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diff --git a/41827-0.txt b/41827-0.txt index 4a945fc..3449ee6 100644 --- a/41827-0.txt +++ b/41827-0.txt @@ -1,37 +1,4 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Dick Merriwell Abroad, by Burt L. Standish - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: Dick Merriwell Abroad - The Ban of the Terrible Ten - - -Author: Burt L. Standish - - - -Release Date: January 12, 2013 [eBook #41827] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK MERRIWELL ABROAD*** - - -E-text prepared by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading -Team (http://www.pgdp.net) - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41827 *** DICK MERRIWELL ABROAD @@ -9356,362 +9323,4 @@ Complete List of S. & S. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: Dick Merriwell Abroad - The Ban of the Terrible Ten - - -Author: Burt L. Standish - - - -Release Date: January 12, 2013 [eBook #41827] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK MERRIWELL ABROAD*** - - -E-text prepared by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading -Team (http://www.pgdp.net) - - - -DICK MERRIWELL ABROAD - -Or - -The Ban of the Terrible Ten - -by - -BURT L. STANDISH - -Author of the celebrated "Merriwell" stories, which are -the favorite reading of over half a million up-to-date -American boys. Catalogue sent free upon request. - - - - - - - -Street & Smith, Publishers -79-89 Seventh Ave., New York City - -Copyright, 1904 and 1905 -By Street & Smith - -Dick Merriwell Abroad - -All rights reserved, including that of translation -into foreign languages, including the Scandinavian. - - - - -CONTENTS - - I. THE STORY OF QUEEN MARY. - II. THE MEETING AT THE CASTLE. - III. AT BEN CLEUCH INN. - IV. BUDTHORNE'S STRUGGLE. - V. LIKE A BIRD OF EVIL OMEN. - VI. BUNOL'S PLOT. - VII. DONE BENEATH THE STARS. - VIII. BUNOL MAKES HIS DEMAND. - IX. THE FIGHT IN THE CASTLE. - X. THE HAUNTS OF ROBIN HOOD. - XI. THE SPANIARD AGAIN. - XII. THE STRUGGLE. - XIII. PROFESSOR GUNN'S WILD RIDE. - XIV. AN EXCITING CHASE. - XV. THE HAUNTED MILL. - XVI. SUNSET ON THE GRAND CANAL. - XVII. THE RING OF IRON. - XVIII. WHEN STEEL MEETS STEEL. - XIX. THE BURSTING OF THE DOOR. - XX. THE OATH OF TERESA. - XXI. THE LAST STROKE. - XXII. BEFORE THE PARTHENON. - XXIII. FIGHTING BLOOD OF AMERICA. - XXIV. MARO AND TYRUS. - XXV. TWO ENGLISHMEN. - XXVI. WAS IT A MISTAKE? - XXVII. THE PURSUIT. - XXVIII. DONATUS, THE SULIOTE. - XXIX. IN THE CAVE. - XXX. OUT OF THE TOILS. - - - - -DICK MERRIWELL ABROAD. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE STORY OF QUEEN MARY. - - -"Well, here we are, boys, in Scotland, the land of feuds, of clans, of -Wallace, Bruce, Scott, Burns, and of limitless thrilling stories and -legends." - -Professor Zenas Gunn was the speaker. With Dick Merriwell and Brad -Buckhart, Merriwell's friend and former roommate at the Fardale Military -Academy, as his traveling companions, he had landed at Leith the -previous day, having come by steamer from London. The three were now in -Edinburgh, strolling down High Street on their way to visit Holyrood -Castle. - -It was nipping cold. There had been a light fall of snow; but the sun -was shining, and the clear air, in strong contrast to the heavy, smoky -atmosphere of London, gave them a feeling of lightness and exhilaration. - -Perhaps it is not quite true to say it gave them all such a feeling, for -there was an expression of disappointment on the face of the boy from -Texas, a slight cloud of gloom that nothing seemed to dispel. - -The old professor, however, was in high spirits. - -"While we're here, boys," he said, "we'll visit as many of the -interesting places as possible. Already we have seen Scott's monument, -and to-morrow we will make an excursion to Melrose, and visit Melrose -Abbey and Abbotsford. Later on, perhaps, we'll run over to Loch Lomond -and see Rob Roy's prison and the cottage where Helen MacGregor, Rob -Roy's wife, was born. At Stirling we'll feast our eyes on the Wallace -Monument, which stands on the spot where the great hero defeated -England's army of invasion. Think what it will mean to stand on the -field of Bannockburn! - -"The English army, my boys, numbered one hundred thousand, while the -Scots were less than forty thousand. But Scotland had not forgotten the -terrible death of Wallace, who had been captured, carried to London, -condemned to die, hanged, cut down while yet alive, to have portions of -his body burned, and at last to be decapitated, his head being afterward -placed on a pole on London Bridge. The Scottish army of forty thousand -was led by the successor and avenger of Wallace, Robert Bruce, who -achieved the marvelous object of driving the invaders from the country, -fighting on until nowhere did an English foot crush the heather of -Scotland. - -"Ah! boys, these tales of heroism are the things to stir one's blood, -and make him feel that he might do great, and noble, and heroic things -should the opportunity present itself. But in these prosaic, modern -times men have little chance to become heroes. Now I feel that I, Zenas -Gunn--had I been given the opportunity--might have become a great leader, -a great hero, and my name might have lived in history. I've always -regretted the fact that I was born too late to take part in any of the -great struggles for human liberty. I am naturally a fighter. I think -that old rascal, Barnaby Gooch, found out that I possessed the courage -of a lion and the ability to fight like blazes. When we return to -Fardale, boys, he'll find out something else, I promise you that. Yes, -sir, he'll find out that he's not the whole thing at that academy." - -"I hope so," muttered Brad. "I certain hope he'll get all that's coming -to him." - -"Leave it to me," nodded Zenas. "I'll attend to that in due time. In the -meantime, boys, we'll travel and enjoy the things we see while we are -educating ourselves at the same time. Ha! there is Holyrood Palace, once -the home of that loveliest of women, Mary, Queen of Scots. And there is -the chapel in which she was married to Lord Darnley." - -The grim old castle stood before them, its turrets and towers rising -against the bleak mountain background in impressive grandeur. There was -snow on the mountains, and this made the outlines of the castle stand -out sharply and distinctly. - -"Stand here a few minutes boys," invited the old professor. "Before we -enter the castle, which will open to admit visitors at eleven o'clock, -let's brush up a little on the romantic and pathetic history of Queen -Mary. I've always taken the liveliest interest in the story of her -career. You know that first she was married to Francis II. and lived in -France. After Francis died she returned to Scotland where she was -immediately surrounded by a throng of royal suitors. Out of them all she -selected that handsome, egotistical, vain, selfish young reprobate, Lord -Darnley, which was a frightful mistake, for in a short time he began to -treat her with discourtesy and absolute brutality, drinking to excess -and behaving in a manner that made him generally detested at court." - -"But I have read that Queen Mary transferred her affection to an Italian -musician named Rizzio," said Dick. - -"Hum! haw! Haw! hum!" coughed the professor. "A slander invented by the -scheming noblemen about her who wished to rob her of her power in order -to advance their own selfish ends. It is doubtful if they made Darnley -himself believe it, but they told him it would advance him, and he fell -into the trap." - -"But historians say Rizzio was very handsome." - -"Some do, and some say he was very plain and uncomely. It is impossible -to tell which story is true; but beyond doubt he was a splendid singer. -It was his voice that first attracted Mary. One winter's day, while at -mass, she heard a rich, sonorous voice of great sweetness and power -ringing through the aisles. In answer to her inquiries concerning the -singer, they told her it was Rizzio, private secretary to the ambassador -from Savoy. Mary's taste in music was of the finest, and she became -greatly interested. There is a famous painting by David Neil, which -shows the queen standing on the palace steps and regarding Rizzio, who -has fallen asleep, mandolin by his side, near at hand. In this picture -he is represented as being very handsome; but artists, like poets, take -license with facts." - -"Is there any question as to the great friendliness that sprang up -between them?" asked Dick. - -"Oh, undoubtedly they became friends," nodded Gunn; "and in this -friendship the scheming noblemen who surrounded the queen saw their -opportunity. They did their best to arouse the jealousy of Darnley, -filling his ears with lies. Darnley was still little more than a boy, -and he easily became a tool in the hands of the schemers, who planned to -murder Rizzio in Mary's presence, hoping perhaps that the terrible -spectacle and the shock might kill her, which would leave Darnley in -apparent power, but really powerless in the hands of the scoundrels who -controlled him." - -"Fine business for the countrymen of Wallace and Bruce!" growled -Buckhart. - -"In those times the nobility seemed very corrupt, in Scotland, as well -as other countries. This band of reprobates carried out their bloody -plot. They hid in Mary's bedroom, where they awaited their time. Mary -was at supper with three friends in her library. One of the three was -Rizzio. In the midst of it Darnley entered the room, took a seat beside -the queen, put his arm about her and gave her the kiss of Judas. Then -the murderous plotters suddenly appeared in the room, their weapons -drawn. Instantly Rizzio started up, his face growing ghastly, for he -knew his hour had come. He appealed to Mary, who answered that the king -would never permit him to be slain in her presence. - -"But Darnley attempted to hold her, and one of the ruffians placed a -loaded pistol at her breast, while the others fell on Rizzio. In despair -the doomed man caught at Mary's dress, for he was unarmed and could not -make resistance. The assassins slashed at him with their gleaming -weapons, and in the struggle the table with its dishes was overturned. -Its lights were upset and extinguished, but some of the invaders had -brought torches and by the flaring light the bloody work went on. As -Rizzio's clutch on Mary's dress relaxed she fainted. He was then dragged -out into a narrow passage, where he was stabbed until his shrieks became -hushed by death. They say the stain of his blood still remains on the -oaken floor, and undoubtedly it will be pointed out to us to-day." - -"It's a great thing, professor, to visit such spots," said Dick. "I'll -never forget this bit of history after seeing and visiting the castle -where it all took place." - -"The finest way in the world to learn history is to visit historic -spots," nodded the old pedagogue. "I suppose you both remember the rest -of Mary's story. The dastardly noblemen made her their prisoner, -carrying her to captivity in a grim old castle on Lochleven. She was -removed in the night, placed on a horse and compelled to ride at full -gallop for several hours. When the castle prison was reached her brutal -guards compelled her, under threat of death, to sign an abdication of -the throne in favor of her son, at the same time naming one of the -plotters, the Earl of Murray, regent, until the boy should come of age. -Then she was left there, crushed and heartbroken." - -"But she escaped," cried Dick. - -"Yes, through the assistance of George Douglas, the son of her jailer, -who had become so enamored of the sad and beautiful captive that he -swore to save her, even though it cost him his life. One Sunday night as -the queen sat in her window, gazing out on the placid bosom of the lake, -she saw a boat silently approaching. In the boat was Douglas and his -younger brother, who contrived to get hold of the castle key while the -rest of the Douglas family were at supper. Without delay the daring -youths locked the family in and hastened to set Mary free, rowing her -across the lake and throwing the keys into the water. - -"Mary assembled her followers, who hastened to flock to her support; but -in a battle with the army of the regent, the Earl of Murray, she -suffered defeat and again became a fugitive. For some time she remained -hidden in Dundrennan Abbey, undecided what course to pursue. Some of her -friends advised her to flee to France, but she decided to trust to the -supposed friendship of her cousin, Elizabeth, Queen of England, and she -fled across the English frontier. This was a fatal mistake, for -Elizabeth had been her constant foe, fearing her claim to the English -throne, and she was again cast into captivity. In the end she was -falsely convicted of a conspiracy to assassinate Elizabeth, who was -persuaded to sign her death warrant. When she was led to the block her -executioners fell on their knees and asked forgiveness for the duty they -were compelled to perform, which she freely gave, then entreated the -women attending her not to weep, as she was glad to leave the world. -Twenty years later her son was sovereign of both England and Scotland; -and to-day the bodies of Mary and Elizabeth lie side by side beneath the -same cathedral roof." - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE MEETING AT THE CASTLE. - - -After having the romantic story of Queen Mary thus repeated for them by -the old professor, the boys felt a deeper interest in Holyrood Castle as -they wandered through its rooms. The guide showed them through the -Chapel Royal, which is a beautiful fragment of the ancient abbey, -conducted them into the picture gallery and the tapestry apartment, gave -them a chance to inspect Lord Darnley's rooms, and finally brought them -to Queen Mary's apartments, showing where the queen had supped on that -fatal night and pointing to dark stains on the floor of the narrow -corridor outside, which, in broadest Scotch, he soberly declared "were -made wi' th' blud o' Rizzio himsel'." - -Throughout the inspection of the castle Dick was keenly interested, but -he noticed that Brad remained gloomy and downcast in appearance. - -"What's the matter, old man?" he finally exclaimed. "Why don't you brace -up and chase that thundercloud off your face?" - -"I can't," answered the Texan. "I can't help thinking something wrong -has happened." - -"Something wrong? Why, you're thinking of----" - -"Nadia Budthorne and her brother," confessed Brad, flushing somewhat. -"You know they were to meet us at the hotel in Edinburgh, and they have -not done so." - -"Brad, you've been smitten on that girl ever since you first saw her on -London Bridge. I didn't think it of you, you husky son of the Lone Star -State!" - -"Now, don't try to kid me, pard!" growled Buckhart. "You can't say much, -for if ever a fellow was badly smashed over a girl, you have been -smashed over June Arlington." - -"Oh, June and I are just good friends," Dick hastened to say. - -"Good friends, indeed!" mocked the Texan. "Right good friends, and -that's no lie! You were such a mighty good friend to her that you got -her sneaking brother back into school after he had been fired, with the -result that he put up a low-down job on you that caused you to be -expelled. If you try to guy me any at all about Nadia Budthorne you'll -certain hear a few remarks from yours truly concerning June Arlington." - -"Oh, well," laughed Dick, "I admit you have me there, but how do you -know that Nadia cares anything for you?" - -"I don't know," acknowledged Brad, "and I sure opine that's what's -keeping me right well fussed up the most of the time. You know you were -surprised yourself when we struck Edinburgh, and failed to find the -Budthornes at the hotel where they agreed to meet us." - -"They came by rail, and I suppose they have visited Glasgow and other -places on their way." - -"Pard, you know that any one who comes from London by rail would -naturally visit Edinburgh first. I tell you I have a feeling that -something is wrong. We lost track of Miguel Bunol, Heck Marsh, and Luke -Durbin right away after the Budthornes left London, and I'm some afraid -that onery gang followed Nadia and her brother up here into Scotland. If -Bunol could meet Dunbar Budthorne alone, and get a chance to talk with -him a few minutes, I reckon he'd get the fellow in his power again, for -you must allow, partner, that he exercises some sort of baleful power -over Budthorne." - -"I thought it possible we broke Bunol's spell over Budthorne the night -we proved to the latter that Bunol and the others had been fleecing him -in a crooked manner at cards." - -"Temporarily we did, I judge; but you know Budthorne's will power has -been some weakened by drink, and he might cave in to Bunol again if the -Spaniard found him." - -"I don't think there is any great cause for worry, Brad. I believe Nadia -and her brother will appear in good time." - -During this conversation the old professor had been talking with the -guide. He now announced that he was ready to go, and soon the three were -leaving by the castle gate. - -Just as they passed through the gate they came face to face with two -persons who were on the point of entering. They halted in surprise, for -they were Hector Marsh and a corpulent, vulgar-appearing man known as -Luke Durbin. - -A growl of rage came from the throat of Brad Buckhart, and he planted -himself in front of Marsh and Durbin, his fists clinched and his whole -atmosphere breathing fight. - -"Whatever are you two sneaking, onery, low-down coyotes doing here?" he -roared, his rugged face dark as a storm cloud. - -"My goodness! my goodness!" gasped Zenas Gunn, in great alarm. "Stop -him, Richard, or he will attack them! We shall be arrested for making a -disgraceful disturbance here!" - -Dick caught Brad's muscular arm in a grip of iron. - -"Go slow, old man!" he said, in a low tone. - -Neither Marsh nor Durbin acted as if the encounter had given them great -surprise. Durbin was smoking a black, rank-smelling cigar, which he -rolled into the corner of his mouth, thrusting his pudgy hands deep into -his trousers pockets, and surveying the trio before him with an air of -insolent contempt. - -Marsh exposed his teeth in a sneering grin. - -"Why, hello!" he said, in a voice like the croaking of a bullfrog. "So -you people are here, eh? What are we doing? Well, I rather guess we have -just as good right to visit this old castle as you have." - -"Right," said Durbin. "And he wants ter be careful about callin' folks -names, or he'll git his block knocked off. See!" - -Dick felt Brad's arm quiver and the muscles tighten. - -"I'd certain enjoy it a heap if either of you varmints would try to -knock my block off!" exclaimed the Texan. "I'd enjoy it if you both -tried the trick! Just break loose and sail right into me. I'll stampede -over you red-hot and a-whooping, as sure as I'm the Unbranded Maverick -of the Rio Pecos!" - -"You're just as big a blower as ever," said Marsh. "Why don't you cut -out that hot air and learn decency in your talk." - -"Learn decency! Whoop! Would I learn it any of you? Why, you crawling -cur, you haven't one decent bone in your body!" - -"Stop him--Dick, do stop him!" gasped the professor. "He'll get us into a -broil!" - -Dick's good judgment told him that it was better to avoid an encounter -at that time and place, and, therefore, he spoke a few words to -Buckhart, seeking to quiet him. - -"That's right!" cried Marsh. "Better pull him away if you don't want him -hurt." - -"You'll never harm any one," said Dick, remembering Hector's natural -cowardice. "I don't wish him to soil his hands on you, that's all." - -"If the hot-air merchant wants ter fight," said Durbin, "why don't you -give him all he's lookin' fer, Heck? We'll jest step aside somewhere an' -you can knock the stuffin' outer him. I'll see that his frien's don't -interfere." - -Marsh turned pale at the thought. He had not the slightest desire to -meet Bradley Buckhart in a square fight, man to man. - -"Oh, no!" he quickly said. "The fellow talks fight, but it's all talk." - -"It is, eh?" cried Buckhart, attempting to free himself from Dick's -clutch and stride forward, a furious gleam in his eyes. - -Suddenly the bold front Marsh had assumed disappeared. Knowing -Merriwell's disinclination to engage in a personal encounter unless -forced to do so, and counting on the pacifying influence of Professor -Gunn, the fellow had assumed an air of bravery that was entirely -fictitious. Thinking the Texan might get free and come at him, he now -dodged behind Durbin, crying: - -"Keep your distance! I'll have the law on you if you touch me! I can -prove that we were going about our business when you stopped us." - -Buckhart paused in disgust, muttering: - -"I might have known it! I didn't stop to think what a coward he was at -school." - -Durbin showed disappointment. - -"Here, what are you dodging for?" he snapped. "You've tol' me fifty -times that that fellow was nuttin' but a bag of wind, and that you could -knock the tar outer him in a minute." - -"So I can--if I want to," said Heck. "But I don't want--at least, not -here. There's plenty of time. I'll see him again. I'll fix him all -right." - -"Come along, Brad," urged Dick. "Here come some other visitors from the -castle. Don't let them see you wasting words on such a worthless and -cowardly scamp." - -Professor Gunn also took hold of the Texan and urged him to move away. - -"It is the regret of my life," said the old pedagogue, "that while the -fellow was in school I did not sooner learn his true character. I am -sorry he was permitted to remain there so long to contaminate other -boys." - -"Bah, you old fossil!" croaked Marsh. "You're an old back-number anyhow, -and you're not fit to teach a monkey school. Why don't you go die and -get yourself buried out of the way! You'd never be missed." - -"Outrageous--outrageous!" gasped Zenas, shaking his cane at the insulting -chap. "I'd like to break this stick over your back, you scamp!" - -"You never will, old lobster. If you should try it I'd give you a punch -in the bread basket that would unhinge you." - -"Are you going to remain here longer and give him further opportunity to -insult me, Bradley!" demanded Gunn. - -"I'll go," said Buckhart, cooling down a little. "Dick is right about -him. He is a pitiful coward, and any one who touches him will simply -soil his hands." - -As they walked away Marsh continued to shout taunts and insults until -they were quite out of hearing. - -"Now what do you think about it, partner?" asked Buckhart, as they -retraced their way into the city. - -"About what?" asked Dick. - -"About the possibility that there is something wrong, and that is why -Nadia and her brother failed to meet us here. Marsh and Durbin are here, -and you can bet your sweet life Bunol is not far away. They followed the -Budthornes." - -"It may be that you are right." - -"I'm plumb certain of it. That gang has not given up the hope of again -getting hold of Dunbar Budthorne and squeezing money out of him. But -what worries me most is the fact that Bunol has an infamous scheme to -force Nadia into marriage with him. Just think of it! That sweetest of -girls married to a snake like Mig Bunol! It's enough to make a chap -crazy!" - -"He'll never succeed in that, don't worry, Brad. She knows him, and she -despises him quite as much as we do." - -"But they may make her a right good lot of trouble." - -"The fact that those fellows are here in Edinburgh would seem to -indicate that the Budthornes must be in the city. Perhaps there was some -mistake about the hotel where we are to meet them. We must search for -them, Brad." - -"That's the stuff, pard; we'll turn this old city over, but we'll find -them." - -"Dear me!" said Professor Gunn. "I hope there will be no serious -trouble. I do hope we'll not get into a fight of any sort with those -ruffians." - -"But, professor," smiled Dick, "a short time ago, as you were recalling -the fact that we are in the land of Wallace and Bruce, you said you knew -there was good fighting stuff in you and you lamented greatly because -you had never been given an opportunity to demonstrate what a hero you -really are. It is possible you may have an opportunity while we are in -Scotland. Who knows? I seem to scent fighting in the crisp air here." - -"Goodness knows that's not the sort of fighting I meant! I could shed my -blood joyfully for my country, or something like that; but fighting of -any other sort is low and degrading and I abhor it--I abhor it." - -Upon arriving at their hotel they found a letter there, addressed to -Dick. - -"A lady's writing," said Merriwell, in surprise. "Who can it be?" - -He tore the envelope open. A moment later he uttered an exclamation, -calling Brad and the professor to read it. This was all the letter -contained: - - "Dear Mr. Merriwell: We--my brother and myself--are stopping at - Ben Cleuch Inn, which is near Kinross on Lochleven. Left - Edinburgh suddenly because I saw Miguel Bunol there, and I - believe he had followed us. This will explain why we failed to - meet you as agreed. Hope you and your friends may be able to - join us at Lochleven. We desire very much to see you again, if - only to thank you for all your kindnesses to us. My brother is - pretty well, although quite nervous. Your grateful friend, - - "Nadia Budthorne." - -On first reading this brief communication Buckhart looked relieved and -delighted, but in a few minutes the shadow returned to his face, and it -seemed deeper than ever. Dick noted this and questioned him as to the -cause of it. - -"Oh, nothing," answered the Texan somewhat gruffly. - -"But it _is_ something. I thought you would be pleased to hear from -Nadia?" - -"I am." - -"You look it!" said Merriwell sarcastically. "Here you have been -worrying because she did not meet us, and now that you know where she is -you put on a face like a funeral." - -"It's all right," muttered Brad, failing to meet his companion's eye. -"It's all right! I don't care!" - -"What's all right? What is it you don't care about?" - -"She didn't have to write to me! She had a right to address the letter -to you if she wished." - -Suddenly the truth dawned on Dick; Brad was hurt because Nadia had not -addressed the letter to him. - -"Well, you're the limit for silliness!" Dick exclaimed. - -"Perhaps I am," grated Brad. "I can't help it. I know I'm no prize -beauty. I know that beside you I'm a half-finished shine. It's all -right! Of course, all the girls are bound to get struck on you. They -can't help it. But you've got girls enough!" he added, in resentful -rebellion. "To say nothing of June Arlington, there is Doris Templeton -and----" - -Dick put an arm round his friend and laughingly checked him. - -"Don't be such an ass, old man!" he entreated. "Nadia Budthorne is a -beautiful girl, but I'm not struck on her, and----" - -"She is on you!" - -"I don't believe it." - -"Then explain some why she sent that letter to you. Why didn't she -address it to me or to the professor?" - -"It just happened that way. You know I disguised myself as old Mr. -Allsquint and in that manner exposed Bunol and his gang, and I suppose -that is why----" - -"Perhaps so," admitted the Texan suddenly. "I reckon I am an ass, pard! -I always was, and it's becoming more and more natural for me. Of course -you can't be to blame if Nadia took a liking to you. Why shouldn't she -like you more than me? You're the best chap in the world, and I'm just a -very common and a very ordinary chump, without any particular polish and -without any pretense to good looks." - -"Brad," said Dick earnestly, "you are one of the truest, finest, noblest -fellows alive. Any one who comes to know you well can't help liking you; -and as for good looks--well, you bear the stamp of a man on your face, -and therefore in the very best sense you are handsome. Stop running -yourself down. What shall we do? Shall we light out of Edinburgh and -make for Kinross and Lochleven to-day?" - -"Instanter!" exclaimed the Texan eagerly. "Let's not lose an hour, -pard!" - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -AT BEN CLEUCH INN. - - -The Ben Cleuch Inn at Lochleven was kept by the Widow Myles, a plain, -kind, motherly soul, the best part of whose life lay behind her. - -The inn stood by the highway that wound close along the shore of the -wooded lake, about a mile from Kinross. - -In summers, visitors to Lochleven desirous of seeing Queen Mary's island -prison often patronized the little inn, and the widow thus derived -revenue enough to keep her in frugal comfort through the long winters. - -In November the strangers were few and far between, and glad the widow -was when one dropped in for a meal or a night's lodging. Doubly glad was -she when two strangers, a young man and a beautiful girl of sixteen, -came in a carriage to her door and bargained with her for rooms and -board for several days, saying they expected to remain three days, and -might, if they liked it, stay a great deal longer. - -The landlady did her very best to please them, for they did not ask -her to make her price smaller when she named it, and they readily paid -for three days in advance. The girl, as Widow Myles could not help -noticing, was very pretty, while the young man--her brother--looked pale -and wearied and had about his face something indicative of weakness -and irresolution. Indeed, he seemed on the verge of illness, and he -permitted his sister to do most of the business with the landlady. - -On the afternoon of the third day after the arrival of these guests -another stranger appeared and stopped at the inn. He came afoot and wore -a long, black cloak with a cape, while his wide-brimmed hat was pulled -low over his eyes. His complexion was dark, and on his upper lip there -was the shadowy outline of a new-born mustache. - -Although the sun was shining without, there was snow on the ground and -the air was nipping cold, which led the stranger to hold out his hands -to the warmth of the widow's cheerful open fire, in the little sitting -room, having removed his gloves and placed them with his hat on the -floor at his side. - -"It's cauld to-day, sir," said the widow. "Th' sun i' ower bright, but -the air ha' a nippin' in it." - -"Indeed it is cold, madam," said the young stranger, in a pleasant -voice. "It is far too cold