A moment later Ford was gone. For an instant my heart sank as I realized that I was alone. Then I pulled myself together, and resolved that come what might I would do all in my power to capture the three lawless men.
I tiptoed my way back to the spot where the trio were sitting, discussing the best plan for leaving Rock Island.
“It will be risky business to use the Catch Me,” observed Mr. Norton. “Somebody might be on the lookout for that craft, and the moment we were spotted that would be the end of the whole matter.”
“One thing is certain,” put in Yates, “we must leave before daylight if possible. To remain longer, when all the police are on our track, is foolish. The question is, are we going together, or are we going to separate?”
“I move we separate,” said Avery. “It will lessen the chances of capture. We can come together in Philadelphia.”
“It’s no fool of a job getting away in this darkness,” remarked Yates. “It’s as dark as pitch, and I don’t know a thing about the island or the lake shore.”
“You are no worse off than I,” replied Avery. “I’ve only been around for a few days, and those were spent principally about Bayport.”
“Let us go down to the shore, and see how the land lays,” suggested Mr. Norton.
This was agreed to, and a moment later the three rose and made a move for the spot where the Catch Me had landed.