Hallo, all! I've been out of town all weekend at my graduation ceremony and rehearsals, etc., so if you were wondering where I was, that's why. This is a double 221B, and I'm killing two birds with one stone - spoilers for That Whiter Host and an entry into Chewing Gum's meme.
"Wait."
Holmes laid a finger to his lips, motioning me to silence. For a moment, we heard nothing but the clattering of the train wheels; then I heard what Holmes had already distinguished – a barely audible brushing against the compartment door.
Holmes glanced at me, then shoved the door open with an abrupt bang.
And elicited a small yelp from the little eavesdropper outside our compartment.
"Get in here," my friend snapped, hauling the cringing lad into the compartment, shoving him into a seat across from the two of us.
"Alfie, what the devil are you doing here?" I gasped at last, when the penitent Irregular turned his attentions to me in an effort for a bit more sympathy.
"Followin' yew."
"We had managed to deduce that for ourselves," Holmes snapped, slamming the door closed again, "but we are now on the Continent – how in the world did you shadow us for so long without my seeing you?"
The lad scoffed. "Yer the one tha' taught me 'ow ta tail a bloke wit'out bein' seen, Mr. 'Olmes!"
I glared at my friend, who was turning an interesting shade of crimson.
"Pity you're such a good teacher, 'Mr. 'Olmes'," I said icily.
Holmes sent me a scathing look before turning back to Alfie
"I told you to stay in London. No, do not interrupt me, young man. I don't care how well you speak German or how much help you think you are going to be, you are NOT coming with us! And that is final!"
Alfie winced at the detective's raised voice, shrinking back into the cushions, looking at me. I shook my head sternly.
And then he did the unthinkable – those large green eyes welled up and he started to cry silently.
Holmes's face turned even redder, and I was hard put not to laugh, for I knew the lad well enough to see that it was a complete act.
Holmes spluttered for a moment but finally dropped back beside me with a sigh.
"I suppose we can't send you back to London alone," he growled.
This time I did laugh, as the tears instantly dissipated, being replaced by that impish grin.
"But on one condition, mind," Holmes said sternly.
"Wha's tha', Mr. 'Olmes?"
"You do whatever Dr. Watson tells you to without question, hear?"
"What I tell him to?" I asked in dismay.
"Yes, I'm putting you in charge of him this trip, you seem to be so sympathetic to him."
"But –"
"I have not the time nor the energy to deal with a hyperactive child on this case."
"But – confound it, Holmes! I'm a doctor, not a baby-sitter!"