for comfort. It must be frightful up here in -the dead of winter." - -"Oh, it's na sa bad--na sa bad," protested the widow. "Wi' a guide roof -ower one's haid an' a warm fire to sit near, th' winter soon runs awa'. -Ha' ye come fa'?" - -"Not very far," was the answer. "To me it would be a great favor, my -good woman, if you could give me a drink of something warm to start my -blood." - -"Tea?" suggested Widow Myles. - -The visitor shook his head. - -"I would prefer something warmer than that," he said. "Have you any -whisky in the house?" - -"I canna tell. I much doot i' I ha'!" - -"Because if you have," said the stranger, jingling some money in his -hand, "I'll pay well for a stiff drink." - -"I may ha' a wee drap," confessed the landlady. "I sometime' ha' it far -me'cine." - -"It is for medicine I need it now, so if you will hasten, madam, you -need but to name your price." - -The widow disappeared. After about ten minutes she reappeared with hot -water, whisky and sugar, at sight of which the face of the stranger -showed his satisfaction. Deftly and with loss of little time the -stranger mixed his drink, tasted it, smacked his lips over it and then -asked the widow to name her price. - -She declined to state a price, whereupon he placed two pieces of money -in her hand, and when she saw their value she showered him with thanks -and called down blessings on his head. - -In this manner the stranger placed himself right with the widow, whom he -engaged in further conversation as he stretched his booted feet to the -fire and sipped his steaming drink. - -"At this season I presume few are the visitors who come here to stop?" -he questioned. - -"Few ye ma' weel say," she nodded. - -"Is your house empty at the present time?" - -"Na, na! not quite sa bad as that." - -"Then you have some guests?" - -"I ha' twa." - -"Two? How long have they been with you, madam?" - -"They came three days gone, sir." - -"And is it long you expect them to remain?" - -"As to that I canna tell. When they came they said it might be they wud -stay three days or more; but it is now the third day an' they have na -spoke of leavin'." - -"I hope my curiosity you will pardon, but it seems strange any one -should come here at this season to remain so long. Where are they from, -if you don't mind telling?" - -"I ha' na reason to know, for I didna ask them, but London I think ha -seen them none sa lang ago." - -"They are English?" - -The widow slowly shook her head. - -"They are na like th' English. I think they may be fra America." - -"I presume they are man and wife?" - -"Na, na; they are brother an' sister. A bonnie lassie is the girl, sir; -but her brother seems na well." - -"Not well?" - -"Na, sir. He keeps over close to his room. If they came to see Queen -Mary's prison they ha' not yet accomplisht it." - -"It is not likely Americans would take so much trouble to get a look at -Queen Mary's prison, madam. It must be they are here for some other -purpose." - -"Then what it can be heaven knows! Once I said to the lassie that her -brother were fra too pale, an' I thought a wee bit o' whisky might be -guide fa him; but she went white an' trembly an' begged me na to gi' him -one drop o' it. She made me promise if he came and asked for it I wud -say there was naething o' th' kind i' th' house. I ken she is feared to -ha' him drink it." - -The stranger smiled a little, and there seemed something a trifle -sinister about his face in that moment. - -"It is a man poor in command of himself that cannot drink when he likes -and leave it alone when he chooses," he declared. - -"Many a guide man canna do it." - -"Well, I don't understand them. What is the name of this unfortunate -man, if you don't mind telling?" - -"It is Budthorne." - -"Rather odd name." - -"But I ha' na asked your name, sir. You are na English yoursel'?" - -"No." - -"Nor still American. I think you must be----" - -"French? Well, you are right, madam. I am Henri Clairvaux, of Paris. -Think not I am curious or prying. These questions I have asked merely -the time to pass. I am walking through Scotland, but the weather is -getting too cold, and I soon shall depart for the south. In winter I -much prefer Italy to your bleak north country here." - -At this the widow bridled a bit. - -"Scotland alwa' ha' been guide enow fa me!" she exclaimed. "I ha' took -notice it is alwa' th' weak that prefer the warm countries i' th' -winter. I ha' been thinkin' ma'hap it wud be well fa th' young man -upstair to go south fa th' winter time." - -Outside the door there was rustling. The door was opened and a musical, -feminine voice called to the widow. - -The man in the cloak had his back toward the door, and he did not move. - -Excusing herself, the landlady hurried from the room. The moment she was -gone the stranger picked up his hat and gloves and hastily rose. - -"It is well enough that she should not see me now," he muttered. "I must -get out at once." - -He clapped his hat on his head and pulled it hard down, taking pains to -make the limber brim lap over his face. Then he swiftly crossed the room -to the door, buttoning his cloak over his breast. - -Pausing at the door, he listened. - -"The coast is clear," he whispered; after which he stepped briskly out -to the front door. - -Just as he was passing through that door the girl came from another room -and saw his vanishing back. She clutched at the widow, who had followed -her. - -"That man?" she cried, in a trembling, frightened voice. "Who is he?" - -"He ga' his name as Henri Clairvaux, o' Paris," answered the Widow -Myles. - -"And lied!" panted the girl. After which she fled up the stairs to the -room of her brother, her face ashen pale. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -BUDTHORNE'S STRUGGLE. - - -The working of alcohol on some constitutions is remarkable. It is a -singular thing that some men seem to keep themselves steeped in the -poison for years without breaking down, while others rapidly go to -pieces and become physical wrecks before its vitality-destroying -influence. The latter class is by far the larger. - -Occasionally a man whose nerves are deep set, whose constitution is -ironlike and whose coarser nature predominates, persists in drinking -regularly and heavily for years and seems to remain in good health. To -those who know him well, and meet him day after day, he presents no -abnormal aspect; but almost certain it is that drink has taken such a -hold on him that he cannot appear to be in his natural condition unless -he constantly keeps in his stomach enough of the stuff to intoxicate an -occasional drinker to the point of reeling. Take it away from him and he -collapses like a pricked bladder. - -Dunbar Budthorne was a man without the stamina to withstand the -blighting effect of constant drinking. The rapidity with which the stuff -fastened its clutch upon him was appalling. His relapse when, at the -entreaty of his loving and faithful sister, he stopped drinking and let -it wholly alone, was pitiful. - -Ever since arriving at the Ben Cleuch, Budthorne had been in a state of -mental distress and physical collapse. The desire for drink was with him -constantly, and in his soul a fierce battle raged unceasingly. In the -night he rose and paced the floor of his room, his hands clinched, his -nerves taut, mumbling, mumbling, mumbling. Every night, at his request, -Nadia locked him in that room, keeping the key with her. - -"You must master the desire, Dunbar, my brother," she said. "You can do -it." - -"Yes, by Heaven!" he cried, setting his teeth. "For you, Nadia, I will -do it!" - -"Not for me alone, Dunbar; for yourself, as well. You can see what you -have come to in less than a year. A year ago you were not the slave of -drink." - -"I should say not! And had any one told me I'd get this way in twelve -months I should have thought him a fool. I don't understand it now. -Nadia, why can other men drink when they choose, and let it alone when -they choose?" - -"Not all of them can, Dunbar, I am sure. I believe there are thousands -just like you." - -"Perhaps you're right; they keep it hidden from others, or they do not -realize it themselves." - -"That's the way it is." - -"What a wise little chicken you are, sister! What a brave little girl! -And what a worthless brother you have!" - -Then she would caress him and pat him on the cheek, and tell him he was -"all right." - -"All wrong, you mean. Sis, I'm going to make my share of the fortune -left us over to you. I'll do it at the first opportunity. I've made a -hole in it already. Were I to keep hitting the booze, I'd go through the -whole of it in another year." - -"But you have stopped, and you'll never touch it again. You have escaped -from those evil friends whose influence was ruining you. Their hold on -you is broken." - -She did not chide him with his folly and weakness in ever becoming -friendly with such unworthy companions. She did not remind him that Luke -Durbin was a barroom acquaintance, a race-track gambler, and a creature -he had been forced to introduce to her with a flush of shame on his -cheeks. She knew he had thought of this with regret and remorse. - -But it was not Durbin she most feared; it was the Spaniard, Bunol, who -had been forced upon them by Durbin. She believed Bunol possessed some -evil power of unknown force which he had exercised upon Budthorne, and -the spell of which he had tried to cast upon her. Durbin knew about this -mysterious power, and he had brought Bunol forward that the fellow might -exercise it to accomplish the downfall of Budthorne and the snaring of -his sister. - -"Yes, their hold is broken," he agreed. "We have our chance -acquaintances which we met on London Bridge to thank for that. It was -your scheme----" - -"Not mine; Dick Merriwell did it. It was he who formed the plan to -disguise himself as Mr. Allsquint and get into your room in London that -night of the card party, where he exposed the cheating of Bunol, who was -robbing you at cards." - -"A wonderful chap that boy is! I like him, Nadia, and I like his chum, -the fellow from Texas. Don't you?" - -"I do, indeed. Brad Buckhart is splendid, and the old professor is a -genial soul. I am sorry we were unable to remain in Edinburgh until they -came; but Bunol was there, and I knew we might encounter him any time. I -thought it best to come here, but I have written our friends, making an -explanation, and I hope they will take the trouble to hunt us up." - -"If they do, it will be on your account, sis. Oh, yes it will! Look out -for Buckhart, Nadia! The fellow is smitten." - -"Nonsense, Dunbar!" - -"He is. I noticed how he held your hand as they were seeing us off at -the station in London. His eyes followed you all the time. You'll have a -wild and woolly Texan on your staff if you're not careful." - -"I don't see that there is anything so very wild and woolly about him." - -"Ha! ha! You resent that, eh? It looks suspicious, girl--very suspicious. -Better be careful." - -"Stop your teasing, Dunbar! I'm sure I don't care a snap about him, and -I don't believe he cares anything about me. Why should he? We barely -know each other; we may never meet again. He is only a boy----" - -"And you're only a girl. Many a boy-and-girl affair has ripened into -something binding. Better wait until you find out more about him. We -know practically nothing." - -"Oh, but I know he is a gentleman!" protested the girl. "If he were not -he would not be with Dick Merriwell and Professor Gunn. I have seen him, -too, when he dropped his Western manners and was as refined in every way -as any one can be. You don't think all Westerners are wild and woolly, -do you?" - -"Far from it. I am sure a chap from that part of our country may be as -much a gentleman as any one; but your earnest defense of him increases -my suspicions. You'll have to be on your guard." - -"Why don't you try to tease me about Dick Merriwell? I addressed the -letter to him, telling him whither we had gone." - -"All the more significant. The wise bird takes flight at first sight of -the sportsman." - -"You're perfectly tormenting, Dunbar! If you continue talking in such a -foolish manner I shall think your brain is affected." - -He laughed again. - -"All right; I'll let up--for the time being. But I'll wager Buckhart -shows up here as soon as possible after your letter is received, and -he'll bring the others with him. We'll have them with us by to-morrow." - -"I hope so," she confessed. - -The thing predicted was to happen even sooner. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -LIKE A BIRD OF EVIL OMEN. - - -Having seen the back of the departing stranger, Nadia fled up the stairs -to the room of her brother, who was lying on a couch and seeking to -divert his mind by reading. He did not note that she was pale and -agitated as she came in, but he saw her hurriedly cross the room to a -window that commanded a view of the road which wound down toward the rim -of Lochleven, where she drew aside the curtain and stood peering out. - -"What is it, sis?" he yawned. "What do you see?" - -She did not answer. - -"Eh?" he exclaimed, putting down the book. "What are you staring at, -Nadia?" - -"Come here!" she whispered hoarsely. - -Her manner and tone caused him to sit up at once. - -"Is anything the matter?" - -"Come quickly!" - -He hurried to the window. - -"Look!" she urged, clutching at his arm with her trembling fingers. "See -that man going down the road?" - -The stranger who had lately departed from the inn was walking briskly -away, the cape of his dark cloak flapping about him, his head bent to -the chill wind that was blowing. His figure, in spite of the folds of -the cloak, seemed slender and graceful. - -"I see him," said Dunbar. - -"He was here a few moments ago--in this house!" - -"Well?" - -"Do you see nothing familiar about him?" - -"Why, it seems as if I--I----By the Lord Harry! I believe----" - -Budthorne checked himself. - -"You believe what? Who is it?" - -"Nadia, it looks like Bunol." - -"Yes, it looks like him." - -"But it can't be! Did you see his face?" - -"No, nothing but his back as he passed out at the door." - -"It can't be Bunol," repeated Budthorne. - -"Why not?" - -"How could he trace us here?" - -"How could he trace us to Edinburgh? How much easier to trace us from -Edinburgh here than from London to Edinburgh!" - -"I think he appeared in Edinburgh by chance, without knowing we were -there." - -"I do not," declared the girl decidedly. "I think he followed us in some -manner." - -Budthorne did not like to believe this. - -"You give him credit for the acumen of a Sherlock Holmes. Bunol is no -detective." - -"He is a human bloodhound! You do not know how much I fear him, Dunbar." - -"You say that man was here in this house a few minutes ago?" - -"Yes." - -"You have seen the landlady since?" - -"Yes." - -"And questioned her?" - -"I asked her who he was." - -"Her answer?" - -"She said he gave his name as Henri Clairvaux, of Paris." - -"Then it is not Bunol, sister. Why are you so agitated? It is merely a -resemblance. Were we to see his face, I am sure it would prove to be -that of a perfect stranger." - -Suddenly she shrank back, lowering the curtain until she had partly -concealed herself behind it. - -"Look!" she exclaimed. "He has stopped before entering the woods! He has -turned to look back! He has pushed the hat up from his forehead to get a -better view! Look, Dunbar! Even at this distance you cannot fail to -recognize him!" - -"By Jove, you're right, Nadia! It is Bunol, himself! Satan take the -scoundrel! What is he trying to do?" - -"He has located us here, and he will try to get you into his clutches -again, Dunbar." - -"Confound him! He wants to keep away from me! I've had enough of him! -He'll find his day with me is past! He is wasting his time." - -"I fear him more than any one else in all the world," confessed the -girl. - -"Don't you be afraid, Nadia," said her brother. "I'll protect you." - -"But that man's eyes--you cannot resist their evil power." - -"Don't you believe it! I'm stronger now than I was. I have conquered my -weakness for drink, and that was what enabled him to deceive me." - -He truly thought he had conquered, but the girl realized that the battle -had only just begun, and that it was her influence and her watchfulness -that had kept him from drinking since the night of the exposure in -London. - -Hidden behind the curtain, they peered forth and watched the man in the -cloak. For a few minutes he remained gazing back at the lone inn, but at -last he turned once more and, with his cape flapping wing-like about his -shoulders, glided in the manner of a bird of evil omen into the bleak -woods, which swallowed him from view. - -"He is gone!" said Budthorne. - -"But he will return," declared Nadia. "What shall we do, brother--shall -we flee from here?" - -"No!" cried the man, flourishing his fist. "I'm no criminal, and I -refuse to act like one any longer! Let him return! I am my own master, -and a score of scoundrels like Miguel Bunol cannot make me hide in cover -like a frightened rabbit. This thing must come to an end, sister. He -believes we are afraid of him. I'll show him his error. That is the only -course to be pursued. It's ridiculous to think of us running away from a -common cur like that. If he annoys you or threatens you, I'll have him -arrested and locked up." - -Although his words were very bold, she had come to believe that he would -weaken and fail when the critical moment arrived. - -For a long time they sat in that room, talking of the matter, Nadia -feeling doubts concerning the best thing to be done. Finally she -exclaimed: - -"If the friends we met in London were here they could advise us. I would -feel safer, too. It might have been better had we remained in Edinburgh. -It's lonely here in the country, and I fear what may happen." - -The afternoon wore away. Night was at hand when both were startled by -the sound of hoofs and wheels outside. - -With her heart fluttering in her bosom, Nadia sprang up and rushed to -the front window. A closed carriage had stopped before the door. -Budthorne joined his sister at the window. - -The carriage door opened and from it sprang two boys, followed more -leisurely by a man past middle age. - -A cry of delight burst from Nadia. - -"Our friends have come at last!" she joyously exclaimed. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -BUNOL'S PLOT. - - -The man who had said he was Henri Clairvaux, of Paris, was in truth -Miguel Bunol, a scheming and villainous young Spaniard. - -Bunol had first met Luke Durbin on the race track in New Orleans, and, -being congenial rascals, they became very well acquainted. But Durbin -was a rather slow, thick-witted rascal, while Bunol was quick, -pantherish and full of crooked schemes. - -It was some time after this meeting, that Durbin became acquainted in -Chicago with Dunbar Budthorne, who had commenced a career of dissipation -and seemed anxious to spend as swiftly as possible his portion of the -fortune left him at the death of his mother. - -Durbin saw his opportunity, and determined to help Budthorne get rid of -that fortune. At that time Budthorne was plunging on the races, and -Durbin professed to have "inside information" and tips of the greatest -value. With the aid of assistants, who professed to be bookmakers or -pool-room men, Durbin succeeded in getting several thousands of dollars -belonging to the reckless young man. - -This money he spent freely, and it simply whetted his appetite for more. - -When Nadia Budthorne fully realized the pace at which her brother was -going she devised the plan of inducing him to take her abroad, hoping -that in this manner he would escape from his evil companions. - -But ere leaving Chicago Budthorne went on one last spree, met Durbin in -a saloon and told the rascal of his plans. - -Durbin did not try to dissuade the fellow, but he took passage on the -same steamer, and it was during the voyage across that Nadia suffered -the humiliation of an introduction to the man, who succeeded in keeping -Dunbar constantly under the influence of liquor and fleeced him -awkwardly at cards. - -In London Durbin ran across Miguel Bunol, who, with Hector Marsh, -formerly a student at Fardale, as an assistant, was working a fake -hypnotic and fortune-telling scheme. - -Durbin told Bunol and Marsh about Budthorne and his pretty sister. They -expressed a desire to meet Budthorne, and directly the three of them -were concerned in the plot to ruin the young American. - -But, as was entirely natural, being far shrewder than Luke Durbin, -Miguel Bunol soon became the chief mover and head of the rascally trio. - -On his first sight of Nadia, Bunol became infatuated, and two days later -he announced to his companions that he was determined to make her his -wife. - -"All the money you can get from her brother, Durbin, you shall have--you -and Marsh," said the Spaniard. "I will help you get it from him, too. -But for me I must have Nadia and her share of the fortune. My part of -the graft this shall be." - -To this the others agreed, yet not without some growling from Durbin. -Bunol, however, had the power to command and control the man, and he -exercised this power with little difficulty. - -In truth, the Spaniard possessed hypnotic influence, although he had not -fully developed it. This influence he brought to bear on Budthorne. He -likewise tried it on Nadia, but her mind was stronger, and she -successfully fought against his baleful influence. - -Budthorne refused to believe his sister's assertion that his comrades -were cheating and robbing him; but at last, through the cleverness of -Dick Merriwell, they were exposed, and he swore he would never again -have anything to do with them. - -Fearing his will power would not be strong enough to hold out, Nadia had -induced him to leave London and come north into Scotland, thinking the -rascals might be tricked and baffled. - -But Bunol had succeeded in tracing them, while Marsh and Durbin remained -behind and watched Merriwell's party, correctly fancying that Dick and -his friends intended to join the Budthornes later. - -Dick, Brad, and Professor Gunn were followed to Edinburgh by the two. In -Edinburgh, by the merest accident, the scoundrels learned that the -Budthornes had gone to Kinross. - -Without the knowledge of Dick and his friends, the very train that bore -them north to Kinross carried Marsh and Durbin in another compartment. - -Thus the opposing forces were gathering at a point on Lochleven, where -it seemed that another clash between them might occur. - -Bunol had wired his pals in London, but not until after they had left -for the north. He had received no answer from them. - -Having left the Ben Clench and walked as far as the woods, the Spanish -youth turned and looked back. His keen eyes surveyed the house, and even -at that distance he fancied he saw one of the curtains move at an upper -window. - -"If they are looking," he muttered, "I am now too faraway for them to -recognize me." - -At the back of the inn he saw a small man appear and wave something -white. - -"It is well," muttered the rascal. - -Then he turned and disappeared into the woods. - -The trees broke the biting wind, but Bunol cursed the cold and the -country. - -Coming to a little footpath where the thin snow showed the imprints of -many feet, he turned off and walked a short distance to the shore of the -lake, on which lay a stout boat. - -Sitting on a fallen tree near the boat was a sandy-haired, bearded, -rough-looking man, who had a rather brutal face, and, judging by his -massive frame, possessed great strength. - -"Well, MacLane, I am returned," said Miguel. - -The man nodded. - -"I see ye are," he said. "Did ye ha' guid luck?" - -"Oh, yes; you were right in saying my birds were at the Ben Cleuch. Now, -if Aaron keeps his part of the contract----" - -"Fear nawt, he wi' keep it," nodded MacLane. "Aaron kens Rob MacLane fu' -well, an' he dare na disobey me. He will come." - -"I think he will," agreed Bunol. "I looked back, and a small man waved -something at me from the back of the house." - -"That were Aaron. I told him to follow ye, man, when he left, but to -take guid care he were no' observed. He will be here." - -"Well, I hope he comes soon, for this devil's weather is uncomfortable." - -"Hoot man! Ye dinna ken what cauld weather is." - -"If that's the case, I don't want to know," retorted Bunol. "This is -quite enough for me." - -They sat on the log, talking in low tones, until a little, bent man, -with a shawl wrapped about his shoulders, came gliding softly through -the woods and stood before them. - -"Here's Aaron," said MacLane. "Aaron, this is the man I would ha' ye -meet." - -Aaron said nothing, but surveyed Bunol with a pair of small eyes that -were set close together and were filled with a light of mingled cunning -and simplicity. It was not the face of a man to trust, yet for five -years Aaron had been with the Widow Myles, and had seemed faithful as a -grateful dog. - -"Tell Aaron what ye want, man," said MacLane. "He will do it." - -"Aaron, at the inn there are two guests--a brother and a sister." - -The little man in the shawl bobbed his little head. - -"I will not attempt to explain my reasons to you, Aaron," the Spanish -youth went on; "but this night MacLane and I will get our hands on the -man, and you must help us. You will be paid well." - -"I ha' told him that," interrupted the huge man. "I gied him the siller -ye ga' me. Did I no gie ye th' siller, Aaron?" - -"Yes," said Aaron, "I ha' the siller." - -"You shall have twice as much more if you follow directions faithfully," -promised Bunol, and the eyes of the little man glowed greedily. "If you -are half as shrewd as MacLane says, you'll get into no trouble over it. -You wait on the guests at table?" - -Aaron nodded. - -"What does Budthorne drink at supper?" - -"A cup o' tay." - -"Well, see this package," said the Spaniard, holding: up a tiny package. -"It contains a powder. To-night you must contrive to get it into -Budthorne's cup of tea." - -"It is poison!" said Aaron fearfully. - -"Nothing of the sort. Budthorne has been a drinking man, but he is -trying to stop. The effect of this powder will be to make him crazy for -liquor. Twenty minutes after he takes the powder he'll be ready to -barter his soul for one drink. Then, Aaron--listen closely--you must -contrive to meet him and tell him somehow that you can get him a drink. -Tell him to step outside the house and come round to the back, promising -to meet him with liquor, but state that the stuff is some you have -stolen from the widow. Do you understand?" - -"I do," said Aaron. "But what will happen when he comes out?" - -"MacLane and I will be hidden there. We'll fall on Budthorne and carry -him off. MacLane is strong as a giant, and we'll have little trouble." - -"Na! na!" exclaimed Aaron. "It is I that will hae th' trouble!" - -"It is not necessary." - -"What can I say?" - -"You must tear your clothes, rumple your hair, cover yourself with dirt, -and half an hour after we have carried Budthorne away you may appear and -tell how he came outside, you spoke to him, and then you both were -attacked by a band of armed men, who struck you senseless. Of course you -will not know what has happened to Budthorne." - -"I must ken, man," said Aaron grimly. "I dinna want ma neck strecht. I -canna hae hand in murder." - -Bunol laughed. - -"But it's not murder." - -"Then what is't?" - -"We are going to make Budthorne a prisoner for reasons of my own. He'll -not be harmed, and in due time he'll have his liberty." - -Aaron seemed doubtful. He turned fearfully to MacLane. - -"Maun I do it?" he asked. - -"Yea," growled the big man. - -Aaron was afraid of MacLane, but now he almost fiercely declared: - -"I will na do it 'less I know where ye tak' him." - -"Why do you want to know that?" impatiently demanded Bunol. - -"Ye ha' to satisfy me," stubbornly said the little man. "I ha' to know -ye really mean to keep him captive wi'out doing him harm. 'Less ye tell -me where ye tak' him, I will no do it." - -MacLane knew Aaron to be immovable as the Scottish hills once he had set -his mind on anything, and therefore he turned to the Spanish youth, -saying: - -"Ye hae to tell him, man." - -"But can he be trusted?" - -"Aaron will na dare to betray me, but he has his whims, an' ye'll hae to -humor him." - -Bunol hesitated, not fancying the idea of trusting the little man with -the foolishly shrewd face to such an extent. - -"It's against my judgment," he declared. - -"Then tak' th' judgment o' Rob MacLane. Ye canna do anything wi' Aaron -till ye trust him fully, as he thinks he has tae trust ye." - -"All right," said the Spanish youth. "He will be taken to the old castle -on the island, Aaron." - -"Wha Queen Mary were kept a captive?" - -"Yes." - -"An' ye swear to harm him nawt?" - -"Sure. I'm going to make his sister marry me. It's a way they have in -America of winning a bride. The Americans like it." - -"It's a way they had years syne in Scotland," chuckled MacLane, "only it -was th' lassie hersel' th' lover stole awa'." - -"Is that a'?" exclaimed Aaron, apparently relieved. - -"That is all." - -The little man took the powder. - -"I will do all ye ask," he promised. