It came along the sidewalk and seemed about to pounce down upon the American tracker with the greatest ease.
Old Broadbrim held his breath.
At the very mouth of the alley the spy stopped and looked into the darkness.
He did not stir for ten seconds.
"Gone, I guess," Old Broadbrim heard him say. "It's too bad. I wonder if the cat warned him. If she did, I'll throttle her and leave her in the cellar."
With an oath the man withdrew, and in another moment the detective heard his receding footsteps.
He was saved!
Old Broadbrim waited a while, and then slipped down the street.
He had eluded the spy, and now, perhaps, could get a better look at him.
But in this he was doomed to disappointment, for the fellow vanished too quickly for him and he turned at last and went to the lodging he had selected.