Wiggins shrugged and geaded out the door.

Holmes waited until everyone but he, Watson, and Sam had exited, then turned back to the youth in front of him. "Please, sit down." Sam looked a little puzzled but pulled up a footstool and sat down, leaning forward.

"Well Guv? Wot is't?"

Holmes had remained standing, and simply looked down at Sam for a few minutes. Finally, he nodded and spoke.

"I would like to know, Sam," he said. "Why you are impersonating a boy."

A/N: I'm working on the second chapter, don't worry. Until then, use that big ol' review button. Also, for you LotR fans, read my other fic! Domo,

Adiva