"Now then, which of you shall be the first to die?" the criminal cackled, stroking his revolver lovingly.
"Leave Watson out of this-it's me you want, correct?"
"Oh, quite so, Mr. Holmes. I assure you, I have no wish to do harm to the doctor if it can be avoided."
"Then let him go. Now."
"Holmes, you can't expect me to just leave you here to die!"
"Stay out of this, Doctor!" the detective roared.
"Dear me, Mr. Holmes, you shouldn't shout at your friend. Do you want his last memory to be that angry expression of yours?"
"But you said-"
"I said I didn't wish to harm him-if it could be avoided. But I'm afraid it can't. Surely you don't think I'd be stupid enough to leave a witness behind!"
"For God's sake, let him go! I swear to you, he'll leave, he shan't tell anyone. Just let him live! Please, you have me, what else can you possibly want? Why get more blood on your hands?"
"Well, I suppose you have a point, there's no need for useless bloodshed. But shouldn't you ask your friend what he thinks first? I doubt that he'll be agreeable to your proposal."
"He's right, old fellow. I will not abandon you."
Before Holmes could protest, the night was shattered by a loud bang.