Page:The purple pennant (IA purplepennant00barb).pdf/241

Rh "Couldn't you—if they don't get you this time, sir, couldn't you—" Perry faltered embarrassedly—"couldn't you reform, sir?"

"I'll try, Hull, I swear to you I'll try." Mr. Addicks seemed quite affected and, after the door had closed behind them, they thought they heard a sob. They stole noiselessly down the stairs. On the sidewalk Fudge drew a deep breath of relief as he glanced left and right and saw no policeman.

"Gee, I hope he gets away," he whispered huskily.

Perry nodded. "So do I. He—he's a mighty nice fellow. What do you say if we stay around until he goes, Fudge? I'd like to be sure he gets away, wouldn't you?"

"Yes, but it wouldn't be safe. They might—might connect us with his escape. Why, even now they may be watching the building! Come on, but don't walk too fast. Try to look careless, Perry."

So, looking careless, they reached the corner, but there, to Perry's surprise, Fudge seized him by the arm and dragged him on. "We've got to throw them off the track," he muttered. "They may follow us."

Silently they proceeded another block and then, when Fudge had turned quickly and glanced back