The boys had sense enough to scoot.

The man ran after them, but had to give it up.

Here is their description of him." The Inspector took a piece of paper from his pocket.

They all waited breathlessly.
"Had to drag this out of the boys, bit by bit," the Inspector proceeded, "but boiled down and put into reasonable language, this is what it comes to.

The man was of medium height, rather thin, pale, and dressed in black clothes.