I have a Visigoth Bible of the fifth century, which I rather fancy is
unique; there is a 'Biblia Pauperum' of 1430; a MS. of Genesis done upon
mulberry leaves, probably of the second century; a 'Tristan and Iseult'
of the eighth century; and some hundred black-letters, with five very
fine specimens of Schoffer and Fust. But those you may turn over any
wet afternoon when you have nothing better to do. Meanwhile, I have a
little device connected with this smoking-room which may amuse you.
Light this other cigar. Now sit with me upon this lounge which
stands at the further end of the room."
The sofa in question was in a niche which was lined in three sides and
above with perfectly clear transparent crystal. As they sat down the
master of the house drew a cord which pulled out a crystal shutter
behind them, so that they were enclosed on all sides in a great box of
glass, so pure and so highly polished that its presence might very
easily be forgotten. A number of golden cords with crystal handles hung
down into this small chamber, and appeared to be connected with a long
shining bar outside.
"Now, where would you like to smoke your cigar?" said Raffles Haw, with
a twinkle in his demure eyes. "Shall we go to India, or to Egypt, or to
China, or to--"
"To South America," said Robert.
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