I will get on the trail again if I can." Gering started away.

In this strange excitement their own foolish quarrel was forgotten, and the stranger took on himself to command; he was, at least, not inexperienced in adventure and the wiles of desperate men.

All at once he came upon the wall.

He ran along it, and presently his fingers felt the passage.

An instant and he was outside and making for the shore, in the sure knowledge that the ruffians would take to the water.