“Just think it over,” he continued, “and when you’re in jail don’t go and tell the first comer, but send for me. It is better to have one who is interested in you, and I’m very willing to help you.”
I nodded my head.
“Ask for Dolphin; you’ll remember my name?”
“Yes, sir.”
I was leaning against the door. The window was down and the air blew in. The policeman found that there was too much air so he moved into the middle of the seat. My left hand stole softly outside and turned the handle; with my right hand I held the door.
The minutes passed; the engine whistled and slackened its speed. The moment had come. I pushed open the door quickly and sprang out as far as I could. Fortunately, my hands, which I held out before me, touched the grass, yet the shock was so great that I rolled on the ground unconscious. When I came to my senses I thought that I was still in the train for I felt myself being carried along. Looking round I saw that I was lying at the bottom of a cart. Strange! My cheeks were wet. A soft warm tongue was licking me. I turned slightly. An ugly yellow dog was leaning over me. Mattia was kneeling beside me.
“You’re saved,” he said, pushing aside the dog.
“Where am I?”
“You are in a cart. Bob’s driving.”
“How goes it?” cried Bob from his seat. “Can you move your arms and legs?”