At the back there appeared to be several windows, and, though covered
with dust and cobwebs, they still admitted some light. The place was
packed with wooden cases and barrels, and Richard had not a little
difficulty in picking his way among them.
Evidently the street Arab had not calculated upon being followed into
such a place, for Richard heard him boldly making his way to the rear.
He hurried after the urchin, making as little noise as possible. But
unfortunately his foot at that moment struck against an empty case,
and made known his presence.
Instantly the street boy realized the situation, and diving behind a
pile of barrels, remained perfectly quiet.
Richard's blood was now up, and he did not intend to be outwitted. He
hurried to the spot, in his eagerness nearly stumbling over the boy.
But the latter was alert. Visions of the Tombs probably floated through
his mind; and tripping Richard over he sprang away.
Richard was on his feet in a second, but it was too late. In that
second, the street Arab had sprung to the top of a pile of cases that
stood directly under an opening in the floor above.
The next instant he had disappeared through the hole, and was gone.
But in mounting the stack of cases he had dislodged several and these
now tumbled down, making a lively racket.
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