It was a good fire, and the room was illuminated by it.
Near the door I saw the gleam of an electric switch, but it
was unnecessary, even if it had been 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
centre, with a turning chair of shining red leather. Opposite
was a large bookcase, 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 firelight flashing back from the polished
brass knobs upon its face. Holmes stole 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 it had struck me that it would be wise to secure our
retreat through the outer door, so I examined 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.
I saw him start, and he was evidently as surprised as I.
"I don't like it," he whispered, putting his lips to my very ear.
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