Homes almost cried out loud !  'Well, it's now certain he means to kill me !  He must have come by the Library and saw me asleep.  There's only one thing to do . . . . Get the heck out of here as fast as possible, and NEVER come back !'
        Still carrying the knife and note, he quickly headed for the exit.  He hadn't taken but a few steps, when he suddenly heard from behind, 'Homes !'
        Sure-Luck nearly fainted, for it was unquestionably the voice of the Chief who had spoke.
        'I say there, old boy !  Where are you off too ?' the Chief asked.
        For a moment, Sure-Luck was confused.  He could have sworn it was the Chief who had spoke, yet he didn't sound like someone who was upset about anything.  Homes reluctantly turned around, and was a bit shocked to see the Chief smiling at him.
        Thinking fast, Sure-Luck answered, 'Ah, oh Hi Chief !  I thought a breath of fresh air would wake me up a bit.  It's been a long day !'
        'Okay, fine, my boy !  You go ahead, and when you come back inside, come on down to my office and give me the results of your assignment.' came back the Chief.
        Oh Boy !, thought Sure-Luck.  How can I get out of this ?  All sorts of excuses started running through his head.  But he knew none of them was going to help him this time.  So he decided to just tell the Chief the truth, and take his punishment, no matter what.
        'Well listen Chief, if you must know the truth, I didn't find that expression mentioned at all, and the reason for it, is . . . .'
        Breaking in, the Chief said, 'The reason for it is because Arthur Conan Doyle had never once had Sherlock Holmes ever speak that expression !  Right, my boy ?  Of course !  Homes, I'm proud of you !  I knew I could count on YOU !'
        Sure-Luck was in great shock !  The Chief had unknowingly saved Sure-Luck from a fate worse than death !  And Sure-Luck figured that there was no sense in letting the Chief know the truth of the matter.  After all, the Chief was happy, and that was certainly enough to make Homes happy too !
        Suddenly Homes remembered the dagger and note he was still holding.  Now if the Chief was so happy, then what in the world was the note all about ?  He decided he had better know, so he spoke up, 'Ah, Chief.  I realize how happy you are, but if so, then why did you put this note up on the door, and with this dagger stuck in it ?'
        The Chief became immediately puzzled.  He took the note and read it.  As he finished, he suddenly broke out in a roar of laughter !  'Forgive me for laughing, my boy, but you probably don't know what a practical joker my secretary is.  And I must say, this is the best one she's pulled yet !'
        Sure-Luck didn't know whether to be angry or not, at the secretary's little joke.  At least he didn't find it amusing at all.
        The Chief went on, 'You see Homes, I had told my secretary to write out a note for you, telling you that I was going to promote you, and give you a new badge, while also erasing your name from the "Rookie" list.  Of course I told her to "pin" it to the door, so as not to disturb you.'
        Now Sure-Luck was in shock !  Did he hear the Chief correctly ?  Did he Chief really say the word, "promotion" ?
        'Come, my lad !  Let's go to my office and you can pick up your badge.'
        Sure-Luck was suddenly all goose bumps !  He couldn't believe it !  But, he nevertheless followed the Chief to his office.  Once inside, the Chief opened up his desk drawer and pulled out a small box.
        Handing it to Homes, he said, 'Go ahead Homes.  Open it up !  I'm anxious to see what it looks like myself !'
        Suddenly Sure-Luck became all thumbs !  He couldn't believe how nervous he was.  Struggling, he managed to get the lid off.  Pride suddenly bloomed within him.  Then just as suddenly, he grew a big frown.
        Noticing it, the Chief asked, 'What is it ?  Is something wrong, my boy ?'
        'Ah, well I guess not.  But I'm a bit puzzled by my badge number.'
        The Chief leaned over the desk to look in the box, held in Sure-Luck's hand.  Immediately he broke out in laughter again.
        This was starting to get on Sure-Luck's nerves.  After some moments, the Chief had composed himself and said, 'Homes, those boys downstairs could sure give my secretary a run for her money, when it comes to jokes.'
        'Jokes?' responded Sure-Luck.
        'Huh ?  Why yes, my boy !'  Then the Chief looked at Homes and said, 'My boy !  Forgive me.  I bet you are so tired from your long day of reading.  I bet that's why you're not in a joking mood right now.
        So why not head on home.  And when you come back tomorrow morning, be wearing that badge, and with pride, I might add !  Now off with you !  And Homes !  Once again, a GREAT JOB !'