street, making the round of the block, then heading into Broadway
and going uptown, for the young woman had called out her destination.

As for the stranger whom Dave had knocked down, the fellow was
on his feet like a flash. Ignoring Darrin, he tried to dash down
the side street after the taxicab.

"Step back!" ordered Dave, catching hold of the fellow, and swinging
him around. "You're not going to follow."

"I must have the number of that taxicab," cried the stranger,
desperately.

"Too late," smiled Dave, as he saw the taxicab turn the next corner.
"You won't learn the number. I happened to see it, though," he
added incautiously.

"Give it to me, then," commanded the other. "I'll overlook what
you've done if you truthfully give me the number of that taxicab.
Find that girl I must, and as early as possible. Though I know
her well, and her family, too, I do not know where to look for
them in New York."

Dave, without a word, turned as though to walk toward Broadway.

"Give me that taxi's number," insisted the stranger.

"I won't," Dave returned, flatly.

"Give me that number, or-----"