"You've got to drink, boy." I lifted the spoon. "Go on."

Alfie gave a faint groan and turned away. I caught a muffled whisper, "'on't 'ant to…" My heart clenched but I pushed forward. "You've got to, child." I tested his temperature. There was hardly any improvement.

"Isn't Wiggins back yet?" I asked Colin. He shook his head, his dark curls flopping over his liquid eyes, and then pushed forward a little bundle. I took it and noticed a small kitten peek out.

"Colin, what-"

"We saw it yesterday." Colin's whisper was inaudible. "Alfie wanted to keep it, but Wiggins said it wasn't ours so we couldn't. But if it isn't anyone's, and if we gave it to Alfie, he would…he would get better, right?" He looked at me, trembling slightly. "Wouldn't he?"

I did not know how to answer his innocent question. The memories of a group of children asking the same question, flashed through my mind.

A desert bereft of man or beast…

Not now…

They trusted you, but you…

Not NOW!!

"Doctor?" I looked up from my hands. Colin was looking at me. Many of the other Irregulars were peeking in through the doorway.

"Is…is something wrong?"

I felt my damp cheeks and shook my head.

"No, everything's fine." I looked around, partly to distract attention from myself. "Can I get some hot water?"



Colin turned but the next moment he had reached out and touched my cheek; his finger's detecting my tears instantly.

"Alfie's going to be fine, Doctor." He gave me a nod. "Just you see. He's strong and-and-"

He stopped, looking tongue tied.

"And...?"

"And we've got you. So…even if you couldn't…couldn't save someone before, it-it won't happen now. I know that."

With that, the little Irregular bolted from the room, I staring after him dumbly.

How on earth…

Children, I imagined my mother saying, they know all.

"Yes," I whispered. "They truly do."

(Holmes POV)

I looked at the note in my hand, frowning. Beside me, Lestrade watched me curiously.

Holmes,

Alfie has taken ill and I have left with Colin to see to him. I may not be back before midnight.

Watson

"Alfie?"said Lestrade. "One of your little group of urchins, Mr. Holmes?"

I nodded, the frown deepening on my face, as I checked the letter again. Finally I put it down and got to my feet with a sigh.



"Its written by Watson, alright." I flipped the note to Lestrade, who caught it looking bewildered. Pulling on my coat, I prepared to go out.

"Where on earth are you going in this wind, Mr. Holmes?" He indicated the outside, where a fierce wind had risen. "Your not off to see the children, are you?"

"Of course, I am."

"In this weather?"

"In any weather. Their health and life is my responsibility."

To my surprise, I saw Lestrade pick up his coat too.

"I'm coming, as well."

I smiled warmly at him.

"Very well."

To anybody whose getting confused with Watson's Past references don't worry everything will be explained soon.