Ireland called a cab. He allowed Daisy to enter first. Cooper got in after her.
"The police-station, driver--as fast as you can."
Cooper immediately wanted to get out again.
"Where are you a-taking me to? I ain't going to no police-station!"
"Stay where you are, you idiot! So long as you act fairly with me, I'll act fairly with you. You don't suppose that this is a sort of job that I can tackle single-handed? I'm going to the station to get help. Now then, driver, move that horse of yours!"
The cab moved off, leaving Miss Wentworth and Mr. Franklyn to follow in another if they chose.
CHAPTER XIV
[AMONG THIEVES]
Cyril was vaguely conscious of the touch of some one's hand about the region of his throat; not of a soft or a gentle hand, but of a clumsy, fumbling, yet resolute paw. Then of something falling on to him--falling with a splashing sound. He opened his eyes, heavily, dreamily. He heard a voice, speaking as if from afar.
"Hullo, chummie, so you ain't dead, after all?--leastways, not as yet you ain't."