Should he enter? For an instant Richard paused, and then slowly descended.
"They shall not say that I was a coward," he said to himself. "And I can easily handle that chap if it comes to a hand to hand affair."
The moldy smell of the cellar was nearly unbearable, and in several spots upon the brick floor the scum lay an inch deep. Presently the boy's eyes became accustomed to the darkness, and then he saw it was not so gloomy, after all.
At the back there appeared to be several windows, and, though covered with dust and cobwebs, they still admitted some light. The place was packed with wooden cases and barrels, and Richard had not a little difficulty in picking his way among them.
Evidently the street Arab had not calculated upon being followed into such a place, for Richard heard him boldly making his way to the rear.
He hurried after the urchin, making as little noise as possible. But unfortunately his foot at that moment struck against an empty case, and made known his presence.
Instantly the street boy realized the situation, and diving behind a pile of barrels, remained perfectly quiet.
Richard's blood was now up, and he did not intend to be outwitted. He hurried to the spot, in his eagerness nearly stumbling over the boy.
But the latter was alert. Visions of the Tombs probably floated through his mind; and tripping Richard over he sprang away.
Richard was on his feet in a second, but it was too late. In that second, the street Arab had sprung to the top of a pile of cases that stood directly under an opening in the floor above.