Jack was compelled to admit that his suggestion was impractical.
"Well, then," Jimmie went on, "since the officer here is satisfied that our passports and story are all right, we'd better be on our way."
Hastily parting from their friends at the police station to whom they owed their recent rescue from an awkward situation, the five boys at once set out to visit their beloved aeroplane. Jimmie stormed freely against the man whom they were pursuing, declaring that he would be delighted to use brass knuckles if ever the opportunity offered.
His companions made no objections to his speech, for they knew it was only his way of relieving his pent-up feelings.
During the long walk the boys discussed the situation at some length. Jimmie held that "The Rat" would be well on his way toward Berlin if he could secure transportation, while Jack and Harry contended that he would not be satisfied to leave Paris until he was assured that the boys were well out of his way. They thought it likely that he would remain and make another effort to work them harm, since his previous attempts had thus far resulted in failure. They feared his vindictiveness.
"Aw, shucks!" protested Jimmie. "He probably beat it right out of town as quick as he blocked that door to the cellar!"
"You're forgetting the man who shot at us while we were in the police boat," Jack suggested. "What was he doing there? Who was he?"
"He was probably a guard that 'The Rat' had posted to make sure we didn't break jail and get the door open," Jimmie replied.
"It was rather peculiar that the police didn't find any trace of him!" interposed Ned. "I felt sure when I heard that scream that he was hit pretty hard by Jimmie's bullet. He certainly yelled some!"
"Maybe he was just scratched on the leg or something," replied Jimmie. "And again, maybe he wasn't hit at all, but let that wail out to get us to come back so he could get a better aim at us!"