The voice, so close, was as much as a start as the cannon had been. Twisting around sharply, he spotted Ian's familiar face, but there was no time for relief.

A glance back told him Max was gone - if he'd ever been there.

Throwing himself into the grass, he made toward Ian, calling out to him as his longer legs and bigger frame helped him close the boy's lead.

"Ian! Did ya see him? Is Max here?"