On the street, the trailer tried desperately hard to get upon the scent again. Nick lounged on a corner and watched him.
The detective knew that for a little time the shadow would stick to the place where he had lost the trail.
When at last the hopelessness of it dawned upon the young man, he struck off at a rapid pace up the Bowery.
Nick kept him in sight. Thus the chase continued up to Eighth Street.
Here the shadow—now shadowed in his turn—walked up to a carriage that was standing beside the curb, and spoke a few words to somebody within.
Then the shadow passed along, and Nick followed for a little distance. As soon, however, as he could shield himself from the observation of the driver on that carriage, he dodged into a dark corner and came out transformed.
Nick wore now the semblance of the young man who had attempted to follow him. The likeness might not have deceived the young man’s mother, but in the evening and upon the street it seemed good enough to answer Nick’s purpose.
Thus disguised, Nick returned hurriedly to the carriage. He was determined to get a sight of the person within.
The coachman made no sign of suspecting anything was wrong. He sat like a statue on the box.
There was a deep shadow on the side of the carriage which Nick approached, for an electric lamp was on the opposite side of the street near the corner.