Dronerama 1999

It is two years since my erudite companion and I first encountered the evil Dr. One. "You have not seen the last of me!" he cried, as we consigned him to oblivion.

One crisp morning in the Autumn of ‘99, I found my steely-eyed comrade poring over a missive that had arrived in the post. "There is no time to lose, Watson", he announced throwing on his cape. "We go to York at the first opportunity - if I am not mistaken there is mischief afoot and my old adversary Dr One is at the bottom of it!" I knew better than to question him and we set out immediately, arriving just as it was growing dark. We were to lodge at the Abbey where a fellowship of eminent artists had gathered.

Our host Mr. Andrew Hall greeted us. "Thank goodness you are here!" he exclaimed. "I am afraid that we are in grave danger."

"Pray calm yourself." said my companion firmly, and he surveyed the scene, his keen eyes glittering with intelligence. We were silent as he paced back and forth stopping every so often as he noticed something of interest. Suddenly he darted forward, picked something up and placed it in his pocket. "Come Watson," he said, "We can do no more here tonight. This must wait until first light tomorrow."

"But I don't understand!" I exclaimed.

"That, Watson, is because you see but you do not observe."

The following morning we partook of a hearty breakfast then joined the assembled fellowship. There, we viewed a splendid display, the results of their labours - all kinds of strange and exotic statuary . At once my companion whipped out his viewing glass and examined everything carefully, every so often making an exclamation . "It is as I thought." he said at last, "I see here the devilish work of Dr One. I first suspected it when I saw this." He took from his pocket an envelope containing a tiny fragment of some dark material. "This," he said triumphantly. "is a special clay. You recall, Watson my monograph on the different varieties of modelling clay. Note that this has been treated so as to render it useless. Note also that Dr. One is now selling his own exclusive range of figures. The conclusion is obvious - this is a plot by Dr. One to achieve supremacy by sabotaging his competitors."

"What fiendishness!" I said.

"Effrontery, my dear Watson."

That very day, Dr. One sent his agents to prevent the sale of rival models but my able companion assisted Mr. Ballard to make the sale a great success.

"But who is Dr. One?" I exclaimed.

"He will reveal himself in time," said my erudite friend, "meanwhile we must watch and wait." I was detailed to observe the Great Bower demonstrate his unique abilities as a constructor while my companion employed his artistic talents by taking part in a painting class.

Another of Dr One's plans almost succeeded when he nearly sabotaged the Magic Lantern display but my companion's mechanical genius saved the day. Later that evening our friend Mr. Guiver supplied the entertainment which was much appreciated by all.

The next day my brilliant companion was laid low. There had clearly been foul play by the evil Doctor, who knew that we were on his trail. Fortunately my comrade's iron constitution meant that he was soon back to his old form.

The second sale of artistic creations raised considerable funds and as it closed, the gaunt black clad figure of Dr One stood before us glowering. My companion faced him. In ringing tones he announced the total of the funds raised by the sale, which were all to be given to a deserving charity.

Dr One gasped. "To charity - and I thought this was all to turn a profit for yourselves!" With that he departed and we saw him no more.

"Excellent!" I cried. "That is the last we will see of him, I fancy. "

"And now, Watson," said my companion, "the Fellowship is free to go from strength to strength unhindered - why I do believe that the next such gathering is already being planned. This is a great day, Watson."

"But there's still one thing I don't understand, " I said.

"And that is?"

"Gary - why do you keep calling me Watson?"

Linda Stratmann
(Apologies to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)