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -DONE BENEATH THE STARS. - - -The delight of Nadia and her brother at the appearance of Dick and his -companions was great. Buckhart's face was crimson as he pressed the -girl's hand, and she seemed somewhat confused. Dick she met with perfect -frankness. - -When the greetings were over and they had warmed themselves at the fire, -the old professor went out and gazed long at Lochleven, over the -wind-ruffled bosom of which the night was creeping. - -"To-morrow," he said, "I will feast my eyes on Queen Mary's prison. What -a grand thing to be here on this romantic spot! Ah, those old days when -men fought and bled and died for their country!" - -In spite of the appearance of Miguel Bunol, it was a jolly party that -gathered about Widow Myles' table that night at supper time. Nadia had -recovered her high spirits and was gay and vivacious, while her brother -forgot for the time being the struggle against appetite that he had been -making for the last few days and was the smiling, courtly, jolly young -gentleman nature intended him to be. - -Widow Myles herself sat at the head of the table, beaming on her guests. -She had a face like a withered russet apple, and one knew at a glance -that a generous, kindly old heart beat in her bosom. Naturally affable, -the presence of so many guests at that season made her doubly so. - -Brad had been placed in a chair opposite Nadia, much to his -satisfaction, as it gave him an opportunity to watch her mobile, -changing features. It seemed that each passing minute revealed for him -some new and fresh attractiveness in the charming Chicago girl. He had -been badly smitten before, but during that supper at the Ben Cleuch he -fell head-over-heels in love with her. Boy love it was, perhaps, but -none the less sincere. It might not last, but even though time brought a -change, it would ever be a pleasant memory. - -Aaron waited on the table. At this he was very deft, seeming to know -precisely what was wanted at the lifting of the widow's finger. - -"A peculiar servant you have, Mrs. Myles," observed Dick, at a time when -Aaron was absent from the room. - -"Ay," nodded the widow, her cap ruffles dancing. "Aaron is alwa' -faithful." - -"Has he been with you long?" - -"Five year this snowfall, poor lad. He came trudgin' to my door, -barefoot, near dead wi' cauld, near perisht wi' hunger. I took him i' -th' house an' gied him bread an' clauthes. I warmed his bones, an' sin' -that day he has been wi' me." - -"Is he trustworthy?" - -"I wad trust him wi' my life," was her answer. "Th' poor lad is not over -bright, an' yet he's na fool. Have na fear he will molest your -valuables. He is th' watchdog o' Ben Cleuch." - -Aaron returning at this minute, the conversation turned into another -channel. - -The old professor could not get over his enthusiasm at being there in -that quaint little Scottish country inn. - -"To-morrow, boys!" he cried--"to-morrow shall be a great day. We'll visit -Queen Mary's prison." - -"Let's all go," proposed Dick. - -"That's the thing!" exclaimed Brad eagerly. "We'll make a grand -excursion to the old castle. Will you do it, Nad--er--ah--Miss Budthorne?" - -"I think it would be fine," she answered. "What do you say, Dunbar?" - -"I'm agreeable," said Budthorne, sipping at his tea. "I've been keeping -too close in the house. Perhaps if I get out I'll feel much better." - -Out of the corner of one small eye Aaron watched Budthorne drink the -tea. - -"Then it's settled," said Dick. "I suppose we can get a boat near here. -I don't fancy there are any of the old-time Scottish outlaws around here -now, Mrs. Myles?" - -"Na, unless ye ma' ca' Rob MacLane one," was her answer. - -"Who is Rob MacLane?" - -"He i' th' Auld Nick's own!" was the answer. "A bad egg, if e'er there -were one. I' these law-abidin' times he minds na law, an' he fears -nane--man nor de'il. It's a' things he has done but murder, an' I think -soon to hear he has done that." - -"Well, well! this is interesting, indeed!" cried the professor. "Why -don't they arrest him and put him in jail?" - -"Arrist Rob MacLane!" cried the widow. "It's richt plain ye ha' na heard -o' him! He i' strang as twenty men, an' na officer daurs to go take him. -Twa o' them tried it once, an' wi' his bare hands he near beat them both -to death. One didna get over that beatin' till the day he died." - -"He would have made a fine outlaw in the old days," laughed Dick. "Where -does this ruffian live?" - -"Na man kens. Mayhap to-day he be here, to-morrow he is i' th' mountains -far awa'." - -"How does he live?" - -"He takes a' he wants, an' no man says him nay. Were he to come here the -nicht, I'd gi' him a' he asked an' be thankit for my life when he left." - -"Well, I'm getting some interested in Mr. MacLane!" exclaimed Buckhart. -"I don't suppose he is around here now?" - -"I canna tell. He comes an' goes like the wind. He may be outside th' -door this minute, or he may be i' Sutherland." - -Dunbar Budthorne was doing his best to repress a peculiar sensation that -was creeping over him. He wanted something, but for the time he could -not imagine what it was. Of a sudden he knew, and he turned pale as the -truth dawned upon him. He was ready to give anything or do anything for -a drink of liquor. - -While the others chatted on this restlessness and craving grew on -Budthorne. Finally, politely asking to be excused and saying he was -going to his room, he rose from the table. - -His sister gave him a glance of questioning apprehension, but he smiled -on her reassuringly. - -"You're not ill, Dunbar?" she asked. - -"Never felt better in my life," he answered, and her mind was relieved. - -Outside the dining-room door he encountered Aaron, who had left the room -ahead of him. - -"I' there a'thing I could gi' ye, sir?" inquired Aaron, with the utmost -deference and solicitude. - -"No, nothing," answered Budthorne, and started to pass on. - -Suddenly he paused and looked over his shoulder at Aaron, dimly seen by -the faint light in the hall. - -"Wait," he said in a low tone. "Come here a moment, Aaron." - -The serving man stepped noiselessly toward him. - -"Aaron, I'm not feeling quite right." - -"Ay, sir; I thought ye lookt a wee disturbed. I hope ye are na ill?" - -"I'm afraid I shall be unless I can get something to ward off the -attack. Do you know if there is whisky or liquor of any sort in the -place?" - -Aaron seemed alarmed. - -"I no hae anything to do wi' it," he hastily declared. "The widow alwa' -keeps a wee bit i' a bottle, but I hae na richt to touch it, sir." - -Eagerly, almost fiercely, Budthorne grasped the little man by his bony -wrist. - -"I must have something of the sort!" he breathed, huskily. "Aaron, you -must get me some of the contents of that bottle!" - -"I canna do it," declared the serving man, as if in great alarm. "Were I -to touch it th' widow wud be sair mad wi' me." - -"You need not let her know it. She'll never miss a little--enough for one -good drink." - -Still Aaron seemed alarmed. - -"I ha' been wi' her five year an' no' once ha' I failed to mind her -biddin'," he said weakly. - -"I'll pay you--I'll pay you well," said Budthorne. "See, Aaron, here is -money. Take it. Bring me enough for a drink from that bottle." - -He pressed the money into the hand of the little man, who seemed on the -point of refusing it. - -"She wi' find it out, sir." - -"How? I'll never tell her." - -"Ye sw'ar it?" - -"Yes." - -"Na matter wh' may hap, ye sw'ar ye willna tell Aaron gi' ye one drop -from that bottle?" - -"I swear it! Hurry up, man, or I'll explode for the want of a drink." - -"I canna gi' it to ye here." - -"In my room, then?" - -"Na! na!" - -"Then where?" - -"Ye maun meet me back o' th' house." - -"Anywhere, so that I get the drink. How can I do it? Hurry up!" - -"Ye maun go out by th' front dure; I'll go out by th' back. Step round -the corner an' find me at th' back." - -"All right. But don't lose time about it." - -"Have na fear." - -"Bring a big drink--a stiff drink. The longer I am without it the more I -want." - -A few moments later Budthorne left the cottage by the front door. There -was no moon, but millions of bright stars gleamed in the dome of heaven. -The wind had fallen with the coming of night, but although it did not -feel as cold, the temperature was much lower. To the east, close at -hand, slumbered Lochleven; to the north, farther removed, rose the -rugged Ochill Hills. - -It was a night of peace and repose, with no suggestion of danger lurking -near. - -Within the cottage the merry party chatted and laughed about the supper -table. Not until Budthorne had been absent some time did Nadia think of -him again; but at last she began to worry why he did not return. - -Finally she rose from the table, saying she would see what was detaining -him. - -"He has not been quite well of late," she explained. "Of course I'm -foolish to worry about him, but I can't help it. He must be in his room. -I'll return in a few moments." - -She did return in a few moments, a frightened look on her pale face. - -"He's gone!" she said. "I can't find him!" - -At this moment the door leading to the kitchen was flung open by a heavy -body striking against it, and into the dining room staggered Aaron, his -clothes torn, his face pale, and a streak of blood across one temple. - -At sight of him the others sprang up. - -"What has happened?" cried Dick. - -"I canna tell!" moaned Aaron. "Th' guid young man asked me to meet him -at th' back o' th' house. When I did so an' we were speakin' together a -band o' men wi' masks ower their faces sprang out upon us. One o' them -grappled wi' me. I tried to tear fra him, an' thin I saw all th' stars -o' heaven fa' on my haid. Next I found mysel' strecht on th' ground an' -th' stars back i' their places; but th' young man were gone an' th' men -ha vanished." - -Having made this explanation, Aaron fell heavily to the floor. - -Nadia promptly fainted in Brad Buckhart's arms. The old professor threw -up his thin hands and looked quite helpless. The widow assisted Buckhart -to take the senseless girl into the sitting room and place her on the -couch near the crackling, open fire. - -Dick Merriwell lost not a moment in kneeling beside Aaron and examining -his injury. He found a very slight cut in the hair near the temple. - -"Stop that groaning!" he sternly commanded. "You're not even badly hurt; -you're scarcely scratched." - -"Na! na!" gasped the little man. "I think I maun dee!" - -"You won't die from anything that has happened to you to-night. Get up! -Stop this foolishness! Why, I can't even find a bump on your head, and -there should be a swelling there if you were hit so frightfully hard. -Sit up!" - -Dick's manner was commanding, and, although he continued to take on, -Aaron sat up. - -"Now, see here," said young Merriwell, "I want you to tell me that story -again, and tell it straight. Just what did happen outside the inn?" - -Aaron repeated his tale, without much variation. Practically it was the -same. - -"Do you mean to tell me that little scratch rendered you unconscious, -man?" demanded Dick. "Why, it wouldn't hurt a sick kitten!" - -"I were struck on th' heid wi' somethin'." - -"Where is the abrasion or the swelling?" - -"I ken naething about abreesions, sir. A' I know, the sky seemed to fa' -on me." - -There was insincerity in Aaron's tones, and Dick doubted him. - -"Get a lantern," he ordered. "I suppose you have one about the place?" - -"Ay." - -"Get up! Bring me that lantern, and lose not a second." - -He assisted the little man to his feet. Aaron professed to be weak and -confused, but Dick placed a heavy hand on him, saying sternly: - -"If you cause me delay, I shall suspect that you do it purposely. -Budthorne is rich, and those concerned in any harm to him cannot fail to -be punished severely. If masked men carried him off, a hundred armed -hunters will be engaged to search for them and kill them like dogs when -found. Those who are not killed will be arrested and imprisoned. Work -hard and fast, Aaron, that you are not suspected of having part in this -bad business." - -"Na one who knows poor Aaron will suspect him o' any wrong," was the -fellow's protest. - -"You don't know the manner of Americans. They suspect every one -concerned in an affair until he is found guiltless. Is this the lantern, -Aaron? Light it instantly and lead me to the spot where this struggle -took place." - -Somewhat awed by Dick and feeling the power of the boy's will, the -serving man tremblingly lighted the lantern, after which he conducted -Merriwell from the house to the spot where the encounter had taken -place. - -"Stand still," ordered Merriwell, taking the lantern from the man's -hand. "Let me read the signs here." - -There were tracks in the snow and some indications of a struggle. At one -point was an imprint that seemed to indicate a man had fallen there. -Dick picked up something, glanced at it by the light of the lantern and -slipped it into a pocket. - -Anxiously Aaron watched the boy, about whose manner there was method -that alarmed the servant. Somehow Aaron began to believe Dick was -reading those imprints and footmarks like the printed words of a book. - -He was not far from right. - -"What have you found, pard?" It was the voice of Buckhart, who had -issued from the back door of the inn. - -"Budthorne was struck down by men who had been concealed behind this -little building," said Dick. "They stepped out upon him as he stood here -at the corner of the building, with his back turned in their direction. -Aaron stood in front of him. They struck him with a sandbag, or some -muffled weapon that did not cut his head." - -"How many of them were there?" - -"Four. Three of them lifted and carried him toward the road, two holding -his arms, while the third had his legs. The fourth chap, who was the -leader, walked in advance. Three of them do not belong hereabouts, but -the fourth, a heavy man with very big feet, belongs in the country." - -"Guid Lord!" whispered Aaron to himself, "how do he ken a' that?" - -Dick's early training by the old Indian, Joe Crowfoot, was standing him -in good stead now. - -Holding the lantern low, Merriwell followed the tracks toward the road. - -"It's likely they carried him off in a carriage, partner," said the -Texan. - -But when the highway was reached, where it seemed that the boy with the -lantern could find nothing to guide him to any conclusions, Dick -continued his search, seeming to pick out the trail amid the many -imprints there. - -"There was no carriage here," said the lad with the lantern. "They still -carried him in the original manner." - -"But they could not contemplate carrying him far in that way." - -"Surely not." - -"Pard, are you armed?" - -"No; are you?" - -"I'm a-heap sorry to say I'm not." - -Aaron had followed tremblingly at the heels of the boys. Now Professor -Gunn came hastening from the house and joined them. - -"It's awful--perfectly awful!" he fluttered. "I fear the shock will kill -his sister. She's in a dreadful condition. Boys, we must send to town -right off for the officers. We are in danger of our lives. At this -moment we are in deadly peril. I'm afraid out here where the ruffians -may spring upon us, and I'm afraid in there with no one but a woman and -a girl." - -"Go back to the inn, professor," directed Dick. "Stay with the widow and -Nadia." - -"What if the ruffians come?" - -"You'll be there to protect the ladies. It will give you an opportunity -to display your heroism and fighting blood." - -"But this isn't the right kind of an opportunity," said Zenas. "Boys, -you are recklessly exposing your lives! Come back into the inn at once. -I can't permit you to be so careless." - -"You'll have to permit it now," retorted Merriwell. - -"What, do you dare disobey my orders?" - -"On an occasion like this, yes. It is necessary, professor." - -Zenas gasped and hesitated. - -"Do come in!" he urged. "What can I tell your brother if anything -serious happens to you?" - -"Tell him the truth, and he will be satisfied. I am doing what my -brother would wish me to do." - -"Dear! dear!" muttered Gunn. "I regret that we ever came here. I fear -we'll all be murdered before we get away." - -Mumbling to himself, he hastened tremblingly back to the inn. - -"His courage has all oozed out," said Dick. - -"Waugh! I should say it had!" growled Brad, in disgust. - -Aaron now attempted to frighten the boys by telling them how fierce the -masked men were and how thoroughly armed. - -"Singular you saw so much of them," observed Dick. "Never mind if they -are armed thus and ready to commit murder at the drop of a hat; we'll do -our best to trail them, just the same." - -"Right, partner!" cried Buckhart. "It's up to us to do everything we can -for the sake of Nadia. It hurt me a heap to see her heartbroken over her -brother, and I couldn't stay with her any longer. I told her we'd find -him." - -Down the road went Dick and Brad, with Aaron following them like a dog. - -They entered the woods, where the bare trees stood silent and grim, -coming at length to the path that turned off toward the lake. This Dick -took. - -Reaching the shore, Merriwell quickly announced that Budthorne had been -placed in a boat and taken away. - -"That lad ha' th' power o' a witch!" whispered Aaron to himself. Then he -shook as he beheld Dick's eyes fastened on him. - -"Come," said the boy grimly, "we can't follow them on water, for that -leaves no trail. We'll return to the inn." - -As they entered the inn Nadia rushed at them, asking if they had learned -where her brother was and what had happened to him. - -"Not yet," answered Merriwell; "but we'll know all about it in a -minute." - -"How--how will you learn the truth?" - -"From Aaron," was the quiet answer that made the little man gasp. - -"Aaron? He----" - -"He knows much more than he has seen fit to tell." - -"Guidness kens I ha' told ye everything!" protested the alarmed man. - -Dick's dark eyes were fastened on Aaron, and to the latter they seemed -to bore into his very soul. - -"Sit there," commanded the boy, pointing toward a chair. - -Aaron felt that he was compelled to do so. - -Dick drew another chair before the man, sitting where he could look him -straight in the eyes. - -"Aaron," he said, "who is your best friend?" - -"Mrs. Myles, sir." - -"Do you wish to ruin her?" - -"Na, na; not for th' world!" - -"Do you know that what has happened here to-night will ruin her unless -you tell the whole truth and thus enable us to follow Budthorne's -captors and rescue him?" - -"Na, na!" - -"But it will. The story will travel far and wide. Every one will hear -how a young American, a guest at this inn, was captured by ruffians and -carried off. Travelers will shun the place. Mrs. Myles will find her -business gone. With no income, she'll soon come to want and suffering. -Without money she'll be unable to buy flour, and meat, and fuel. There -will be no warm fire on her hearth in the bleak winter, and she'll -suffer from hunger. You will be responsible--you, the one she took in -when you were in wretchedness, the one she has fed, and housed, and -trusted." - -Aaron held up his hands. - -"I canna be to blame for it!" he cried. - -"You will be. You met Budthorne out there by understanding. You knew -those men were hidden behind the little building. You knew they meant to -carry him away. You were not injured or struck down. You even cut that -tiny gash on your own head with a common knife. Here it is. I picked it -up where in your excitement you dropped it in the snow." - -Dick produced and held up the knife. - -Aaron's face was ghastly, and a terrible fear was in his eyes. This boy -with the searching eyes knew just what had happened, and it was useless -to lie. - -"I canna tell!" moaned the little man. "Do na look a' me wi' them eyes! -I canna tell! I canna tell!" - -"My poor lad!" exclaimed the widow. "Do na fear, but speak out th' -truth." - -"He wi' kill me if I do!" whispered Aaron. - -"No one shall harm you," promised Dick. - -"You canna tell that, for you do na ken him." - -"Whom do you mean, Aaron?" asked the widow. - -"Rob MacLane," he breathed, shuddering with fear. - -"Rob MacLane?" cried the landlady, in consternation: "Do na tell me he -had hand i' this black work!" - -The shivering little man nodded. - -"Then," said the widow, "th' poor young man is lost forever an' there is -na hope for him." - -"You may as well confess everything now," said Dick, once more fixing -Aaron with his piercing eyes. "It can do no further harm to you. Make a -clean breast of it--for the widow's sake, for the one who has warmed, and -fed, and trusted you." - -"I will!" said the little man; and in shaking tones he hurried through -the confession. - -When Dick heard that Budthorne was to be taken to the old castle on the -island and held a captive there he sprang up, turning to Nadia. - -"We will find a way to save him, Miss Budthorne," he promised. "Trust -us." - -"How can you--how can you against Miguel Bunol and this terrible ruffian, -MacLane?" she cried. "Then Aaron says there were more than two of them -who attacked Dunbar at the door and struck him down." - -"The other two were Marsh and Durbin. Marsh is a pitiful coward, at -best, so that practically reduces their fighting force to three. There -are two of us, Brad and myself." - -"And I sure allow we'll make it a whole lot hot for those three fine -gents," said the Texan, whose fighting blood was beginning to course -hotly in his veins. "We know Bunol and Durbin. MacLane may not be half -as dangerous as he is pictured. Nadia, we propose to bring your brother -safe back to you before morning. You hear me chirp!" - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -BUNOL MAKES HIS DEMAND. - - -Miguel Bunol stood in front of his weak, helpless captive in a room of -the crumbling castle of Lochleven. The bare room was lighted by a torch -thrust into a great crack in the wall. There was no furniture in the -place. Dunbar Budthorne sat on the floor, with his back against the -wall. - -Bunol's arms were folded. His head was bowed a little, and he was -steadily regarding Budthorne from beneath his black eyebrows. - -"Well," said the captive, weakly, "have you come to finish me?" - -The Spaniard made a gesture of remonstrance with his gloved hand. - -"How can you ask such a foolish question, my dear friend?" he said. - -"Don't call me your friend!" exclaimed Budthorne, with a slight show of -resentment and spirit. "I am no friend to such a wretch as you!" - -"Then let me assure you that I am your friend. I am deeply interested in -you, else I should not have taken all this trouble to-night." - -Something like a mirthless, mocking laugh came from the lips of the -prisoner. - -"A fine, friendly act!" said Budthorne. "It is the act of a solicitous -friend to fall on one, sandbag him and carry him off by force to a place -like this, I suppose! Where are the rest of your ruffians?" - -"They are near enough to come at my call should I need them," said -Bunol. "Never mind them. I wished to have a little private chat with -you, and they kindly retired to give me that privilege." - -"What is your game, Bunol? Out with it!" - -"Don't be in such haste. There is plenty of time. We have the whole -night before us. Indeed, should you remain obstinate, we may have many -nights before us. You are quite safe, my dear Budthorne, here in this -old castle. At this season of the year there is no danger that -troublesome visitors will come to inspect the stronghold that was once, -long ago, the prison of Queen Mary and is now yours." - -"If they should come----" - -"If they should come--see that door? It can be closed and barred. Beyond -it is another door that can be made secure. If troublesome persons came, -they would never find you. In here you might shout until your throat you -split without ever making them hear one faint cry. Have you ever heard -of Rob MacLane? Well, some years there have been that he has lived with -a price on his head, and always he had found this a safe hiding place -when in this vicinity. There is not one chance in ten thousand that your -friends at Ben Cleuch will come here to look for you; but should they -come they will find no trace of you." - -"You devil!" cried Budthorne. - -"Just how it was I wished you to know before we began talking. Now, -listen, my dear Budthorne. You are a very reckless and extravagant young -man, wholly unfitted to handle large sums of money. This I have learned -since my acquaintance with you. I have discovered that soon you will -spend your own share of the fortune which you inherited, and then I am -sure you will make inroads into that of your sister, who cares so very -much for you that she is unable to refuse you anything. What you greatly -need is some one to look after you and your sister and to prevent you -from beggaring yourself and her. Who in all the world is better fitted -for this than your very dear friend, Miguel Bunol?" - -"What folly!" exclaimed the captive. "What are you driving at?" - -"First I wish to prove that I am sincere in my protestations of -friendship," the Spaniard calmly continued. "When first I knew you, a -certain man, who is now not far away, had chosen you as a victim to be -despoiled of your money. He thought I might be of assistance to him in -the pleasant occupation, and so he took me into partnership." - -"You mean that miserable wretch, Durbin!" - -"I have called no names. At the outset I joined him, with no other -thought than to obtain a portion of the spoils. But in time I came to -admire you and care for you very much. It became a repulsive task for me -to assist him in his bungling plans, but the money I needed, and you had -so much that I felt you well might spare a little. Thus it went on. Then -you did me the honor to present me to your lovely sister." - -"I was a fool." - -"No, for I learned to care a great deal for Nadia, and in time I decided -that for her sake you must be saved. In order to save you I decided to -marry her." - -In spite of his weakness, Budthorne struggled to his feet as if to -attack Bunol, but he was forced to lean against the wall for support. - -"Don't excite yourself too much," urged the Spaniard, with mock -solicitude. "You are not strong." - -"No, no!" groaned Budthorne. "My legs will scarcely bear my weight. I -believe you somehow contrived to drug me, you wretch!" - -Bunol smiled, thinking of the drug he had given Aaron. - -"You do me great injustice," he protested. "Let me continue. I resolved -to marry your sister, for I felt she stood in great need of a faithful -guardian who would care for her tenderly and prevent you from -squandering her share of the fortune. Little by little I gained -influence and control over you, and I should have succeeded in full but -for the interference of that fellow Merriwell. He upset all my plans. -Had those plans worked as they should, the moment I became sure of Nadia -I should have cast aside both Durbin and Marsh. Rid of them, I could -cause you to cease your recklessness and prevent you from squandering -what remained of your fortune. You see, Budthorne, my intentions toward -you were of the most friendly sort." - -"Bah!" cried the captive. - -"After the exposure in London," Bunol went on, "I succeeded in following -you here, leaving Marsh and Durbin behind. With the aid of a faithful -fellow, good fortune led me to meet, I planned to get hold of you, just -as I have, in order to talk reason to you. I could have done very well -without Marsh and Durbin, but it chanced that they followed Merriwell -and his companions to Ben Cleuch, and they were passing on the highway -when I hailed them. I thought it best to use them once more this night, -and then to get rid of them forever. They think I am now trying to -squeeze from you more money that is to be divided equally between us. -Thus they deceive themselves. If you have in your head the reason you -should, it is little they will get." - -"What are you trying to propose?" demanded Budthorne. - -"That you swear to me by all you hold sacred, by the memory of your -mother and the fear of God, that you will not prevent me from making -your sister my wife, either by word, deed or suggestion. That is all I -ask." - -"And if I do that--what then?" - -"I will outwit the others. I will lead you from this place when they -know nothing of it. We will take the boat and row away. When we arrive -at the inn, I will tell how I found and rescued you from Rob MacLane, -Hector Marsh, and Luke Durbin. You will say it is true, every word to -the last. After that my own cards I will play, and your sister will I -win, for I have the power to make her mine." - -Always self-confident to an amazing degree, knowing his influence over -Budthorne, and believing he could force the man to do his will, Bunol -believed that in this manner he might make himself a hero in the eyes of -Nadia, might ensnare her in his hypnotic net, and might obtain her for -his own at last. - -But all the while he was playing double with Budthorne, for he had -outlined his plan to Durbin and Marsh, promising to wring money from -both brother and sister if he succeeded, and to divide liberally with -his accomplices. Rob MacLane was to be paid a set sum for his services. - -"What if I refuse?" asked Budthorne. - -"Then I shall leave you here alone in the dark to meditate upon it a -time." - -"You fool!" panted the captive. "You were crazy to fancy you could force -me into such a thing! Not in a thousand years!" - -Bunol shrugged his shoulders. - -"It is you who are foolish," he asserted. "Look into my eyes a moment, -Budthorne, and----" - -"No! no!" hoarsely cried the young man, as he suddenly started forward, -his hands clinched, resolved to attack his enemy. "I'll fight you here, -man to man." - -The Spaniard struck those clinched hands aside and gave Budthorne a -thrust that sent him again to the wall, against which he struck and then -dropped to the floor. - -"Very well," said Miguel. "Having thought it over, you will change your -mind, I believe. I will leave you to consider it all." - -Snatching the torch from the crack, he strode from the room, closing and -barring the heavy door behind him. