; and what Lord Hastings feared came to pass. Just as the
first boat grounded and its occupants leaped ashore, the third craft
passed between the first and the pursuers. Although all held revolvers
ready, there was no chance to fire; and when the pursuers reached shore
their quarry were some distance away.

"After them!" cried Jack.

CHAPTER V.

THE END OF BLOSBERG.

Lord Hastings and Frank needed no urging. With a cry to the other
occupants of the boat to remain there until they returned, Lord Hastings
leaped lightly ashore and dashed in pursuit of the fugitives. Jack and
Frank were close at his heels.

All had drawn their revolvers and a weapon swung in the right hand of
each as he sped over the ground.

Ahead the fugitives had redoubled their efforts. A quick backward glance
had showed them they were pursued and now they sped over the ground as
fast as their legs would carry them.

Frank gradually forged ahead of the others. At school the lad had always
been known as something of a sprinter and his training stood him in good
stead now.

"Wait for us," panted Lord Hastings, but Frank paid no heed and
continued to lengthen the distance between himself and his friends.

The fugitives had now reached the first street off the waterfront and
were dashing along it madly, still more than a hundred yards ahead of
Frank, their nearest pursuer. Strangely enough, there was not another
soul in sight at this minute, for they were still at the extreme edge of
the city.

But at this moment a man suddenly came out of a building ahead and stood
looking at the running men curiously. Frank raised his voice.

"Stop 'em!" he shouted.

The man stepped directly in front of the fugitives and threw up a hand,
signifying for them to halt. But the fugitives had no time to waste on
him. Frank saw Davis, who was slightly in advance of Blosberg, extend
his arm before him; and a moment later the man who would have stayed the
fugitives' progress went sprawling in the street. In the language of the
football field, Davis had "stiff-armed" him.

Neither Davis nor his companion had slowed up for this maneuver, so the
pursuers had gained nothing because of the stranger's attempt to aid
them.

Davis and Blosberg now came to a cross street and turned the corner
without slackening their speed. Frank, still gaining steadily, darted
around it a few seconds later, now less than seventy-five yards from his
quarry. Lord Hastings and Ja