I had some time before this found out that I was being followed again.  The two men who had dodged my steps on the previous night were doing so again, though the reason for their action was no more apparent.  However, I had laid my plans most carefully, and hoped, if all went well, to be able to satisfy myself upon this point.  I had plenty of enemies, I knew, as a man of my profession must of necessity have, but I could not think of one who would pry upon my movements like this.  At last the time came for action.  Turning into a side street, I slackened my pace in order to give my pursuers time to come up.  Apart from ourselves the street was quite deserted, and, if they intended doing me harm, was quite dark enough to favour their plans.  I could see as well as hear them approaching.  Then, when they were close upon me, I slipped my hand into my coat-pocket, and turned and confronted them.  My own man was softly coming up from behind.

“Now, my men,” I began, “what’s the meaning of this?  No, you can keep your distance.  It’s no use thinking of violence, for I’ve got you before and behind.  Take care that they don’t get away, Wilson!”

“Aye, aye, sir,” the man replied.  “I’ll take good care of that.”

“Let’s ‘out him,’ Bill,” said the taller of the two men, and as he did so took a step towards me.

[Illustration:  “‘LET’S OUT HIM, BILL,’ SAID THE TALLER OF THE TWO MEN”]

“Do you see this?” I inquired, producing my revolver as I spoke.  “I am aware that it is not lawful to carry firearms in the streets of London, but when one has to deal with gentlemen like you, it becomes a necessity.  Throw up your hands.”

They did as they were ordered without demur.  Then turning to the taller man I addressed him more particularly.

“You seem to be the leader,” I said, “and for that reason I want to have a little talk with you.  Your companion can take himself off as soon as he pleases.  If he does not, let me assure him that he will get into trouble.  Your intention to ‘out me,’ as you call it, has failed, as you can see, and when I have done with you I don’t think the attempt will be repeated.  Now get off, my man, and thank your stars that I have let you go so easily.”

Never were the tables turned so quickly or so completely on a pair of rogues, and the man I addressed seemed to think too.  After a whispered conversation with his companion, he walked away at his best pace, and we saw no more of him.

“Now,” I said, turning to the fellow who was left behind, “you will come along with me to my office, and we’ll have a little talk together.”

Our prisoner would have resisted, but certain warnings I was able to give him, induced him to change his mind.  When we reached my office I opened the door and conducted him to my sanctum, while Wilson followed close behind and lit the gas.  He then passed into the outer office, leaving me alone with my prisoner.  On closer inspection he proved to be a burly ruffian, and would doubtless have proved an ugly customer to tackle alone.  He, in his turn, looked at me in some interest and then at the door, as if he were half inclined to try the effect of a struggle.