But it would not be safe; the police would search
there.
Shooter's Gardens? There was the room where lived Pennyloaf's
drunken mother and her brother. They would not give him up. He could
think of no other refuge, at all events, and must go there if he
would not drop in the street.
CHAPTER XXXVII
MAD JACK'S DREAM
It was not much more than a quarter of an hour's walk, but pain and
fear made the distance seem long; he went out of his way, too, for
the sake of avoiding places that were too well lighted. The chief
occupation of his thoughts was in conjecturing what could have led
to Bartley's arrest. Had the fellow been such a fool as to attempt
passing a bad coin when he carried others of the same kind in his
pocket? Or had the arrest of some other 'pal' in some way thrown
suspicion on Jack? Be it as it might, the game was up. With the
usual wisdom which comes too late, Bob asked himself how he could
ever have put trust in Bartley, whom he knew to be as mean-spirited
a cur as breathed. On the chance of making things easier for
himself, Jack would betray every secret in his possession. What hope
was there of escaping capture, even if a hiding-place could be found
for a day or two? If he had his hand on Jack Bartley's gizzard
Afraid to appear afraid, in dread lest his muddy clothing should
attract observation, he kept, as often as possible, the middle of
the road, and with relief saw at length the narrow archway, with its
descending steps, which was one entrance to Shooter's Gardens.
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