Hal reached the gateway just in time to see Hinkey running around the street corner.
In a twinkling Hal and four soldiers were hot-foot after the suspected deserter.
But Hinkey was out of sight now. As he reached the middle of the block into which he had turned, a man in his shirt sleeves, standing idly in a doorway called out softly:
"Jump in behind me, comrade, if you're in trouble and being chased."
Hinkey stopped pantingly, giving the man a swift look. That glance was enough to show the deserting soldier that he had met a kindred spirit.
"Thanks. I'll accept," muttered Hinkey, darting into the doorway.
The man who had hailed him pulled the door shut just before Sergeant Hal and four soldiers ran around the corner above.
"What's that soldier been doing that ran by here so fast?" called the citizen in shirt sleeves.
"Which way did he go?" asked Hal swiftly, halting just an instant.
"See the next corner?"