The two ruffians were running hard, but it had been an unequal race at the best, and Jessica lay unconscious in Bucklaw's arms, a dead weight.

Presently they plunged into the bushes and disappeared.

Iberville and Gering passed through the bushes also, but could neither see nor hear the quarry.

Gering was wild with excitement and lost his presence of mind.

Meanwhile Iberville went beating for a clue.