Their separation was a point in his favor.
Steadily he followed on the man's track, and in a moment or two he saw
the glimmer of the light from the lodge window; and as he saw it, he
heard the roll of wheels approaching the gates.
The burglar, unacquainted with the topography of the road, was breaking
his way through the undergrowth; and Drake, seeing that there was a
chance of cutting him off by striking into one of the paths, turned into
it.
He had to run for all he was worth now, and as he sped along he was
reminded of his old college days, when he sprinted for the mile
race--and won it. He reached a corner where the narrow path joined the
wider one leading to the gate, and here he stopped, listening intently,
and still covering the light of the lamp with his hand. Suddenly he
heard footsteps near the lodge, and with a thrill of excitement more
keen than any other chase had given him, he ran toward them.
As he did so, he caught sight of a woman's dress, and a faint cry of
alarm and surprise arose. Was there a woman in the business?
Before he could answer the mental question he saw a figure--the figure
he had been pursuing--dash from the woods on the right and make for the
path he had just left. Drake swung round sharply and tore after him. The
man looked over his shoulder, swore threateningly, and snatched
something from his pocket. In drawing the revolver, however, he dropped
something, and Drake saw, with immense satisfaction, that it was the
diamond case.
"Give in, my man!" he said.
Ted laughed, caught up the case, and rushed on in the direction of the
gate. But at that moment the tall figure of Falconer ran from the lodge.
Falconer stood for a moment, then he took in the situation, and dashing
to the gate, flung it close. Ted heard the clang of the gate, and ran
back toward Drake, with revolver raised.
Death stared Drake in the face; but it is at such moments that men of
his temperament are coolest. He sprang aside as he had done in Lady
Angleford's room. The revolver "pinged," there was a flash of light, but
the bullet sped past him, and Drake flung himself upon his man.
Ted was as slippery as an eel, and striking Drake across the head with
the revolver, he ran into the woods, with Drake after him; but the man
knew there was no escape for him in that direction, and after a moment
or two he turned and faced Drake again.