automatics.

"Now stand back there against the wall," he commanded.

The boys obeyed.

Robard now gave his attention to the injured men on the floor. Two of
them showed signs of returning consciousness and soon were able to get to
their feet. The other could not be revived, and at a command from Robard,
he was carried to another room.

"Well, I've got you this time," said Robard to Hal and Chester, "and this
time I'll guarantee you don't get away."

"I wouldn't be too sure of that," said Hal with a smile. "We are pretty
hard to hold on to."

"I'll hold on to you, never fear," was the response. "I'd like to get my
hands on the other."

"Then he has gotten away?" queried Chester.

"Oh, yes, he got away all right," said Robard with a frown. "He's as
strong as an ox, and a real fighter."

"Then he was responsible for all this human wreckage we found when we
came in?" demanded Hal.

"He was," was the grim reply, "but the next time I get my hands on him
there will be a different story to tell. Why, he's a madman when he