At last the time came for action.

Turning into a side street, I slackened my pace in order to give my pursuers time to come up.

Apart from ourselves the street was quite deserted, and, if they intended doing me harm, was quite dark enough to favour their plans.

I could see as well as hear them approaching.

Then, when they were close upon me, I slipped my hand into my coat-pocket, and turned and confronted them.