We went along this way about three blocks, and then he darted down a dark alley. I paused but an instant, and then followed.
At the end was a high fence, and I entered just in time to see him disappear over the top. I followed, and found myself in the rear of a number of greenhouses.
I looked around, but Mr. Norton was not to be seen. There was a path between the glass houses, and along this I picked my way as rapidly as possible, satisfied that my guardian had passed on to the front.
Suddenly I was confronted by a tall and fierce-looking man.
“Hey, what are you doin’ here?” he demanded as he blocked my way.
“I am after a man that just jumped the back fence,” I replied.
And I tried to hurry on.
“Hold on! not so fast!” he cried, catching me by the shoulder. “How do I know but what you ain’t one of them pesky flower thieves that’s been a-botherin’ me so long?”
“I am not a thief, sir!” I exclaimed. “But I am after one, and every second counts. Didn’t you see the man run through here just a moment ago?”