"Let us in! We're police officers!" he exclaimed.
There was a rustling within the room, but no attempt was made to open the door.
"Open or we'll break it in!" cried Higgins, and, as there was no answer, but only silence, he put his big shoulder to the frail door. There was a crackling sound, a splintering of wood and the hinges gave way. Higgins fairly jumped into the room as the portal fell in. Storg followed after him, with his hand on his revolver, ready to use it should occasion arise. But there was no need, for the room was deserted, though a candle burning on a mantel showed there had recently been an occupant in it.
"He's gone!" cried Higgins, looking around.
At that moment there was a sound in the corridor, and somewhere along its length a door opened.
"He's getting away!" yelled Storg, as he jumped back into the hallway. Larry followed, and the policeman flashed his electric lamp.
Then, in the little circle of light cast from the glass bullseye, Larry saw, running down the stairs, the smooth-shaven man he had helped pull from the angry sea on the life-raft.
"There he goes! Catch him!" cried Storg, as he clattered down the stairs after the fugitive.