Page:The Clue of the Twisted Candle (1916).djvu/147

apartment at the end. The room was a large one and lighted by one big square window which was protected by steel bars. In the grate which was broad and high a huge fire was burning and the temperature of the room was unpleasantly close despite the coldness of the day.

"That is one of the eccentricities which you, as an Englishman, will never excuse in me," said Kara.

Near the foot of the bed, let into, and flush with, the wall, was a big green door of the safe.

"Here you are, Mr. Meredith," said Kara. "All the precious secrets of Remington Kara are yours for the seeking."

"I am afraid I've had my trouble for nothing," said T. X., making no attempt to use the key.

"That is an opinion which I share," said Kara, with a smile.

"Curiously enough," said T. X. "I mean just what you mean."

He handed the key to Kara.

"Won't you open it?" asked the Greek.

T. X. shook his head.