The water around them rose higher and higher by the minute but Sherlock appeared unfazed at the prospect of death by drowning and misadventure in the remnants of the River Fleet.

"Remind me again why I have to be one to do this?" John grumbled, shaking his head with resignation as he prepared to scramble up a workman's ladder towards the door set high in the sewer tunnel.

"Well, if you must know... you are of a height that should fit through that opening, the raincoat you're wearing should be sufficient to protect you from the rain that is still coming down above ground and more importantly," the detective paused briefly, watching as his friend placed one foot cautiously on the bottom rung and then the other, "I have absolute confidence in your abilities to carry out this escape plan to the fullest, John."