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE FIGHT IN THE CASTLE. - - -The night was on the wane when Miguel Bunol returned and found the -shivering, half-frozen captive stretched on the bare floor. - -Budthorne lifted his head from his curled arms and looked at his enemy -with eyes filled with fear and hatred. - -"Leave me to die!" he hoarsely said. "You can never force me to -sacrifice my sister!" - -"Still obstinate!" sneered Bunol. "I had hoped to see a change in you. -Unless you decide at once to comply, you will have to remain here -through another day, for morning approaches, and we can leave this -island only by night." - -"I'll never give in! I'll never surrender to your evil influence! You----" - -The speaker stopped suddenly, starting up and listening, for from some -distant portion of the old ruin came a sudden cry of alarm. This cry was -followed by others and then a shot was heard! - -For a moment, as Budthorne struggled to his feet, Miguel Bunol stood -amazed and thunderstruck. Then he snarled out an oath and wheeled toward -the door. - -With a sudden burst of strength, Budthorne dashed at the fellow and -leaped on his back, clutching him round the neck with both arms. - -At the same time he lifted his voice and shouted for help. - -Budthorne believed rescuers had arrived. - -He was right. With muffled oars, a boat containing four persons had -noiselessly approached the island, slipping into the dark shadows of its -wooded shore. - -The four in the boat were Dick Merriwell, Brad Buckhart, Zenas Gunn, and -Aaron, the latter having provided the boat and accompanied them in the -effort to find and rescue Budthorne. - -Professor Gunn was shaking like a man with the ague. - -"Bub-bub-bub-boys," he whispered, as Dick and Brad cautiously stepped -out of the boat, "I th-th-think I had bub-bub-bub-better remain here and -gug-gug-gug-guard the bub-boat." - -"That's right," agreed Dick. "You'll serve us better here than you will -to go with us. But don't go away. Wait for us, no matter what happens." - -Aaron, who was determined to undo the wrong Dick had led him to believe -he had committed toward Widow Myles, led the boys under the crumbling -wall and into the grim and silent castle. - -To Professor Gunn it seemed that ages passed, but at last his heart was -sent quivering into his throat by the sounds that came from the interior -of the ruin. There were hoarse shouts, a shot, and a muffled voice -calling for help. - -The professor wrung his hands. - -"How can I ever tell Frank that I let his brother go to his death in -this manner!" he moaned. "Both those brave boys will be murdered, and I -feel that I am responsible for it." - -Within the castle the terrifying sounds continued for a time. At last -the old professor was startled to see appear on a portion of the wall, -faintly outlined against the sky, two dark figures. They grappled, one -of them seeming huge and giant-like, while the other was much smaller. - -Holding his breath in horrified suspense, Professor Gunn watched the -brief struggle. The larger man seemed easily to conquer his antagonist, -and the professor heard him hoarsely snarl: - -"Ye runty de'il, ye ha' played traitor on Rob MacLane, ha' ye? It's th' -last thing ye e'er do!" - -Then the giant lifted the little man in his arms to hurl him from the -wall. - -At that moment another figure appeared. There was a flash of fire and -the ring of a pistol shot. - -The giant dropped the little man, flung up his hands and both plunged -from the wall. - -The shaking old man by the boat heard the one who had fired the shot -exclaim: - -"Great tarantulas! I sure opine that's the end of both of them!" - -It was Buckhart, the fighting Texan; but a moment later he had -disappeared. - -Then, as the still trembling professor crouched by the boat, he was -startled to see two forms run past, one after the other. Directly the -sound of oars came to his ears, and, peering out on the placid face of -the cold lake, he beheld a boat that was being rapidly rowed away. - -And he could have sworn there were three persons in the boat. - - * * * * * - -Miguel Bunol succeeded after much effort in tearing his assailant from -his back and striking him down. Then the Spaniard fled from the room and -down the stairs. - -Bunol's companions had been surprised and attacked. On account of the -boldness of the assailants, they believed the force much larger than it -was, and they lost no time in seeking to get away. - -The light in the room was dashed out, and in the darkness the fight -continued. - -Aaron had singled out Rob MacLane, but the ruffian escaped by another -door, and the little man followed him to the wall, where took place the -encounter witnessed by Professor Gunn. - -Marsh and Durbin had been fortunate in getting away in the dark passages -of the old castle, and Buckhart followed Aaron in his pursuit of -MacLane. Brad witnessed the peril of the little man, and fired to save -him from being dashed from the wall. Following the shot, both men fell. - -Buckhart retraced his steps and heard Dick calling to him. Guided by -Merriwell's voice, he came upon Dick, who was supporting Budthorne with -one hand and holding a torch with the other. - -"Perhaps we had better get out of here before those chaps recover and -realize there are so few of us," said Dick. "I think Budthorne is all -right, and we've had great luck." - -"Luck!" cried the fighting Texan. "No luck about it, pard! I opine it -was a case of pure sand, and we won the game on our merits." - -He then told what had happened on the old wall. - -They lost no time in getting outside and aiding Budthorne to the spot -where the terrified professor waited with the boat. - -"But we're not going away without finding out what has happened to -Aaron," said Dick. "Come on, Brad." - -They went in search of the little man and found him under the wall, his -leg broken. Near at hand lay another man, who had something worse than a -broken leg, for a bullet had pierced his shoulder and his neck had been -broken when he struck the ground. - -Innocent persons in that part of the country would never more be -terrorized by Rob MacLane. - -After a long consultation with Budthorne and his sister, it was decided, -on Dick's advice, that Dunbar and Nadia should quietly leave Scotland -for Italy. Dick and Brad promised to meet them, if possible, after they -had visited several points of interest in England, upon which the -professor insisted. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE HAUNTS OF ROBIN HOOD. - - -"Well, boys," said Professor Gunn, "we are at last in the very heart of -Sherwood Forest, the haunt of Robin Hood, the outlaw." - -"There certain is a right good stretch of timber and some of the biggest -trees I ever saw," confessed Brad Buckhart; "but it doesn't seem to me -that it should have been such a mighty hard thing to hunt an old outlaw -out of a place like this." - -"Times were different then, and you must not forget that, while Robin -plundered the rich, legends have it that he was always kind to the poor, -and, therefore, he had many friends who warned him of danger and gave -him protection." - -Dick Merriwell, Brad Buckhart, and Professor Gunn were being driven in -an open carriage through the noble and famous forest. All around them -stood the mighty oaks, some of which, it was said, had withstood the -storms of seven centuries. The westering sun of what had been an ideal -autumn day gleamed through the branches on which the brown leaves -rustled and where the squirrels chattered. The frozen ground was -bestrewn with fallen leaves, which rustled in little flocks along the -hard road when stirred by a passing breeze, seeming like startled birds. - -Earlier in the day they had visited Newstead Abbey, the home of Byron, -where two hours were spent. On leaving they drove through the -ever-thickening forest to a little wayside inn, where they lunched. -After a rest, they resumed their drive, it being their object to stop -for the night at Robin Hood's Tavern, an inn of which they had been told -by their cockney driver. - -"Is it really true, professor," asked Dick, "that Robin Hood was of -noble birth?" - -The old pedagogue shrugged his shoulders and smiled a withered smile. - -"That is a question no one can answer," he declared. "It has been said -that he was the outlawed Earl of Huntingdon, but such a tale may have -come from the fact that the really noble qualities he betrayed seemed -quite unnatural for a robber and outlaw, and were supposed to be -possessed only by those of gentle birth. But here in this forest he -roamed with Friar Tuck, Little John, Will Scarlett, Allen-a-Dale, and -Maid Marion. Here he made merry and lived such a life of adventure, and -ease, and pleasure, that he has been the envy of every romantic -youngster to this day." - -"Did he live long?" questioned Buckhart. - -"Tradition says he lived his roving, careless, jolly life until he -became a very old man." - -"And how did he die? Was he executed?" - -"Oh, no. Being somewhat ill, he trusted himself to the prioress of -Kirkley to be bled, and she treacherously let him bleed to death." - -"Do you believe there really was a Robin Hood, professor?" - -"Why not?" - -"Well, you know the story has been doubted by students of history, many -of whom assert that the story of his life is purely legendary." - -"Hum! haw! Haw! hum!" coughed Zenas. "Some of these students of history -are cranks and doubters on principle. They think they impress people -with their great knowledge, acumen and judgment by doubting everything -there is any chance of doubting. You can doubt anything that happened -say a century ago if you wish to. No matter how strong the proofs may -be, you can say they were manufactured. Do either of you boys doubt the -story of Paul Revere's ride?" - -"Of course not!" exclaimed Dick. - -"I should rise to remark that we don't," burst from Brad. - -"Well, I once heard a man, an educated man, a scholar, declaring that -the whole yarn had been manufactured out of moonshine. He didn't deny -there had lived such a person as Paul Revere, for Paul Revere's -descendants still live; but he insisted and maintained that the tale of -his midnight ride had been elaborated and cooked up to please those who -wished to make a hero of a very commonplace man." - -"Great tarantulas!" growled Brad. "That gent certain deserved to be shot -up some for making such foolish talk!" - -"Do you really believe there was a Robin Hood, professor?" asked Dick, -once more. - -"I think there is no doubt that such a man lived," answered the old man -stiffly. "Perhaps he did not pass through all the stirring adventures -credited to him, but I am satisfied that there was a Robin Hood. He was -passionately attached to the chase, and he was bold enough to make free -with the king's deer, which angered the king, who summoned him to -London. Thinking himself far safer here in this forest, which was then -much more vast, having since been cut away to a great extent, he simply -ignored the summons, upon which the king pronounced him an outlaw." - -The sun was low in the west, and the long shadows deepened in Sherwood -Forest. Soon the sun set and night spread its wing over the ancient -haunts of Robin Hood. - -"How much farther to the tavern, driver?" asked Professor Gunn. - -"Not hover four mile, sir," was the answer. - -Behind them on the hard road there sounded the clatter of hoofs and -rumble of wheels. Looking round, they saw a closed carriage, drawn by -two horses, rapidly approaching. - -"Some one drives in a great hurry," said Dick. - -The horses were steaming as they whipped past at a favorable place for -doing so. The curtains of the carriage were closely drawn, and not a -soul save the muffled driver was to be seen. - -"Those horses have been pushed right hard," observed Buckhart. "Wonder -who's inside the old hearse." - -They crossed a stone bridge and followed the winding road on into a -still deeper portion of the forest. The sun went down and darkness -gathered. - -At last a light glimmered cheerfully in the distance and a dog barked. - -"That is Robin 'Oods Tavern," said the driver. - -"Glad of it!" exclaimed the professor. "It's getting cold since sunset. -Not quite as bad as it was in Scotland, but too cold for comfort while -driving." - -"Why, I allowed it was some hot up round Lochleven in Scotland," -chuckled Buckhart. "We warmed things up one night. Eh, pard?" - -"Rather," agreed Dick. - -Amid the massive oaks stood the little inn, with the light shining -cheerfully from its windows. Soon they drew up before it, their journey -ended for the night. - -Outside the inn, with the horses unhitched and removed, stood the same -closed carriage that had passed them on the road. - -A hostler came to take charge of their horses, and they entered the inn, -being greeted by the landlord, a ruddy-cheeked man, named Swinton, who -was smoking a rank-smelling pipe. The landlord welcomed them in a -hearty, cheerful manner, bidding them come in by the fire and get warm. - -"It's going to be a cold night, gentlemen," he said. - -"Cold, indeed, sir," agreed the professor; "but your little house looks -bright, and warm, and comfortable." - -"So I think you will find it. You will stay to sup with me?" - -"We hope you can give us accommodations overnight. Have you two rooms, -one with a fire in it?" - -"I have just what you want, I believe--two rooms with a door between, and -a grate fire in one of them. You may be as comfortable as you please -here." - -By this time the professor had learned that it was always best to -bargain in advance for accommodations in England, and this he proceeded -to do, haggling in a good-natured way with the landlord, who at first -asked an exorbitant price. - -"We're not millionaires, my dear sir," said Zenas. "We're just plain, -ordinary people, traveling through your beautiful country. The pennies -count with us." - -"You're from America, are you not?" asked the innkeeper, seeming greatly -surprised at this confession. - -"We are, but not all Americans have money to burn, even though the most -of them who come abroad wish people to think so." - -Finally the landlord agreed to a price a full third lower than he had -originally named, after which, having ushered them into a room with an -open coal fire, he went away to prepare their rooms for them. - -A servant came and removed the wraps, saying they would be taken to the -rooms upstairs. He also took charge of the big hand bag, which contained -their nightdresses and such toilet articles as they always carried with -them. - -After a time the porter came and announced that their rooms were ready -for them. At the foot of the stairs a maid with a lighted candle waited -to escort them. She was a buxom, red-cheeked country girl. - -"Be careful hof of the stairs, sir; they're very steep sir," she said to -Zenas, giving him a smile that made him brace up wonderfully. "Hi 'ave -to climb them hoften henough to know." - -"Er-hum!" coughed the old fellow. "They say climbing stairs is fine -exercise--great for the complexion. But you don't need anything to -improve your complexion, my dear--it couldn't be improved." - -"'Ow kind you hare, sir!" she said, with a smothered laugh. - -Dick was behind Brad, and he gave the Texan a pinch that caused him to -utter a whoop. - -"Ow, goodness!" cried the girl, in alarm. - -"Don't be frightened, my dear--don't be frightened!" said Zenas quickly. -"It's only the boys." - -"Hit gave me 'art a hawful jump," said the girl. "One gets frightened -terrible in this 'ouse." - -"Get frightened here? Why?" - -"'Avent you 'eard, sir?" - -"About what?" - -"This place is 'aunted, you know." - -"Eh? Hey? Haunted, did you say?" - -"Yes, sir; they do say it's the spirit of Robin 'Ood hisself that come -'ere, sir." - -"This is interesting--decidedly so!" said Zenas. "A haunted inn in the -heart of Sherwood Forest! Why, I should think it would drive away custom -if such a report got out." - -"Hinstead of that, hit brings people 'ere to see the place, sir. They -seem to take great hinterest in 'aunted 'ouses." - -She flung open the door of a room. - -"'Ere is your rooms, sirs," she said. "The fire is warm, and Hi 'ope you -will be very comfortable. Is there hany thing I can bring you?" - -They entered the first room, in which the fire was burning. It was -fairly large and comfortable, with a big English bed, surrounded by -curtains. - -"Wait a minute, my dear," urged the professor. Then turning to the boys, -he said: - -"Here, you youngsters, take that candle on the mantel and inspect your -room. The door is open, I see." - -Dick gave Brad a wink and picked up the candle, starting for the -adjoining room. The maid had entered the first room and was waiting, -candle in hand. - -"You may go with Richard, Bradley," said Zenas, seeing that Buckhart -lingered behind. - -"All right," nodded the Texas youth. - -As he stepped past the girl he gave a puff that extinguished the candle -in her hand. Then he swiftly strode into the adjoining room, closing the -door behind him. - -Immediately the old professor began to call loudly for Dick and Brad to -return. - -"Come back here, you young rascals!" he shouted. "What are you up to, -you scoundrels? Bring that candle instantly! How dare you do such a -thing--how dare you!" - -"I'm so frightened!" fluttered the girl, catching hold of Zenas. "'Ave -you a match, sir? We might light the candle, sir." - -Dick opened the door and peered back into the room, discovering the girl -clinging to the professor. - -"Here! here!" he cried reprovingly. "What are you doing, Professor Gunn? -You're a married man. I didn't think it of you! I didn't think you would -blow out the young lady's candle and attempt to kiss her in the dark. -It's really scandalous! What would Mrs. Gunn say if she ever heard of -this?" - -"Oh, goodness! She'd have a fit!" confessed Zenas. "Bring that candle -instantly! How in the world did this candle happen to go out?" - -"Oh, I think you know how it happened," laughed Merriwell. - -"On my word I don't!" declared Gunn. "I believe that reprobate Buckhart -did it!" - -"But he didn't compel you to attempt to kiss the girl in the dark." - -"Oh, murder! I never touched her! She was frightened. She clung to me -for protection." - -"Oh, all right," said Dick; but his tone and manner seemed to indicate -that he knew better and could not be fooled by such an explanation. - -Zenas shook his fist at Dick in great excitement. - -"If you dare hint that I was trying to kiss her, I'll--I'll--I'll----" - -He seemed unable to find words with which to complete the threat, and so -he turned to the maid, anxiously urging her to attest that he had done -nothing of the sort. - -Behind the professor's back Dick winked and nodded at her, making signs -she understood. - -"Why, sir," she said, falling in with the joke, "Hi don't hexactly -suppose you hactually meant to kiss me, sir; but----" - -"There it is professor--there it is!" cried Dick, while Buckhart laughed -aloud. "She confesses that you really did do it, although she tries to -shield you by saying it was an accident." - -"She didn't confess anything of the sort!" palpitated Zenas, actually -dancing in his excitement. "You're twisting her language, you rascal! -You're perverting her meaning! You're trying to ruin my reputation!" - -"If she hadn't said so with her own lips--the lips you tried to----" - -"Stop it! stop it!" implored Zenas. "If you respect me in the least, I -implore you to stop it! If you ever hint that such a thing happened, if -you ever breathe a suggestion of it in the presence of my wife, I'll----" - -"Now, don't threaten me," said Dick reproachfully. "You know I'm your -friend, and even though I have been saddened to know of your -disreputable behavior, I'll remain silent as the grave concerning it. -Even though I may deplore your inclination to get gay with the girls, -I'll bury the black secret in my heart and never breathe a word of it to -your lovely, delicate and trusting wife." - -"Lovely! Delicate!" gasped the old pedagogue. - -"Don't say a word against her, sir!" exclaimed Dick, with a pretense of -righteous indignation. "She remains at home and permits you to travel -abroad for your health, little dreaming that, while she thus sacrifices -herself for your sake, you are carrying on scandalously with every -pretty girl you meet." - -Zenas threw up his hands in despair, the expression on his face being so -laughable that Buckhart with difficulty kept himself from roaring. - -"I didn't dream you could say such things of me, Richard!" groaned the -old man. - -"And I didn't dream you would cut up so among the girls. Of course, I'll -keep still about it, and Brad will never say a word, but still it may -leak out. It may get into the newspapers. You know there are -representatives of the yellow journals of America in London. They may -hear of it. It will make a breezy bit of scandal--a juicy morsel--for -them. How would this sound in one of their papers: 'Professor Gunn Gets -Gay With the Girls. Giddy Old Chap, Traveling in England, Tickles the -Chambermaids----'" - -With a genuine shriek of horror, Professor Gunn dropped on a chair. - -"Stop! stop!" he yelled. "You'll drive me to suicide!" - -"But you know it may get into the papers," Dick went on. "As I said, -neither Brad nor myself will say anything about it." - -"Then how can it get out?" - -"Why, the girl you tried to kiss may----" - -"Never tried it--never!" - -"Well, the girl who says you tried to kiss her----" - -"Who says you did kiss her--by accident," put in the boy from Texas. - -"I stand corrected, and I accept the correction." said Dick. "The girl -who says you did kiss her by accident may happen to speak of it to other -tourists. She may mention your name. It's not unlikely some of those -tourists may be newspaper men. If they are not, they may be friends of -newspaper men. They may see an opportunity of making a good, spicy item -out of it. Oh, there are ways enough for it to get into the American -papers." - -"How can I prevent it?" groaned the tortured old fellow. - -"Why, you might fix it with the girl," answered Dick, again giving the -maid a significant wink. "She's a poor girl, but she's honest and -kind-hearted. She wouldn't like to ruin you, and she'll keep still--for -an inducement." - -"Ow, Hi couldn't think hof it----" began the girl. - -Thinking she meant that she could not think of keeping still, Zenas -sprang to his feet, cold perspiration starting out on his pale face. - -"I implore you! I beseech you!" he cried. "I'm an honorable man, and I -hold a position of trust and responsibility in America. If this thing -gets into the American papers I'm ruined. Here, my dear girl, take -this--take it and remain silent--for my sake." - -Eagerly he thrust a pound note into her hand. - -"Ow, you hare so kind, sir--so very kind, sir!" she tittered, bobbing him -a bow. "Hi'm ownly a poor girl, and Hi thank you for being so hawfully -kind to me, sir. If there's hanything Hi can do for you, sir, while you -are 'ere----" - -"You can," said Zenas solemnly. - -"You may depend hon me, sir. What is it?" - -"Keep away from this room. Don't come near it while I remain in the -house. If you do these boys will see something further that is improper. -Go at once. Every moment you remain adds to my peril. Go!" - -"Very well, sir. Hi 'opes you 'ave a pleasant time while 'ere, sir. Hi -'opes you henjoy your supper and your night's rest, sir. Good night, -sir." - -Bobbing a bow to each of them in turn, she smilingly left the room. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE SPANIARD AGAIN. - - -"I don't think you're really to blame, professor," said Dick. "Indeed, I -have often wondered in the past how you succeeded in warding off the -attacks of the fair sex, who are continually besieging you. No one is to -blame if he happens to be attractive and fascinating to women." - -The old fellow brightened up a little. - -"That's nonsense, Richard," he said. "Of course, there was a time when -the girls did chase after me more or less, but that's gone by." - -"You know better, professor. In these days girls are learning to admire -men of brains, and talent, and genius. You'll have to be careful, -professor. There's something about you that fetches them every time." - -Zenas smiled. - -"Do you think so?" - -"I know it! I want to warn you for your own good. You'll have to hold -them off. If we go to Paris, you'll have to be on your guard. They're -sure to throw themselves at you. Paris is full of pretty girls, they -say, and they'll keep you ducking. If you were inclined to be frisky, -you could have a score of handsome women chasing you." - -"He! he!" laughed Gunn. "That would be embarrassing, but it would be -rather exciting." - -He rose to his feet and threw out his chest. - -"I don't know but you are right," he nodded. "Since crossing the pond -I've noticed the ladies glancing my way and smiling on me. In London -they smiled at me, and in Scotland the Scottish girls were inclined to -give me the eye. I used to be quite a chap with 'em, but since getting -married I've lived retired and kept away from 'em. I'll have to look out -or some of them will be trying to steal me." - -Buckhart turned a laugh into a severe fit of coughing. - -"I'm afraid I've taken cold," he barked. - -By this time Dick had Professor Gunn thinking himself really a very -captivating old chap with the ladies, and he began to tell how he had -found it necessary to dodge them all his life. - -"Stop it, pard!" whispered the boy from Texas. "If you don't let up I'll -sure give myself away to him." - -Thus adjured, Merriwell finally quit egging Zenas on, but he improved an -opportunity to slip out of the room and leave the professor relating -some of his experiences to Buckhart. - -Dick descended to the lower rooms of the inn, entering the one to which -they had first been ushered by the landlord. - -A man in black clothes was half sitting, half reclining in a big -easy-chair that was drawn up before before the fire. Evidently he had -been perusing a newspaper, over which, made drowsy by the warmth, he had -fallen asleep. The paper was spread over his face. - -At one corner of the glowing open grate was another chair, and Dick sat -down in this. - -"A cool night, sir," he observed, by way of being sociable. - -The man did not stir. Evidently he was quite sound asleep. - -Dick took from his pocket a tourist's map and began examining it. The -old professor had stated that in a few days they would leave England for -warmer countries to the south, but their exact route had not yet been -decided on. - -For ten minutes or more Dick studied the map closely, becoming quite -absorbed in it. At last, although he had not heard a sound or observed a -movement on the part of his companion, he was led to glance up quickly, -feeling himself attracted by something. - -The man in the easy-chair had permitted the newspaper to slip down just -enough for him to peer over the upper edge of it. - -Merriwell found himself looking straight into a pair of dark, magnetic -eyes, which were fixed on him with a steady, intent gaze. As those eyes -met Dick's they did not waver or blink in the least, and thus the two -sat perfectly still, Dick holding the map and having his head partly -lifted, gazing at each other unwaveringly and in stony silence. - -Almost instantly Dick knew he had seen those eyes before. There was -something familiar about them. They gave the boy at first a queer, -uncanny sensation, and something like a chill, followed by a tingling -flush of heat, passed over him. - -A sense of danger came to Dick Merriwell. He seemed to feel the -influence of a strange, subtle power. Directly he realized that this -unknown power emanated from those piercing dark eyes, and it seemed that -in his ear his guardian genius whispered an anxious warning. - -Immediately the boy roused himself and brought his own firm will to the -task of combating the influence whose touch he had so distinctly felt. -Summoning his spirit of resistance to the contest, he continued to watch -the eyes revealed above the edge of the newspaper. - -Neither man nor boy moved a muscle. In dead silence they remained thus, -watching each other like panthers about to spring. - -The fire glowed warmly on the hearth and a great clock that stood in one -corner of the room ticked solemnly and regularly. Outside the wind rose -in a great gust and swept with rushing sound through the branches of the -trees. Ghostly hands, like those of restless spirits seeking admission -from the darkness and the cold, rapped at the casement of a window. - -Still the unknown man and the American lad sat motionless, gazing into -each other's eyes. - -The unvaried ticking of the great clock began to sound loud as hammer -strokes. - -Gradually Dick realized that he was obtaining the mastery. He had met -and resisted the unknown influence the other was bringing to bear upon -him, and his determination was conquering the subtle power of those -magnetic eyes. - -He called into action all the force of will he could command, knowing -that he was defeating the object of the silent man before the fire. - -Finally the man uttered a low exclamation of disappointment and anger, -and the newspaper fell rustlingly from his face. - -Dick sat face to face with Miguel Bunol! - -"Curses on you!" hissed the Spanish youth. "Had you not looked up so -soon I would have succeeded." - -"Never!" retorted Dick. "It is not in you, Bunol, to conquer a -Merriwell." - -"We shall see." - -"I should think you would know it by this time. What are you doing -here?" - -"That is my business." - -"In which I am somewhat interested. How dare you show your face again?" - -"Dare?" laughed the young Spaniard, harshly. "Did you think you could -frighten me? Fool not yourself by such a fancy. I have a right to go -where I choose, have I not?" - -"You might find it unpleasant if you were to appear in the vicinity of -Kinross, Scotland, about now. Of course you have a right to go there, if -you choose, but you would be arrested if you did so." - -"We are not in Scotland, Merriwell. This is England and the heart of -Sherwood Forest." - -"But the law is just as strong here as in Kinross. If Dunbar Budthorne -were here he would----" - -Bunol snapped his fingers contemptuously. - -"He would do nothing at all. Had he sat before me, were he sitting thus -now, I'd have him powerless to disobey my command--I'd have him subject -to my every wish. I am his master, and he knows it." - -"Still at Lochleven you did not succeed in forcing him into your -dastardly scheme--you did not compel him to aid you in your plot to marry -his sister." - -"But for you, Merriwell, I should have succeeded. You ruined my plot. -That very night, as I fled in a boat across the bleak bosom of the lake, -I swore to turn my attention to you, and put you beyond the possibility -of baffling me again. Now you know why I am here. What will you do about -it?" - -The Spaniard asked the question mockingly. He was flinging defiance in -the teeth of the young American. - -"You have selected a big task, Mig Bunol." - -"But I have sworn to succeed." - -"You will fail utterly and miserably." - -Bunol lifted one hand to caress the thin, black mustache upon his lip. - -"That is what you believe," he said; "but I know I shall not fail. At -Fardale I hated you, but I forgot you after I left the school. Never -again would I have given you a thought had you not crossed my path in -London. You crossed it at a most unfortunate time for me, as then I was -on the very verge of accomplishing my great object." - -"And that object was to ruin Dunbar Budthorne and to make his beautiful -sister your wife." - -"I love her!" - -"You love her! Never! You love nothing but your own selfish, villainous -self, Bunol. You were interested in her, and fascinated by her, because -of her beauty; but had she been a poor girl you would not have dreamed -for a moment of marrying her." - -"How wise you are!" sneered Miguel, shrugging his shoulders. "Even if -that is so, what does it prove?" - -"It proves that you are a fortune hunter of the lowest and most -contemptible sort." - -"Is it such a crime to be a fortune hunter, as you call it? What are the -ruined and penniless noblemen of Europe who seek marriage with American -heiresses?" - -"You are not even in the class of those men, for, though they may be -cads, and snobs, and weaklings, and utterly lacking in manly qualities, -few of them are downright scoundrels and desperadoes. At least, they -have titles to give in return for the wealth their rich wives will bring -them; but you have nothing to give." - -"Yah!" snarled the Spaniard, showing his white, gleaming teeth. "You say -things that sting, but some day your tongue will be silent with death!" - -"Your threats do not disturb me in the least, Bunol, for I am confident -that I shall live to see you hanged, as you justly deserve to be. Bunol, -your power is broken and your great scheme has come to naught. You may -as well seek other victims, for never again will your fingers handle a -dollar of Budthorne's money." - -With a sneer on his dark face, the Spanish youth had listened to -Merriwell's words. - -"It is a great wonder you think yourself!" he cried. "You think you have -defeated me. How little you know me, boy! Did you imagine you had thrown -me off the track and would see me no more while abroad? I am here. From -Edinburgh you I followed to Glasgow, from Glasgow to Dublin, from Dublin -to Manchester, Sheffield and here. I chose this spot to appear to you -again and to let you know I am on your track. All this time you have -known nothing of it, and you have thought me frightened by what happened -in Scotland. While you remained in Scotland I did not care to appear, as -I knew you would try to have me arrested. - -"In Dublin there was no reason why I should make myself known, nor yet -in Manchester or Sheffield. Here we are far from any town and in the -heart of a forest. True, your friends are within call of your voice if -you lift it; but I, too, have friends ready to spring in on us at a -signal. My friends are all armed, and it is short work they would make -of two boys and a cowardly, withered old man. Ha! ha! Call, if you like! -I am willing; I am ready. Utter a shout, and by the time your friends -get down to this room you will be lying on this hearth in your blood." - -"Are you trying to frighten me with such talk, Mig Bunol? You should -know by this time that I am not easily frightened. You say you have -followed me. That is good. While you were doing so Dunbar Budthorne and -his sister were getting far beyond your reach. You have followed me in -order to be near when they joined us again. That is it!" - -Dick laughed triumphantly, for he had stated the reason why Bunol had so -persistently dogged him about, and he felt that the fellow had been -completely baffled. - -Dick's laughter caused Bunol to turn pale with rage. He saw that the -young American regarded him with positive contempt. In Dick he had not -aroused an atom of fear--nothing but aversion, scorn and contempt. - -"You cannot fool me!" he snarled. "The Budthornes are not very far away. -If you live, you will meet them soon. I shall be there." - -"Will you?" - -"Yes! I know your cowboy friend has become deeply interested in Nadia, -but--bah!