“His name is Rufus Cruikshank!”
WITH an irate cry, Cruikshank seized the small radio cabinet and dragged it from the wall. He turned and faced the other men. His face was livid. He stood revealed in all his evil.
Wheels Bryant! Well had the master crook planned crime! Here, in a prosperous, growing resort, he had established himself as Rufus Cruikshank. His goal had been the mayor’s chair. He had gained it. Of all in Seaview City, he was best able to further crime, while posing as a champion of reform!
To Police Chief Yates, this final exposure came as a stunning blow. He was the last to realize the truth. He had been double-crossed by this crook. He had obeyed Cruikshank willingly. He had told the mayor all his plans. He could scarcely believe his own eyes, now.
But as he faced Yates, Wheels Bryant gave the final proof of his guilt. He knew that of the men before him, only one was capable of resisting him — for Yates, alone, was armed. Before the police chief could rouse himself to action, Cruikshank, with a hideous roar, hurled the radio cabinet forward.
Yates dodged the heavy object. It struck his right shoulder, and toppled him sidewise. His revolver fell to the floor.
Wheels Bryant — no longer playing the part of Rufus Cruikshank — leaped across the room and gained the door to his little office. Yates, with a furious shout, grasped his revolver and started in pursuit, followed by the other men.
The police chief yanked open the door of the other room. His enemy was gone. The open window showed the route by which Wheels Bryant had made his swift departure.
Yates was at the telephone, calling headquarters.
The alarm was out. There could be no escape for Wheels Bryant — erstwhile Rufus Cruikshank. Seaview City, an island resort, would be blocked within ten minutes!