They, however, could not conceal from themselves that they were greatly in fault. They had no right to allow anybody to leave the house without ascertaining whether he was connected with the establishment; but our hero, who was far more quick-witted and prompt in action than the constables, had thrown them off their guard.
His manner was so ingenuous and inspired such confidence that the police took it for granted that he was either the master of the house or else his confidential man.
Never surely did men make such a palpable blunder.
Peace having got once clear off, ran his hardest until he had reached Seven Dials.
Then he observed, at some little distance off, a policeman taking his lonely round.
As he was without his hat and coat, he deemed it expedient to seek concealment.
He went up a narrow passage and hid himself in a dark gateway till the patrol of the night had passed.
He watched him from his hiding place and saw him walk with measured steps on his beat.
Luckily for him, the policeman walked on without suspecting for a moment that anything was wrong, and Peace did not emerge from his safe retreat till he felt assured that the watchful guardian of the night was far removed from the spot.
He then sallied forth, and crept cautiously along a narrow dark street which led into Long-acre.