Here they espied the steamer at anchor.
She had beaten them in!
It was the final disappointment.
Sure that Murdock had once more escaped them, they lowered the engine of the clouds and Frank and the detective alighted.
Inquiries soon developed the fact that the fugitive had only passed on shore long enough to procure some new clothing.
He had then taken passage on the Union Pacific Railroad for the East, having purchased a ticket through to Chicago.
Learning what train he was on, and the time it was due in the White City, our friends hastened back to the flying machine and resumed the pursuit relentlessly.
Murdock had six hours, or over two hundred miles start of them.
Away shot the Pegasus over the continent.
By cutting across curves and resorting to similar measures, our friends reduced the lead of the train.