www.freeclassicebooks.com

CHAPTER IV. ON THE TRAIL.

AS THEY entered the place Billy, who was ahead, sought a table; but as he was

about to hang up his cap and seat himself Bridge touched his elbow.

"Let's go to the washroom and clean up a bit," he said, in a voice that might be

heard by those nearest.

Why, we just washed before we left our room," expostulated Billy.

Shut up and follow me," Bridge whispered into his ear.

Immediately Billy was all suspicion. His hand flew to the pocket in which the gun

of the deputy sheriff still rested. They would never take him alive, of that Billy

was positive. He wouldn't go back to life imprisonment, not after he had tasted

the sweet freedom of the wide spaces--such a freedom as the trammeled city

cannot offer.

Bridge saw the movement.

"Cut it," he whispered, "and follow me, as I tell you. I just saw a Chicago dick

across the street. He may not have seen you, but it looked almighty like it. He'll

be down here in about two seconds now. Come on--we'll beat it through the rear--

I know the way."

Billy Byrne heaved a great sigh of relief. Suddenly he was almost reconciled to the

thought of capture, for in the instant he had realized that it had not been so

much his freedom that he had dreaded to lose as his faith in the companion in

whom he had believed.

Without sign of haste the two walked the length of the room and disappeared

through the doorway leading into the washroom. Before them was a window

opening upon a squalid back yard. The building stood upon a hillside, so that

while the entrance to the eating-place was below the level of the street in front, its

rear was flush with the ground.

Bridge motioned Billy to climb through the window while he shot the bolt upon

the inside of the door leading back into the restaurant. A moment later he

followed the fugitive, and then took the lead.

Down narrow, dirty alleys, and through litter-piled back yards he made his way,

while Billy followed at his heels. Dusk was gathering, and before they had gone

far darkness came.

174

The Mucker