Lord Hastings shook his head.

“We have more serious business in hand,” he replied.  “He will have to take his chances.”

Still the pursuers gained; but it became apparent now that they could not hope to overtake their quarry before he reached shore.

“Ready to take a shot as they jump out of the boat,” was Lord Hastings’ command.

All drew their revolvers and stood ready.

Now, there was little doubt in the minds of all that they could pick off the fugitives as they leaped ashore, and they probably would have done so but for an unforeseen occurrence.

The pursuers had lost a little time in maneuvering to get in an effective shot, and the pursued now were more than a hundred yards ahead.

As the first boat was a scant fifty yards from shore, a third craft hove in sight, headed down the river.  It was going in such a manner as to pass directly between pursuer and pursued as the latter landed.

In vain Lord Hastings signalled the third boat to stop.  It came on, paying no heed; 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.