--what is he? I can dispose of him so." Bunol gave a careless -flirt of his hand. - -"It's plain enough you do not know the kind of stuff that Brad Buckhart -is made of." - -"He is nothing but a blustering braggart." - -"He's a fighter, every inch of him; fearless as a lion. It was his -bullet that pierced the shoulder of Rob MacLane, the outlaw, on the wall -of Lochleven Castle, and sent him tumbling to the ground, where his -career ended with a broken neck, greatly to the relief of all honest -people." - -"Still he is nothing but a blustering braggart, and any man of real -courage can become his master. I mind him not. It is you I have set my -heart to conquer and crush, and then Buckhart will be disposed of with -ease." - -"How do you propose to carry out your little project with me?" - -"Don't think I'll not find a way. If I chose, you'd never leave this inn -alive. You'd never rise from that chair, unless it were to drop dead on -this hearth!" - -"If all this is true, why don't you go about it?" cried Dick, his eyes -flashing. "I'm watching you! I am waiting for you to begin!" - -"I came here to force you to tell me where Nadia is." - -Once more Dick laughed. - -"And you fancied you could succeed? You fancied you could force a -Merriwell to do your bidding? Bunol, you are a greater fool than I -thought!" - -"Oh, laugh, conceited idiot!" snarled the Spaniard. "You may be laughing -in the face of death!" - -"In some ways you are amusing, as well as disgusting. Now I know why you -sat so still on that chair and pretended to sleep with the paper hiding -your face. Now I know why you permitted the paper to slip down until you -could peer over it. You have discovered that with your eyes and your -mind you can govern weaklings. Your success with Dunbar Budthorne caused -you to think you might hypnotize me, and force me to tell you where you -could find Nadia. You have failed. What will be your next move?" - -"I have failed, and my next move may be to put you forever out of the -way of causing me more trouble." - -"Begin!" was Dick's challenge. "I am waiting! Do you fancy you can do it -alone? or will you call your paid ruffians to your assistance? Call -Durbin! Call Marsh! Durbin has none too much courage, and Marsh is a -miserable coward. I am here in this room alone. Call them to your aid -and let's have it out!" - -"How bold you are!" sneered Bunol, again. "But it is not on such as -Durbin and Marsh I depend alone. A closed carriage passed you on the -road shortly before you arrived here. I was in that carriage, and with -me were men ready to cut your throat at a word of command from me. -Should I give the signal they would come with a rush. Better be careful -with that tongue of yours. If you do not arouse me too far, I may permit -you to live yet a while longer; but in the end you shall die--and by my -hand!" - -Dick was becoming tired of the talk. He had fancied some one might enter -the room, either the landlord or the friends he had left upstairs. Now, -of a sudden, he heard a sound of heavy knocking coming from the upper -part of the inn, as if some one were pounding furiously on a door. - -"Your friends are growing impatient," said Bunol. "They wish to get out, -it seems." - -"Wish to get out?" - -"Yes; they are locked in their rooms. One of my men attended to that -after you left them, I presume. I gave orders to keep Buckhart and the -old man away in case I found an opportunity to meet you face to face. -But the place will be disturbed by the racket they are making. I hope -you enjoy your supper here and your night's rest. I'm sorry to say I -have decided to leave you. It might be disagreeable if your party and -mine were to remain beneath the same roof." - -Bunol started to rise from his chair, as if to depart. - -Instantly, without warning and with a great bound, Dick reached the -Spaniard and clutched him. - -"Wait a minute!" he exclaimed. "Don't be in such a hurry to go." - -With a furious exclamation, Bunol flashed out a knife and struck at the -boy's throat a blow that was much like a streak of lightning as the -steel glinted in the gleaming firelight--a blow impelled by deadly hatred -and murderous impulse. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE STRUGGLE. - - -At times Professor Gunn became very garrulous, and on such occasions he -invariably insisted that either Dick or Brad should listen to him. If -both refused, he was mortally offended. - -When Brad saw Dick had slipped away and left him with the old man he -feared what was coming, and tried to edge toward the door; but Zenas -promptly called him back, urged him to sit down, placed a chair before -the open fire, and sat down himself. - -"Now we're comfortable and cozy," said the old man. "Now we can chat, -Bradley. I have a few things I wish to say to you. I have some advice I -wish to give you, my boy." - -Buckhart smothered a groan. - -"Won't it keep until after supper, professor?" he asked. - -"No, sir. I've been waiting for an opportunity to speak with you alone, -and this is the time. I have taken note that you are greatly interested -in Miss Budthorne. Now, you are young--far too young to fall seriously in -love. Wait, sir; let me speak. I am doing this as a father. Indeed, I -feel that while we are traveling together I must practically fill the -position of father to you. You have some faults. I had faults when I was -of your age. I wish to tell you a story, and at the end I will indicate -the lesson it teaches." - -Zenas then began a long-winded series of reminiscences about himself and -his boyish love affair, to which Brad was forced to listen, little -dreaming that in a room below Dick Merriwell and his enemy, Miguel -Bunol, were sitting face to face, watching each other with eyes that -never wavered. - -Only for Professor Gunn's determination to talk Buckhart would have -attempted to leave the room long before he did, and would have made a -surprising and annoying discovery that came to him later when he tried -the door. - -"Whatever's the matter with this old door?" exclaimed the Texan, when he -found it refused to open before his hand. - -"Perhaps it sticks," suggested Zenas. - -"Sticks--nothing!" growled Brad. - -"Then what----" - -"It's locked!" - -"Locked?" - -"Sure as shooting." - -"It can't be." - -"I opine I know when a door is locked," said the Texan; "and this yere -door is locked tight and fast." - -"How could it happen? I'm sure there is not a spring lock on the door." - -"Not at all, professor. I wonder some if this is one of Dick's tricks. I -wonder if he locked us in here?" - -"Why should he do that?" - -Brad did not explain that he fancied it possible Dick had done so in -order to compel him to listen to the old man's lecture. - -"Wonder if there's no other way to get out," he growled. "Mebbe the door -to the next room is not locked." - -He hurried into the adjoining room, but found, to his further -disappointment and disgust, that the door leading from that room was -likewise locked. - -When Brad returned he began hammering on the door in earnest. - -"Look out!" cried Zenas. "You'll knock a panel out!" - -"That's what I sure will do!" roared the Texan. "I'll certain bu'st a -hinge off if Dick doesn't hike this way and open things up." - -"Perhaps he didn't lock the door." - -"Then whoever did? That's what I'd like to know." - -A sudden thought flashed through Buckhart's head. What if this locking -them in was a trick to keep them away while an attack of some sort was -made on Merriwell? - -"I can pay for the door," he muttered; "and I certain ain't going to -keep still when there may be deviltry of some sort going on." - -Then he backed off a few steps and made a rush and a spring, flinging -his shoulder against the door, with the whole weight of his body behind. - -The door burst open with a crash. Brad stumbled out into the hall, -nearly falling, but quickly recovering his feet. - -As he did so a significant cry came to his ears, proceeding from the -lower part of the building. - -In another moment he was bounding recklessly down the dark flight of -stairs. - -In the meantime, Dick was having his hands full with the treacherous -Spaniard. Bunol had whipped out his knife with astonishing swiftness and -had struck a deadly blow at the boy's throat. - -Quick as he was, however, either Merriwell anticipated the movement or -he was quicker, for he dodged and clutched the wrist of his enemy at the -same time. - -Bunol uttered a low exclamation of disappointed rage, attempting to -wrench his knife hand free. - -"No you don't!" exclaimed Dick, holding fast with a grip of iron. "You -murderous dog! This ought to be enough to put you behind bars, and I -think I'll see that you go there for a while." - -"You'll never put me there!" palpitated the Spanish youth. - -In the struggle to break away from Dick he dragged the boy back and -struck against the chair on which he had been sitting, nearly falling to -the floor. - -"Furies!" he panted. - -For a few moments in the first heat of the encounter Bunol possessed -amazing strength, and he kept Dick busy on the defensive, but it was not -long before the boy tripped his antagonist and flung him heavily. - -The knife flew from Bunol's hand as he fell, clanging on the stone -hearth, to lie gleaming in the glow of the open grate. - -Although Dick had thrown the Spaniard, he found Bunol much like an eel -to hold. The fellow slipped and squirmed, almost instantly writhing from -beneath the American lad. - -As the two started up and Dick reached to again clutch his enemy, the -landlord came rushing into the room. His eyes falling on the combatants, -he paused a second, aghast. - -"What does this mean?" he cried. - -Brad Buckhart was not a second behind the landlord, and his eyes -recognized Miguel Bunol instantly. - -A roar broke from his lips. - -"Mig Bunol!" he shouted. - -But when he sprang to take a hand in the conflict, the strong arm of the -landlord blocked him off and flung him back, while that worthy again -demanded to know what it all meant. - -"Don't stop me!" snarled the Texan, his face pale with excitement and -rage. "Let me get my paws on that varmint! I sure will have his scalp!" - -"Keep him away!" cried Bunol to the landlord. "They are ruffians and -robbers! This one tried to rob me right here!" - -Although Dick had again grasped the Spaniard, the latter once more -squirmed from his fingers and managed to recover his feet. Instantly he -sprang toward the hearth, on which his deadly knife lay shining brightly -in the light. - -Dick had no thought of letting the fellow again get that weapon in his -hand. Knowing he had saved his life only by the narrowest possible -margin, he now launched himself from a half-crouching position at the -Spaniard, hurling the fellow aside and against the wall. - -"Stand there!" thundered Buckhart. - -In Glasgow Brad had purchased a revolver. This weapon he now had in his -hand, and its muzzle was turned toward Bunol. - -"Stand there, or by the everlasting Rockies, I'll bore you in your -tracks!" declared the Texan. - -Dick quickly snatched up Bunol's knife. - -The Spaniard stood at bay, his black eyes gleaming and his breast rising -and falling with his panting breathing. He was like a ferocious wild -animal that had fallen into a trap. - -"See, landlord!" he cried. "Now they are ready to murder me!" - -"I'll have none of this in my house!" grated the innkeeper, and he -unhesitatingly placed himself in front of Buckhart, who was thus -prevented from using his weapon in case he wished to do so. - -Dick took a step toward Bunol. - -The Spanish youth saw his opportunity. He did not wait for Merriwell to -again lay hands on him. Instead of that, with two pantherish bounds he -crossed the floor, and another bound carried him, doubled into a compact -ball, straight at a window. - -There was a great crashing and jangling of glass as the desperate young -villain shot through the window, carrying out sash and panes. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -PROFESSOR GUNN'S WILD RIDE. - - -Strange and unusual things were happening at Robin Hood Tavern that -night. Perhaps not since the days of the famous outlaw himself had such -blood-stirring events happened on that particular spot. - -Professor Gunn held up his hands in consternation as the impetuous young -Texas hurled himself crashing through the door. - -"Dear me! dear me!" gasped Zenas. "What a boy! what a boy! Impossible to -restrain him! Impossible to refine him! Sometimes he acts like other -people, but at other times----Eh? What's that?" - -The old pedagogue heard the cry that caused Brad to gather himself and -go bounding recklessly down the dark stairs. - -"Sounded peculiar!" whispered Zenas, listening at the door. "I don't -like it! I fear something is wrong!" - -Then he heard excited voices rising from below and distinctly understood -Buckhart to shout the name of Bunol. - -"Bunol!" gurgled the old man. "That scoundrel! That miserable villain! -Is he here? Can it be possible?" - -Something stirred in a dark corner of the hall. He saw the thing move -and cried out: - -"Who's there? What are you doing? What do you want?" - -There were two of them. They came out of the darkness swiftly and were -upon him in a moment. Over their faces they wore masks, and the -professor gave a cry of dismay as he saw a pistol in the hand of one of -them. The weapon was pointed at Zenas, and the man who held it growled: - -"Better keep still, guvner! If you raise a noise we'll 'ave to shoot -you, and we don't want to do hanything like that." - -"Robbers!" whispered the old man. "This place is a den of thieves! We'll -all be robbed and murdered here!" - -Had the door not been broken he might have tried to close and hold it -against them, but now he was totally defenseless. - -"Don't shout, don't speak, don't heven whisper!" commanded the man with -the pistol. - -"All right," said Zenas, disobeying the order. "I won't make a noise. -Take my money! I haven't much. Be careful with that deadly weapon! It -might go off by accident!" - -They entered the room, while the commotion below continued. - -"Hif you're sensible, guvner," said the one with the pistol, "you'll get -off with an 'ole skin; but hif you're foolish Hi'm afraid you'll get -'urt." - -"Don't waste time in talk, pal!" growled the other fellow. "We've got to -move lively." - -"Here's my purse," said Zenas, holding it out. "Take it--take it and go!" - -One of the men took it, but at the same time he said: - -"We wants you to take a little walk with us, guvner. Now you 'adn't -better refuse, for we'll 'ave to shoot you hif you do. Don't hask hany -questions, but move and move in a 'urry. Right out of the door, guvner. -March!" - -They grasped him by the arms and he was unceremoniously hustled through -the broken door. He thought they were going to take him toward the front -stairs, but they forced him falteringly along a dark and narrow passage, -coming to another flight of stairs at the back of the house, which they -descended. - -"What are you going to do?" whispered the agitated old man. - -"Shut hup!" growled the fellow with the pistol. "Hif you hopen your 'ead -hagain Hi'll 'ave to shoot you." - -In the darkness they passed through a room at the back of the house and -came to a door that let them out into the open air. The stars were -shining brightly through the leaf-denuded branches of the trees. - -Just as they reached the open air there was a crashing and jangling of -broken glass at the front of the house. - -The starlight showed Zenas that a pair of horses had been attached to -the closed carriage he had observed standing near the building. A man -was standing at the head of the horses. Another man was perched on the -driver's seat, holding the reins. - -The man who had hold of Gunn now rushed him without loss of time to the -carriage, the door of which was standing open. Without regard for his -feelings, they lifted him bodily and pitched him into the vehicle. - -He bumped his head and uttered a cry of pain and fear. - -One of the men sprang in and perched upon his body. The other man -followed. A whip cracked like a pistol, and with a jerk the carriage -started. - -"Pull in his legs, pal!" exclaimed the man astride Zenas. "You can't -close the door unless you pull in his legs." - -"Blawst 'is blooming legs!" came from the other man. "Make 'im pull 'em -hup." - -"Pull up your feet, old man!" commanded the one who was holding -Zenas--"pull them up, if you don't want to lose the top of your head!" - -"I'm a dead man!" groaned the old professor. "This is the end of me!" - -He pulled up his legs, and the carriage door was closed at last. - -While this was taking place the carriage had whirled out from the forest -inn into the highway, with the horses at a dead run. Persons rushing -from the inn were startled and astonished, but they gave their attention -to the search for Miguel Bunol, who had lately leaped through one of the -windows of Robin Hood's Tavern. - -Zenas Gunn gave himself up for lost. - -"Never thought I'd come to such an untimely end," he moaned. "Why did we -ever visit Sherwood Forest?" - -Suddenly he became frantic and began to shout for help. Three times he -did this before the man astride of him could do anything to prevent it. - -"For 'Eaven's sake smother 'im!" burst from the other man. - -The fellow holding Gunn down got him by the throat and quickly checked -the cries. - -But those cries had been heard by both Dick Merriwell and Brad Buckhart. - -The carriage bounced, and swayed, and rumbled over the forest road. - -It was a terrible experience for Professor Gunn. The old fellow believed -he had fallen into the hands of robbers, who were carrying him off with -the idea of holding him for ransom. - -Suddenly something happened. Some portion of the harness on one of the -horses became unfastened, and the driver was compelled to pull up as -soon as possible. He sprang down from the seat and made haste to fix the -harness. - -The horses had been excited and fretted by the manner in which they were -whipped at the very outset. As the driver came alongside one of them the -animal snorted, shied and sprang against its mate. The other horse gave -a leap, and a second later both animals were running away. - -The driver was jerked off his feet and dragged some distance. He clung -to the reins, vainly endeavoring to hold the terrified creatures, but -finally his hold relaxed and the animals raced on unguided, their fears -seeming to increase as they ran. - -At first the two ruffians inside did not realize what had happened, but -soon they began to suspect that everything was not quite right. - -"'E's drivin' 'orrid reckless, pal," said the one with the cockney -dialect. "'E'll 'ave us hupset hif 'e don't look hout." - -The carriage rocked and swayed, flinging its three occupants from side -to side. At a sharp turn of the road it snapped round on two wheels, -threatening to go over. Once the hub of a rear wheel struck the trunk of -a tree and the carriage was flung violently to one side. - -It was now the turn of Professor Gunn's captors to be alarmed. - -"What's he trying to do, get us all killed?" palpitated the one who had -been holding the old pedagogue, but who was now occupied in taking care -of himself, which was no small matter. - -"Hi believe the 'orses are running haway," said the other. - -"Can't the thundering fool hold them?" - -"'E don't seem hable to." - -Then they began shouting to the driver, but as there was no driver on -the seat, they received no reply. - -Down a hill and over a stone bridge went the runaway team. The hoofs of -the horses clattered on the frozen ground and the wheels made a rumbling -roar like sullen thunder. The woods echoed with these sounds. - -Professor Gunn managed to sit up and drag himself upon a cushioned seat -in a corner of the carriage. The curtain at the glass window was up, and -outside the old man saw the trees flying past. - -With his heart in his mouth, Zenas waited for the termination of that -wild night ride, yet dreaded what it might be. - -The ruffians were frightened indeed now. One of them succeeded in -opening the door and shouted again and again to the man he supposed was -holding the reins. The carriage swept close to a tree, the trunk of -which struck the door and slammed it shut, driving the man's head -through the glass, which was shattered, and cut him in a manner that -brought blood copiously. - -The man was dazed. He fell back on Zenas, who thrust him off. - -"The 'orses hare running haway and there is no driver!" cried the -cockney. - -Suddenly Professor Gunn was seized with a feeling of revengeful joy. He -knew the men were frightened, and a singular sort of courage came upon -him. - -"Serves you right, you villains!" he shrilly shouted. "I'm glad of it! I -hope they run until they smash everything into a million pieces!" - -"Ain't there any way of stoppin' them, pal?" questioned one of the -ruffians. - -"No, Hi don't believe there is." - -"Let them run! let them run!" laughed Zenas wildly. "You brought it on -yourselves! It's good enough for you! Going to carry me off and hold me -for ransom, were you? This is what you get! I hope you enjoy it!" - -"Shut up, you old fool!" - -"I won't shut up! You can't shut me up! Ha! ha! ha! Let them run! let -them run!" - -Suddenly, with a fearful shock, one of the forward wheels struck some -obstruction. The carriage careened into the air and over it went, being -flung from the road and fairly against a sturdy tree. The horses tore -themselves free from the ruined vehicle and continued their mad flight -along the forest road. - -The wrecked carriage lay overturned by the roadside, and from its -shattered ruins came no sound to tell whether its occupants were living -or dead. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -AN EXCITING CHASE. - - -The landlord of the Robin Hood had prevented Brad Buckhart from taking a -flying shot at Miguel Bunol as the reckless young desperado leaped -through the window. Had the Texan fired, being a wonderfully good shot, -it is probable he would have "winged" the Spaniard, at least. - -At the destruction of the window the excited landlord threw up his hands -in despair. - -The whole house was in an uproar. One or two frightened men came and -peered into the room where the encounter had taken place, while the -cries of frightened women could be heard coming from other parts of the -building. - -"What do you mean by such actions in my place?" shouted the enraged and -exasperated landlord, turning on Dick and Brad. - -"We're not responsible any," retorted Buckhart. "Whatever made you get -in my way and keep me from salting that ornery Spaniard good and -plenty?" - -"Out and after him!" cried Dick. "Don't let him get away!" - -"He'll have to pay for that window!" yelled the landlord. - -Then Dick led the rush from the inn. The door was thrown open, and they -ran out beneath the stars. - -They were just in time to see the closed carriage, with both horses at a -dead run and the driver mercilessly plying the whip, whirl out of the -yard, turn to the right and go clattering and rattling away on the -frozen road. - -A moment later a horseman shot past the opposite corner of the building -and turned to the left. - -As he passed the windows from which the light was shining the Texan -caught a glimpse of him. - -"There goes the galoot hot foot!" he roared, and flung up his hand to -shoot. - -It was Dick who now grasped his arm and prevented him from firing. - -"Steady, Brad!" cried Merriwell. "You don't want the blood of that dog -on your hands!" - -"I certain would like to know why!" retorted the excited Texan. "It -would give me a heap of pleasure to bore him for keeps!" - -"Let him go and----" - -Dick stopped, for from the rattling carriage which had already vanished -beneath the great tress that lined the road came wild cries for help, -which were suddenly broken and checked. - -"Great horn spoon!" palpitated the Texan. "Did hear that, pard?" - -"I did, and it certainly sounded like the voice of Professor Gunn!" - -"Just what I thought. You don't opine----" - -But already Dick was rushing back into the inn, and Brad quickly -followed him. Up the stairs they leaped, assailed by a new feeling of -fear. - -The broken door of the professor's room hung on a single hinge, just as -the Texan had left it. The light of the glowing fire and of a single -candle showed them the comfortable interior of that room, but they saw -nothing of Zenas Gunn. - -"Professor----Professor Gunn!" called Dick. - -"Where are you? Answer me--answer at once!" - -But there was no answer. - -"Search, Brad!" urged Dick. "He may have been alarmed by the uproar and -concealed himself. Look on the bed behind those curtains! Look under the -bed! Look everywhere!" - -Even as he was urging his friend to do this Dick flung open the door of -a wardrobe and looked within. Then he caught up the candle and hastened -into the adjoining room, looking in every nook and corner, meanwhile -continuing to call to Gunn. - -A few moments later the two boys met in the first room and stood face to -face, staring into each other's eyes. - -"Where is he, partner?" - -"Gone!" said Dick. "Brad, that was the game!" - -"I don't just rightly see how----" - -"First Bunol was to be given a chance at me. If he failed, the professor -was to be captured and carried off. He was in that closed carriage!" - -"Sure as shooting!" - -"Come!" - -The flushed, wild-eyed, excited landlord appeared in the door and -attempted to check them, demanding why they had turned his house into a -Bedlam. - -Dick swept him aside. - -"No time to explain now!" he declared. "We'll explain to you later." - -The boys rushed downstairs once more, out of the inn and round to the -stable. A hostler demanded to know what had happened. - -"Hi'd like to 'ave you tell me what it's hall habout!" he said. "Why did -the gentlemen 'ave their 'osses taken hout and then 'ave them 'itched in -hagain in such an hawful 'urry?" - -They seized him and demanded to know where their own horses were. Their -manner frightened him. - -"Those men were ruffians, and they must be caught," said Dick. "Help us -get our horses to pursue them. If you don't you may be taken as the -accomplice of the scoundrels. It's worth a pound note to you, my man, if -you get our horses out instantly and provide us with bridles for them." - -This inducement led the hostler to move quickly. He found the bridles -and brought out the horses. The boys lost not a second in helping bridle -the animals. At the same moment, it seemed, both flung themselves -astride the beasts. A cowboy yell broke from the lips of the Texan--a -yell that sent his mount bounding forward with surprise