Bound by a terrible oath to answer that signal of distress, the villains had rushed out to the rescue. Yet here was the man who gave it now begging them not to interfere.
They were puzzled, and knew not what to do.
"Give your number," was again called out by the same gruff voice as before.
"At your peril!"
So I again breathed into the false detective's ear, and he made no reply.
"Now, then, let's get away from this spot," I said, in a low tone; and still holding firmly to my prisoner, I began slowly retreating, taking good care always to have an eye on the gang, who were undecided what to do.
I quickly put a different aspect on the state of affairs when I got a chance, and I gave the night-call for a policeman.
The gang continued to follow.
Had Stanton given his number, they were ready to rush in and rescue him.
But for a good reason he did not give his number, and when two blue-coats, having heard my summons, swiftly approached the spot, the villainous crew's indecision vanished as well as themselves.