ipping to the water's
edge and all but throwing Jack overboard.

"So they are," replied Lord Hastings, "Gun ready, Mr. Templeton?"

"All ready, sir."

"Good. Try and do better this time. Fire!"

"Boom!" went the little gun, and all strained eagerly forward to watch
the result of the shot.

A volume of water shot up a few yards behind the pursued.

"Missed again," said Frank sorrowfully.

"Again," commanded Lord Hastings. "Fire!"

And the second shot also went wide, for even as Jack fired the boat
ahead again swerved suddenly. Now the pursued began to steer first to
one side and then to the other, momentarily approaching closer to shore,
however.

Twice more Jack fired in response to Lord Hastings' command, but the
result was always the same. As long as the pursued continued to zig-zag
there was little hope of a successful shot.

But in the meantime the pursuers were gaining. A bullet from ahead
whistled over Frank's head.

The lad grew angry and drew his own revolver. Taking careful aim, he
fired. So far as he could see there was no result.

"Where's that infallible aim of yours?" demanded Jack.

Frank made no reply but fired again. This time his effort was rewarded.

A figure straightened up in the boat ahead, waved his arms above his
head, and with a cry toppled into the water. The boat did not slow down.
The others plainly did not intend to take the time to attempt a rescue.

"Shall we pick him up, sir?" asked Frank.

Lord Hastings shook his head.

"We have more serious business in hand," he replied. "He will have to
take his chances."

Still the pursuers gained; but it became apparent now that they could
not hope to overtake their quarry before he reached shore.

"Ready to take a shot as they jump out of the boat," was Lord Hastings'
command.

All drew their revolvers and stood ready.

Now, there was little doubt in the minds of all that they could pick off
the fugitives as they leaped ashore, and they probably would have done
so but for an unforeseen occurrence.

The pursuers had lost a little time in maneuvering to get in an
effective shot, and the pursued now were more than a hundred yards
ahead.

As the first boat was a scant fifty yards from shore, a third craft hove
in sight, headed down the river. It was going in such a manner as to
pass directly between pursuer and pursued as the latter landed.

In vain Lord Hastings signalled the third boat to stop. It came on,
paying no heed