"Come on, then," cried the latter eagerly. "Let's get away before he gets back, finds his friend dead and leaves the house."
The lads hurried forward and, by going directly toward the house, arrived there before the first of the crowd came into view.
Even as Hal had expected, Duval, believing that he had eluded his pursuers, made a detour and entered his home from a side entrance. From an upper window, a few moments later, he saw the first of the crowd. They had no idea he was in the house and went dashing by. He did not see the forms of the two lads across the street.
"I guess I'm safe enough for a while," he said to himself.
He made his way toward the bedroom, where he surmised his lieutenant would be sleeping. He entered the room, took a single look and staggered back.
His eyes had fallen upon the inert body of his aide.
Quickly he bent over him and felt his pulse.
"Dead!" he exclaimed.
He stood silent, struck by a sudden thought. Quickly he descended the steps into the cellar and approached the room where Hal had been left to die. The door was open and water trickled from within.
Duval uttered no word but, turning quickly, dashed up the steps. Once more he looked from the window, and the first figures upon which his eyes rested were Hal and Chester.