and fear. Dick -smote his horse with his open hand, which fell with a pistol-like crack -on the animal's rump. - -"Hold on!" shouted the hostler. "Where is that pound note you said I -should 'ave?" - -He ran after them, but neither of the boys paused a moment to respond, -and quickly they vanished down the dark road that turned away beneath -the great trees to the right. Back to his ears came the clatter of hoofs -on the roadbed, receding and growing fainter in the distance. - -Both boys were ready for any emergency as they galloped mile after mile -along that road. - -Twice they passed branching roads, but chose to stick by the principal -highway, although it was impossible to say that they were following the -right course by doing so. - -"It's more than even, pard," said the Texan, "that the onery varmints -turned off on one of those other roads. We're going her a whole lot on -pure luck." - -"We have to," said Dick. - -Down a hill and over a bridge they flew. By this time the horses were -breathing heavily and beginning to perspire. Their breath whistled -through their nostrils and they would have slackened the pace had they -been permitted. - -On and on until at last, descending yet another hill, they came upon the -wrecked carriage lying in a splintered heap by the roadside. - -They flung themselves from their nearly exhausted horses, the creatures -willingly stopping and standing with hanging heads and heaving flanks. - -"Whatever happened here, pard?" cried Brad. - -"Smash up," answered Dick. "Must have been a runaway and a bad one, -too." - -Amid the ruins of the carriage they found a man lying ominously still. - -"Is it the professor?" whispered Buckhart, fearfully. - -Together they dragged away some of the debris, and then Dick struck a -match. The mask that had hidden the face of the man was covered with -blood and partly torn away. His face was badly cut. - -"Luke Durbin!" shouted the boy from Texas, as Merriwell fully removed -the bloody mask and held the match with the reflected light flung from -the hollow of his hands. - -"That's who it is," said Dick. - -"And I opine he's cashed in. This was the end of the racket for him." - -Dick struck another match. - -"See!" he exclaimed, as the light of this second match fell on Durbin's -mutilated face. "He's not dead!" - -The eyelids of the man fluttered and his eyes opened. A groan came from -his lips. - -"It's some rough," said the Texan; "but you've got only yourself to -blame for being here." - -The man's bloody lips moved and he sought to speak, but the husky sounds -he uttered could not be understood. - -"Durbin," said Dick, "your pals have left you here to die. Did you aid -them in capturing and carrying off Zenas Gunn?" - -Another painful effort to speak resulted in nothing that could be -understood. - -"Tell me the truth," urged Dick. "You can see how they deserted you. Why -should you shield them? Did you carry off the old professor? Can't you -answer? If you would say yes, close your eyes and open them again." - -Slowly the wretch closed and opened his eyes. - -"Where is he? Where have they taken him?" - -It was impossible for Durbin to answer in words. - -The boys lifted him and lay him on the cold ground by the roadside. - -"I judge he's mighty near gone, partner," whispered Brad. "It's bad we -have to lose time like this. We ought to be doing something for the -professor." - -"We can't leave this man to die here alone like a dog, no matter how bad -he has been." - -"He sure has got what was coming to him." - -"But he's a human being. Think of leaving any human creature to die here -in such a manner!" - -"Think of Professor Gunn!" - -"If we find out without delay what has happened to the professor and -where he has been taken, we must learn it through this man. In case he -knows--which is pretty certain--he may tell everything if he finds he is -going to die." - -"That's correct, Dick. You're always the long-headed one. But if he -can't talk, how are we going to learn anything from him?" - -"If we had a stimulant or restorative of some sort----" - -"Liquor?" - -"Yes; as a medicine liquor is all right when properly used. As a -beverage it is poisonous." - -Although Dick fully believed in temperance, he was not a crank, and he -knew that liquor had its good uses, although almost invariably it was -put to a bad use. - -"But we haven't a drop of the stuff. What can we do?" - -"Is there no way for us to get him back to the Robin Hood?" - -"How'll we make the riffle, partner?" - -Dick meditated a moment. As he did so, both lads heard in the distance -the sound of hoofbeats and the rumble of wheels, telling them that a -carriage was approaching at a rapid pace. - -"Somebody else driving a heap hard, Dick," said the Texan. "Perhaps more -trouble is coming." - -"We'll have to be ready for anything. If it's some one we do not know, -we'll appeal to him to take this man in and carry him back to the inn." - -They waited, Buckhart producing his pistol, while Dick led the horses -aside beneath a tree. - -Back along the road a short distance there was an opening among the -trees, and soon the carriage, drawn by a single horse, came rumbling -through this star-lighted spot. - -Dick joined Brad. - -"We'll have to stop it, even if we scare the driver out of his wits," he -said. - -The boys stepped into the road and called to the driver. Immediately a -man rose up in the carriage and cried: - -"Who are you? Have you seen anything of two boys on horses, riding as if -pursued by Old Nick himself?" - -"We're the boys, I fancy," confessed Dick. "You're Mr. Swinton, of Robin -Hood's Tavern." - -It was the landlord, and he jumped out in a hurry when he found he had -overtaken Dick and Brad. - -"Look here, you chaps," he cried, "don't you think you can upset my -house, smash windows and doors and run away without paying the damages! -I'm an honest man, and what's happened to-night at my place may ruin me. -I demand damages, and you'll have to pay 'em." - -"All right," said Dick quietly. "Although we're not responsible for the -things that have happened, we'll pay a reasonable damage charge if you -promptly take into your carriage and carry to the inn a man who has been -seriously injured here and may be dying. I'll pay you for your trouble -with him, too." - -Although still suspicious and doubtful, the landlord was somewhat -mollified. - -"How did it happen?" he asked, as he stooped and peered down at the -injured man. - -"There's the carriage," explained Brad, "smashed a whole lot. I opine -they had a runaway. Don't waste time in asking other questions. Time is -powerful precious to-night, and every minute counts." - -The injured wretch groaned as they raised him and placed him in the -carriage, which the driver had already turned about. The driver proved -to be the hostler, who reminded Dick that he had not received the pound -note promised him. - -"I'll pay you as soon as we get back to the tavern," was the promise. -"Had no time to do it before." - -Before starting on the return, Dick made another examination of the -injured man to see if his wounds were so serious that he might bleed to -death on the way, but found that the cold air had caused the blood to -congeal, and that there was no danger from the source feared. - -Mounted and riding close behind the carriage, the boys turned their -faces toward the inn, their hearts heavy in their bosoms, for the -uncertainty of the fate that had befallen Professor Gunn oppressed them. - -"For all of the accident and the smash-up," said Dick, "Bunol's game to -carry off the professor has succeeded." - -"That's right," agreed Brad. "But why should he do anything like that? I -confess it puzzles me up a plenty." - -"Recall his little trick at Lochleven." - -"That was some different. By getting hold of Dunbar Budthorne he hoped -to force Nadia into a marriage with him. He reckoned that, to save her -brother, she might hitch with him." - -"You don't think he counts on murdering Zenas Gunn, do you, partner?" - -"No; had he intended to murder the professor he would not have gone to -so much trouble to capture him and run him off. The men who did that -could have finished the old man in his room at the tavern while we were -having our little racket with Bunol below. Bunol knows the strength of -the law and fears it. He's none too good or too timid to commit a -cold-blooded murder, but he fears the consequences of such an act. -To-night he told me he has dogged us everywhere since we left Kinross. -We did succeed in fooling him by helping Budthorne and his sister to get -away secretly. Having lost track of Nadia, Bunol has followed us, -believing we would join the Budthornes sooner or later. - -"Of late he has been growing impatient. Finding we contemplated visiting -Newstead Abbey and the haunts of Robin Hood, he decided to strike a blow -here in this forest. Some of his spies must have learned from our -conversation and inquiries that we meant to remain overnight at Robin -Hood's Inn. Having learned that much Bunol acted swiftly. Durbin was -with him, and probably Marsh. He must have secured the aid of ruffians -who were familiar with this part of the country. He had an idea that, -could he meet me face to face and quite alone, he might exercise his -newly discovered hypnotic powers on me, and this he tried to do -to-night. But I know something about hypnotism myself, and I was able to -combat him and defeat him on his chosen ground. - -"He had prepared for defeat, having instructed his ruffianly tools to -capture and carry off Professor Gunn, whom he knew to be timid, old, and -incapable of making serious resistance. Through threats of what he may -do to the professor he hopes to bring me to my knees. It is his object -to conquer us now, Brad, for he is sure he can accomplish his designs on -the Budthornes, once he can place us beyond interfering and baffling -him. Without doubt he will threaten and frighten Zenas into telling him -where to find Nadia Budthorne. I do not fear that he will seriously -injure the old professor, unless Zenas was injured in the runaway and -smash-up." - -"But Nadia!" cried Brad. "If he forces the professor to tell where Nadia -may be found----" - -"We'll lose no time in sending a warning message to the Budthornes. Then -it will be a race between us and Miguel Bunol out of England, across the -Channel and down into sunny Italy. But Bunol will seek to baffle and -delay us." - -"How?" - -"By keeping Zenas Gunn a prisoner somewhere, knowing we'll not leave -England until we have found and freed him." - -"Great tarantulas! I reckon you're right, partner! You're a whole lot -long-headed, and you have tumbled to his game. Whatever can we do?" - -"We must beat him at that game." - -"Elucidate how." - -"This runaway and smash-up was something not reckoned on by Bunol." - -"Certain not." - -"Durbin was left for dead." - -"No doubt of it." - -"If Durbin lives long enough to talk, we may induce him to tell us where -Zenas Gunn is to be kept a prisoner." - -"I sure hope so." - -"Then it will be our business to waste no time in finding the professor -and setting him free. After that the race for Italy will begin." - -Buckhart was greatly stirred up over the prospect. - -"If we permit that Spaniard to get ahead of us, pard, I'll certain feel -like committing suicide some!" he cried. "You made a big mistake when -you kept me from taking a crack at him with my gun as he went whooping -away from the Robin Hood. If I had bored him----" - -"We should have been arrested and compelled to stand trial. It is true -we might have been acquitted; but shooting a human being, even though it -may be a dastardly dog like Bunol, is mighty bad business, and I don't -believe you wish, any more than I do, to stain your hands with human -blood." - -"I punctured Rob MacLane at Lochleven." - -"But it was only a flesh wound in the shoulder, and the authorities, who -seemed relieved and pleased over the death of the Strathern outlaw, -decided that the cause of his death was not the bullet wound, but came -from a broken neck received when he fell from Lochleven Castle." - -"All the same," muttered the Texan, in a low tone, "I don't opine he'd -taken that fall if I hadn't fired at him. I saw he was going to murder -Aaron by flinging him over, and I didn't falter any at all in shooting. -My conscience hasn't troubled me much." - -"But with Bunol mounted on a horse and trying to escape from us, the -aspect of the case would have seemed different. At least, that is the -way I looked at it." - -"I suppose you're right, partner, for you're right as a rule ten times -out of ten; but I'm powerful afraid Bunol will get a start on us now." - -"We'll do our best to baffle him at his game," said Dick. "This accident -that befell Luke Durbin may enable us to defeat the Spaniard." - -"At the same time, it's mighty sure to put Durbin out of the running, -even if he doesn't die, for I judge he's badly busted up, and he won't -be so frisky and troublesome in future." - -"But for Bunol, Durbin never would have been a hard man to check. Bunol -is reckless to the point of madness. He has resolved to possess Nadia -Budthorne and her money----" - -"But by the stars above us I swear he never shall!" cried the Texan -fiercely. - -When they reached Robin Hood's Tavern once more, the boys, assisted by -Swinton, lifted the injured man, who was still alive, and carried him -inside, where he was placed on a bed. - -"How far is it to the nearest doctor?" asked Dick. "This man is badly -injured, and he must have medical treatment, if he does not die before a -doctor can be brought." - -"It's good ten miles," said the landlord. - -"Send a man for a physician without delay," directed Dick. "I will pay -all expenses." - -"It's easy enough for you to say so," returned the doubting keeper of -the inn; "but I have not yet seen the color of your money, and my doors -and windows have been smashed, the people in the house, including my -wife, nearly frightened to death, and the reputation of the place -ruined. What have I done that all this misfortune should be heaped upon -me?" - -"Would you see this man die for want of medical attention?" - -"How do I know what will follow before morning? There may be further -trouble here. Besides myself I have but two men about the place, and I -must keep them to protect the ladies." - -"You will send a man for a doctor," said Dick, sternly. "Here, I have -money to pay. Tell me what your bill is for the broken door and window, -and it will be settled--unless you make it exorbitant. Tell me how much -it will cost to dispatch a man on a horse for the doctor, and I will pay -that, too." - -At sight of the boy's money the landlord immediately became quite humble -and obliging. He started to ramble in his statement concerning the -damage done, saying no money could pay him for the injury to the good -name of the house; but Merriwell cut him short, asserting he would -settle that matter after he had seen the man start to bring a physician. - -Within a short time the hostler was dispatched on a good horse, with -instructions not to return under any condition without the needed -physician. - -"I feel better about that now," confessed Dick. "I wouldn't see my worst -enemy in the condition of Durbin without doing what I could for him." - -The injuries the man had received about the face were washed and dressed -by Dick himself, while Durbin was given a little whisky, which seemed to -revive him, although it was apparent to all that he might die within the -hour. - -Having done whatever he could to make the man comfortable, Merriwell sat -down beside the bed and talked to him. At first it seemed that Durbin -still remained unable to speak, but his wandering eyes gazed at Dick -pathetically, as if he could not quite understand the boy. - -"Durbin," said Dick, "I'm sorry for you; but you must know that you -brought this upon yourself, and you cannot blame any one else." - -The man moved his head the least bit from side to side. - -"Your bones do not seem to be broken," the boy went on; "but your -condition indicates that you are seriously--probably fatally--injured. You -may not live an hour; you may die within ten minutes. You had a hand in -carrying off Zenas Gunn. It was Bunol's plot, but it is likely you know -that rascal's plans. The least you can do now is to tell me where the -professor has been taken. For the sake of your own conscience, at least, -you should tell." - -The man was silent. - -"You were deserted by your pals and left to die alone by the roadside. I -have taken trouble to have you brought here, and I've sent for a doctor. -In return for this will you not tell me the one thing I want to know? -Where has Bunol taken Zenas Gunn?" - -The injured man's lips parted, an expression of great effort and -distress came into his eyes, but the only sounds he uttered were a few -painful gasps. - -"Can't you speak?" asked Dick. - -Again that faint rocking motion of the head from side to side. - -"I don't opine he'll ever speak again, pard," whispered Buckhart, in -Dick's ear. "He's done for, and we're wasting time in trying to get -anything out of him." - -"It's folly to attempt to search the country blindly to-night," said -Dick. "Unless Durbin can give us a clue, we have nothing to work on." - -Brad looked desperate. - -"All right," he muttered. "You know best, partner. I opine I'd better -trust the whole thing to you." - -"Give me that whisky, Mr. Swinton," requested Dick. - -The liquor had been weakened with water in a cup, and the boy again held -this out to Durbin's lips. A little of the stuff passed into the man's -mouth, and he swallowed it with great difficulty. - -"Now," once more urged Dick, "try to tell me where they have taken -Professor Gunn." - -The man's lips moved again. Dick bent low over him, holding his ear down -to listen, but he could catch no word, and the fear that Durbin would -die without speaking grew upon him. - -Looking straight into the pathetic eyes of the injured man, Dick said, -in a tone of confidence and command: - -"I will give you the power to speak. You shall speak! You can speak! -Tell me at once where they have taken the professor." - -For a moment there was absolute silence in the room. Both Buckhart and -Swinton watched, breathless and awed, feeling that in some singular -manner the boy was transmitting some strength of his own to the man on -the bed. They felt as if something like a miracle was about to take -place. - -Finally Durbin's lips parted again, and, in a low yet perfectly distinct -tone, he muttered three words: - -"The--haunted--mill!" - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE HAUNTED MILL. - - -A branch of the Meden runs through the northwestern portion of that -region still known as Sherwood Forest. At one time all that country was -covered with one great, dense forest, but now there are many pieces of -woods and a great deal of cleared country, with beautiful cottages and -winding roads. - -In a little, wooded valley stands an old, deserted mill. The broken -water wheel is still and covered with rank moss and slime. The mill has -settled on one side until it threatens to topple into the little basin -above the almost vanished dam. It seems to cling to the old-fashioned -stone chimney in a pitiful way for support. - -This is known as the "Haunted Mill of the Meden," and tourists travel -far to see it. Hundreds of artists have daubed its semblance on their -canvases. - -Years ago, it is said, the miller, crazed by solitude or something, -murdered his beautiful daughter in the old mill and then committed -suicide. The people of that region tell that the ghosts of both father -and daughter visit the old mill nightly at the hour when the crime was -committed, which was shortly after midnight. - -The haunted mill stands about eight English miles from Robin Hood's -Tavern. - -A cold moon had risen in the east, and it was near the hour when the -ghosts of the old mill were supposed to walk. - -At least half a mile from the mill three horsemen had halted. They were -Dick Merriwell, Brad Buckhart, and Swinton, the keeper of Robin Hood's -Tavern. - -Not only had the landlord's demands been fully satisfied and appeased by -Dick, but he had been induced by the payment of a liberal sum to guide -the boys to the haunted mill. - -"You can't miss it," he declared in a low tone. "It's straight down this -road in the wood yonder." - -"But aren't you coming with us?" asked Brad. - -"Ten pounds wouldn't take me nearer the mill at this hour," said the -landlord. "I've kept my part of the agreement; I have guided you to it." - -"Let him remain here," said Dick, "and take care of the horses. We'll go -alone, Brad. We must leave the horses, for we do not wish to give Bunol -warning that we are coming, and he might hear the animals." - -"Mebbe that's a right good idea," nodded the Texan. "I don't opine a man -as scared as he is would be any good with us." - -So the horses were left with the landlord, who promised to remain and -guard them until the boys returned. - -"If you ever do return," he added. "It seems to me as likely as not that -I'll never clap eyes on you again." - -"I hope you don't think we're going to run away?" exclaimed Dick. - -"No, but I do think it likely you'll run into plenty of trouble, -considering the things those men did at my place. I don't see why you do -not wait until morning and gather a force to aid you. It's the only -sensible thing. What can two boys do against such ruffians!" - -"We're not the kind that waits a great deal," said Buckhart. "I sure -reckon you'll find out what we can do, and the ruffians will find out, -too." - -Both boys were armed. They lost no time in hastening along the road that -led in to the dark woods which choked the little valley. It demanded -plenty of courage for those two American lads to attempt such an -undertaking in a strange country at such an hour, and under such -circumstances; but Dick and Brad had the courage, and they did not -falter. - -The woods were dark and silent, and filled with many black shadows, -although in spots moonlight sifted through the openings amid the trees. - -Stepping cautiously and keeping constantly on the alert, the boys -followed the winding road down into the valley, avoiding the patches of -moonlight. - -Finally a faint murmuring sound of water reached their ears. It came -from the little stream that trickled over the broken dam. - -A few moments later the boys saw the dark and forbidding outlines of the -old mill. All about the mill reigned a stillness like death, broken only -by the almost inaudible sound of trickling water. - -"It sure doesn't seem like there is much of anything doing here," -whispered Buckhart. "I hope we haven't arrived too late, pard." - -"The only way to find out about that is to investigate," returned Dick, -in the same cautious tone. - -They approached the mill, circling a last spot where the moonlight shone -down through the trees. - -True, their hearts were beating faster than usual in their bosoms, but -they were fully as undaunted as when they had set out from Robin Hood's -Tavern. - -The old mill was reached at last, and they listened as they stood close -beside its rotting wall. - -No sound came from within. - -"Have you the candles, Dick?" asked the Texan. - -"Sure," was the assurance. "But we'll not use them until we get inside." - -They tried the door, but it was fastened, and after a few moments they -decided that it could not be opened from the outside unless the person -who attempted it knew how. - -"We'll have to find a window that will let us in," said Dick, in a -whisper. - -Fortunately, they had little difficulty about this, for the windows of -the mill were broken, and, although they had been boarded up, the boards -were torn away from one of them. This window was high, but Dick mounted -on Buckhart's shoulders and crept through it. Then he leaned far out and -grasped the hands of the Texan, who followed him, but made more or less -noise in scrambling up and over the sill. - -"Hush!" warned Dick. "We'll listen here a while to see if we have -disturbed any one." - -The silence within the place was even more oppressive than that of the -dark woods outside. - -"I sure am afraid we're on a Tom Fool's errand, partner," murmured -Buckhart. "I'm almost ready to bet my boots that, besides ourselves, -there's no living thing in this thundering old building." - -"You may be right," Dick admitted; "but we'll search it from top to -bottom before we quit. I hate to think that, in the face of almost -certain death, Luke Durbin lied to me." - -"Mebbe he didn't lie; mebbe Bunol changed his plan after that runaway -and smash-up." - -"Perhaps so." - -"Light a candle, pard." - -"Not yet. We'll prowl round a little first. Take care not to step into a -hole or trap of any sort." - -They moved forward with the utmost caution, feeling their way along in -the darkness. Soon they found a door that was standing wide open and -passed into a sort of hall, beyond which another door opened into -another part of the building, which Dick believed was the mill proper. - -In spite of their caution, they had made some slight noises, Brad once -striking the toe of his boot against some obstacle. - -As they paused there in irresolution, something of a startling nature -took place. - -First through the empty hallowness of the vacant rooms echoed a groan -that was most dismal and nerve-trying. - -This sound was followed almost instantly by a shrill, piercing shriek, -like that which might be uttered by some one in the agony of death! - -Buckhart afterward confessed that his hair "certain rose up on its hind -legs and mighty nigh kicked his hat off." - -No wonder. - -Such appalling sounds breaking in on the absolute silence of the place -were enough to give a man of iron something more than a slight start. - -The sounds died out as suddenly as they had broken forth, and the -stillness that followed was disturbed only by the tumultuous beating of -the hearts of the two boys. - -Brad clutched Dick's arm. - -"Great everlasting tornadoes!" groaned the Texan. "That sure was letting -it out some!" - -"Just a little!" admitted Dick. - -It did not take the boys long to recover from the shock, which was -followed by a feeling of resentment, for both knew some one had sought -to frighten them in that manner. - -Neither of them believed in ghosts. - -"Wherever did it come from, pard?" asked Buckhart, softly--"upstairs or -down?" - -Dick was compelled to confess that he did not know. The groan and the -shriek had echoed through the empty rooms in a most deceptive manner. - -By this time both lads had their revolvers ready for use. - -They remained perfectly still for many minutes, listening for some new -sound to guide them. Although they were wonderfully courageous, they -knew they might be plunging into a deadly trap, and neither cared about -throwing his life away. - -Still they had come there for the purpose of trying to rescue Professor -Gunn, and they did not propose to retire without doing their best to -accomplish their design. - -Finally they decided to investigate the upper portion of the mill, and -on their hands and knees they crept up the stairs. They knew not what -moment they might be attacked, and when they reached the top of the -flight they more than half expected to be set upon without further -delay. - -After the startling sounds which had chilled and appalled them for a few -moments, there was no further demonstration, and the deathlike silence -of the place placed another strain upon their nerves, which seemed to -grow more and more severe. Finally they felt that they would gladly -welcome a noise of some sort. - -The moonlight reached some of the upper windows of the building now, and -it assisted them in exploring a portion of that floor. But though they -went from room to room, they found up there no sign of any living thing. - -"This is a whole lot disappointing, partner," breathed the Texan. "There -is nothing doing up here." - -"Evidently not," admitted Dick. "Let's go down. We have not half -investigated the rooms below." - -They still believed it quite probable they would be attacked while in -the old mill, but neither faltered. Down the stairs they went, and Dick -led the way into that part of the building that had once been the mill -proper. - -Suddenly he stopped in the dark and put out his hand, checking Brad. - -"Don't move!" he warned. - -"What's the matter?" - -Dick had heard the sound of running water rising from almost directly -beneath his feet, and a cold breath of air came up and smote him in the -face. - -"Keep your revolver ready for use," he said. "I'm going to light a -candle." - -A moment later he struck a match and soon lighted a candle, which he had -brought in his pocket, wrapped in a paper. - -The light thus provided showed the boys that it was a fortunate thing -that Dick had halted just as he did. Barely a step before him the -flooring had rotted and fallen away, leaving a great opening down to the -bed of the stream below. - -"I'll keep this candle going now," decided Dick. - -The investigation of that portion of the mill did not consume much time, -and it was productive of nothing but disappointment. - -"It's a whole lot singular!" growled the Texan. "Partner, we know -somebody was here a short time ago, for we heard the galoot groan and -yell." - -"There must still be a part of the building we have not searched," said -Dick. - -There was. They found a door leading from the hall into a short and -narrow passage, which was blocked by still another door. The second door -was securely fastened. - -Their efforts to open it in an ordinary manner were wasted; but while -they sought to do so they were surprised and interested to hear a -strange thumping sound issuing from some part of the building just -beyond that very door. - -As they paused to speculate concerning the meaning of that thumping, -another startling and disagreeable thing happened. - -In the hall behind them there was a flash, and the loud and deafening -report of a pistol smote upon their ears. At the same instant a bullet -clipped past Dick's ear and struck the candle in his hand, cutting it -off close to the top and extinguishing it. - -Buckhart turned in a twinkling and answered the shot by firing blindly -back into the hall. - -The flash of his pistol blinded Brad, but Dick--who had also wheeled and -was slightly to one side--plainly saw a man spring through a doorway and -vanish from view. - -Once more snatching out his own revolver and warning Buckhart against -shooting him by mistake, Merriwell darted back into that hall and -followed the man through the doorway. - -He discerned a dark figure just slipping out through the very window by -which the two boys had entered the mill. - -Although he was tempted to fire on the fleeing man, Dick restrained the -impulse, permitting the unknown to escape. - -"He's gone," he explained, in answer to the eager questions of the -Texan, who had followed closely. "Let him go. I'm for finding out as -soon as possible the meaning of the thumping sounds we heard beyond that -immovable door. Let's look for something with which we may batter down -the door." - -In the mill section of the building they discovered a huge, rusty -hammer, and with this they returned and attacked the door, Dick having -relighted his candle. - -The sturdy Texan begged the privilege of smashing the door, and the old -building resounded with the concussions of his blows. In a few moments -he had beaten the door until it was split and ready to give way. A sort -of fury seemed to possess him, and he soon smashed his way through the -door and into the small room beyond. - -Dick followed with the candle, the light of which showed them a human -figure lying on the floor before them. - -It was Professor Gunn, bound tightly with ropes wound and knotted about -him and gagged in a manner that prevented him from making any outcry. -However, he had managed to thump the floor with his feet when he heard -the boys outside the door, and now his eyes were filled with an -expression of untold relief and joy. - -Dick lost not a moment in producing a knife and slashing at the cords -which held the old man helpless. At the same time Brad removed the gag. - -"Thank God!" mumbled Zenas weakly. - -When they had freed him, he was unable to rise, so they lifted him -between them and aided him from the room. Reaching the window by which -they had entered, Brad sprang out, and Dick assisted Zenas in getting -over the sill and lowering himself into the strong arms of the Texan. - -Then Merriwell sprang out, drawing a deep breath of relief, for, -regardless of the flight of the man who had fired the shot that -extinguished the candle, he had feared another attack until all were -clear of the building. - -"Boys," half sobbed the old professor, "I knew you would come! I knew -you would rescue me somehow! But it seems as if I have been in the power -of those villains for ages." - -"Where is Bunol?" asked Dick. - -"Gone." - -"Gone where?" - -"He was here when they brought me to the place. He compelled me to tell -him where he could find Nadia Budthorne, then he left me, with a single -man to guard me until morning. With the coming of daylight the man was -to get away, and I might have remained there until I perished from -hunger or exhaustion if you had not come to my rescue. Oh, boys, you are -jewels! You are the bravest, finest chaps in the world!" - -"Bunol knows!" said Buckhart hoarsely. "He accomplished his purpose!" - -"But we'll baffle him!" cried Dick. "We'll send a warning to the -Budthornes the first thing in the morning, and then--then away for -Naples." