2 A Tense Meeting

Chapter 2 A Tense Meeting "This morning," continued Sherlock Holmes, "the last steps were taken to close the net. I was sitting in my room thinking it all over when the door opened. I looked up to see Professor Moriarty himself standing before me. "My nerves are pretty strong, Watson, but I admit I jumped when I saw the man I regarded as my mortal enemy standing there in my doorway. He's a striking fellow to look at—very tall and thin, with a large, domed forehead and deeply sunken eyes. Realizing the extreme danger I was in, I hurriedly slipped a revolver from a desk drawer into my pocket and pointed it at him through the cloth.

"'It is a dangerous habit,' he said, 'to hold a loaded firearm in the pocket of your dressing gown.' "I took out the gun and laid it on the table. He smiled, but there was something about his eyes that made me glad the gun was still within reach. "'Clearly you don't know me,' he said. "'On the contrary,' I replied. 'My reaching for a gun is proof that I do. Please, sit down. I can spare you five minutes if you have anything to say.'

"'You know what I'm going to say,' said Moriarty. "'And I'm sure you know my answer,' I replied. "'You're really going to do this?' "'Absolutely.' "He reached into his pocket and I raised the pistol from the table—but all he took out was a notebook. Scanning the pages, he read: 'On January 23, you interfered with my plans at a bank; in the middle of February, a break-in at an art gallery was disrupted by you; at the end of March, you foiled an important assassination. Wherever I turn, there you are, Mr. Holmes. And now, in late April, I find myself so hemmed in by you that I am in serious danger of losing my liberty. The situation is becoming impossible.'

"'What do you suggest?' I asked. "'You must drop this, Mr. Holmes.' "'I plan to,' I said, 'once you're in the hands of the police.' "Moriarty shook his head. 'I'm sure a man of your intelligence will know that is never going to happen. If you insist on continuing with your foolish campaign, there can be only one outcome and it will not be pleasant for you. I don't know why you smile, sir. I assure you I am serious.' "'Danger is part of my trade,' I remarked. "'I'm not talking about danger,' he said. 'I'm talking about your death, Mr. Holmes. It's not

just me you are threatening, but a mighty organization, far bigger and more powerful than even you realize. You must stand aside, or else get trodden underfoot.' "'This has been a real pleasure,' I said, rising to my feet. 'Now, if that is all, Professor, I have other business to attend to.' "He simply looked at me, shaking his head sadly. 'Well, I've done all I can,' he said at last. 'And believe me, I've enjoyed our little duel, Mr. Holmes, but remember: I know every move of your game. I know you can't do anything before Monday, and a lot can happen before then. If, in the end, you're clever enough to destroy me, I shall destroy you at the same time.'

"'If I could be sure of achieving your destruction, Professor Moriarty, I would gladly accept my own as a price worth paying.' "'I can promise you the second of those outcomes, but not the first,' he snarled before storming from the room."