The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-08-01

I placed my revolver, cooked, up- on the top of the wooden case be- hind which l crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front of his lan- tern, and left us in pitch darkness such an absolute darkness as I have never before experienced. The small of hot metal remained to assure us that the light was still there. ready to flash out at a moments notice. To me, with my nerves worked up to a. pitch of expectancy, there was some thing depressing and subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold, dark air of the vault
 '"They have but one retreat" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Squar. I hope that you have done what I asked you, Jones?"
 sT have an inspector and two of f1cers waiting at the front dooE"
 ''Fhen we have stopped all the and wait.''
 What time it seemed From comparing notes afterwards it was but an hour and a quarter, yet it ap- peared to- me that the night must have almost gone, and the dawn be weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hearing was so acute 
 ing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, heavier in breath 6 the bulky Jones from the thin, signing note of the bank direc- tor. From my position I could look over the case in the direction of the door. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint. of a light.
 At first it was but a 1urid spark upon, the stone pavement Then it heightened out until it became a vel low line, and then, without any warn ing or sound, a gash seemed to open and band appeared; white, al- most womanly hand. which felt about in the center of the little area of light For a minute or more the hand with it's writhing fingers, pro- truded out of the floor. Then it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appear ed. and all was dark again save the single lurid spark which marked chink between the stones.
 Its disa ppearance, however, was but momentary- With rending, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon it's side, and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the light of lan- tern. Over the edge there peeped a 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 edg- In another instant he stood at the side of the hole, and was hauling after him a companion, 1.-the and small like himself, with a pale face and shocok of very red hair
 Its all clear" he whispered. Have you the chisel and the bags Great ScottI Jump, Archie, jump. and I'll swing for ft!''
 Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the col Iae. The other dived down the hole. and I heard the sound of rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts The light flashed upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holiness hunting crop came down on the mans wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone floor.
 Its no use, John Clay" said chance at all"
 So I see,' the other answered, with the utmost cooIness. 'T fancy that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his coat-tails.'
 There are three men waiting for him at the door" said Holmes.
 Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. T must compliment you"
 And I you" Holmes ansvared
 Y our red-headed idea was very new and effective"
 YouH see your pal again pres entity, said Jones. He's quicker at climbing down holes than I am. lust hoid out while I fix the derbies"
 - beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," remarked our prisoner, as the handcuffs cIa1- tered upon his wrists. You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins Have the goodness, also. sir and please
 "A1I right said Jones, with a stare and a sntgger. Well, would xou