The Washington herald., 1912-03-03

house which opens into the drawing
room"
The place was locked, but Holmes re-
moved a circle of glass and turned the
key from the inside. An instant after
ward he had closed the door behind US,
and we had become felons in the ewes
Of the law. The thick, warm air OF the
conservatory and the rich, choking frag-
rance 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 our faces.
Holmes had remarkable powers, care
fully cultivated, of seeing in the dark.
Still holding my hand in one of his, he
opened a door, and / was vaguely con-
sciouS that we had entered large room
in which cigar had been smoked not
long. before. He felt his way among
the furniture, opened another door, and
closed il behind us. Putting out my
hand, l felt several coats hanging from
the wall, and i understood that | was
in q passage. We passed along il, and
Holmes very gently opened door upon
the right-hand side. Something rushed
out at US, and my heart sprang into my
mouth, but ! could have laughed when
realized that II 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 then very
gently closed the door. We were in
Milyerton's study, and a portiere at the
farther side showed the entrance to his
bedroom.
1t was a good fire, and the room was
illuminated by il. Near the door | saw
thergleam Of an electric switch, but il
was unnecessary, even if it had been
safe, to turn il 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 a marble bust of Athene on
the top In the corner, between the
bookcase and the wall, there stood a
tall green safe, the freight flashing
back from the polished brass knobs
upon its face. Holmes stole across and
looked at il. Then he crept to the door
OF the bedroom, and stood with slant
ing. head listening intently. No sound
came from within. Meanwhile it had
struck me that it would be wise 10 ss-
cure our retreat through the butter door,
SO l examined i. To my amazement,
it was neither locked nor bolted. l
touched Holmes on the arm, and he
turned his masked face in that direc-
ton. j saw him start, and he was evil
IDENTIFY as surprised as /.
II don't like it" he whispered, putting
his. lips to my very ear Il can't quite
b.,
10 lose"
Can l do anything?" -
''Yes, stand by the door. Ii you hear
any one come, bolt il on the inside. and
we can get away as we came. II they
come the other way, we can get through
the door il our job is done, or hide be-
hind these window curtains il il is not.
Do you understand"
nodded, and stood by the door. NV
first feeling of fear had passed away,
and ! thrilled now with keener zeSt
than l had ever enjoyed when we were
the defenders of the law instead OF its
deferS. The high object OF our mis-
sion, the consciousness that it was un-
selfish and chivalrous, the villainous
character of our opponent, all added to
the sporting interest OF the adventure.
Far from feeling guilty, l rejoiced and
exulted IN our dangers With a glow
OF admiration ! watched Holmes un.
rolling his case of instruments and
choosing his tool with the calm, scien-
tific accuracy of a surgeon who per-
forms a delicate operation. / knew
that the opening of safes was a particu-
lar hobby with him, and | understood
the Joy which il gave him to 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 cuffs Of his dress-coat---