bones broke under my weight. I can give no accurate report as to that,
for I was in great haste. But as he gave way under me, I pitched
forward, and, kicking Yussuf Dakmar in the belly with my boot, I fell on
him, they falling on me in turn and we all writhing together in one mass
on the floor. So I secured the letter."

"Good man!" Grim nodded.

"Wish I'd been there!" mourned Jeremy.

"And, having what I came for, I broke free; and taking the red stool I
hurled it at the lamp, so that we were in total darkness, which made it
a simple matter to unlock the door, and proceed about my business.
Nevertheless, I heard them strike matches behind me, and it seemed
unwise to take to my heels at once, it being easy to pursue a man who
runs.

"As the sahib doubtless remembers, between that coffee shop and the next
house is a stone buttress jutting out into the street, forming on its
side farthest from the coffee-shop a dark corner, for whose filth and
stink the street cleaners ought to be punished. Therein I lurked, while
those who pursued ran past me up the street, I counting them; and among
them I did not count Yussuf Dakmar and three more. It happened that a
man was running up the street and the pursuers supposed him to be me.
So I was left with only four to deal with; and it entered my head that
no doubt Jimgrim sahib would be pleased to interview Yussuf Dakmar.

"And after a few moments Yussuf Dakmar came forth, and I heard him speak
to these three fellows.