chloroform vapour does not help the palate."

The safe was ajar, and Holmes standing in front of it was
removing dossier after dossier, swiftly examining each, and then
packing it neatly in Von Bork's valise. The German lay upon the
sofa sleeping stertorously with a strap round his upper arms and
another round his legs.

"We need not hurry ourselves, Watson. We are safe from
interruption. Would you mind touching the bell? There is no one
in the house except old Martha, who has played her part to
admiration. I got her the situation here when first I took the
matter up. Ah, Martha, you will be glad to hear that all is
well."

The pleasant old lady had appeared in the doorway. She curtseyed
with a smile to Mr. Holmes, but glanced with some apprehension at
the figure upon the sofa.

"It is all right, Martha. He has not been hurt at all."

"I am glad of that, Mr. Holmes. According to his lights he has
been a kind master. He wanted me to go with his wife to Germany
yesterday, but that would hardly have suited your plans, would
it, sir?"

"No, indeed, Martha. So long as you were here I was easy in my
mind. We waited some time for your signal to-night."

"It was the secretary, sir."