I supposed Holmes’s habit was evident to the astute medical man. ‘Give me some now, but I’ll do without later,’ said I.

‘All right then.’

He filled another syringe, tied off my arm and injected the liquid into a vein. ‘This is a three per cent solution of cocaine. It will tide you past the local. But now you must be very careful. Cocaine makes some feel invincible.’

I was about to reply when a wave of warmth and good will swept over me. I suddenly knew that everything would be absolutely, perfectly, fantastically all right. I sat up eagerly.

Holmes gripped my shoulder. ‘We have work to do, Watson. On your feet.’

‘Work? It’s nearly midnight! This man needs rest,’ said Dr Macready.

I swung my legs off the table, eager to depart.

‘Careful!’ cried Dr Macready, stepping between us. ‘Slow down!’

With the doctor’s help, I gingerly set my feet on the floor.

Holmes was halfway out of the door and turned back impatiently. ‘Come on, Watson!’

‘Your observation powers fail you!’ I found myself shouting. ‘I’ll need my trousers first!’

CHAPTER 35

The Pawnshop

Just outside the doctor’s office, we looked about for a cab to convey us to Holmes’s next destination: Piotr Flan’s pawnshop, which was on the far outskirts of town. I must have been out for some time at Dr Macready’s for it was indeed midnight, and at that moment I was feeling no pain. Darkness engulfed the city and it had begun to rain in great pelting drops. No cabs were to be found.

When I noticed that we were standing somewhat near the police station, I suggested to Holmes that we be less visible. He turned into an alleyway and in five minutes, we were lost.

‘The map, Watson?’

I no longer had it with me. We would have to ask for help. The rain grew into a downpour, but luck was with us. Or in reality, luck had been following us. Upon exiting an alley near the Round Church, we came upon Polly. We had not seen her since Dillie’s murder. She was breathless, pale and – as we were – dripping wet.

‘Mr ’Olmes! Dr Watson! I been trying to flag you. I was outside the Cross and Anchor when you left with an arrow in Doctor Watson, and I tagged on back of that cab and waited for you outside the surgery. But you left so fast. I wants to help you, any way I can. For Miss Dillie. Please, can I help?’

‘Do you know the way to Piotr Flan’s pawnshop?’

‘Yes, I knows it. Follow me. It’s quite far.’

‘Can you make it, Watson?’

I nodded. I was feeling no pain.

‘Then you pawned items for Miss Wyndham?’ asked Holmes as we hurried through the streets.

‘No. I always waited outside. This way.’