Morris tribune., 1905-08-12

and we had become felons in the eyes
| of the law. The thick, warm air of the
conservatory and the rich, choking fra
GRANGE of exotic plants took us by the
! throat. He seized my hand in the dark
ness and led me swiftly past banks OF
shrubs which brushed against oul
| faces. Holmes had remarkable powers
| carefully cultivated, of seeing in the
dark. Still holding my hand in one Of
his, he opened a door, and I was
| vaguely conscious that we had entere>i
a large room in which a cigar had been
smoked not long before. He felt his
way among the furniture, opened an
other door and closed it behind us. Put
ting out my hand, felt several coats
hanging from the wall, and I under
stood that | was in a passage. We
passed along it, and Holmes very gen
thy opened a door upon the right hand
side. Something rushed out at us, and
my heart sprang into my mouth, but
could have laughed when I realized
that it was the cat. A fire was burn
ing in this new room, and again the air
was heavy with tobacco smoke. Holmes
entered on tiptoe, waited for me to fol-
low, and then very gently closed the
door. We were in Milverton's study,
and portiere at the farther side show
ed the entrance to his bedroom.
1t was good fire, and the room was
illuminated by it. Near the door saw
the CLEAN Of an electric switch, but it
safe, to turn it on. At one side Of the
fireplace was a heavy curtain which
covered the bay window we had seen
from outside. On the other side was
the door which communicated with the
veranda. A desk stood in the center,
with turning chair of shining red
leather. Opposite was large book
case with 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 it, Then he crept to the door
head, listening intently. No sound came
from within. Meanwhile it had struck
me that it would be wise to secure our
retreat through the outer door, so ex-
amined it. To my amazement it was
neither locked nor bolted. I touched
Holmes on the arm, and he turned his
masked face in that direction. l saw
him start, and he was evidently as sur
prised as I.
81 don't like it," he whispered, put
ting his lips to my very ear. 81 can't
quite make it out. Anyhow we have
no time to lose.'
"Can 1 do anything?'
eyes; stand by the door. If you hear
any one come, bolt it on the inside,
and we can get away as we came. If
they come the other way, we can get
through the door if our job is done or
hide behind these window curtains if
it is not Do you understand"
I nodded and stood by the door. My
first feeling of fear had passed away,
and l thrilled now with keener zest
than had ever enjoyed when we were
the defenders Of the law instead of it's
defiers. The high object Of our mis-
sion, the consciousness that it was
unselfsh and chivalrous, the villainous
character of our opponent, all added to
the sporting interest of the adventure.
Far from feeling guilty, rejoiced and
exulted in our dangers. With a glow
Of admiration watched Holmes I'M
rolling his case Of instruments and
inoosing his tool with the cSm, scien-
life accuracy Of surgeon who per-
,orms a delicate operation knew
hat the opening of safes was partic-
nlar hobby with him, and understood
The joy which it gave him to be con-
fronted with this green and gold mon
ster, the dragon which held in it's nav
The regulations of many fair ladies. !
Turning up the cuffs of his dress coat
he bad placed his overcoat on chair