We jumped from the moving train, ran across fields,
caught another train, and at last took the night boat
from Newhaven. For five days we travelled through
France and Germany in the same wild and crazy
way. Holmes would not say where we were going. I
never took my eyes off him during those days, but
the right moment to talk to him never came. Holmes
seemed stronger than ever, while I was getting
weaker every day. Only the cocaine made it
possible for me to stay awake.
Finally, sitting one night in a hotel in Switzerland, I
knew that I could not go on much longer. I had told
Holmes that next day I wanted to walk over the
mountains to the famous Reichenbach Falls. I
decided that I would tell him what I knew about him
when we were alone in the mountains. The cocaine
was almost finished. Whether I lived or died, the end
must come that day.
We did not begin our walk to the Reichenbach Falls
until the afternoon. Holmes refused to go out before
lunch. I was frightened. I had no more cocaine, and
soon I would be too tired to go on. At last we left the
hotel, and started to walk along the mountain paths.
Holmes talked happily as we went. He found the
mountains very beautiful.
When we had gone a little way, I found that I had
left my watch at the hotel. It had belonged to my
father, and I wanted to know that it was safe. I told
Holmes that I would return to the hotel, find the
watch, and see him later at the Falls. I hoped that I
was doing the right thing, and that he would not
disappear.
When at last I reached the Falls, I could not see him,
and thought for a moment that he had escaped me.
Then I saw a narrow path which was cut into the rock
right above the Falls themselves. Holmes was
standing on that path, watching the water crash
down onto the rocks. There was nowhere he could
run to. It could not be easier for me.
I moved towards him. Suddenly he turned and our
eyes met.
His look was cool, untroubled. How could I hope to
frighten this man? My heart failed me and I almost
fell. He stepped forward to help me, but I pulled out
my gun.
'Back!' I shouted. 'Another step and I shall shoot!' He
smiled. 'Very well, doctor. I understand.'