There was some one in the shadow ahead; it must be the escaping robber. But how would he—how would she—pass the sentinel at the park gates? The alarm must have been signalled from The Castle. She was almost exhausted. She could see the robber—he was between her and the one dim gate-lamp over the small side gate. He heard her coming and whirled about.
“Come on!” she panted, hoarsely; were they not companions in flight? “I’ll get you through!”
He followed her as she ran straight for the sentry, who was standing with his gun at a challenge.
“Halt!” said the sentry, loudly.
“Quick! Quick! Open!” she panted. The robber, who had been standing aloof, suspicious of her now that he saw her uniform, came forward. The sentry also noted the uniform and saluted. “There’s been a robbery or something at The Castle—” he began.
“Yes—yes,” she gasped. “That’s it—open—don’t delay us!”
The sentry stupidly stood aside, and she and the robber dashed through the side gate and down the dark road abreast.
“Hi! Come back!” yelled the sentry, his slow wits at last collecting in a doubt. He sent a shot after them.
But they ran the faster, getting into the deepest shadow. At the second bend from the gates she stopped and sank into the grass. The robber stopped also.
“Go on,” she gasped, in a whisper; her voice was all but gone. “Don’t mind me.”