by the sea, and the narrow passage in front was blocked by
enemies.

Harrison Smith wasted a fraction of time crying out the name
"Barraclough!" Dirk fell back a pace fumbling for the pocket in which
he kept his "Mascot." It was a fatal mistake. Running down the length
of the jetty between the two men was a fisherman's net, and as Harrison
Smith sprang toward him pistol in hand, Barraclough ducked, seized the
net and raised it in the air.

It was the barest fluke that the manoeuvre should have worked so well.
Harrison Smith stumbled heavily, grabbed at Dirk and missed him.
Barraclough's foot just above his waist line destroyed the last of his
equilibrium and over the edge he went into the shallow water below.
Unquestionably the beer was responsible for Dirk's failure to win the
engagement. His quarry was before him in an open position. He should
have used his Mascot and used it hard. It was sheer criminal stupidity
to have looked over the edge at his fallen commander. Maybe the angry
scarlet of Dirk's complexion provoked Barraclough's attack and before
the poor man had recovered from his surprise a heavy lobster pot came
smashing down over his face with agonising force, the splintering
basket-work playing havoc with his features. Then he, too, experienced
the unique sensation of gliding downward through space, a delight
somewhat marred by the rudeness of its finish.

Barraclough did not stay to behold the result of his offensive, but
picked up his heels and ran. Just beyond the open fish market he saw a
neglected Ford car and hesitated an instant to debate whether or no he
should appropriate it. At the time he did not connect it with the two
men wallowing in harbour waters. Had he done so he would certainly
have driven it over the edge of the quay into the mud. His own car was
waiting less than a quarter of a mile away--an Hispano Suisa built for
speed--and the sense of speed ran through his own veins. As he raced
up the narrow, twisting street the good wives of the village turned on
their doorsteps, open mouthed, to watch him pass. He scarcely bothered
to glance over his shoulder satisfied that he had gained an easy five
minutes' start. Coming abreast of the three cottages he vaulted the
stock yard wall, threw open a gate and made for the stable door
fumbling in his pocket for the key of the padlock.

And suddenly an oath broke from his lips crisp, concise, and covering.
The first trick had been sco