The mother murmured once, “Helen,” in her sleep and the convict heard and went on. He could see the death damp upon the brow of the mother. He knew that it would not be long before she would be outside the gates of the immortal and demanding admittance.
Jim was superstitious and he ran down the steps as if the devil were in his trail.
The boys thought their troubles were all over, when they heard a great voice calling them:
“Wait a moment, there are two of you.”
“Shut up, Hammond,” snarled Jim, “I’m taking the father of the kid. Get some more money from Nathans; he’s good for it.”
Again there was silence.
“Hist, there is another.”
“Who?” called Jim.
“Arkwright.”
“Then we are lost,” cried Jim, lying flat down upon the baby, and Tom following suit.