"Is your name John Smith?"
"Didn't I put that to the note?" demanded the other. "What's that got to do with it, anyhow?"
"Not much, but I'd like to have you tell me where Ross and Kinky are, and——"
The fellow muttered an oath and jumped back. His hand, at the same instant, darted toward his hip pocket.
Matt had mentioned "Ross" and "Kinky" merely to make assurance doubly sure. The man's actions proved that he was one of the three thieves, and that he had come prepared for anything that might develop to his disadvantage.
McGlory, watching Red-whiskers like a hawk, jumped for him and grabbed the hand that was reaching for his hip. Matt likewise jumped forward.
"Come on!" he cried to the officer.
A tramp of running feet was heard—but the sounds came from two directions, from behind the red-whiskered man and also back of Matt and McGlory.
Another moment and Matt saw two figures leaping out of the heavy shadow. One of them came on toward the place where the boys were struggling with Red-whiskers and the other turned aside and set upon the policeman. Matt heard a scuffle, a sound of angry voices, and then a thump as of a savage blow.
Before he could draw a full breath, a heavy fist had struck him in the shoulder and thrown him reeling backward.