I was running, fast as I could – I had to get back in time, I simply had to! The letter was a hoax, why had I fallen for it!
My breath was hitching, an agonising stitch in my side, my leg throbbing, but still I ran, knowing I had to. I drew nearer – now I could hear the roar of the Falls, the cascading of the water…
I rounded the corner of the path and was filled with icy fear.
"Holmes!"
He was struggling with a man on the very edge. I took off at a dead sprint…
I reached the path just in time to see them falter, teetering…
"Holmes!"
"Watson!" I heard a frantic voice calling back as they went tumbling…down…
"No!" I sobbed.
"Watson!"
"Watson, wake up!"
I gasped in fright – staring into Holmes's white face as he held me tightly, gripping my shoulders.
"H-Holmes," I whispered, realising I was trembling all over and my face was wet with tears.
His own expression was unguardedly softened with worry as I sat up shakily, clinging to him.
"You frightened me half to death, old fellow," he said gently, "when I heard you scream I thought someone was up here."
"I'm sorry," I murmured.
"No, I am," he whispered, "these ghosts are my fault. What a heartless fiend I've been."