His head was very sore, but otherwise he suffered no ill effects from the wound he received, and cried eagerly:
"Can't we head off that villain?"
"I'm going to make an effort. Grab the prisoner."
While Harry took possession of the scared darky, Old King Brady ran around the swamp at the top of his speed toward the spot Mason was heading the boat for, and kept out of the rascal's view.
In this manner Old King Brady reached the grounds surrounding Oliver Dalton's house, and suddenly caught view of Mason.
He had landed, and was kneeling down beside a rock, under which was a hollow space from which he was drawing a package.
Hearing the old detective coming, he bounded to his feet, and raised his revolver to fire. But he was not quick enough.
A sharp report came from the detective's pistol.
The bullet lodged in Mason's leg.
With a yell of pain he fell.