The fellow gave vent to a half-articulate call which died down in his throat, and bolted back into his room uttering yell after yell.
Fifteen seconds later I was out in the street, sponging the chalk from my face.
And five minutes after that I was comfortably seated in a hired droshky, on my way to a certain little house in the seafaring quarter of the city, which possessed, among other advantages, that of commanding an exceedingly fine view of the Admiralty Pier.
CHAPTER XXIV
A SECRET EXECUTION
I now come to a part of my chronicle which I plainly foresee must expose me to grave criticism.
To that criticism it is no part of my purpose to attempt any reply.