He pulled it out and transferred it to his own pocket and made for the door.

He did not care now what happened.

Found! Woe to any one who had the ill-luck to stand between him and the exit.
Outside the door stood the shabby waiter, grinning cheerfully.

He was accompanied by a hulking, shifty-eyed creature.
"Roll 'im, ol' sport?
Caught in th' act, huh ?" gibed the waiter.
Thomas had the right idea.

He struck first.