There was an enormous satisfaction in that.

But even with a score of men behind him Kent knew that he would beat them.

His hazard, if there was peril at all, lay in this first day.

Only the Police gasoline launch could possibly overtake them.

And with the start they had, he was sure they would pass the Death Chute, conceal the scow, and take to the untracked forests north and west before the launch could menace them.