Mrs. Hudson muttered that she could provide the wherewithal at any
time!
As for myself, I took the opportunity to write up my journal early
in the day, for I sense that we may be about to embark on a most
extraordinary and perplexing adventure, the like of which, even in my
Indian Army days, I have rarely encountered. I say "we" - I mean
Holmes! I shall NOT become involved. The time has come for Watson
to watch from the sidelines. Heaven knows how greatly such inaction
goes against every inclination of my restless spirit, but my new
commitments demand a change of attitudes. Holmes will have to do
without me! I have at times wondered how much he honestly values
my assistance, but now it is too late. He shall NOT solicit my aid
again. I am quite firm upon the matter, albeit this tale of the
Hound has turned my mind back sentimentally to the little
bull-pup I had when Holmes and I first met, and how I had to
find another home for it at the insistence of Mrs. Hudson and
