They had no trouble in getting clear directions from a passing citizen. The shortest way led down through a narrow street that appeared to belong to a rough part of the city.
"I wouldn't care to live on this street," smiled Noll.
"Hardly," agreed Hal. "Yet I guess it won't hurt us any just to walk through."
Ere the soldier boys had gone more than two blocks their attention was attracted by sounds of a commotion in a crowd just ahead.
A crowd had started to collect, and was every moment increasing in size.
"Wonder what's up?" murmured Noll Terry, as the soldier boys quickened their pace.
"Some earthquake in the under world, I suppose," returned Hal.
Just then the scream of a woman's voice reached them.
"Shame! shame!" cried half a dozen male voices in protest.
Then the same voice sounded, in sobs this time.