creature.
We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning man. We
can do nothing until seven o clock. At that hour we shall be with you,
and it will not be long before we solve the mystery.
We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we reached the
Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside public-house. The
group of trees, with their dark leaves shining like burnished metal in
the light of the setting sun, were sufficient to mark the house even
had Miss Hunter not been standing smiling on the door-step.
Have you managed it? asked Holmes.
A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. That is Mrs.
Toller in the cellar, said she. Her husband lies snoring on the
kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates of Mr.
Rucastle s.
You have done well indeed! cried Holmes with enthusiasm. Now lead
the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black business.
We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a passage,
and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Hunter had
described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the transverse bar. Then he
tried the various keys in the lock, but without success. No sound came
from within, and at the silence Holmes face clouded over.
I trust that we are not too late, said he. I think, Miss Hunter,
that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put your shoulder to
it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our way in.
It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united strength.
Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There was no furniture
save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a basketful of linen. The
skylight above was open, and the prisoner gone.
There has been some villainy here, said Holmes; this beauty has
guessed Miss Hunter s intentions and has carried his victim off.
295