“He was about, I think, to show them the letter, when another thought occurred to him.  He wrinkled his brow, as if seeking words in which to make his meaning clear, and they seemed willing enough to wait for him, but not so I, for I now knew where the letter was.  So I sprang into their midst, falling less dangerously than I might have done by reason of a man’s shoulders that served for a cushion.  It may be that his bones broke under my weight.  I can give no accurate report as to that, for I was in great haste.  But as he gave way under me, I pitched forward, and, kicking Yussuf Dakmar in the belly with my boot, I fell on him, they falling on me in turn and we all writhing together in one mass on the floor.  So I secured the letter.”

“Good man!” Grim nodded.

“Wish I’d been there!” mourned Jeremy.

“And, having what I came for, I broke free; and taking the red stool I hurled it at the lamp, so that we were in total darkness, which made it a simple matter to unlock the door, and proceed about my business.  Nevertheless, I heard them strike matches behind me, and it seemed unwise to take to my heels at once, it being easy to pursue a man who runs.

“As the sahib doubtless remembers, between that coffee shop and the next house is a stone buttress jutting out into the street, forming on its side farthest from the coffee-shop a dark corner, for whose filth and stink the street cleaners ought to be punished.  Therein I lurked, while those who pursued ran past me up the street, I counting them; and among them I did not count Yussuf Dakmar and three more.  It happened that a man was running up the street and the pursuers supposed him to be me.  So I was left with only four to deal with; and it entered my head that no doubt Jimgrim sahib would be pleased to interview Yussuf Dakmar.

“And after a few moments Yussuf Dakmar came forth, and I heard him speak to these three fellows.

“‘Those fools,’ said he, ’hunt like street dogs at the sound of rubbish tossed out of a window.  But I think that Indian soldier is less foolish than they.  If I were he,’ said Yussuf Dakmar, ’I think I wouldn’t run far, with all these shadows to right and left and all the hours from now until dawn in which to act the fox.  I suspect he is not far away at this minute.  Nevertheless,’ said he, ’those Indians are dangerous fellows.  It is highly important that we get that letter from him; but it is almost equally important that we stop his mouth, which would be impossible if he should escape alive.  If we wait here,’ said he, ’we shall see him emerge from a shadow, if I am not much mistaken.’

“So they waited, sahib.  And after a few minutes, when my breath had returned to me, I let him have credit as a wise one by emerging as he had said.  And those four stalked me through the streets, not daring to come close until I should lead them to a lonely place; and I led them with discretion to this house, where happened what the sahib knows.