You spring out and grab the intruder by the collar.
“Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump,” he shouts.
The other man dives down the hole. You hear the sound of tearing cloth as Jones clutches at his jacket.
The light flashes upon the barrel of a revolver, but your knife comes down on the man’s hand, and the pistol clinks upon the stone floor.
“It’s no use, John Clay,” you tell him. “You have no chance at all.”
“So I see,” he answers with coolness. “But my pal has escaped, although I see you have a piece of his coat.”
“Three men are waiting for him at the door,” you tell the criminal.
“Oh, indeed! You have done the thing completely. I must compliment you.”
“And I you,” you answer. “Your red-headed idea was very new and effective.”
“Mr. Clay, you’ll see your partner again presently,” says Mr. Jones. “Now, would you please march upstairs, where we can get you to the police station?”
John Clay makes a sweeping bow to you and then walks quietly off in the custody of the detective.
“Really, Mr. Holmes,” says Mr. Merryweather, “I do not know how the bank can thank you or repay you. There is no doubt that you have defeated one of the most determined attempts at robbery that has ever come.”
“I am repaid by having had an experience which is unique,” you reply, “and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the Red-headed League.”