“To be sure, we must catch him,” he cried. “Lead the way.”
Hockley set off on a run, with the professor beside him, and the others bringing up the rear. Markel had entered a bodega, or grocery, which were numerous in that particular vicinity.
Markel was buying something in the shop when, on glancing up, he saw Hockley rush in, followed by Professor Strong and the others. They all made directly for the fellow, who found himself surrounded almost before he realized it.
“Give me my watch and that money,” ejaculated Hockley, in quick rage, and caught the man from Baltimore by the sleeve.
“Hullo, what’s the matter?” demanded the man, trying to put on a bold front.
“I’ll show you what’s the matter,” blustered Hockley. “Give me the watch and money I say.”
“You must be crazy. I haven’t anything belonging to you.”
“And I say you have.”
“Hockley says that you robbed him while he was in your company last week,” put in Professor Strong. “I think you had better come with us to the police station.”
“The boy doesn’t tell the truth. He drank too much and got in a crowd, and when he came out his money and watch were gone. I had nothing to do with it.”