He took a step toward the board walk, jerking Carl along after him.
"I'm not a stranger in Atlantic City, officer," went on Townsend. "In fact, I'm very well acquainted with the chief of police here. Just a second until I show you my card."
The potent name of the chief brought McMillan to a halt. He had been reported once, and if a man who had influence reported him again, there might be a vacancy in the force.
"All I want is to do what's right," he mumbled.
Townsend had reached into his pocket and drawn out a handful of papers. While he was going over them, looking for his professional card, Jurgens made a lightning-like move. It was a most peculiar move and, for a moment, took everybody by surprise.
Throwing himself forward, Jurgens snatched a long, folded paper from among those Townsend held in his hands. Quick as a wink Jurgens whirled, dashed for the steps leading up to the board walk and was away like a deer.
"Stop him, officer!" shouted Townsend. "That's the kind of a man he is! Stop him!"
McMillan now saw that a real emergency confronted him. Releasing Carl, he rushed away on the trail of the thieving Jurgens.
Motor Matt, however, had kept his wits, and he was halfway to the steps before the officer had started.
When the young motorist bounded to the board walk, Jurgens was tearing through the crowd.