The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

afterwards he had closed the door be- hind us. and we had become felons in the eyes of the law. The thick, warm air of the conservatory and the plants took us by the throat. He seized my hand in the darkness and led me swiftly past banks of shrubs which brushed against our faces. Holmes had remarkable powers, care- fully cultivated. of seeing in the dark, StiIl holding my hand in one of his, he opened door, and I was vaguely conscious that we had entered large room In which cigar had been smoked not long before. He felt his way among the furniture, opened an- other door, and closed it behind us Putting out my hand I felt several coats hanging from the wall, and I understood that I was in passage. We passed along it, and Holmes very gently opened door upon the right hand side. Something rushed out at us and my heart sprang into my mouth.s but I could have laughed when I realized that 1t was the cat. A fire was burning in this new room, and again the air was heavy with tobacco smoke Holmes entered on tiptoe, waited for me to follow, and
 
 were in Milverton's study, and DOT tiere at the farther side showed the entrance to his bedroom.
 It was a good fire, and the room was illuminated by 1t. Near the door l saw the gleam of an electric switch, but it was unnecessary, even If 1t had been safe, to turn 1t 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 communi- cated with the veranda. A desk stood in the center, with a turning chair of shining red leather. Opposite was large bookcase, with a marble bust of Athene on the top. In the corner between the bookcase and the wall, there stood tall, green safe, the fire light flashing back from the polished brass knobs upon it's face. Holmes stoles across and looked at it. Then he crept to the door of the bedroom, and stood with slanting head listening intently. No sound came from within Meanwhile 1t had struck me that it would be wise to secure our retreat through the outer door, so l examined it. To my amazement, it was neither locked nor bolted. l touched Holmes on the arm and he turned his masked face in Chat direction. I saw him start, and he was evidently as sur prised as I.
 T don't like it." he whispered, put ting his lips to my very ear. "I can't quite make it out. Anyhow, we have no time to lose.'
 Gan I do anything?"
 .Yes, stand by the door. If you hear anyone come, bolt it on the in- side 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 win dow curtains if it is not. Do you understand?"
 l nodded, and stood by the door. My first feeling of fear had passed away and l thrilled now with a keener zest than 1 had ever enjoyed when we were the defenders of the law instead i, of it's defiers. The high object of our mission, the consciousness that 1t was unselfish and chivalrous, the villain ous character of our opponent, all added to the sporting interest of the adventure. Far from feeling guilty, I rejoiced and exulted in our dangers. With a glow of admiration l watched Holmes unrolling his case of instru- ments and choosing his tool with the calm scientific accuracy of surgeon who performs a delicate operation. knew that the opening of safes was a particular hobby with him, and I understood the joy which it gave him to be confronted with this green and gold monster, the dragon which held in it's maw the regulations of many fair ladies. Turning up the cuffs of his dress-coat--he had placed his over coat on a chair-Holmes laid out two drills, a jemmy, and several skeleton keys. I stood at the center door with my eyes glanced at each of the others, ready for any emergency though, in- deed, my plans were somewhat vague as to what I should do if we were in- terrupted. For half an hour Holmes worked with concentrated energy. lay