Turning up
the cuffs of his dress-coat -- he had placed his overcoat on a
chair -- Holmes laid out two drills, a jemmy, and several
skeleton keys. I stood at the centre door with my eyes glancing
at each of the others, ready for any emergency; though, indeed,
my plans were somewhat vague as to what I should do if we were
interrupted. For half an hour Holmes worked with concentrated
energy, laying down one tool, picking up another, handling each
with the strength and delicacy of the trained mechanic. Finally
I heard a click, the broad green door swung open, and inside
I had a glimpse of a number of paper packets, each tied, sealed,
and inscribed. Holmes picked one out, but it was hard to read
by the flickering fire, and he drew out his little dark lantern,
for it was too dangerous, with Milverton in the next room, to
switch on the electric light. Suddenly I saw him halt, listen
intently, and then in an instant he had swung the door of the
safe to, picked up his coat, stuffed his tools into the pockets,
and darted behind the window curtain, motioning me to do the same.
It was only when I had joined him there that I heard what had
alarmed his quicker senses.
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