“Let’s get him!” exclaimed Flash.
They took to the alley in pursuit of the man who proved to be astonishingly agile and quick-witted. Vaulting over a wooden fence, he raced through a yard and disappeared between two buildings.
When Jerry and Flash reached the place an instant later there was no sound of footsteps or any clue to tell them which way the fellow had gone. They searched between the buildings and looked up and down the streets.
“May as well give it up,” Jerry said in disgust. “He’s blocks away by this time. Wonder what he was up to anyhow?”
“Robbery, like as not,” answered Flash. “Let’s go back and see what we can learn.”
The side door of the furniture store building remained slightly ajar. Flash kicked it farther open with the toe of his shoe.
“Anyone there?” he called.
There was no answer. Flash stepped inside the dark vestibule, sniffing the air.
“I smell smoke, Jerry!”
“So do I!”