Flash dodged out of the circle of light just as another bullet sang past him.
He glanced back over his shoulder and plunged squarely against a thick coil of rope lying in his path. Thrown off balance, he tried frantically to keep from falling, but could not save himself.
Down he crashed on the cement. Even as he fell, Flash’s mind kept working. He couldn’t hope to save himself now, but he might save his picture!
Directly in front and a few feet above him was a cellar window unprotected by grating. A reflection from an alley light made it an easy target.
Scrambling to his feet, Flash took aim. With all his strength he hurled the camera straight at the window.
There was a resounding crash. The camera smashed the glass and sailed into the alley.
Flash had no chance to get away. A heavy hand grasped his coat. Whirling, he tackled his assailant just below the knees, and they went rolling over the floor in a threshing, writhing tangle of arms and legs.
CHAPTER XVII
A DOOR OPENS
The butt end of a revolver slammed against Flash’s skull. Blood trickled down across his eyelids. His hold on his assailant’s knees loosened.
As if from a great distance he heard a harsh voice order: