was composed mostly of women, who were a little timid about approaching too closely to a "thief" even if he was only a lad.
"I'm going to chance it," thought Ned. "If I can get to the roof I can cross to some other house, and go down a scuttle hole, perhaps, and so reach the street. Or I can hide until the excitement blows over."
With this in mind he suddenly grasped the balustrade near which he was. With a jump and a swing he was over it and part way up the stairs. Then he began to run, while the crowd below him, surprised at his sudden escape, set up a chorus of yells.
But Ned had a good start. He took the steps three at a time, and was soon at the top. Then he essayed the next flight, and so on until he found himself on the roof, which was a big, wide stretch of tin. It was used as a place for hanging out clothes, and was easy of access from the top hallway.
Below him Ned could hear the shouts and cries, and the tramp of many feet.
"Which way shall I go?" he asked himself, as he paused for an instant. "Guess it can't make much difference."
He turned to the left and ran along until he
