Page:Ned Wilding's Disappearance.djvu/217

Rh knew Cassidy had no right to take him into custody, and he felt the injustice of it keenly. The man held him loosely by the coat sleeve, and marched him along through the streets. Several persons turned to look at the spectacle, but no one ventured to interfere. New Yorkers have formed the habit of not taking much interest in affairs that do not concern them directly.

As they were crossing a narrow street in one of the thickly settled tenement districts a horse, attached to a wagon, and rapidly driven, bore down on them. Ned, with the instinct of a quick runner, started to dash ahead. Cassidy, who moved slower, pulled back toward the curb, to let the steed pass. The movement separated Ned from his captor, for Cassidy's hold on the boy's sleeve was broken. Ned was free!

The horse and wagon was now between him and the man. The boy gave a hasty glance back, and saw Cassidy standing on the crossing ready to dash forward as soon as the wagon should pass. He could not go around it because of vehicles on either side.

"Here's my chance!" exclaimed Ned as he dashed forward and ran down the other side of the street.

An instant later the wagon had passed and