Ok as we all know computers can be…well annoying as hell, it's taken a while and three different computers to be able to put up this chapter, as mine is refusing to work, so unfortunately I may be a little slow at both putting up chapters and reviewing all the new stories that have appeared, but I'll try my best!

I hope you enjoy the next part of 1 2 4 write's story:

Although he went with Basil to the Mezmir Club, Dawson was still unwilling to fully believe in hypnotism.

"As a medical man you must admit that hypnotism has it's place in modern science," Basil said.

"Well, I suppose that there are certain people who go under if you point a finger at them, but anybody with half a brain wouldn't be duped by such a thing."

Just then Dawson felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see a rather amused looking mouse behind him.

"I'm glad to see someone sees through our little charade, Why don't you and your friend come behind stage and I'll show you how we work?"

Dawson looked at Basil who had started to follow the newcomer and gestured for Dawson to do the same. Was it Dawson's imagination or was Basil chuckling to himself?

The hypnotist led them to a room with a chair placed in front of a circular board with a black and white spiral painted on it.

"Won't you have a seat Doctor?'

Dawson reluctantly sat down, and the hypnotist started the spiral spinning.

"Amazing what an attraction it has, on the weak minded of course. Someone like yourself could look at it 'til doomsday and not be hypnotized. Although you may get a bit drowsy. Why you're feeling drowsy now aren't you?" Dawson's eyelids drooped. Basil made sure to look at different areas of the floor and walls.

"Why don't you let the spiral come into you doctor? Just relax yourself. Go to sleep if you feel like it." At the hypnotist's words, Dawson's eyes closed tightly.

"Stand up. Now, you're on holiday in Scotland. Isn't the scenery beautiful? You're walking towards a stream now. You'd better take off your shoes and socks."

Dawson removed his right shoe and sock.

"You can leave the other ones on. The other leg is waterproof. Now cross the stream. And when you get to the other side you can set down and relax on the bank." He guided Dawson back to the chair.

"Now wake up."

Dawson's eyes opened and he turned to Basil.

"See? I told you there was no reason to believe in hypnotism."

"You may be right Dawson, but I have a feeling you'll be needing your other shoe."

Surprised, Dawson blushed and put it back on. Basil couldn't help grinning, but turned serious again seeing Miss Dreyford walk over and yell at the hypnotist.

"You know hypnotism should only be used in healing, not making fools out of people."

Basil walked over. "I agree completely."

"Mr. Basil. Have you found my missing ring yet?"

"No, I'm sorry to say I haven't. I've been caught up in an extremely difficult case. For the first time in my life I find myself completely baffled. I'm actually loosing sleep over it."

Dawson had not known Basil long, but by now he knew him well enough to know that the detective often went without sleep when on a case, so it wasn't too difficult to see where this was going.

"You know, I may be able to help with that," Miss Dreyford said. "I'm not a professional, but I do know enough about hypnotism to help a person sleep. Why don't you meet me at my place in about an hour?"

"I can't think of a pleasanter experience," Basil answered. Miss Dreyford gave him the address and made an excuse to leave. Once she was out of hearing range Dawson turned to Basil.

"Are you sure about this? You just saw how easy it is to be hypnotized. If she is in with Ratigan and you get hypnotized there's no telling what could happen."

"If my will isn't stronger than her's I deserve it. Give me about half an hour after I get there and then follow with Vole."