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -SUNSET ON THE GRAND CANAL. - - -Venice, and sunset on the Grand Canal! - -Nowhere else in all the world is there such a sight. For two miles this -magnificent waterway; the main thoroughfare of the most wonderful city -in the world, winds in graceful curves, with red-tiled, creamy white -palaces on either hand. At all times it is a source of wonder and -delight to the visitor, but at sunset and in the gathering purple -twilight it is the most entrancing. - -So thought Dick Merriwell, as he lay amid the piled-up cushions of a -gondola that was propelled by a gracefully swaying, picturesquely -dressed gondolier, one beautiful evening. - -Brad Buckhart and Professor Gunn were in the gondola with Dick, and -they, also, were enchanted and enraptured with the scene. - -The mellow rays of the sinking sun touched the shimmering surface of the -water, shone on the windows of the palaces, gleamed on the hanging -balconies of marble, and made the Bridge of the Rialto seem like an -ivory arch against the amber-turquoise sky. - -There were many other gondolas moving silently along here, there, -everywhere. On this great thoroughfare there was no rumble and roar of -traffic. It was a street of soft silence, as Venice is the City of -Silence. - -"In a short time, boys," said the old professor, in a modulated voice, -that seemed softened by the influence of his surroundings, "you shall -see Venice at her best, for the moon will rise round and full. When you -have seen Venice by moonlight, you may truthfully say you have beheld -the most beautiful spectacle this world can show you." - -"She ain't so almighty bad by sunlight," observed Buckhart. - -"Ah, but time has worked its ravages upon her," sighed Zenas sadly. -"Once even the dazzling sun of midday could show no flaw in her beauty, -but now it reveals the fact that, although she is still charming, her -face is pathetically wrinkled. Ah! those splendid days of old--those days -of her magnificence and grandeur--gone, gone forever!" - -In truth, Zenas was profoundly moved as he thought of the past greatness -and present state of this City of the Sea. - -Still Dick remained silent. He was watching the sunset. Between him and -the western sky seemed falling a shower of powdered gold, and yet this -wonderful, golden light was perfectly transparent. Beneath the balconies -and in the narrower canals the shadows were growing deeper. Just then -Dick thought that, no matter what disaster, what suffering, what sorrow -might come to him in life, just to be there in Venice that night at -sunset was joy and pleasure and reward enough to overbalance all else. - -"Pard, are you dreaming?" - -Dick turned his eyes toward the loyal Texan without moving his head. - -"Yes, yes--dreaming," he murmured. - -"Of what?" - -"Like the professor, of the old days--of the founding of this wonderful -city by a mere handful of refugees, who fled before the devastating, -barbarian army of Attila, well named the 'Scourge of God.' How little -could they have dreamed--those terror-stricken refugees--of the wonderful -future of this city of a hundred islands! I am dreaming of Venice at the -height of her glory, of the power of the Doges, of the senators in their -splendid robes, of battles and conquests, of riches and splendor, of -pompous pageants, of Ascension Day, when amid the roar of cannon, the -shouts of the people, and the throb of music, the Doge in his barge of -gold flung a golden ring into the blue waves, announcing the wedding of -Venice and the sea. Yes, I am dreaming--dreaming!" - -"And while you dream, pard," said Brad, "dream some of the dark deeds, -the crimes, the Bridge of Sighs, the Council of Ten----" - -A strange, half-startled exclamation came from the gondolier. He had -paused, clutching his oar, leaning forward--apparently paying attention -to their words for the first time. He could speak a little English, but -Professor Gunn addressed him in Italian: - -"What's the matter, Reggio?" - -"The boys, signor." - -"What of them?" - -"They talk too much. It is not well. They should be more careful." - -"Careful? I do not understand you, Reggio. Why should they be careful?" - -"I hear them speak of the Ten," whispered Reggio, leaning forward. "It -is very dangerous, signor. Nothing should be spoken." - -"Still I do not understand you," persisted the amazed old pedagogue. -"The time of the Council of Ten is past forever. There is now no longer -danger that a citizen of Venice may be secretly denounced to the -council, secretly tried and secretly executed. We know that at one time -the despotism of this council was so great that even the Doge himself -became a mere instrument in the hands of that body of tyrants. Now, -however, there is no council----" - -The agitation of Reggio had increased as Gunn was speaking, until now it -became absolutely painful to behold. He was trembling violently, and -with shaking hand he entreated the old man to be silent. - -"You know not, signor--you know not!" he whispered. "Beware what you say! -If you continue to talk, I must decline to carry you in my gondola--you -and the boys. We must part. I am a poor man. I need the money you pay me -for my services. But most I need my life, not for myself alone, but for -Teresa, my sister." - -"Man," said Zenas, "you must be crazy! What harm could speaking of----" - -"I pray you no more, signor--no more!" - -"Well, wouldn't that beat you!" said Buckhart, who understood a little -Italian, and had succeeded in getting the drift of the talk. "What do -you think of it, pard?" - -"I do not know what to think," confessed Dick, quite as much surprised -and bewildered as Professor Gunn. "It is most remarkable. The man seems -frightened. He actually pretends that we may place his life in peril by -our words." - -"It may be some kind of a trick, Dick." - -"What kind of a trick can it be?" - -"I don't know, but I'm sure watching out constant for tricks by these -dagoes. They're a slippery set, and they seem to think travelers are -fair and legitimate game for plucking." - -"Not all of them, Brad." - -"No, not all; but you know Naples is called 'the city of thieves,' and -we certain found it that. This fellow has appeared a heap decent, and----" - -"Just so. I've taken a liking to him. He's positively handsome, and he -seems honest. I've urged the professor to retain him while we remain in -Venice. But now----" - -"We can't even discuss the history of the city in his presence." - -All effort to induce Reggio to explain proved unavailing. He declined to -explain, and he continued to urge them--in whispers--to talk of something -else. - -"I suppose we had better humor him," said Gunn. "I can't understand it, -but just to please him we'll drop it now." - -"I sure judge he has a streak of the daffy in him," nodded Brad. - -The silver moon rose wondrously fair. The evening was cool, still not -cold. The professor and the boys drew some wraps about their shoulders, -having come prepared for the change in the atmosphere. - -In the moving gondolas lights began to twinkle and gleam. Soft laughter -floated over the water. - -Reggio's oar moved silently in the water, and the gondola glided through -alternating patches of moonlight and shadow, glory and gloom. - -Beneath the moon, Venice was indeed at her best. The defects of age, -seen in the broad light of day, were now hidden by a silver veil. In -places lights gleamed through the casements. - -"Pard," said Buckhart, after a long silence, "I'm a whole lot glad you -were expelled from Fardale!" - -"What's that?" exclaimed Dick, surprised. "Glad I was expelled?" - -"Sure!" nodded the Texan grimly. "If you hadn't been expelled, we'd not -be here together now." - -"That's true enough." - -"Of course I'm plenty bitter on Chet Arlington, but I opine his day is -coming. The professor will look out for that, all right. You'll return -to old Fardale in triumph after----" - -"We'll return together, Brad." - -"Yes, we'll return together--after we've seen a right good lot of this -amazing old world, and I allow you'll be received back with high -acclaim. I can see it now. I can see big Bob, Obediah, Chip, Gardner, -Darrel, Flint, Smart, and all the rest of them, welcoming you back. Just -to think of it stirs me some, you bet! There'll be something doing at -Fardale that day, Dick--you hear me gently gurgle! Then back to the -diamond, the gridiron, the gymnasium--back to all things we love! And the -yarns we'll have to tell! The things we'll have seen! Whoop! I'm sure -busting just to think of it!" - -Professor Gunn, who had been listening to the words of the boys, now -observed: - -"Youth and anticipation of the glories of the future! Two of the most -joyous things in this old world, boys. Do you know, I'm glad myself that -Dick was expelled. Remarkable, eh? Astonishing and shameful confession, -hey? Well, it's the truth. Why am I glad? Because it brought me the -companionship of you two lads, something I needed. Yes, I needed it. I'm -a pretty old man, boys, and I find myself inclined to look backward -instead of forward. Instead of thinking of the joys to come, I find I'm -inclined to think of the pleasures past. Now, that's bad--very bad. When -a man gets to living in the past, he's in his decline--he's beginning to -decay--he's pretty near the end of the road. It's natural for progress to -constantly look forward. Looking backward means retrogression. You boys -have seemed to arouse in me the looking-forward spirit which I needed. -I, too, think of the future and the pleasures to come. Therefore you -have done me no end of good. Hum! ha! Ha! hum! I hope I've not -interfered with your enjoyment of this glorious night by my little -lecture." - -"What's the matter with Reggio?" questioned Dick in a low tone. "He -still seems excited. He keeps looking back, and----Why does he send the -gondola darting in here so suddenly?" - -They had turned with a sudden swing from the broad canal to go speeding -swiftly into a very dark and very narrow passage between high buildings. - -"Why did you turn in here, Reggio?" demanded the professor, in Italian. - -"Signor, it is best," was the half-spoken, half-whispered answer. -"Question me not, but trust me. Soon we will be again on the Grand -Canal." - -"I certain believe the man is some bughouse," said Buckhart. "He's sure -acting and talking a heap queer to-night." - -"I think he is perfectly trustworthy," declared Dick; "and he's the -handsomest gondolier in all Venice." - -"You picked him out, pard, because he was handsome and graceful." - -"No; because I believed I could read honor and sincerity in his face. I -believed he could be trusted." - -"If he's daffy, he can't be trusted to any great extent." - -Out of the canal they sped, Reggio's body swaying rhythmically as he -propelled the craft. He seemed almost feverish in his haste. Soon they -swung again into another narrow channel, where it was very dark, Reggio -turning his head to look round just as he did so. What he saw, if -anything, caused him to increase his efforts. - -They began to feel a touch of the almost fierce anxiety which had seized -upon their gondolier. He seemed fleeing before something of which he was -in mortal terror. In the moonlight, before they were sent rushing -through this second dark channel, Dick had obtained a full view of the -Italian's face. It was pale and set, and his eyes seemed glowing with -strange terror. - -What thing was this from which Reggio fled like a hunted man? What peril -pursued him, seen by him alone? - -"Reggio!" spoke Dick. - -"Silence! silence! silence!" implored the man at the oar. - -"He sure has gone luny of a sudden!" whispered Brad. "There is no other -explanation, pard." - -"I don't like his behavior myself," confessed the professor. "He's -getting me nervous. You know there are banded thieves in Venice, who -prey on foreigners. Now----" - -"There can be no connection between Reggio's singular conduct and the -thieves of Venice," said Dick impatiently. "If he intended to rob us, he -would not first excite our suspicion by his behavior." - -"I judge that's correct," nodded the Texan. "I certain allow it's just a -plain case of daffy on Reggio's part." - -Once more they glided out upon the moon-lighted surface of the Grand -Canal, and the professor drew a deep breath of relief. - -"This is good enough for us, Reggio," he said. "You don't have to take -us through those dark alleys to amuse us." - -But the man addressed did not seem to hear. He swung the craft into the -shadow of the palaces at one side of the canal, still sending it forward -with unusual speed. Other gondolas he avoided or passed with great -skill. It was evident they attracted more or less attention by their -surprising haste at that hour. - -"I think, boys," said Zenas Gunn, "that it might be well for us to -return to our rooms and dismiss Reggio." - -But Dick's interest and curiosity had been aroused. Behind the peculiar -behavior of the man he believed there was something worth understanding. -He scented a mystery, and mysteries always aroused and interested him. - -"I couldn't think of giving up this pleasure in the open air for our -gloomy old rooms," he said. - -"Nor I, pard," joined in Brad. "I slept a whole lot this forenoon, so -that I'd not be at all sleepy to-night. Night certain is the time to -enjoy Venice. I opine I'll get into bad habits about hours while we're -here; but I can't help it." - -"You boys are tyrants!" exclaimed the professor. "Who is the master -here, may I ask? Am I taking you round, or are you taking me round?" - -Dick laughed, and assured the professor that he was the one in supreme -authority, which seemed to relieve and satisfy the old man. In truth, -the boys did just about as they pleased, but they succeeded in this by -making Zenas believe he was the one who wished to do the things that -interested them most. In carrying this out, Dick was far more clever -than Brad. - -"Reggio seems to be behaving better," said Merriwell. - -"Correct," nodded Buckhart. "Mebbe it was a fit he had. It seems gone -now." - -"Though he keeps looking back." - -Once more Dick spoke to the gondolier, asking him why he had seemed to -flee through those narrow and dark channels, and why he kept turning his -head to stare behind them. - -Reggio paused and leaned forward. - -"Ah!" he said, in a very low voice, "you don't-a know. I--I feel-a it in -da air." He spoke in broken English now. - -"What did you feel in the air?" - -"Death!" whispered the gondolier. "You don't-a know. You not see-a heem -follow us. He follow. That why I hurry vera much." - -"Whoop!" muttered Brad. "That's a heap fine! So we had a race with -death, did we? Well, partner, if that isn't daffy talk, what do you call -it?" - -"Do you mean that we were really and truly pursued by anything, Reggio?" -demanded Dick. - -"I mean-a it. Death he follow us. But mebbe he not-a after us. He follow -no more now." - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE RING OF IRON. - - -A boat full of musicians appeared, gliding slowly past them in the -moonlight, surrounded by many gondolas. To the throbbing of the harp and -guitar, a score of voices were chanting an Italian song. - -"Splendid! magnificent!" breathed the professor. - -The singing ceased. The gondolas swung near the music barge, from which -white, phantom hands were outstretched. Into those hands fell silver -coins, and the gondolas swept away. - -Dick spoke a word of command to Reggio, who quickly sent them close to -the boat of the singers. Merriwell added his contribution to the -collection the musicians were taking up. - -"There's still music in Venice," said Dick, as they drifted away. - -"But now," said Professor Gunn, "the musicians are professionals, who -take that way of making a living." - -"Then," spoke Dick, "in a certain sense it is true that-- - - "'In Venice Tasso's echoes are no more, - And silent rows the songless gondolier: - Her palaces are crumbling to the shore, - And music meets not always now the ear; - -Those days are gone--but beauty still is here.'" - -"Well quoted, my boy!" exclaimed the old pedagogue, in deep -satisfaction. - -"Let's follow the music boat," suggested Brad. "That singing has stirred -up something a whole lot inside of me. I sure would like to hear some -more." - -So Reggio was instructed to follow the musicians. - -Some fifteen minutes later, perhaps, the music boat turned into a -narrow, close canal, where all was darkness and gloom, with never a -gleam of light, save from the gondolas, where lamps twinkled and moved -like wills-o'-the-wisp. The boats were lost in the blackness of the -place, the lights alone marking their movements. - -"Another right fine place for a race with death, pard," whispered Brad. - -"Why have they turned in here?" whispered the professor apprehensively. - -"We'll find out," said Dick. "We must be close to the Bridge of Sighs. -Yes, you can see it against the sky. There it is." - -"With a palace and a prison on either hand," murmured Zenas. - -The beautiful bridge could be seen, buttressed by two great hulks of -gloom. It was a ghostly place, and the cool air of the night seemed to -take on a deeper chill. - -The music barge floated beneath the arch of the bridge and stopped. -Reggio permitted his gondola to slowly move along until it was also -beneath the bridge. Above them was the terrible prison. Beneath them was -the dark and sluggish waters. Dick thought of the headless bodies that -once had awaited the changing tide that was to bear them away from that -bloodstained spot to outer sea. - -Suddenly the musicians began to play and chant a solemn song, full of -sadness and despair. Enraptured, enthralled, their blood cold in their -bodies, the boys and the old professor listened to the most thrilling -and impressive music that had ever greeted their ears. In fancy, Dick -seemed to hear the tread of the condemned passing over the bloody -bridge, the moans of the dying within those black walls. The air -shuddered and vibrated with the horror of it. - -Never as long as life lasted could any of that trio forget that chanted -song. - -When it ended at last, they seemed turned to stone themselves. It was -several moments before one of them stirred or even seemed to breathe. - -"Let's get out of here!" Brad finally suggested, chokingly. - -"Grand, but terrible!" muttered the professor. - -"I would not have missed it for worlds!" declared Dick. - -Reggio swung the gondola round, and they were soon moving toward the -open canal. - -Just as they passed out of the deeper darkness, a black gondola swept -close to them--so close that the two boats almost touched. - -An unseen person reached forth a ghostly hand from between divided black -curtains, and something was tossed through the air, falling with a -little clang at the feet of Reggio. It sounded not unlike the ring of -money. - -Then the phantom hand disappeared and the gondola slipped swiftly into -the blackness from which they had just emerged, being lost to view. - -"What was it?" muttered Buckhart. "Did some one throw Reggio a coin?" - -Dick grasped the arm of his bosom friend. - -"Look!" he breathed. "Look at Reggio!" - -The gondolier had not moved after the thing dropped at his feet. He was -poised with his body swayed backward a little, and he seemed to be -gazing with wide-open eyes at the mysterious object lying within ten -inches of his feet. His attitude was expressive of the greatest horror. - -"Whatever does it mean?" speculated the Texan. "He certain looks a whole -lot alarmed." - -Dick started to speak to the gondolier, but checked himself and -continued to watch the man. - -Onward glided the boat, out into the full flood of moonlight. - -Then the man at the oar could plainly see the thing that had been cast -before him. Slowly, slowly, as if dreading to touch it, yet forcing -himself to perform the act, Reggio stooped and picked it up. - -"At last!" he muttered, with a choking sound--"at last it has come to -me!" - -"What is it?" questioned Dick. - -"Death!" answered the man. - -"Death?" exclaimed Professor Gunn. "Why, what do you----" - -"See!" directed the gondolier, holding the object up in the moonlight. -"Here it is! By this I am told that I must die!" - -"What is it?" - -"A ring of iron." - -"A ring of iron? What has that to do with your death?" - -"It tells me that I am chosen. I have a few hours in which to settle my -affairs and make ready. I knew that death pursued us to-night!" - -"He's still making crazy talk, pard!" declared Brad, who could -understand Italian, although he made a mess in attempting to speak it. - -"The man is not crazy," asserted Dick positively. - -"He sure talks that way." - -"There is something behind all this, Brad--something I'd like to -understand." - -Professor Gunn continued to question Reggio. They seemed quite alone -just then, with no other boats near them. - -"I warned you not to speak of the Ten," said the gondolier. "It is now -too late." - -"But the Council of Ten no longer exists." - -"Not as once it did; but there is another. Oh, if I talk now it will -only hasten the end! I am chosen, anyhow, and there is no escape! Little -Teresa, my sister--what will become of her!" - -The man seemed utterly crushed and hopeless. All the buoyant life and -grace had departed from his body. His shoulders were bowed and his -appearance that of one aged twenty years in a few moments. - -"Boys," said Professor Gunn, "there is something mighty singular and -sinister back of this. That man is badly frightened." - -"Or doing stunts," muttered Buckhart. - -"No stunts," asserted Dick. "His terror and despair is genuine. -Evidently the iron ring is a sign of some sort. He believes that the -receipt of it dooms him to death." - -"Folly." - -"Perhaps not." - -For a little time now Reggio answered none of their questions. Finally -he straightened up and looked around. He lifted his arms and stretched -them out to the white buildings with a despairing gesture. - -"Farewell--farewell, Venice!" he murmured, with a sob. "This is my last -night with you! For the last time I look on your beauty! Before another -night my eyes will be closed in the long, long sleep." - -Then suddenly he seemed to realize that the others were looking and -listening. He threw back his shoulders, drew in a deep breath, and with -that breath his manhood seemed to return. He made a careless gesture of -his hand. - -"It is nothing to you, signors," he said. "Mind not anything you have -seen or heard. But it is better that you should leave Venice, for I have -spoken to you of the Ten." - -"But you have not explained--you have not told us what you mean," said -the professor. - -"It is better that you should not know. Your knowledge would place you -in peril. Talk no more of the Ten. Keep your lips tightly closed, if you -value your lives--and leave Venice." - -"Well, I like that!" growled Brad, in a manner that plainly told he did -not like it. "I opine we won't be chased out of Venice in any such -manner." - -"Not much!" declared Dick earnestly. "We'll remain and solve the mystery -of the Ten." - -In vain they tried to learn anything further from the gondolier. He -became silent, and no amount of questioning elicited anything of a -satisfactory sort. - -"I must return to Teresa," he finally said. "It is the last time I shall -see her." - -He then insisted on taking them without delay to their lodgings. On the -way, he swung the gondola into another dark and narrow canal. A peculiar -whistle sounded from his lips, causing Professor Gunn, who was very -nervous by this time, to give a jump of alarm. - -"My! my!" muttered the old pedagogue. "I'm expecting anything to happen! -I'm looking for assassins everywhere. Why did he whistle? What does it -mean?" - -The answer came in the form of a gleam of light from a window in the -wall on their left. - -Reggio uttered a soft exclamation of satisfaction. - -"Teresa is waiting for me, signors," he said. "I must hasten with you -and then return." - -"So this is his ranch," said Buckhart. "He camps here, I judge." - -But now a change came over the gondolier. The light above had been shut -off suddenly. Darkness followed for a moment, after which the light -gleamed again. Again it disappeared for a few seconds, and again it -gleamed. - -"Trouble!" hissed Reggio. "Teresa has made the danger signal!" - -"Dear! dear! dear!" gasped Zenas Gunn. "This is terrible! It is so dark. -In the light of day I am brave as a lion--I fear nothing. But this -darkness is so treacherous that I--really I'm disturbed." - -"Signors," entreated the gondolier, "I entreat you a moment to wait, -till I see what danger it is that has alarmed my sister. When I have -reassured her, I will hasten to take you on your way." - -"All right, Reggio," said Dick promptly. "We can wait. In fact, we're in -no haste." - -"Hum! ha!" coughed Zenas. "I am in haste to get out of this dark -spot--indeed I am!" - -"But you would not leave a lady in trouble, professor?" remonstrated -Dick. "I know you would not do that, for you are the soul of chivalry. -Where the fair sex is concerned, you are ever ready to face peril or -death." - -"That's right," agreed the old pedagogue, bracing up. "You understand me -perfectly, Richard. You are a very astute lad. Reggio, we will wait." - -"And," added Dick, "if you need our assistance, you may depend on us." - -The gondolier poured out his thanks, swung the craft alongside some dark -steps, fastened it to a ring of iron set in the marble, and then stepped -out, saying he would make great haste. - -He had not ascended more than three of the steps when he paused. At the -same moment, from some dark nook, a figure stepped out above him. - -"Who is there?" challenged the gondolier. - -"A friend, Reggio Tortora," came the answer, in perfect Italian, the -voice being soft and musical. - -"A friend?" retorted the gondolier, suspiciously. "What are you doing -here?" - -"Waiting for your return." - -"Who are you?" - -"You know me well." - -"I know you not." - -A laugh sounded low and soft in the darkness. - -"Your ears must be losing their cunning, Reggio. Why, I should recognize -your voice anywhere in all the world that I heard it. Come nearer." - -But the gondolier had been warned of death that hovered over him, and he -did not move. - -"If you are my friend," he said, "why do you lurk like an assassin at my -door?" - -Again that musical laugh echoed between those dark walls. - -"You seem timid as a rabbit, Reggio. Is this the brave, careless Tortora -I knew so well? It cannot be." - -The gondolier was angered by the mockery of the words and laughter, but -he did not forget that the iron ring had fallen at his feet a short time -before. Might this not be the man chosen by the Ten to strike the fatal -blow? - -"Reggio," called Dick, standing up and preparing to step from the -gondola to the steps, "if you need aid, you may rely on us." - -"You bet your boots!" exclaimed Buckhart, eager to do something. "Just -say the word, Reg, and we'll get right into the game. I'm beginning to -spoil for a rumpus, and I'm