"How long ago?"
"When we first knew you were here."
"That's a lie, for we heard you talking."
"What makes you ask any questions if you know better than I?"
"When did he leave?"
"I told you before. Of course he waited long enough to find out how many there were of you."
At least five minutes had passed from the time Sam was first questioned, and this must have given Fred a safe start.
"Go after him, Zack, and take Jake with you," the spokesman said, sharply. "Travel the best you know how, for everything depends on overtakin' him."
The two men started at full speed, and the leader asked Sam:
"Where is Joe Brace?"