"I'm after Billy Darnley!" he shouted to Paul. "Come on!"
There now ensued a race which was highly exciting, even if not of long duration. Darnley was swift of foot, and the fear of what might follow lent speed to his flying feet. But Nelson was also a good runner.
At the corner of Rose Street were a number of heavy trucks. Darnley managed to pass these, but it took time. When our hero came up, the trucks blocked the street completely.
In and out Nelson dodged among the trucks, between the wheels and under the very hoofs of the heavy horses. In a twinkle he was clear of the mass and again making after Darnley, who was now flying toward Vandewater Street.
At this point there is a large archway under the approach to the Brooklyn Bridge, and toward this archway the bully directed his footsteps. But Nelson was now close at hand, and underneath the archway he succeeded in reaching the big newsboy, catching him firmly by the arm.
"Lemme go!" growled Billy Darnley. "Lemme go, Nelse, or I'll hammer yer good."
"Maybe I'll do the hammering," retorted Nelson. "Where's my five dollars?"
"I aint got no money of yours."
"You have, and I want you to hand it over."
"Aint got it, I say. Lemme go!"