December 29: "Weary traveller" (from Hades Lord of the Dead)
Remnants of the evening's rain dribbled from trees and rooftops and gushed through the dirty streets and gutters. The slick cobblestones reflected the streetlights, interrupted only by the shadow of a weary traveller making his way uphill, leaning heavily on a cane. He had lost track of time, not intending to make his way home in the darkness. A cab might have taken him to his destination, but he did not have the funds. Much to his chagrin, the money for the ride back to the hotel had become intermixed with the funds he had gambled with. His wins had been small and far between and now he returned home empty-handed.
He stopped for a moment by a streetlight, panting. His health was nowhere near up to uphill nighttime strolls on slick streets. He is only consolation was that if he were robbed, there was nothing but a couple pence to be lost. He had been robbed enough at the roulette table, he thought bitterly. At length, his hotel came into sight. This was no way to live, he decided. The money would not last. He would have to find less expensive pastimes and less expensive lodgings.
Little did Dr. Watson know that the very next day he would find not only a more affordable living situation, but also a lifelong friend.