Ere the youth had passed, the Captain stepped forward and laid his hand on his arm.
Fred uttered a savage growl, and drew back his clenched hand as if to strike, but Captain Wopper’s size and calm look of decision induced him to hold his hand.
“What d’you mean by interrupting me?” he demanded, sternly.
“My lad,” said the Captain, in a low, solemn voice, “your mother is dying, come with me. You’ve no time to lose.”
The youth’s face turned ashy pale, and he passed his hand hastily across his brow.
“What’s wrong?” exclaimed Lewis Stoutley, who had recognised the Captain, and come forward at the moment.
“Did he lose his money to you?” asked the Captain, abruptly.
“Well, yes, he did,” retorted Lewis, with a look of offended dignity.
“Come along, then, my lad. I want you too. It’s a case of life an’ death. Ask no questions, but come along.”
The Captain said this with such an air of authority, that Lewis felt constrained to obey. Fred Leven seemed to follow like one in a dream. They all got into a cab, and were driven back to Grubb’s Court.