October 1897: The Professor Returns
One rainy night, Toby suggested we pass the time by telling ghost stories in front of the fireplace.
"I'm too busy watching out for rats," I responded.
"Rats?" Toby asked. "Why? Not all rats are evil, and don't you think Basil would know if there were any rats in his home?"
"I've told you about what Ratigan did to me, but have I ever told you what rats do to dogs?"
He tilted his head. "What are you talking about, Felicia?"
"When dogs are asleep, rats tear out their eyes. They use the dog eyes to play billiards, and the winner eats them baked in a casserole." I sighed as if recalling unpleasant memories. "Ratigan tried to feed me dog eye casserole once, but I refused, and he…!" I cringed and shook my head.
Speaking of dog eyes, Toby's were as wide as Mr. Holmes's magnifying glass. "You're not joking?!" He moved closer. "Do you really think there's a rat in here?"
I lowered my voice. "I cannot be sure, but you must be quiet. Rats have excellent hearing."
Toby was trembling all over. The next time lightning flashed and thunder rumbled, he ran straight into Mr. Holmes's room and jumped onto the bed, startling the investigator from a sound sleep.
"What in Doyle's name…?! Toby! I suppose the fault is mine for leaving the door partially ajar, but you know better than to…!"
The dog started whimpering and whining, causing the detective's tone to soften.
"Frightened by the storm, were you? Very well, but you must remain on the floor! I simply will not allow you to sleep on my bed!"
Believe me when I say it was all I could do to refrain from a fit of hysterical laughter. That dog was SO gullible! How could someone that witless have ever been trained to serve the shrewd Sherlock Holmes or the brilliant Basil of Baker Street?! Tricking that mutt was so much fun that I was always trying to outdo myself, and I had just…! This had been perfect! If Ratigan himself had returned from the dead, Toby couldn't have been more frightened!
Or could he?
I won't say I came up with an elaborate scheme to hire a rat to act the part of Ratigan's ghost in order to frighten Toby, but then again, I won't say I didn't. I can neither confirm nor deny it.