Finally, without any attempt at order, a rush was made by servants and soldiers for the gate to join in the pursuit.
Tobasco, looking more like a peasant servant than anything else, mingled in the rush, shouting the loudest of any of them in urging the pursuit, and in this way, escaped from the palace without exciting the least suspicion.
Once free from the palace-gate, young Barnwell had no idea whatever of the best way to go, but being determined to escape at all hazards, he shot off to the right and ran like a deer.
But he had only time to gain a block or so ahead before the mob of soldiers and retainers rushed out and caught sight of him.
Then the pace was quickened. Barnwell glanced over his shoulder, and saw them coming after in the shape of a howling mob, and he plunged onward at still greater speed, going he knew not where, nor caring either, so long as he got away, and could find direction to the American Minister's residence.
He asked several as he ran for direction, but no one seemed to understand his language, and the mob at his heels, augmented by the police and citizens, was growing larger and larger every moment.
But still he kept the lead, and paid no attention to several shots fired after him.
He was a stranger in the city, and not knowing which way to go, was finally captured, roughly taken in charge, and handcuffed.
In the meantime, Tobasco made his escape complete, but stopped to see the soldiers drag the young American back to the prison to which tyranny had consigned him.
The excitement among the populace ran high, and rumor had it that the authorities had captured an important Nihilist official; and this, of course, roused that numerous and much-dreaded body of secret destroyers to learn, if possible, through their agents, all the particulars of the case.