ide of the street who now ran across and held a brief altercation with
one of the cabmen. As they were about to enter the cab several persons
in the party apparently intervened, expostulating vigorously. It was not
difficult to surmise the resentment of the group at this attempted
summary seizure of a second one of their cabs. By the time the men had
explained their imperative need, and after further argument were
permitted to drive off, John Steele had gained a better start than he
had dared to hope. But they would soon be after him, post-haste; yes,
already they were dashing hard and furiously behind; he lifted the lid
overhead, in his hand a sovereign.

"Those men must not overtake us, cabby. Go where you will! You
understand?"

The man did; his fingers closed quickly on the generous tip and once
more he lashed his horse. For some time they continued at a rapid pace,
now skirting the confines of the park, now plunging into a puzzling
tangle of streets; but wherever they went, the other cab managed always
to keep them in sight. It even began to creep up, nearer. From his
pocket John Steele drew a weapon; his eyes gleamed ominously. The
pursuing hansom drew closer; casting a hurried glance over his shoulder,
he again called up to the driver.

"It's no use, gov'ner," came back the reply. "This 'oss 'as been out
longer than 'is."

"Then turn the first dark corner and slow up a bit,--for only a second;
afterward, go on your very best as long as you can."

Another sovereign changed hands and shortly afterward the vehicle dashed
into a side street. It appeared as likely a place as any for his
purpose; John Steele, hardly waiting for the man to draw rein, leaped
out as far as he might. He landed without mishap, heard a whip snap
furiously, and darted back into a doorway. He had just reached it when
the other cab drew near; for an instant he felt certain that he had been
seen; but the pursuers' eyes were bent eagerly ahead.

"This'll mean a fiver for you, my man," he heard one of them shout to
the driver. "We've got him, by--" A harsh, jubilant cry cut the air;
then they were gone.

John Steele did not wait; replacing the weapon in his pocket he started
quickly around the corner; his cabman could not lead them far; they
would soon return. As fast as possible, without attracting undue
attention, he retraced his way; passed in and out of tortuous
thoroughfares; by shops from whence came the smell of frying fish; down
a