“Only twenty-five dollars,” she said brightly.
He turned aside, and from her well filled purse took out the requisite amount. The young clerk wrapped up the bracelet and handed it to her. As he did so, she leaned across the counter.
“Is there a back way to get out?” she asked in a low and confidential voice. “They’re out there, looking for us, and we want to give them the slip.”
“Certainly, madam,” said the clerk. “This way!”
He opened a door at the rear of the shop. They followed him along a dark passage, across a yard, through a gate in the fence, and out into another street.
“Er—good night!” said the clerk.
“No!” returned Edward. “Look here!”
But the fair unknown, still clinging to his arm, positively dragged him on.
“Stupid!” she hissed. “Hurry up! Do you want to be killed?”
They turned the corner into a dark alley, and here Edward stopped.