Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/78



" has gone!" gasped Dave. The movement had come so unexpectedly that for the instant he was dazed.

"After him!" cried the chief of police, and ran for the window, while the other officer ran outside.

Dave followed to the street, and then ran into an alleyway leading to the rear of the automobile establishment. He was just in time to see the escaping individual turning a corner beyond. Then the man leaped a fence and made for a freight yard a short distance further away.

"Where is he?" asked the policeman, coming up, followed by the chief.

"Gone among those freight cars," answered the youth.

All leaped the fence, and scattered among the cars. But the fleeing man had gained on them and it was impossible to locate him.

"I'll go back and take care of that valise," said the chief of police. "Jackson, you had better continue the hunt."

"Yes, sir." Rh