They were sure that the villain knew of their presence. “We will test it,” said Old King Brady, after some discussion. The old detective left the doorway and leisurely sauntered toward the corner. Instantly Van, who appeared to be studying something in his hand, began also to change his position. “Ah! That is it!” thought the old detective. “He can see me plainly enough from the little mirror he carries in his hand.” Very swiftly the old detective revolved a plan of action in his head. He acted with great suddenness. As he slowly approached, Van moved as slowly away. This was irritating to the old detective. Suddenly he made a panther-like leap forward. So swift was his action that the villain was taken off his guard. Old King Brady actually succeeded in getting hold of his arm. A hissing curse broke from Van’s lips. He aimed a murderous blow at Old King Brady. But the old detective dodged it. He would have had his man then and there but for an unlooked-for incident. When Harry saw the old detective grapple with Van, he also saw Collins perform a strange act. He raised the palm of his hand. In it was a tiny revolver. The next moment the spiteful little report rang out on the air and Old King Brady released his hold on Van and sank to the sidewalk. Harry had crossed the street in flying leaps and was upon Collins like a panther. People on the sidewalk paused in terror, not understanding the situation at all. In another moment Harry would have collared his man. But a sharp warning cry from Van caused Collins to turn his head. With a side leap he went through a saloon entrance. Harry burst into the place hot after his man. Half a dozen or more men were drinking at the bar. These turned in surprise as Harry burst into the place. The proprietor, a huge, red-faced man, confronted the young detective. “What do you want here?” he demanded. “Get out before you’re bounced!” “Easy, my friend,” said the young detective. “I am in pursuit of a criminal. He came into this place.” “You’re mistaken. No such man is here!” “I saw him enter.” “That’s not so. Come, get out!” Harry ran his gaze quickly over the place. He saw a door at the far end of the saloon. He was convinced that his man had gone through that door. He made a move toward it, but the big man barred his way. “No, I guess not!” he said. “You’re not going in!” “You stop me at your peril!” said Harry, sternly. “I am an officer of the law!” “Is that so?” cried one of habitues of the place, jeeringly. “Well, we haven’t any use for you here!” “He’s a peeler!” “Throw him out!” These were the cries which filled the place. Harry saw that the situation was by no means a pleasant one. He was only one against ten. All this while Collins was making good his escape. Probably by some rear way. This angered the young detective exceedingly, and he cried: “You pack of hounds! You are trying to aid in the escape of that man. You are thwarting justice.”