He had arrived within a couple of squares of the Garies, when suddenly, on turning a corner, he found himself in the midst of a gang of ruffians.
"Here's a nigger! here's a nigger!" shouted two or three of them, almost simultaneously, making at the same time a rush at Mr.Ellis, who turned and ran, followed by the whole gang.

Fear lent him wings, and he fast outstripped his pursuers, and would have entirely escaped, had he not turned into a street which unfortunately was closed at the other end.

This he did not discover until it was too late to retrace his steps, his pursuers having already entered the street.
Looking for some retreat, he perceived he was standing near an unfinished building.

Tearing off the boards that were nailed across the window, he vaulted into the room, knocking off his hat, which fell upon the pavement behind him.

Scarcely had he groped his way to the staircase of the dwelling when he heard the footsteps of his pursuers.
"He can't have got through," exclaimed one of them, "the street is closed up at the end; he must be up here somewhere." Lighting one of their torches, they began to look around them, and soon discovered the hat lying beneath the window.
"He's in here, boys; we've tree'd the 'coon," laughingly exclaimed one of the ruffians.