"The Case of the Brown Durby"
By: Otaku Tenshi



I was standing looking out the front window of our Baker Street flat admiring the snow covering the landscape, when a man came hurrying down the street looking about in a curious fashion.

"I say," I called to Holmes, who was sitting by the fire, "Will you look at this fellow coming."

"Oh yes," Holmes said, looking out the window at him, "He walks by here everyday. He looks as if he's lost something doesn't he?"

"My, he's turning down our walk way." I said, watching him as he headed towards our door. I walked over to open it, "Yes?" I asked.

"Oh, Mr. Watson and Mr. Holmes, I believe?" He said, looking a bit flustered.

"Yes, you are indeed in our presence." Holmes said, "You live near here?"

"Yes, yes I do."

"And what brings you to our flat?"

"Well, I go walking by here every day down to the moors, and I was sitting on a rock, you see ... and I set down my hat and--"

"Hum, sir ... if you'll excuse me. You are looking for a brown derby with a red feather and a shiny, thick black band, with your name, John Mulberry, written in thin gold lettering under the brim, and a small smudge of ink to the left of the feather. It is only three days old and you would feel just terrible if you lost it." Holmes smiled at him.

"How in crumpet's name did you--?" Holmes slid over to him, and put a hand around his shoulder.

"Simple, sir." He grinned, "You're wearing it." With this he plucked the derby off his head and handed it to him. "And I won't charge you this time, sir... But do be thankful that you're head is bolted on, or else you might lose it. Good day." He smiled and waved as he showed him the door.


THE END



I got the idea for this when I was looking all over for my pencil only to realize I had stuck it behind my ear. "Where is that pencil?? I'm sure I put it down right here! Oh lordy! Where's Sherlock Holmes when you need him!"
At which point my friend asked me if the pencil I was looking for was the one behind my ear. Don't I feel silly.