Then the thought of escape came to him, and he began to
run, not too soon.
"Stop!" called out Pietro. "Stop, or I will kill you!"
But Phil did not comprehend the advantage of surrendering himself
to Pietro. He understood too well how he would be treated, if he
returned a prisoner. Instead of obeying the call, he only sped
on the faster. Now between the pursuer and the pursued there was
a difference of six years, Pietro being eighteen, while Phil was
but twelve. This, of course, was in Pietro's favor. On the
other hand, the pursuer was encumbered by a hand-organ, which
retarded his progress, while Phil had only a violin, which did
not delay him at all. This made their speed about equal, and
gave Phil a chance to escape, unless he should meet with some
interruption
"Stop!" called Pietro, furiously, beginning to realize that the
victory was not yet won.
Phil looked over his shoulder, and, seeing that Pietro was no
nearer, took fresh courage. He darted round a corner, with his
pursuer half a dozen rods behind him. They were not in the most
frequented parts of the city, but in a quarter occupied by
two-story wooden houses. Seeing a front door open, Phil, with a
sudden impulse, ran hastily in, closing the door behind him.
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