He would have leaped from the now swiftly moving vehicle and given chase to the two thieves, who were now some distance away, had not Larry, who was watching, put out his hand to detain the old man.
“Wait until the car stops,” said Larry, at the same time pulling the bell rope. “You’ll be hurt if you jump off now.”
“But the thieves will get away!” cried the man. “Police! Help!”
By this time the car was in an uproar, and the conductor and several passengers came running out on the back platform. At the same time the motorman, in response to the signal Larry had given, brought the electric car to a rather sudden stop.
“What’s the matter?” asked the conductor.
“I’ve been robbed! I must chase the thieves!” panted the old gentleman.
“I’ll help you!” exclaimed the man who had been reading the paper. “I saw which way they went!”
He started to leave the car, but Larry, who had a plan in mind, had no idea of letting this man, whom he supposed to be a companion of the pickpockets, escape so easily. So the boy slyly put out his foot, and, as the fellow was about to leap from the platform he tripped, and came down on his hands.
“Who did that?” he asked.
“I did,” replied Larry.