man!"

Bruce Gordon had no time to look back. He hit the alley in five
heart-ripping leaps and was around the bend. Then he swung, just as
Murdoch made it. Bullets spatted against the walls, and he saw blood
pumping from under Murdoch's right shoulder.

"Keep going!" Murdoch ordered.

A fresh cry from the street cut into his order, however. Gordon risked a
quick look, then stepped farther out to make sure.

The surprise raid by the Star Pointers hadn't been quite as much of a
surprise as expected. Coming down the street, with no regard for men
trying to get out of their way, the trucks of the Croopsters were
battering aside the few who could not reach safety. There were no
machine guns this time.

They smacked into the tangle of Star Point trucks, and came to a
grinding halt, men piling out ready for battle. Gordon nodded. In a few
minutes, Wayne's supporters would have the booth again; there'd be a
delay before any organized search could be made for the fugitives. He
looked down at Murdoch's shoulder.

"Come on," he said finally. "Or should I carry you?"

Murdoch shook his head. "I'll walk. Get me to a place where we can
talk--and be damned to this. Gordon, I've got to talk--but I don't have
to live. I mean that!"

Gordon started off, disregarding the words; a place of safety had to
come first. He picked his way down alleys and small streets. The older
man kept trying to stop to speak, but Gordon gave him no opportunity.
There was one chance....

It was farther than he'd thought, and Gordon began to suspect he'd
missed the way, until he saw the drugstore. Now it all fell into
place--the first beat he'd had with Izzy.

He ducked down back alleys until he reached the right section. He
scanned the street, jumped to the door of the little liquor store and
began banging on it. There was no answer, though he was sure the old
couple lived just over the store.

He began banging again. Finally, a feeble voice sounded from inside.
"Who is it?"

"A man in distress!" he yelled back. There was no way to identify
himself; he could only hope she would look.

The entrance seal opened briefly; then it flashed open all the way. He
motioned to Murdoch, and jumped to help the failing man to the entrance.
The old lady looked, then moved quickly to the other side.

"_Ach, Gott_," she breathed. Her hands trembled as she relocked the
seal. Then she brushed the thin hair off her face, and pointed. Gordon
followed her up the