“The circus is nearly over,” whispered Connie. “He might start to leave before we could find Mr. Gregg and get back here.”
“Then let’s just keep watch. If we could catch him taking a pocketbook, we’d have proof he’s a pickpocket.”
Connie thought for an instant and then had an even better plan.
“I’ll stay here and watch,” she offered. “You go as fast as you can for Mr. Gregg.”
“I’ll get back as quickly as I can,” Veve promised, scurrying away.
For a while after she had been left alone, Connie sat very still, scarcely taking her eyes from the man. He did not attempt to take anyone’s money, but only watched the circus.
The minutes passed and Veve did not return with Mr. Gregg. Anxiously, Connie looked about for them. She could not see Veve or the detective anywhere in the audience.
All too soon, the show came to an end. As the crowd started to leave the tent, the man also arose.
Connie scarcely knew what to do. She decided to follow the man, but that was not easy because he walked directly into the dense crowd. Connie had to wriggle and push to keep up with him.
The pickpocket was walking toward the exit. He did not appear to notice that he was being followed.