d him that they were still going west--not
south toward Chicago. Every turn of the wheels, therefore, was carrying
him farther into unknown territory--farther from the girl and all chance
of communicating with her. Surely he must act soon, if he was to act at
all; for Arima evidently was proceeding to some rendezvous, where Orme
might find himself again in the midst of an overwhelming number of
enemies.

But what could he do? Rapidly he turned over in his mind the various
courses open to him. Should he try to stun Arima with a blow, and then
reach forward and take the steering-wheel before the car could swerve
into the ditch?

The blow might not prove effective. In that case, the chances were that
Arima would involuntarily swing the car to one side. Then there would be
a smash--with death or serious injury threatening both Arima and himself.

Should he try to cut a tire?

The feat was almost impossible. In attempting it, he would run great risk
of premature discovery, and even if he succeeded in the attempt, the
situation would be little changed. The necessity of stopping the car to
make repairs might not put Arima in his hands.

The plan he at last decided upon was to throw his left arm around Arima's
neck and draw him straight back, trusting that he might be able to get
over the seat and set the brakes without losing his grip. The throat of
the jiu-jitsu adept is tough, made so by patient development of neck
muscles, but Orme had a strong arm, and he believed, moreover, that Arima
would not have time to protect himself by stiffening his muscles before
the grip was secured.

The car was skimming along over the turnpike like some flying bird of
night. Orme glanced back over the way they had come. A soft electric glow
in the sky told where Evanston lay, several miles to the east. Far to the
south a greater glow showed the position of Chicago.

Pulling himself erect, Orme leaned forward. It seemed as though Arima
must hear him breathe. Slowly he advanced his arm. Then, darting swiftly,
he threw it around Arima's neck and drew backwards with a jerk.

The Japanese was taken completely unawares. Uttering a strangled cry, he
let go of the steering-wheel and clutched at the choking arm that held
him; he could not break the grip.

Meanwhile Orme reached for the steering-wheel with his free arm. But
Arima, kicking frantically, struck the wheel with his foot, just as Orme
was about to seize it. The car turned sharply to