She led the way down the black, unsafe stairway. She always led.

Outside the fog had thickened again, but she went through it as if she
could see her way.

At the entrance to the court the thief was standing, leaning against the
wall with fevered, unhopeful waiting in his eyes. He moved miserably
when he saw the girl, and she called out to reassure him.

"I ain't up to no 'arm," she said; "I on'y come with the gent."

Antony Dart spoke to him.

"Did you get food?"

The man shook his head.

"I turned faint after you left me, and when I came to I was afraid I
might miss you," he answered. "I daren't lose my chance. I bought some
bread and stuffed it in my pocket. I've been eating it while I've stood
here."

"Come back with us," said Dart. "We are in a place where we have some
food."

He spoke mechanically, and was aware that he did so. He was a pawn
pushed about upon the board of this day's life.

"Come on," said the girl. "Yer can get enough to last fer three days."