Suddenly I was confronted by a tall and fierce-looking man. “Hey, what are you doin’ here?” he demanded as he blocked my way. “I am after a man that just jumped the back fence,” I replied. And I tried to hurry on. “Hold on! not so fast!” he cried, catching me by the shoulder. “How do I know but what you ain’t one of them pesky flower thieves that’s been a-botherin’ me so long?” “I am not a thief, sir!” I exclaimed. “But I am after one, and every second counts. Didn’t you see the man run through here just a moment ago?” “’Pears to me maybe I did,” replied the florist slowly. “Well, you can go; but don’t let me catch you again, that’s all!” And he shook his head decidedly. Without waiting to reply I left, and made my way to the street. I had lost several minutes arguing with the man, and now Mr. Norton was out of sight. On the curbstone I paused, undecided which way to proceed next. “Looking for the man that run out of here?” asked a boy who sat on a stoop near by whittling a boat with a jackknife. “I am,” I replied quickly. “Which way did he go?” “That way.” And the boy jerked his thumb in the direction. Suddenly an idea popped into my head. “Is the depot in that direction?” I questioned. “Yes, sir.” I was off as soon as the words were uttered. As I ran I heard a train coming along at a lively rate; and this proved a guide to the spot. I ran into the depot, and took a hasty look around. Mr. Norton was not there, and a glance into the ladies’ room convinced me that he was not in the building. CHAPTER XXVIII. THE PURSUIT BECOMES PERILOUS. I approached the ticket-office, and asked when the train would leave for Philadelphia. “In about five minutes,” was the answer. “And is there any other train up or down before that?” “Only an express that does not stop.” “Thank you.” I walked out upon the platform, but managed to keep out of sight as much as possible, fearful that if Mr. Norton saw me he would leave the vicinity at once. I wished that I could run across a policeman to whom I could state the case. But there seemed to be none in the neighborhood; and an inquiry brought forth the fact that the official on that post had just gone off with a drunken man in charge. Presently I heard the rumbling of an approaching locomotive, and the next moment a train dashed up and came to a halt. As it did so I kept my eyes wide open, and saw Mr. Norton dash from behind a neighboring building, and make for the nearest car. I gave chase at once, and caught him by the arm just as he was about to mount the platform. “Let me go!” he cried. “No, sir; you sha’n’t escape me in this fashion,” I returned. For a moment he glared at me; then drawing back his right arm he gave me a heavy blow directly on the chin. The crack made my teeth fairly rattle, and I staggered back and rolled upon the platform.