The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1905-07-07

that II was the cat, A FIRE was burn
ing I'm this new room, and again the air
was heavy with tobacco smoke Holmes
entered on tptoe. waited FOR me to fol.
low. and then very gently closed the
door. We were in Milverton's study
and a portiere at the farther side show
cd the entrance to bis bedroom.
It was good fire, and the room was
illuminated by IT, Near the door I saw
fhc gleam OF an electric switch, but Il
was Unnecessary, even n Il had been
safe, to turn II on. At one side Of the
fireplace was heavy curtain which
covered the bay window we had scen
from outside. On the other side was
the door which communicated with the
veranda. desk stood In the center
with a turning chair Of shining red
leather. Opposite was large book
case with a marble bust Of Athene on
the top. In the corner, between the
bookcase and the wall. there stood
tall. green safe, the freight flashing
back from the polished brass knobs
upon It's face. Holmes stole across and
looked at II. Then he crept to the door
OF the bedroom and stood with slantng
head. listening intently No sound came
FROM within. Meanwhile It had struck
me that Il would be wise 70 secure our
retreat through the outer door. so ex-
amineG II. To my amayement Il was
neither locked nor bolted. | touched
Holmes on the arm. and he turned his
masked face in that direction. | saw
him start. and he was evidently as sur
prised as l.
Il don't like IT," he whispered. put
ting his lips to my very ear. Il can't
quite make II out. Anyhow we have
no time 70 lose"
"Can l do anythlng?"
yes stand 10y the door. II you hear
any one come, bolt II on the inside,
and we can get away as we came. II
they come the other way, we can get
through the door II our job is done or
hide behind these window curtains II
It Is not. DO YOU underatandT
l nodded and stood by the door. Ny
first feeling OF fear had passed away.
ana | thrilled now with a keener zest
than | had ever enjoyed when we were
the defenders OF the law instead OF It's
deners. The high object OF our mis-
sion, the consciousness that II was
unselflsh and chivalrous, the villainous
character OF our opponent. ali added 70
the sporting interest OF the adventure.
Far m u feeling guilty. rejoiced and
exnlted m our dangers With "A glow
OF admiration ! watched Holmes un-
rolling his case OF instruments and
choosing his tool with the calm, scien-
tihc accuracy Of surgeon who per
forms delicate operation knew
that the opening OF safes was a partic-
ular hobby with him, and I understood
the Joy which Il gave him 20 be con-
fronted with this green and gold mon
ster. the dragon which held IN its nav
the regulations OF many fair ladies',
Turning up the cuifs OF his dress coat
he bad placed his overcoat Gu a chair
Holmes laid out two drills, a jimmy
and several skeleton keys For about
half an hour Holmes worked with con
ccntrated energy, laying down one tool.
picking up another, handling each with
the strength and delicacy Of the train
ed mechanic Finally / heard a click,
the broad green door swung open, and
inside / had a glimpse Of a number II
paper packets, each tied. sealed and
Inscribed. Holmes picked one out, but
IL was hard 10 read by the fickering
fire. and he dreyg out his little dark
lantern, for It was too dangerous with
Mllverton In the next room to switch
on the electric light Suddenly I saw
him halt listen intently, and then IN
an instant he had swung the door Of
The safe 10. picked up his coat, stuffed
bis tools into the pockets and darted
behind the window curtain, motioning
me 10 do the same
ITO be continued tomorrow.