From the very moment that the arrests were publicly known the
detective was on his guard, and that same night had a genuine
intimation of his danger.
The detective wanted to see a certain man in the Government
employ, and went down to a Government building, situated on
the Battery near South Ferry. He had gotten himself up as a
night-watchman, hoping in that way to escape observation.
Vance saw his man and left the building, and was proceeding
across the Battery, when he observed that he was being
followed. The officer at once suspected that there was a
possibility that someone of the scoundrels had "tumbled" to
his identity, and he resolved to "shake" the ruffian at once.
Changing his course, he walked over toward the sea, on the
North River side of the park, and stood leaning over the
hand-rail, when a man sauntered up alongside.
"A pleasant evening," said the new-comer.
It was still early in the evening.
The detective did not make an immediate reply, but, scanned
the speaker from head to feet. he was seeking to ascertain
whether or not he recognized the man.
The fellow was a foreigner--an ugly looking chap, and just
such a villain as could be employed for any sort of desperate
work for pay.
The detective made up his mind to feel his man; and should he
discover that the fellow really did not know him, and was
dogging him, he was resolved to clap the darbies on him.
"Yes, it's a pleasant evening," said the detective, slowly.
"Hard times for poor men now," remarked the stranger.
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