16. From BookRookie12: Candles
'Knowledge of chemistry: profound,' I reminded myself.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Doctor?" Mrs. Hudson whispered in my ear.
"Of course, Mrs. Hudson," I whispered in return, trying to sound confident. Knowledge of chemistry: profound. Knowledge of chemistry: profound. "The effect is sure to be spectacular."
"Explosions are spectacular," Tommy piped up cheerfully. At a quelling glance from Wiggins, he subsided, but it was clear from looking at the four or five Irregulars crowded in the front vestibule that they rather hoped Holmes would make a mistake. Permission to decorate the tree was an honor for a small boy; witnessing an explosion would no doubt be a privilege.
"There shall be no explosion," Holmes said, coating the last candle wick with a curious resin of his own and setting it carefully back into its holder. "Rather a simple bit of chemistry, hardly worthy of this fuss."
I, who had been driven out of our shared rooms by noxious fumes more than once, found this less than reassuring. Thankfully, all present had jackets and boots near to hand; it would not be a lengthy process to evacuate.
"I believe the candles are ready to be lit. Tommy, if you would assist me."
No doubt the boy regretted being so outspoken before. However, he stepped forward and accepted a pack of matches from my friend. Taking up another, he and Holmes commenced lighting the candles one by one.
I gasped. Instead of their usual golden glow, these candles shone out in blue, green, and red, resembling nothing more than fairy lights nestled against the decorated boughs. I heard a similar gasp from the Irregulars, and even Mrs. Hudson stood entranced.
All too soon, the strange colors burned out and the candles resumed their usual gleam. After a moment, Mrs. Hudson woke from her trance and began extinguishing them; it was dangerous to leave a Christmas tree lit for too long with the threat of fire. By then, the Irregulars were talking excitedly, and I had no doubt that word of this would spread all over London before the day was out.
"Well, Watson," Holmes said smugly at my elbow. "I trust that was spectacular enough?"