Chapter Five.

A Miserable Night.

“Hah! The scoundrels!” panted Dempster, as he came up, flushed, bareheaded, his glossy coat covered with dust, and a great dark weal growing darker moment by moment on his forehead, while for the first time I became aware of the fact that my right ear was cut and bleeding freely.

“What is it, sir?” said the policeman; and I shivered slightly as I felt his grip tighten on my arm.

“Take them. I give them in charge,” panted Mr Dempster, hoarse with rage—“robbery and assault.”

“What?” shouted Esau, furiously.

“It is not true!” I cried wildly.

“Take them,” shouted Mr Dempster. “I’ll follow in a cab. Take them.”