"Who's them?"
"Peggy—and the gentleman."
"Where are they?"
"Looking in at the winder."
Mark had his wits about him, and did not turn round. He wished Peggy and her confederate to think themselves undiscovered, while he rapidly considered what was best to be done.
Should he leave the store by the front door, Jack would at once be pounced upon by Peggy, and there would be a scene.
He might eventually recover Jack, but in the meantime the boy would be ill-treated, stripped of his good clothes, and perhaps carried out of the city. Just as success seemed assured, he was confronted by defeat.
What was to be done?
Mark was not a boy to give in, unless compelled to do so. An idea came to him.
"Jack," he said in a low voice, "don't look towards the window again. Don't let them know you have seen them."