Watson nodded slowly. He suspected that if he were to hide the drugs that were now in his doctor's bag, Holmes would be able to find it, if he truly tried. Still, sometimes the effort was what counted. "I'll keep it safe, then. Whatever you need."

The second question was harder. To drop everything and follow Holmes was all he wanted in the world, though it seemed irresponsible a thing to do as a physician.

"My neighbour, who is also a doctor... he would be able to take my patients at least some of the time." This troubled him a little. He could hardly stand on professional courtesy indefinitely. "I would want to do exactly that. You have no idea. There is nothing I would desire more."