"My dear Doctor," said Saunders, "do you think the Starberths would quite approve…. Oh, I say!"
Dr. Fell was already lumbering past him, the ferrules of his canes ringing on the floor. Turning sharply to Saunders, Sir Benjamin drew himself up.
"This is murder, you know. We've got to see. But wait! — Wait a minute, Doctor!" He strode over, earnest and horsy, with his long head poked forward. In a lower voice he added, "Do you think it's wise?"
"I'm also curious," the doctor was ruminating, without seeming to hear him, "as to what letter they have the combination on now. Will you stand aside a moment, old man? Here…. By Jove! the thing's oiled!"
He was working the metal flap up and down as they crowded about him.
"It's set on the letter `S.' Maybe that's the last letter of the word, and maybe it isn't. Anyhow, here goes."
He turned, with a sleepy grin among his chins, peering at them mockingly. over his glasses, as he seized the handle of the safe.
"Everybody ready? Look sharp, now!"
He twisted the handle, and slowly the door creaked on its hinges. One of his canes fell down with a sharp clatter. Nothing came out….