“Are they asleep,” began Miles, “or——Thunder!” the guard broke off; “you’re not——”
The cry was interrupted by a smash of dishes. There came a yell from Miles, a snarling shout from McGlory, and then the impact of a heavy blow. After that, running feet could be heard, and the opening of a door.
“Help!” roared Miles; “this way, Barney! The prisoners are on the hike!”
Matt, paying no more attention to the servant, jumped for the door. He saw a mess of food and broken crockery in the hall, and daylight entering through the open door. Miles was just vanishing in pursuit of McGlory.
It was now Matt’s turn to see what he could do. Was “Barney” the man on guard below the windows? If he was, and if he had answered Miles’ call, then the way was clear in that direction. But there was not a second to be lost. If McGlory got away, he would need the red car. And so would Matt, for that matter. If the automobile was left behind, the baffled guards would use it in giving pursuit.
In two leaps Matt was at the window and looking out. Barney’s chair was empty!
To throw up the window and leap to the ground took only a moment, and Matt immediately laid a straight line for the automobile.
He was not long in covering the distance that separated him from the car, but many doubts flashed through his mind while he was on the way.
If the switch plug had been removed, if the gasoline or oil was low, if——
But he was hoping for the best, and the best came his way, then, when the smiles of fortune were so grievously needed.