"The axle is broken," Watson said in a clipped tone. "We'll have to walk."
They started on the six mile trudge back to town, the silence hanging heavy between them. After a vicious argument at the start of their journey, neither had spared an unnecessary word towards the other.
During their long walk, Watson turned to Holmes. "I'm sorry, Holmes. I shouldn't have said that. I hope you can forgive me."
"My dear Watson, of course," Holmes replied warmly. Watson knew he would never apologize, but as the tension was replaced by companionable quiet, he found he really didn't mind.
