Chapter Six
A Fortunate Turn of Events
Watson

"It's a dog! Come here boy! That's it. When did you get him? He's wonderful!" I exclaimed as he licked my face excitedly.

"Just today, but we've been looking at for a while, and decided it was best to get him after we moved that way we wouldn't have to wait for him to arrive and move him as well. And I thought this house hold needed a pet. So what are you going to name him?"

"I don't know. Do you know of any names good dog names Dad?"

"Oh sure, there's Sparky, Rover, Ace, Toby-"

"Toby, that's it. I like that one."

"Then Toby it is! Now it's your responsibility to take care of him. I'll buy his food and make sure he is healthy and all and you can do the rest. How's that sound?"

"I can do that! I'll take only the best care of him. Thank you Dad!" I said as I hugged him.

"Oh you're welcome."

"Come on Toby, let's go play outside!" Toby barked as if in agreement, and it made me laugh.

[Monday after school…]

"Guess what my parents gave me. A Dog! He's a good one too."

"Really, what kind of dog is he and what's his name?" asked Holmes.

"A blood hound I think, I named him Toby. The other day we were all playing hide-and-seek, Josie hid, gave me her hat and Toby always found her-"

"Watson! How brilliant!"

"What is?"

"Do you remember that scarf that I grabbed from the burglar? Well we could go back to the alley, give Toby the scent, and set him to the trail. We'll find him in no time!"

"That is brilliant! When should we go?"

"As soon as homework is finished," said Mycroft from behind us. I had to agree for there is no arguing with him.

"I suppose it wouldn't take long to finish home work before we set off. Do you think I could stay at your house while we do our homework?"

"I think it would be alright, and don't worry Mycroft, my uncle will make sure we both get our work done." Mycroft chuckled then hopped into a carriage.

"You won't be going with us?" I asked.

"Not this time. I have other things to attend to. I shall see you at supper," said he with a slight smile.

We also hopped in a carriage, and headed in the opposite direction towards my house.

When we got there, we were greeted by a very cheerful Toby. It was almost as if he knew what we were planning to do.

Later that day after homework was finished; I, Uncle Chester, and Holmes went back to his house to get the scarf. It wasn't long before we found ourselves in the very alleyway where he had lost the burglar.

"Here we are, and here's the scarf. Get a good whiff of it. That's it. Good boy. And off we go! Come on Holmes!"

Toby led us all through the city, turning to the left and to the right; all the while his nose was to the ground. It was a good, not so foggy day outside, thus making it a good day for a walk.

Uncle Chester had a curious look on his face, like he wanted to ask a question.

"Are you alright uncle? You look puzzled."

"Yes I'm alright, but I do have a question. Why do you two address each other by your last names?"

I never thought about it before, but Holmes answered for me.

"I think it's because it makes us sound more mature." The way he answered sounded more like a question.

"You don't say? Well, I don't think that would work on either me or Grover!"

About that time Toby stopped, maybe he lost the scent?

"Did you lose the scent-"I was cut off when Holmes said," Look! There he is!"

Toby picked up the scent which led to his boots. He instantly recognized us when he saw the scarf dangling in Holmes' hand.

"I know you! You're the one who stole my scarf!"

"Only because I was trying to catch you because you broke into Mr. Barnaby's house and stole something!"

"Oi! I was only following orders, and now's not the time or the place to be talking 'bout this anyways. I've got a feelin' the coppers are on to me. And I've hardly even started my job!"

"Then you wouldn't mind coming with us, would you?" asked my uncle rather sharply. The burglar took in a sharp breath and said," Hey, you're Hudson, wait no, no 'e 'ad some green eyes he did… I got it! You're Hawthorne! …no that's not either. 'E 'ad a mustache-" About that time Uncle Chester had him by the collar.

"How do you know them? Who told you what they look like?"

"Captain Milo McAllen told me. Look, can we please go somewhere else where we can't be over-heard?"

"Who's Captain McAllen?" Holmes asked.

"He's the captain I helped to mutiny," he said gravely, and then he continued rather sharply," I know of a real good place."We went back to Mr. Grover's house.

"Look what the cat dragged in! Who's this fellow?" said Mr. Grover as Uncle Chester shoved the in the burglar.

"I don't exactly know, so he is going to tell us, and start with your name," said my uncle shoving him into a chair.

"Alright I'll tell you. Just don't hurt me please.

"I'm Louis Fenton and 'bout a week ago, 'e found me when I was walking home, and offered me a lot of money if I helped him. I don't even remember the amount; I just know it was a lot. Well, I'm sort o' in need o' some financial help, so I accepted. 'E told me that all I need to do is get an old' ratty piece o' a map, all five o' them, and bring them to him, and he'd give me the loot. 'E told me who had them, their addresses, and a bit o' what they look like."

"So, you didn't murder Mr. Barnaby?" Asked Holmes.

"I'd do nuffin o' the sort. I tell you I was just in it for the money that I needed. I'm not a criminal you know."

"No you're just a burglar." said Mr. Grover matter-of-factly.

"Did he tell you why he needed them?" asked Holmes again.

"Nope, 'e just told me 'e needed them, and quick."

"Then that is what we need to find out. But how…?"

Then said my uncle, "But how indeed, my boy."

It was silent in the room for a moment. Mr. Grover's face lit up like something had just occurred to him. Then he said," What did the notes that Barnaby had say again?" I turned to the page where I had copied the notes and gave it to him.

"Danger coming, [it read] guard your piece.

"So, Barnaby knew that Milo wanted the map pieces. And it would make sense that Milo found Barnaby first, because-"

"Barnaby had made the map." said Holmes matter-of-factly.

"Hey! You're a smart one you are."

"Indeed, but there's still the question of why did he want the map." said Uncle Chester, deep in thought.

"I got an idea!" exclaimed Mr. Grover, jumping to his feet. Uncle Chester didn't look amused by this.

"Maybe we can find some of our old crew members and ask them if maybe they know!"

"That might actually work."My uncle mused. "Save one thing… we didn't really keep contact with anyone after the mutiny, so we don't know where anyone is."

Mr. Grover's face dropped, "Oh, Right…."

"Can I leave now?" Asked Louis, he was on the edge of his seat.

"No, you may not. You are going to stay with us."