Could he reach his stand before twelve?
He started off—a street car assisted him up Sixth Avenue, and he arrived just five minutes before the noon hour.
John was there.
He had the same horses as on the previous night, and showed no marks of his late hours.
At sight of the detective he made no sign of recognition, which was quite natural, for the latter’s disguise was complete.
“Hello, John, I want your vehicle,” Eric said.
“I’m engaged just now, sor.”
“Yes, warming your heels. John, I’m the gentleman who engaged you last night.”
The man made a peculiar face.
“Tell that till the marines, sor. Ain’t I got eyes—phat good are they if I don’t see?”