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.
"The safe as far as I can see is a Magnus, the key which you have been kind enough to give me is legibly inscribed upon the handle 'Chubb.' My experience as a police officer has taught me that Chubb keys very rarely open Magnus safes." Kara uttered an exclamation of annoyance.
"How stupid of me!" he said, "yet now I remember, I sent the key to my bankers, before I went out of town--I only came back this morning, you know.

I will send for it at once." "Pray don't trouble," murmured T.X.politely.