Wrapping Holmes's handkerchief over his wound, Watson glanced up at him as he made his way inside. The very last thing he wanted to do was inflict this mess on anyone else, let alone Mrs. Hudson, or to have any more witnesses to his injury.

"No," he said shortly. "I think the bleeding's beginning to stop." He was fairly certain that was not a lie, either. "Help me up the stairs, and I can take a proper look at it."

Watson swallowed hard again, trying to stave off a sudden wave of nausea as he climbed the stairs.