He understood too well how he would be treated, if he returned a prisoner.

Instead of obeying the call, he only sped on the faster.

Now between the pursuer and the pursued there was a difference of six years, Pietro being eighteen, while Phil was but twelve.

This, of course, was in Pietro's favor.

On the other hand, the pursuer was encumbered by a hand-organ, which retarded his progress, while Phil had only a violin, which did not delay him at all.