"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
alleys where squalor lurked. Although he had by this time, perhaps,
eluded the occupants of the cab, he knew there were others keenly alert
for his capture whom he might at any moment encounter. To his fancy
every corner teemed with peril; he did not underestimate the resources
of those who sought him or the cunning of him who was the chief among
his enemies.