As a flash of lightning in the night shows up in
an instant every detail of a wide landscape, so at one glance
I seemed to see every possible result of such an action -- the
detection, the capture, the honoured career ending in
irreparable failure and disgrace, my friend himself lying at
the mercy of the odious Milverton.
"For Heaven's sake, Holmes, think what you are doing," I cried.
"My dear fellow, I have given it every consideration. I am
never precipitate in my actions, nor would I adopt so energetic
and indeed so dangerous a course if any other were possible.
Let us look at the matter clearly and fairly. I suppose that
you will admit that the action is morally justifiable, though
technically criminal. To burgle his house is no more than to
forcibly take his pocket-book -- an action in which you were
prepared to aid me."
I turned it over in my mind.
"Yes," I said; "it is morally justifiable so long as our object
is to take no articles save those which are used for an illegal
purpose."
"Exactly. Since it is morally justifiable I have only to
consider the question of personal risk. Surely a gentleman
should not lay much stress upon this when a lady is in most
desperate need of his help?"
"You will be in such a false position.
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