Dashing to the window, Hike saw him run around the corner. He yelled to the Lieutenant and the General, and started for the door.
“Captain’s escaped. Went through window,” he bawled from the doorstep, and hurried down the stairs. There was not a sign of the Captain in the streets about.
The General, Hike and Adeler ran in different directions—but no trace of Welch. He had probably caught a trolley-car, or a taxicab, on a busy street near by. They finally gave up the chase and gathered at the General’s house.
“My ankle is very sore after this last run,” said the General angrily. “The next time I try to handle prisoners myself—well, I won’t.”
“It was my fault,” Hike began.
“Of course!” said the General. “I ought to expect you, after you’ve been through an experience that would kill most youngsters, to capture the Captain, single-handed! Mr. Adeler, what’s your idea of how Welch got over prussic acid so quickly as that?”
“It’s a mystery to me,” said Jack Adeler, wearily.
“I’ve got an idea,” said Hike. “I don’t believe that was prussic acid! Here’s the bottle. Couldn’t it be tested?”
He fished the vial out of his side pocket. He had picked it up when the Captain dropped it.
“Good boy!” roared the General. “Of course! But let’s try it. I don’t think I’ve forgotten all my chemistry, and I’ve a small laboratory here. Any liquid left in the bottle?”