As our readers know, the detective was an adept with the club, and a man capable of coolly taking advantage of any little favorable incident.  As the men were knocked over he called to the man in the rubber coat: 

“Follow me.”

The stranger did not reed a second bidding, but leaped across the two prostrate men, and followed the detective from the cabin.

“We must move quickly,” said Vance; and he led the way across the sand rifts.

“That was well done,” said the stranger.

“It was needful; those men would not have turned us over to the regularly constituted authorities; they are part of a band of lawless men, and we world have been tried and executed before morning, under the auspices of Judge Lynch.”

“We will be pursued and tracked,” said the stranger.

“Not after we once get across the bay.”

“Can you get us across?”

“I should say I could.”

“You are a brave and determined man.”

“What did you mean by accusing me of the murder?”

“I did not mean it when I accused you; I only wished to learn how you would receive the accusation.”

The detective led the way to a little cove where a boat rocked in the tide.

“Can you row?”

“Yes.”

“There is a boat; get over to the mainland as quick as you can.”

“Will you not go?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“It is not necessary for me to explain to you.”

“But I have need of your services.”

“We may meet again.”

“We must meet again.”

“I can be of no service to you.”

“You can.”

“Never, until you tell me the whole story about Renie.  Meantime, you haven’t a moment to spare.”

“But it is equally dangerous for you to remain here.”

“No.  I can take care of myself; but I would not be answerable for you.”

“Go with me.”

“You will remain here until you are, captured.  Those men will scour the coast.”

“They will find you.”

“No.”

“Then you must be one of them, that you do not fear them.”

“I do not fear them.  But you must go at once.  Listen! they are already on our track.”

“Dare you remain?”

“Yes, yes; but you go.”

“When shall I see you again?”

“Do you desire to see me?”

“Yes.”

“Where do you stay in New York?”

The stranger gave the name of a hotel.

“Your name!”

“Selton.”

“I will call at your hotel to-morrow.”

“I can depend upon you?”

“Yes.”

“Your name?”

“King.”

“I will look for you.  Come and see me, and you will make your fortune.”

“I will come; and now you hasten away.”

The stranger entered the boat, and the detective glided away in the darkness.  Vance had gone but a short distance, when he saw several men moving along over the sand, and they were moving toward the cove.