A moment later the shadowy shape
of a man darted across the street apd
toward the taxicab, and Peter recog
nized Craven's characteristic gait. But
for that he wouldn't have known the
man, who was all but disguised to eyes
that had never beheld him out of dress
clothes after nightfall Craven wear
lng a bowler with a shabby, flapping
raincoat, at a midnight hour, was a
sight unprecedented.
Peter sat up. Barely In time a devi
ous thought engaged his fancy, and he
acted on It promptly. Beady to his
hand rested the mouthpiece of a flex
ible speaking tube, ending In a fixed
earpiece close by the chauffeur's head.
"Five dollars," Peter said distinctly
Into the mouthpiece, "if you don't let
on I'm Inside, In case this man ques
tions." The chauffeur didn't even signify be
had heard, bo positive became his Im
mobility at sound of those magic syl
lables, "Five dollars."
Hastily Peter dragged his overcoat
across the bosom of his shirt and
crowded himself Into the corner near
est the curb.
Bearing out his premonition. Craven
stopped to speak to the chauffeur
and the eavesdropper cursed bitterly
to hear no more than the confused
grumble of their voices.
Then without the least warning the
car shot away at a round pace west
ward. Simmering with profanity, ' Peter
seized the speaking tube to bellow a
demand for Incontinent halt; but on
second thought permitted the car to
round Into Madison avenue before he
gave the order.
Again at pause, this time halfway
down the avenue block, the cab ejected
an Infuriated fare.
