Seizing his hat, Van left the room and dashed outside after the accused murderer.
He beheld him running across a field in the direction of the railway station.
Van glanced at his watch.
A train for New York was due in three minutes, and he knew full well that a good runner could just about reach the depot in that time.
And the villain had a good three hundred yards' start of him!
Van Vincent was an excellent runner, but, strive as he might, he could not gain upon the fleeing stranger.
Over fences and ditches went the pursued and pursuer, until the broad lane leading to the station was reached.
Van heard the shrill whistle of a locomotive, and his heart sank within him.
He knew that the train was coming.
It reached the depot just as John Moreland came to the track.