Prompt: A wagging tail, from Wordwielder
A/N: Another 221b
"I shall just stop and get our friend Toby," Holmes said to me and the group of Irregulars who were accompanying us. Because, he maintained, children might go where an adult would be noticed.
Children walking a dog attracted no notice at all. Holmes stopped outside the nondescript shop where Toby lived and emerged after a few moments with the eager young hound.
The children all cried out delightedly, even Wiggins. "May we pet him, Mr. Holmes?" little Ronald asked.
As Toby's tail was frantically wagging, Holmes could hardly say no, and soon the children were all petting Toby enthusiastically. "I suppose it is a good thing they get along," I said.
Toby was now rolling on the ground as the children rubbed his belly. Purer bliss was never seen on a dog. "Come, we have work to do," said Holmes impatiently.
"Are we to walk him for you?" Melinda asked.
"My turn, my turn!" Sam cried, reaching for the lead.
"You shall each have a turn, however, Toby will be working." Holmes said. "If he finds what I think he will, I shall let you give him his treat later."
The children cheered. Holmes let Toby sniff his prey, and he immediately set off down the street with the children running after him. Even Holmes had to laugh. "Good boy!"