The Great Escape

All had been quite at 221b Baker Street.  Monty Moriarty and Ramble DeAmble were securely locked up.  Harlow Holmes suddenly had time to endeavor in one of her favorite hobbies - stick chewing - and I found myself with time to catch up on reading.  It was during one of these lazy days that I discovered news most disturbing. 

Monty Moriarty escapes!!

Monty Moriarty was indeed a mastermind!  How had he escaped?  I was worried about having to once more face the diabolical Moriarty. 

Diabolical, indeed!

In a panic I rushed to Harlow Holmes and gave her the paper to read.  She read it, and then looked sadly at me.  She was in a pique, due to the fact the paper left out one "great" and could not be bothered.

Leave me to dis stick, da Momma!

I decided I should be the one to help detectives and, after donning my coat, left the warm house and ventured out into the rain.  In no time at all I was at the crime scene and studying the clues left behind.  The detectives had already marked the clues, and were eager to show me what they had found.  I will lay them out for you here, so that you may study them along side me.

Of course, the scene of the crime had been carefully documented, and it was apparent Moriarty had escaped by tunneling under the secure walls.

Unfortunately, the guards had to block the route and compromised the crime scene.

The next clue the detectives insisted was important, but I wasn't sure how it tied to the case...

Wood?  Why was there wood at the crime scene?

I suddenly remembered Moriarty's accomplice, Ramble DeAmble, also serving time for assisting his friend.  DeAmble was well known for his love of imported wood, and was often seen with a piece between lip and gum.  I added him to the list of suspects to question.

Ramble DeAmble!

I mentioned DeAmble's name to the detectives and they added nodded gravely, agreeing that he was indeed a person of interest.  They then mentioned another fellow, whom they believed was working on the outside to help Moriarty escape. 

Only known as "Major" - this fellow could be trouble!

We decided to quickly finish processing the clues - we needed to find Moriarty!

The next clue - someone tried to destroy evidence!

We believe this was how Moriarty was getting messages to his accomplice on the outside.  However, there wasn't much left to determine what was said.  How I wish Harlow Holmes were here - she'd know a way!

One of the detectives called me over, having just discovered a pawprint in the mud by the gate.

Hmmmm....

After careful deliberations, we determined that the footprint was from a single suspect, with carefully manicured nails, who would be wearing a size 1 shoe, if he wore shoes at all.  These were Moriarty's pawprints! Ramble DeAmble and Major were cleared!

Cleared!

With a sigh, I looked out across the country side.  Where was Monty Moriarty?  ...and just what was he planning?

He could be anywhere!

It was then I noticed Harlow Holmes standing on the edge of the crime scene.  She looked at me, her face serious and grave.  I knew now that she was on the case. 

Are you ready for the chase, da Momma Watson?

I straightened my coat and went to stand beside her.  Harlow Holmes would once again face her greatest adversary, Monty Moriarty, and I only hoped that I would be of some assistance.

To be continued....