"Then you may conclude that he has robbed the boy. He robbed me in London some weeks since, and I have just caught him."
"This is all a mistake," said Lane, hurriedly. "Officer, you may let the boy go."
"Do you withdraw the charge?"
"Yes."
"I prefer to go to the station house," said Scott, quietly. "I wish to tell my story there. This man stole ten pounds from me in English money."
At this moment there was a sudden excitement in the street. A man had been knocked over by a passing truck, and all eyes were turned toward the scene of the accident.
Justin Wood removed his hand from the arm of Crawford Lane, and the latter lost no time in taking advantage of his freedom. He darted down a side street, and when his companions turned to look for him he had disappeared.
Justin Wood looked annoyed.
"He has escaped this time," he exclaimed, "but I will have him yet."
"Then I shall not be needed," said the officer, as he resumed his beat.