Peace made no reply, but passed on till he had reached the corner of Leather-lane, without attracting the notice of any one else. In a few seconds after this he gained the side door of his own residence.
But he would not enter without first of all ascertaining that no one was watching his movements.
He peered cautiously around. All was silent, not a solitary individual was visible.
He slid the key into the lock, opened the door, and entered. Then he closed it as noiselessly as possible.
He felt that he had escaped by almost a miracle, but did not at the same time feel assured that all danger was over.
He ignited a small hand lamp, which he placed in the grate, so that its rays should not be visible at the window of his room.
He began to reflect on the events of the past hour or two, and had some misgivings when he remembered that his coat and hat had been left behind in the house he had entered.
He was well assured that the former did not contain any papers or other articles which would lead to his identity.
No. 22.
