Without a second moment's hesitation the two rascals dropped their friend Bauer with a thud on the ground; one ran at his full speed across the street, the other bolted no less quickly up the Konigstrasse.

Neither could afford to meet the constables; and who could say what story this red-haired gentleman might tell, ay, or what powers he might command?
But, in truth, Rudolf gave no thought to either his story or his powers.
If he were caught, the best he could hope would be to lie in the lockup while Rupert played his game unmolested.

The device that he had employed against the amazed ruffians could be used against lawful authority only as a last and desperate resort.

While he could run, run he would.

In an instant he also took to his heels, following the fellow who had darted up the Konigstrasse.