He looked squarely into the face of Dyke Darrel, the railroad detective!
Turning his head, the Professor sat quiet. The other train was moving, and Ruggles felt paralyzed at his discovery. Perhaps the detective had not noticed him. He could not understand how the detective had escaped death from the beating he had received in the basement of that building of sin on Clark street.
His own train was moving now, and if he would get off he must be quick about it.
Springing from his seat, he hastened down the aisle.
At the open door he met Dyke Darrel face to face! The recognition was mutual.
The train was moving rapidly out of the station. Soon it would be going at full speed.
Professor Ruggles had two incentives for leaving the train now—one to escape the detective, the other to find Nell and Madge Scarlet.
At first he thought of dashing upon Dyke Darrel and risking all in a swift rush. Second thought, induced by the gleam of a six-shooter in the hand of his enemy, concluded the Professor to seek another course. Turning, he dashed down the length of the car, with Darrel in hot pursuit.
"Halt, or I fire!"
But the detective's cry had no effect.