One glance disclosed Fleur lying face downward on the ground. But where was Rascomb?
In bewilderment Flash gazed across the field. He saw a dark figure running toward the woods which bordered the road. Rascomb had escaped injury and was trying to escape.
“Halt!” Flash shouted. “Halt or I’ll fire!”
The man did not pause. He darted into the shelter of the woods and was lost to view.
Flash started to follow, but his legs wobbled beneath him. The crash had shaken him more than he had realized. He never would be able to overtake Rascomb.
As he considered whether or not to remain and guard Fleur, who might recover consciousness, he heard the roar of a speeding automobile. He turned to gaze toward the road and his heart leaped. A car loaded with armed men had turned into the field. Help had arrived!
Major Hartgrove was the first to jump from the car.
“Get Rascomb!” Flash gasped. “He escaped into the woods!”
Leaving one man behind to guard Fleur, Major Hartgrove and his recruits took up the chase. As Flash assisted Doyle from the battered car, he could see their flashlights moving in and out among the tall pines.
“Did you capture Rascomb?” Doyle muttered, holding his head in his hands.