Nell of Shorne Mills

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.