Omaha daily bee., 1905-09-24

he remarked; FOR they can hardly take
any steps until the good pawnbroker Is
safely in bed. Then they will not lose
minute, for the sooner they do their work
the longer time they will have for their
escape. We are at present doctor-as no
doubt you have divined-in the cellar Of
the city branch OF one of the principal
London banks Mr.. Merryweather is the
chairman OF directors, and he will explain
TO you that there are reasons why the
more daring criminals Of London should
take a considerable interest in this cellar
at present"
1T is our French gold" whispered the
director we have had several warnings
that an attempt might be made upon it."
Your French gold?"
Yes. We had occasion some months
ago, to strengthen our resources and bor-
rowed, for that purpose, 10000 napoleons
from the Bank of France. 1t has become
known that we have never had occasion
to unpack the money, and that it Is still
lying in our cellar. The crate upon which
1 sit contains 1900 napoleons. packed be-
tween layers Of lead foil Our reserve Of
bullion is much larger at present than is
usually kept in a single branch office, and
the directors have had misgivings upon
the subject"
(Which were very we'll justified" OBJ
served Holmes And now II is time that
we arranged our little plans. l expect
that within hour matters will come to
head, In the meantime, Mr.. Merry
weather, we must put the screen over that
dark lantern"
And sit in the dark?'
II am afraid so. l had brought a pack
of cards in my pocket and 1 thought that,
as we were a partie carree. you might
have your rubber after all But see that
the enemy's preparations have gone so far
that we cannot risk the presence of a
light. And. first of all, we must choose
our positions. These are daring men. and
though we shall take them at a dlsadvan-
tage they may do us some harm unless
we are careful. 1 shall stand behind this
crate, and. do you conceal yourselves be-
hind those. Then, when 1 fash light
upon them, close in swiftly. II they fire,
Watson have no conjunction about shoot
ing them down"
I placed my revolver, cooked, upon the
top of the wooden case behind which 1
crouched. Holmes shot the slide across
the front of his lantern and left us in
pitch darkness-such an absolute darkness
as 1 have never before experienced. The
smell of hot metal remained to assure us
that the light was still there, ready to
with my nerves worked up to a pitch of
expectancy there was something depress-
ing and subduing in the sudden gloom and
In the cold, dank air of the vault.
They have but one retreat" whispered
Holmes. THAT is back through the house
into SaNe-Coburg square. / hope that you
have done what asked you. Jones?"
Il have an inspector and two officers
waiting at the front door"
Then we have stopped all the holes.
And now we must be silent and wait"
What a time it seemed! From comparing
notes afterwards 1t was but an hour and a
quarter, yet it appeared to me that the
night must have almost gone and the dawn
be breaking above us. My limbs were
weary and stiff. for feared to change my
position; yet my nerves were worked UP
to the highest pitch of tension and my
hearing was so acute that could not only
hear the gentle breathing of my compan-
ions, but l could distinguish the deeper,
heavier in-breath Of the bulky Jones from
the thin, signing note of the bank d.
rector. From my position could look
over the case in the direction of the floor.
Suddenly my eyes caught the glirnmer OF a
light.
At first 1t was but a lurid spark upon
the stone pavement. Then II iengthened
out until 1t became a yellow line, and then,
without any warning or sound, a cash
seemed to open and a hand appeared, a
white, almost .womanly hand, which felt
about in the center of the little area of
light. For minute or more the hand.
with its writhing fingers protruded out of
the floor. Then II was withdrawn as sud
denly as It appeared, and all was dark
again, save the single lurid spark which
marked chink between the stones.
It's disappearance. however was but mo-
mentary. With a rending, tearing sound,
one of the broad, white stones turned over
upon its side and left a square, gaping hole,
through which streamed the light of a Ian
tern. Over the edge there peeped clean
cut boyish face. which looked keenly about
it, and then, with a hand on either side of
the aperture, drew itself shoulder high and
waist-high, until one knee rested upon the
edge. In another instant he stood at the
side Of the hole and was hauling after him
companion. 1.-THE and small like himself
with pale face and a shock of very REQ
hair.
TITS all clear" he whispered Have you
the chisel and the bags. Great Scott
: Jump, Archie, jump. and I'll swing for it,
Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and
seized the intruder by the collar. The other
dived down the hole, and heard the sound
I of rending cloth as Jones clutched at his
skirts. The light flashed upon the barre
OF a revolver. but Holmes hunting croI
= came down on the mans wrist, and the pts
{ tol clinked upon the stone floor.
. It's no use. John Clay" said Holmes
blandly. You have no chance at ALL"
t 80 I see." the other answered. with the
a utmost GOODNESS. II fancy that my pal Il
all right, though see you have got hi
. coattails"
a There are three men waiting for him a
n the door" said Holmes.
Q "Oh indeed You seem TO have done tn,
, thing very completely. I must compliment
= you"
$ And 1 you" Holmes answered. You
a red-headed idea was very new and effsc
}, tive"
- You'll see your pal again presently" salt
= Jones He's quicker at climbing dow
$ holes than / am. Just hold out while fl
|. the derbies."
= II beg that you will not touch me will
e your filthy hands" remarked our prisoner
d as the handouts clattered upon his wrists
r, You may not be aware that 1 have roya
). blood in my veins. Have the goodness, also
a when you address me to say sir an
= please
r. IAN right" said Jones. with a stare an