Owen did not consider that he had taken more than the first step toward safety.
The wolves were just below, clamoring for his blood, for his sudden flight had crystalized the various shouts into one mad outburst of rage.
So far as he knew there was nothing to prevent some of them from copying his example; he judged there must be athletes enough in the throng for this business.
It was not his purpose to remain there upon the balcony, and meet all comers in a Greco-Roman wrestle for the mastery.
He had started to escape, and it were useless lingering longer in view of the rapidly growing throng.
One way was open to him, through the house to which the balcony was attached.
CHAPTER XX.
A RENDEZVOUS AT THE TOBACCONIST'S.
Some men have a passion for the uncertainties of chance—they delight in wagering all they possess in the shape of filthy lucre on the turn of a die.