Call for an Explanation

[rabidsamfan]

Alfie danced with impatience as I accepted the constable's offer of a police guard upon the premises, and waved off Stamford's half-hearted offer to stay the rest of the night. No sooner had they gone than he attached himself to my arm and dragged me over to sit down on the stairs. "I hope you gave those bleeders a proper pounding, Doctor, so's they won't come back in a hurry."

"I did my best," I told him. "Now, tell me, where did you take Mr. Holmes?"

"To a boat. On the river." Alfie's face crumpled again. "I got left behind."