When they spring upon their human prey they are known even to bend the victim backward and double its body till the back is broken.

They possess neither conscience nor sentiment, and they will kill for a half-sovereign, without fear or favour, if they are given but half a chance.

They are a new species, a breed of city savages.

The streets and houses, alleys and courts, are their hunting grounds.

As valley and mountain are to the natural savage, street and building are valley and mountain to them.