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Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man

who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the

window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the

signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The

word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of

spectators, well dressed and ill-gentlemen, ostlers, and servant

maids-joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds of smoke

curled through the room and out at the open window. I caught a

glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of

Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm.

Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner

of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my

friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar.

He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we

had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the

Edgeware Road.