Dan put on his coat and started for the street. By this time the main part of the “Y” building was nearly deserted of visitors.
As he stepped out onto a stone porch giving exit to the street, a little man in an overcoat pulled high around his neck emerged from the shadows. Dan recoiled.
The man was Paper Bag Eddie.
“Hello, Dan,” the other said in his purring voice. “Want to take a little ride with me?”
Dan started to retreat into the building, but Eddie blocked the doorway. The dark street was deserted except for a taxi cab.
“Don’t let out a peep or make a false move,” the man said, tapping the little paper bag he carried. “You’re coming with me.”
Taking a firm grasp upon Dan’s arm, he shoved him toward the waiting taxi cab.
The boy braced his feet and started to resist. But as he opened his mouth to let out a yell for help, Eddie jammed the paper bag into his ribs. He felt the pressure of a revolver press against his flesh.
“Don’t yip, or I’ll let you have it,” the little man said in his pleasant voice. “Just get in that taxi.”
Dan obeyed. As he slumped in the rear seat, he took a quick glance at the driver. Though the face was unfamiliar, he thought the man resembled one of the persons he had seen on the night Mr. Holloway’s motorboat had been struck. It was an ugly face, cold and unfriendly. He realized with a sinking heart that any appeal to the driver for help would be a waste of breath.