Reading Help The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Ch.I-IV
stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. `
` Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us `
` down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a `
` third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all `
` round with crates and massive boxes. `
` `
` "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he `
` held up the lantern and gazed about him. `
` `
` "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon `
` the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite `
` hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. `
` `
` "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes `
` severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our `
` expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit `
` down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" `
` `
` The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a `
` very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his `
` knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, `
` began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few `
` seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again `
` and put his glass in his pocket. `
` `
` "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can `
` hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. `
` Then they will not lose a 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." `
` `
` "It 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 borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of `
` France. It 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 I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between `
` 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 well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is `
` time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an `
` hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. `
` Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." `
` `
` "And sit in the dark?" `
` `
` "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and `
` I thought that, as we were a partie carr�e, you might have your `
` rubber after all. But I 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 disadvantage, they may do us `
` some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, `
` and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a `
` light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no `
` compunction about shooting them down." `
` `
` I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case `
` behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front `
` of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute `
` darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot `
` metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready `
` to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked `
` up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing 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 Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have `
` done what I asked you, Jones?" `
` `
` "I 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 it 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 I feared to change my position; yet my `
` nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my `
` hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle `
` breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, `
` heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note `
` of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case `
` in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint `
` of a light. `
` `
` At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then `
` it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, `
` without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand `
` appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the `
` centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the `
` hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then `
` it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark `
` again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between `
` the stones. `
` `
` Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. 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 lantern. 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 edge. In another `
` instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after `
` him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face `
` and a shock of very red hair. `
` `
` "It's 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 I heard the sound of `
` rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed `
` upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came `
` down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone `
` floor. `
` `
` "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no `
` chance at all." `
` `
` "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I 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. I `
` must compliment you." `
` `
` "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new `
` and effective." `
` `
` "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker `
` at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the `
` derbies." `
` `
` "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," `
` remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. `
` "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have `
` the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and `
` 'please.'" `
` `
` "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would `
` you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry `
` your Highness to the police-station?" `
` `
` "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow `
` to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the `
` detective. `
` `
` "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them `
` from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or `
` repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated `
` in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts `
` at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." `
` `
` "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. `
` John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over `
` this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond `
` that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in `
` many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of `
` the Red-headed League." `
` `
` `
` "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning `
` as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it `
` was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible `
` object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of `
` the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get `
` this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of `
` hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, `
` really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was `
` no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his `
` accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw `
` him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? `
` They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary `
` office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and `
` together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the `
` week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for `
` half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive `
` for securing the situation." `
` `
` "But how could you guess what the motive was?" `
` `
` "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a `
` mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The `
` man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his `
` house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and `
`
` Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us `
` down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a `
` third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all `
` round with crates and massive boxes. `
` `
` "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he `
` held up the lantern and gazed about him. `
` `
` "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon `
` the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite `
` hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. `
` `
` "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes `
` severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our `
` expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit `
` down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" `
` `
` The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a `
` very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his `
` knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, `
` began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few `
` seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again `
` and put his glass in his pocket. `
` `
` "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can `
` hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. `
` Then they will not lose a 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." `
` `
` "It 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 borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of `
` France. It 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 I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between `
` 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 well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is `
` time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an `
` hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. `
` Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." `
` `
` "And sit in the dark?" `
` `
` "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and `
` I thought that, as we were a partie carr�e, you might have your `
` rubber after all. But I 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 disadvantage, they may do us `
` some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, `
` and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a `
` light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no `
` compunction about shooting them down." `
` `
` I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case `
` behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front `
` of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute `
` darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot `
` metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready `
` to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked `
` up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing 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 Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have `
` done what I asked you, Jones?" `
` `
` "I 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 it 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 I feared to change my position; yet my `
` nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my `
` hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle `
` breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, `
` heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note `
` of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case `
` in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint `
` of a light. `
` `
` At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then `
` it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, `
` without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand `
` appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the `
` centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the `
` hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then `
` it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark `
` again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between `
` the stones. `
` `
` Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. 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 lantern. 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 edge. In another `
` instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after `
` him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face `
` and a shock of very red hair. `
` `
` "It's 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 I heard the sound of `
` rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed `
` upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came `
` down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone `
` floor. `
` `
` "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no `
` chance at all." `
` `
` "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I 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. I `
` must compliment you." `
` `
` "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new `
` and effective." `
` `
` "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker `
` at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the `
` derbies." `
` `
` "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," `
` remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. `
` "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have `
` the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and `
` 'please.'" `
` `
` "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would `
` you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry `
` your Highness to the police-station?" `
` `
` "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow `
` to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the `
` detective. `
` `
` "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them `
` from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or `
` repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated `
` in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts `
` at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." `
` `
` "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. `
` John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over `
` this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond `
` that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in `
` many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of `
` the Red-headed League." `
` `
` `
` "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning `
` as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it `
` was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible `
` object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of `
` the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get `
` this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of `
` hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, `
` really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was `
` no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his `
` accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw `
` him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? `
` They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary `
` office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and `
` together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the `
` week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for `
` half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive `
` for securing the situation." `
` `
` "But how could you guess what the motive was?" `
` `
` "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a `
` mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The `
` man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his `
` house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and `
`