Tim and Teddy literally dragged him along, crossing the street at one point to avoid a policeman, and again dodging into a friendly doorway when the guardians of the peace came upon them suddenly.
Had any one observed particularly the movements of these three lads, the gravest suspicions must have been awakened, for they displayed a consciousness of guilt in every movement, and showed plainly that their great desire was to escape scrutiny.
Seth was so enveloped in sorrow and fear as to be ignorant of the direction in which he and Snip were being forced. He understood dimly that those who had the business of escape in hand were bent on gaining the river; but to more than that he gave no heed.
Finally, when they were arrived at a ferry-slip, Teddy paid the passage money, and Seth was led to the forward end of the boat, in order, as Tim explained, that he might be ready to jump ashore instantly the pier on the opposite side was gained, in case the officers of justice had tracked them thus far.
Now, forced to remain inactive for a certain time, Seth’s friends took advantage of the opportunity to give him what seemed to be much-needed advice.
“The minute the boat strikes the dock you must take a sneak,” Teddy said impressively, clutching Seth vigorously by the shoulder to insure attention. “We’ll hang ’round here to make sure the detectives haven’t got on to your trail, an’ then we’ll go back.”
“But what am I to do afterward?” Seth asked helplessly.
“There ain’t any need of very much guessin’ about that. You’re bound to get where there’ll be a chance of hidin’, an’ you want to be mighty lively.”
“Snip an’ I will have to earn money enough to keep us goin’, an’ how can it be done while I’m hidin’?”
“How much have you got now?”