These writings are inspired by and filtered through the lenses of the portrayals of Holmes and Watson by Jeremy Brett, Edward Hardwicke and David Burke in the Granada
RATED: G
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'Do you know, Watson, I have really some scruples as to taking you tonight. There is a distinct element of danger.'
'If I can be of assistance . . . . '
The response -- just as I had known.
'Your presence might be invaluable.'
The vigil spent at Stoke Moran was one of the most frightening encounters I have ever endured. The tension of the unseen, but suspected, deadly threat lurking in the darkness. My hands trembled, not in fear of the snake I anticipated to slither into our midst, but for the fatal circumstances I had organized. The risk of my life, and for the first time in our association, of Watson's.
In the long, nearly unbearable hours couched in shadows, I wondered what right I had to bring my friend to the threshold of such jeopardy. Even as I wondered, I knew the answer. Here, by my side, was where he chose to be, whether it be in a London cab or the heart of danger. Why do I allow -- request -- his partnership in such ventures? Is it possible I have come to depend upon Watson?
Surely, in choosing a roommate those few years ago, I could not have chosen better. I have found a companion who thrives on adventure and these little intrigues of mine. He will stick to my side in the most extreme circumstances. I have a sense that I should not test his limits too far. I am not sure where Watson would draw the line -- the point beyond which he would not go -- out of his sense of duty, of friendship, to me.
SH
5 April 83
The Dreaded Band
05 APR 83
JHW
Once returned to Baker Street, Holmes was most subdued. He confessed that the death of Roylot did not trouble his conscience. I believe he was more unsettled than he wanted to admit over the nocturnal encounter with the snake. Aside from the obvious revelation that he does not like snakes, there is something deeper which effects him. Perhaps because he did not expect such raw danger. Perhaps because he had never been responsible for killing a man. That terrible task is something which sobers all of us. I shall have to watch him, help him through the crisis such actions can induce.
I am thankful we both returned safely from this disturbing case. It was an unnerving adventure. I have faced peril and death before, yet never quite so eerily. I hope Holmes is not overly concerned with any element of risk to me. I accompany him on these adventures with eagerness, willingness. Indeed, there is no where else I would want to be.
If Holmes were more approachable, I could discuss . . . . Perhaps, I simply make to much of Holmes' natural exhaustion at the end of a nerve-wracking case. I am, most likely, imagining the sense of anxiety surrounding him in the aftermath of our adventure.