the Unbranded Maverick of the Rio Pecos. -When I get my war paint on and take to the trail, I'm a holy howler on -ten wheels." - -"Boys, boys!" spluttered the agitated old professor, "do be careful! -Don't leave me here! I must protect you. I must take care of you. If any -harm comes to you, I'll never forgive myself." - -"Don't worry, professor," said Dick. - -"Just keep your clothes on, professor," urged Brad. - -"There is but one," said Reggio, in answer to Dick. "I need no aid in -facing one man." - -Again the stranger laughed. - -"Even though you are changed," he said, "you yet have a little pride, my -Reggio. But why should you fear me! I am here to do you a great -service." - -"To do me a service?" - -"Even so, my Reggio." - -"What service?" - -"I would save your life." - -"How is that--how can it be?" - -"You are under the ban of the Terrible Ten," whispered the stranger, -leaning forward in the darkness, and sending the words down the steps at -the gondolier. - -"How know you that unless you are my enemy--unless you are the assassin -sent to do the deed?" demanded Reggio. - -"I know many things, but my means of knowledge I keep in my own breast. -You doubt me? I swear to you that I can save you, and will--on a certain -condition." - -"No one condemned by the Ten has ever escaped," retorted Reggio. - -"You shall be the first--if you agree to terms I will offer." - -"What are the terms?" doubtingly inquired the doomed man. - -"Will you accept them?" - -"I will not become a murderer and a thief!" was the fierce retort. "I -will not plunder and slay, and give one-half my evil gain to those -criminals who hide their faces and are growing wealthy through the black -crimes other men commit out of fear of them. I am a man! My ancestors -were of the Castellani--the aristocrats of the red hoods. Never one of -them has descended to the ranks of crime. It is because of that thing -that I am now condemned to the assassin. The Ten claim they are the -descendants of the black-hooded Nicolletti, and that they are avenging -the old wrongs of their class. It is a lie! They are thieves and -murderers, banded together for plunder. They strike no blows with their -own hands, but they frighten others into doing the dark work and giving -them half the plunder. Not even their tools know who compose the Ten, -whose faces are always hidden. No man dares betray them by confessing. -If he is caught red-handed, he takes all the blame, and tells it not -that those who drove him to his crimes, and have shared his plunder, are -the Ten, for if he should speak, he knows the ban of death will fall on -all his family and all his blood relations." - -Repeatedly the stranger had tried to check the torrent of words flowing -from Reggie's lips, but his efforts had been unavailing. The speaker was -aroused to a pitch of desperation, and he would not be silenced until he -had finished. - -"I fear not to speak!" he exclaimed. "I know I must die, for I have -received the iron ring." - -"You fool!" hissed the other. "Do you not think of Teresa? What will -happen to her if you talk like this?" - -Reggie's aspect of defiant rage suddenly departed, his shoulders drooped -and he lifted his shaking hand to his eyes. - -"Teresa!" he whispered. "Teresa, my sister! What have I done?" - -"You have spoken like a crazy fool in the presence of foreigners," -declared the other man. "Still, besides them, I am the only one who has -heard your words, and I am your friend. Their lips must be silenced, for -if they speak one word of this, Teresa is doomed!" - -Once more Reggio straightened himself somewhat defiantly. - -"What mean you?" he demanded. "Their lips must be silenced, you say. -What mean you?" - -"You know." - -"They shall not be harmed while with me!" exclaimed the gondolier. "No -man I have ever served has come to harm through me." - -"Oh, Lord, boys! Oh, Lord!" palpitated Zenas Gunn, almost overcome by -horror. "Do you hear? Do you understand? They are speaking of murder--of -killing us!" - -"But Reggio is on the level," said Dick. - -"Great howling coyotes!" exclaimed Buckhart. "It begins to look some as -if we were going to get mixed up with this Ten, whoever they are." - -"Tortora," said the stranger, "you are a great fool! You will be slain, -the strangers will disappear, and Teresa--it will be left for me to save -her." - -"For you?" - -"Yes." - -"Why, you?" - -"Because she is the fairest flower of Venice! Because my sleeping dreams -of her and my waking thoughts of her have brought me back to Venice from -America, far over the seas." - -"By the saints!" cried Reggio, "you are Nicola Mullura!" - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -WHEN STEEL MEETS STEEL. - - -"At last you have named me!" laughed the mysterious man. - -"You wretch!" panted the gondolier. "How dare you again show your face -in Venice?" - -"I am not showing it very much," was the cool retort. "Even here, as -near as we are, you could not see it well enough to recognize me. By day -you might rake the city with a fine comb, and still you would not find -me." - -"You are a thief, a murderer, and death will be yours if you are -discovered!" - -"Never fear, my Reggio," was the mocking assurance. "I have friends far -more powerful than the authorities of this city. My friends are of the -Ten." - -"For whom you committed a hundred crimes before you were compelled to -flee the country in order to save yourself from the hand of justice. -Well might they be your friends!" - -"You are very careless in your speech, Tortora," said the one accused, -still with perfect self-possession. "I will take good care of Teresa -when you are gone. Trust her to me, my Reggio. In my arms she will be -safe." - -"Rather than think she might become yours would I slay her with my own -hand!" panted the gondolier. "What have you been doing? You have -frightened her!" - -"I knocked at the door and asked admission. She should have welcomed me -with open arms." - -"I knew you had frightened her. She loathes you, Nicola Mullura." - -"She shall adore me." - -"In her room she has been shuddering and praying since you knocked at -the door and demanded admission." - -"You shall soothe her and tell her I have come to take her with me to -America, where, in the city of New York, I am already a great man with -my people." - -"Never! How have you the impudence to place your feet on these steps! -How did you come here?" - -"I was brought. When Teresa declined to admit me, I decided to wait -until your return, for I knew you were out in the city. I am here. Now -we will go in together. You shall leave me with Teresa while you take -away the foreigners and return." - -The man spoke as if fully confident that Tortora would comply. The -gondolier seemed hesitating, but suddenly he cried: - -"As I must die, I'll not leave you to torture my sister! The Ten will -destroy me, but not until I have killed you, Mullura!" - -"He has drawn a knife!" exclaimed Dick, noting as well as possible in -the darkness the movements of Reggio. - -"It sure is the real thing now!" said Buckhart. - -"Terrible!" groaned Professor Gunn. "Where are the authorities? It -should be stopped!" - -Mullura had watched closely, and now he lost not a second in whipping -out his own knife. - -"Fool!" he sneered. "You are no match for me! I shall kill you, and save -the Ten a task!" - -Tortora held his knife at arm's length toward the sky, as if invoking -the assistance of a higher power. Then he started up the steps. - -"Fair play!" cried Dick Merriwell, springing from the gondola. "If we -can't stop this business, Brad, we can see fair play!" - -"You bet your boots!" roared the Texan, following promptly. - -The professor called to them in the greatest consternation, but they did -not heed his appeals. - -Mullura waited for Tortora to come within reach. Being higher up, he had -the advantage. - -Suddenly the gondolier darted to one side and sprang up the steps until -he was on a level with the other man. Mullura tried to prevent this, but -he was not quick enough. He leaped forward, striking at the gondolier. - -Reggio flung up his hand and warded the blow, the knives clinking as -they met and rasping as they parted with a twist. - -The gondolier gave the other a swing and then struck under like a flash, -but Mullura leaped backward and escaped. - -The struggle that followed was of a silent, deadly sort. - -Dick and Brad pressed near to watch, but did not try to interfere -between the men. - -Suddenly a door was flung open and a fan of light flared out upon the -steps. In the open doorway, holding a lighted candle above her head, was -a girl. - -Both Dick and Brad gasped as they saw her, for they were struck with the -fact that she was wonderfully beautiful. She was not more than -seventeen, with eyes and hair as dark as deepest midnight. Her features -were finely molded. - -The girl's face was very pale and her lips were parted. She made a -wonderful picture as she stood there peering out at the fighting men. - -The light of the candle enabled the men to see how to get at each other. -Mullura cried: - -"He forced it on me, Teresa! I do not wish to kill him, but now it is -his life or mine!" - -Saying which he crouched at a little distance. He sprang forward on the -steps, made a false thrust with his knife that bore a dark stain, then -plunged beneath the arm Reggio flung up. - -It seemed that the gondolier would be cut to death in a moment, but he -made a lucky clutch with his empty hand, and caught the wrist of his -enemy, partly checking and turning the blow. He was wounded slightly. - -Baffled in that manner, Mullura had the misfortune to slip on the steps -while within the reach of Tortora. Before he could recover and save -himself, the latter plunged the knife into his shoulder. - -The stricken man broke the hold of the other, but up went one of his -arms, and he reeled down the steps, on which his knife clanged, having -fallen from his hand. - -Reggio followed. His back was toward the light, but his manner was that -of one who means to finish a task not yet accomplished. - -Mullura tried to rise to his feet. He scrambled up, saw Tortora right -upon him, leaped back, again lost his footing, and, a moment later, -plunged with a great splash into the water. - -The gondolier followed to the edge of the water, where he crouched, -bloody knife in hand, watching for the man he hated to rise to the -surface. - -The water was ruffled and broken, but the ripples were caused by the man -who had vanished, and they grew less and less. The head of Mullura did -not rise into view. - -"I opine the gent is done for," muttered Brad Buckhart, finding his -voice at last. - -"I believe he is," said Dick, speaking with an effort. "If so, he met -his just due." - -"Nary dispute to make on that, pard." - -There was something of disappointment in Reggio's manner as he rose to -his feet. - -"I wished to see him dead," he muttered. "Still, I know he is done, and -he will never touch Teresa with his vile hands." - -"I reckon he's gone, all right, Reg," said Brad; "but so is your -gondola. It's disappeared, and Professor Gunn has disappeared with it. -Pard, we're kind of left here, I judge." - -Already Dick had discovered that the gondola was gone. - -With it had vanished the possibility of their immediately leaving the -place by water, as they had reached it. - -"We're stranded, Brad," said Dick. - -They called to Professor Gunn, but there was no answer. - -"Courageous old boy!" muttered the Texan, with a show of anger. - -"I don't know that we can blame him much," said Dick, seeking an excuse. -"He's very nervous, and the spectacle of Reggio and his antagonist -fighting like tigers for their lives must have caused him to lose his -head." - -"Oh, he's all right," said Brad hastily--"he's all right when he doesn't -tell people how brave he is." - -In the meantime Reggio was reassuring his sister, who had seemed quite -horrified by the spectacle of her brother engaged in the deadly struggle -with Nicola Mullura. He placed his arm about her supportingly, speaking -soft words into her ear. She was white, and the candle in her hand -trembled violently. - -"What can we do, Reggio?" questioned Dick, in very poor Italian. "The -professor is gone, and the gondola with him." - -"Come in da house," invited the gondolier, abandoning his own tongue for -the time being. "Spik da English-a to me-a. I understand-a heem vera -much-a well." - -"But he can't understand your talk, pard," chuckled Buckhart. "That's a -horse on you." - -"I suppose we had better accept his invitation. We can't stay out here." - -"Sure--we'll accept it," nodded the Texan. - -So they followed Reggio and his sister into the house, the door being -closed behind them. They mounted some stairs, threaded a passage of -several angles, and came to a lighted room. - -"Teresa," said Reggio, "I introduce-a you my 'Merican friends. They very -fine-a gentleman." - -"Wow!" muttered Brad. "Our gondolier calls us his friends, pard!" - -Reggio seemed to catch the meaning of Buckhart's low-spoken words, which -were not intended for his ears, for he straightened up with an air of -pride, quickly saying: - -"You hear me tell-a Nicola Mullura my ancestor they belong-a to da -Castellani. Mebbe you no understand-a me? I spik to him in da Italian. I -poor gondolier now. My family good one. Da blood-a of da gentleman run -here in me-a. I no tell-a it ev'rybody. What da use? I tell-a you now. -Da Mullura blood vera bad--vera bad. Da Mullura belong-a to da -Nicolletti--common class-a. My sist' she fine-a lady." - -This was said with considerable effort, and suddenly Dick began to -understand that this Venetian gondolier really believed himself and his -sister of greater distinction than most of the foreigners he rowed about -the city in his boat. Indeed, there was something that carried the -impression that Reggio really believed he was unbending and bestowing on -them a favor by permitting them to meet his sister. - -"No offense, Reg, old man," said Brad, in his frank, Western way. "I can -tell that your sister is an aristocrat by looking at her. You don't have -to explain that any to me. She is all right, and so are you. I certain -admire the way you polished off old Mul, out on the front steps. All the -same, I didn't think you had cooked his hash when you sheathed your -knife in his dirty hide, and it was a surprise for the Unbranded -Maverick of the Rio Pecos when he failed to rise to the surface after -going in for that little swim." - -"His shoulder," said Reggio; "I strike-a him in da shoulder. He no -swim-a." - -"Well, it was a right fine job, Reg." - -The gondolier now questioned his sister in Italian, and she told him how -she had endured terror while Mullura was outside the door, on which he -knocked and knocked, demanding admittance. At first, on hearing his -rapping, she took a candle and crept down to the door, asking who was -there. He answered, saying it was a friend from her brother; but she -recognized his voice, and fled back to her room, where she remained, -praying that the door would not yield until her brother returned. After -a time he ceased to knock, and she hoped he had departed. Still, knowing -how bitterly he hated Reggio, she feared he was waiting to attack him at -the door, and therefore she had given the danger signal by flashing the -light when she heard her brother's whistle. - -Reggio explained how Mullura had attempted to force his attentions upon -Teresa. He was a reckless character in Venice at the time, with a very -black reputation, and the girl had shrunk from him with the greatest -aversion. - -On discovering that Teresa feared him, the fellow became more and more -persistent in his annoying attentions. At last he insulted her, and -then, burning with fury, Reggio sought the scoundrel, intending to kill -him. They fought, but were separated before either had been harmed. - -Then and there Mullura swore to obtain possession of Teresa and to kill -Reggio if he lifted a hand to prevent it. - -But directly after that the authorities obtained conclusive evidence -that Mullura had been concerned in a number of crimes, the most -dastardly being a cold-blooded murder. The fellow was forced to flee -from Venice, much to the relief of both Reggio and Teresa. He emigrated -to America, but sent back word that some day he would return and secure -Teresa, in spite of herself and her brother. - -All this was explained in a broken manner to the boys, upon which Brad -cried: - -"Good riddance to old Nic! You won't have to worry about him any more, -Reg. Both you and your sister are safe." - -"No, no!" muttered the man, a dark shadow coming to his face. "Nicola -Mullura gone-a, but I have-a da iron ring-a." - -At this Teresa, who understood a little English, gave a cry and caught -her brother by the arm. In Italian she plied him with questions. At -first he tried to put her off, but his manner added to her alarm, and -she insisted that he should tell her the truth. - -"I have-a to tell-a her!" he murmured sadly. "Mebbe bet' tell-a her now. -She find-a out prit soon, best I can-a do." - -Then he took her in his arms, looking sadly and lovingly down into her -upturned face. - -"Little sister," he said in soft Italian, "my heart is sore, for it is -true that the Ten have placed the death seal upon me." - -She cried out in horror, clutching him and clinging to him. - -"No, no, no! Oh, Reggio, my brother, my dear, good brother, why should -they do it? It cannot be true!" - -"You know, little sister, that a Tortora never stained his hand with -crime. The Ten live and grow fat on the proceeds of crime. Every man who -fails to contribute his share of loot at their command is sure in the -end to get the iron ring. When that happens, unless he is able to flee -from Venice at once, he is doomed to die. I have no money. I cannot -flee. The ring was tossed at my feet. Within twenty-four hours from the -time it fell there I shall be dead. Poor, little Teresa! What will -become of you?" - -She put her slender arms round him and clung to him with fierce -affection, as if she would in some manner protect him from the black -peril that threatened. Again and again she cried that it could not be, -this terrible thing. She drew him down, wound her arms about his neck -and kissed him. - -"Brad," said Dick, in a husky voice, "we must save Tortora somehow." - -"Right you are, partner!" agreed the Texan heartily. "I was thinking of -that some before getting a look at his sister; and I am thinking it a -heap sight more since. However are we going to do it?" - -"We must get him out of Venice before the blow is struck by the Terrible -Ten." - -"Or take to the warpath and chaw up the Terrible Ten. That would suit me -a heap better." - -"That's out of the question. The only way is to smuggle Reggio out of -Venice. I have a way. The fishing boats! They start out for the fishing -grounds of the open sea before daybreak. We must find a man who, for a -sufficient bribe, will hide Reggio aboard his boat, take him out of the -city, and keep him until we can get along with a little steamer. It will -cost a lot of money, but what is money when a human life is in the -balance!" - -Reggio had been listening to Dick's words. He now put his sister gently -aside, turning to the boy, placed his hands on Merriwell's shoulders, -and spoke with deep feeling: - -"A thousand times I thank-a you, my frien'! You good-a, kind-a! No use -to try. No do-a it." - -"Why not?" - -The gondolier explained that in all Venice there was not one fisherman -who would dare smuggle him away on learning that he had been condemned -by the Ten, and had been given the iron ring. The man who did it would -be assassinated in less than a day and a night after his return to the -city. - -"But why tell him that you have received the ring?" asked Dick. - -For a moment Reggio's face brightened, and then the shadow returned and -settled upon it. - -"Would you hav-a me getta poor feesh'man killed?" he asked. "That what -come-a to him. You gent'man-a. You save-a me from da Ten, but you gitta -da in'cent man-a kill." - -"Well, that sure takes the prize!" muttered Brad. "I'll never say again -that a dago has no sense of real honor and justice. How many men would -think of that? What would they care? To escape they would be willing to -sacrifice a dozen innocent men. Pard, it sure is a whole lot amazing!" - -Dick agreed that it was. Then he talked earnestly with Reggio, seeking -to discover or invent some plan by which the escape could be contrived. - -The gondolier insisted that all efforts were useless. Never had any man -placed beneath the ban of the Ten escaped. He seemed to think the power -of the Ten was almost infinite. In the old days the Council of Ten had -possessed unlimited power, but even the original council, it seemed, had -not been more dreaded than were the Ten of modern times. - -At last Reggio said: - -"You want-a do somet'ing for me-a? Good! You have-a da mon'. You -honorable gent'man-a. See my little sister? I leave-a her all 'lone in -da worl'. You take-a her to 'Merica? Over dere, in da cit' of New York-a -live one Antonio Melino. He know-a me--know-a my father--know-a my sister. -You take-a her to him; he take-a care of her. What you say to dat?" - -"It shall be done!" cried Dick. - -Then, of a sudden, came a loud hammering on the door at the foot of the -stairs, heavy blows that resounded crashingly through that part of the -building. - -"They have come!" said Reggio, in Italian. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE BURSTING OF THE DOOR. - - -Plainly the door was being attacked by heavy instruments for the purpose -of battering it down. Again Teresa clutched her brother and clung to -him. - -"Little sister, little sister," he said, "if you cling to me so, how -shall I defend myself?" - -"I cannot lose you, Reggio!" she sobbed. "It is wicked! They shall not -kill you!" - -He implored her to release him. - -"Let me go down and meet them," he said. "If they come here to do the -deed, then, in order to leave no living witnesses, they may destroy you -and these good American friends who have promised to help you reach -Antonio Melino." - -"Do you think the assassins have come to do the work?" asked Dick, his -black eyes gleaming. - -"I think so." - -"Then give us weapons! Let's stand together! We can thin out this -dastardly gang somewhat before they can do the job!" - -"That's the talk, pard!" shouted Buckhart. "Whoop! If we were supplied -with shooting irons, we'd sure come pretty near wiping the old Ten off -the map to-night. Give us something--anything! We'll make a hole in the -bunch! You hear me warble?" - -"It is madness!" exclaimed the gondolier, as the blows continued to -resound. "It means the death of all! Flee with Teresa! For her sake----" - -Brad had been looking around. The room was rather poorly furnished. At -one side sat a rude wooden table. This the Texan seized, turning it -bottom up in a twinkling. Planting his foot upon it, the Texan grasped a -leg of the table and gave it a mighty wrench, literally twisting it off. -This leg he flourished over his head. - -"Here's my war club, pard!" he shouted. "I opine I can crack a head with -that." - -Dick followed Brad's example, and in a moment or two he had torn off -another leg of the table. - -Reggio looked on in wonderment. He could not understand why these -American boys should sacrifice their lives for him. Never before in all -his life had he seen boys like these. - -Teresa clasped her hands and gazed at them also, her eyes kindling with -unspeakable admiration. - -Crash! crash! crash! sounded the heavy blows. - -The door was falling. - -Suddenly Reggio awoke. His bloodstained knife appeared once more in his -hand, and he flourished it above his head. - -"Let them come, then!" he cried. "If we all die, we'll do what we can to -destroy the Ten who have a hundred poor Venetians beneath their feet!" - -"That's the talk!" said Dick, whose face was flushed and whose eyes -gleamed, "To the stairs, Reggio! Let Teresa hold the light, that we may -see. There will be some broken heads before they do the job they have -blocked out." - -"Talk about Texas!" burst from Brad. "Why, Texas is a Sunday-school -picnic all the time compared with Venice! The wild and woolly West won't -seem half so wild and woolly to me if I ever get back to it." - -Teresa was brave. She caught up the candle, and said she was ready. As -they hurried from the room to the stairs, the door fell with a sound of -splintered wood. - -"Just in time!" exclaimed Dick, hearing many voices and the sound of -feet at the foot of the stairs. - -They reached the head of the flight. Teresa was close at hand, and she -held the candle as high as she could reach, in order that its light -might shine down those stairs. - -At the bottom of the flight were a number of men--not less than six or -seven. They paused as the light revealed them. - -Reggio Tortora gave a shout of astonishment. - -"They are not the Ten!" he declared. "The Ten are always in cloaks and -hoods." - -"Then who are they?" questioned Dick. - -"Bravos, desperadoes of the city--men who rob and murder! They have been -sent by the Ten, for----" - -He stopped, catching his breath. Among those men, and at the head of -them, he saw a man whose clothing still hung dripping damp upon his -limbs. This man's jacket was gone, and about his shoulder were many -bandages. His arm was bound in a bent position to his side. - -"Mullura!" gasped Reggie. "He still lives!" - -"You're right!" savagely retorted the leader of the bravos. "I still -live, and I'll yet have Teresa for my own! You shall die the death of a -dog!" - -"This is a whole lot interesting!" observed Brad Buckhart. - -At this point Teresa produced a slender dagger, which she held aloft, -crying down the stairs: - -"Ere you put your hands on me, Nicola Mullura, I'll plunge this into my -heart! It is my dead body you may obtain--no more!" - -For a moment Mullura seemed taken aback. Then he forced a laugh, -sneering: - -"Very finely spoken, but your courage will not take you that far, -beautiful Teresa. You'll not be so foolish. I'll take you with me to -America, where I am a great man, and you shall be my wife. If your -brother agrees to this, I will not lift my hand against him, even though -he so nearly destroyed me to-night. Come, my Reggio, what say you?" - -"Teresa, it is for you to answer," said the gondolier. - -"Then I will answer!" she exclaimed, her dark eyes flashing fire. "Not -if he were king of all America would I consent!" - -"You have had your answer, Nicola Mullura!" cried Reggio, in -satisfaction. - -"And it seemed good and hot," chuckled Buckhart. - -"Have it as you like!" snarled Mullura. "These men will soon overpower -you. Your resistance will simply make them all the more furious." - -"Let them come on," said Tortora; "but see that you come at their front. -My knife found your shoulder a while ago. Next time, if the saints are -with me, it shall find your black heart!" - -"They are going to rush in a moment, Brad!" breathed Dick. "They are -getting ready." - -"I'm ready, too," declared the undaunted Texan. "I'll guarantee that -I'll crack one head, at least, with this table leg!" - -Dick was right. Mullura spoke to his companions in low tones. They -gathered themselves, and with a yell, they came charging up the stairs. - -"Whoop!" roared Buckhart. "Wake up snakes and hump yourselves! Now there -will be doings!" The fighting Texan seemed in his element. His face -glowed with a sort of fine frenzy. - -Dick Merriwell's eyes shone like stars. He laughed as he saw the bravos -coming. It might be a fight to the death, but, with his blood bounding -in his veins, he felt no thrill of dread. He was defending the innocent; -his cause was just, and he gloried in the encounter. - -The desperadoes flourished their gleaming knives, seeming to hope to -intimidate the defenders in that manner. In truth, they were a -savage-appearing set. - -Reggio, too, was undaunted. The dauntless bravery of the boys was -infectious. - -There was little time to wait. Seeming to look at one man, Dick swung -his club and smote another wretch over the head. - -The fellow went whirling end over end down the stairs. - -Buckhart dropped another in his tracks. - -Reggio tried to get at Nicola Mullura. - -"Come within reach of my arm, you dog!" he entreated. "America will lose -one great man, who will return no more." - -But it was another of the ruffians who tried to get under the guard of -the gondolier and drive his knife home. - -Reggio was too quick for the man. He struck and thrust his own blade -through the fellow's forearm. - -With a shriek, the wretch dropped his own blade, clutched his wounded -arm, which quickly began to drip blood, and fell back against the man -behind him. - -"Oh! if you were looking for two kids who couldn't fight any, you're -beginning to understand your mistake," shouted Buckhart. - -Mullura urged them on. Still he continued to take pains to keep beyond -the stroke of Reggio. The gondolier taunted him with cowardice, and -begged him to come nearer. In his desire to get at his enemy once more, -he forgot the peril of the others. - -Dick saw a bravo strike at Reggio, but Merriwell struck at the same -time. His club fell across the arm of the ruffian, which was broken. - -In that moment, however, Dick exposed himself, and one of the ruffians, -who had been struck down on the stairs, crept up and clasped him about -the knees. - -The boy was pulled off his feet. He seized his assailant as he fell, and -together they rolled down the stairs. Of course Merriwell's club was -lost, and he was compelled to fight the bravo hand to hand. - -The man tried to get his fingers on Dick's throat. Now, although a boy, -young Merriwell was a trained athlete, and in the finest condition -possible. If that ruffian fancied he was dealing with an ordinary boy -who could be handled easily, he met the surprise of his life. - -For a time they twisted and turned there in the gloom at the foot of the -stairs. The boy baffled the ruffian in his efforts, all the while -seeking to secure the advantage himself. - -While this was taking place Dick heard a cry of distress from Teresa, -and at the same moment the candle and candlestick fell on the stairs, -the light being extinguished. - -At this juncture Merriwell obtained a hold on the ruffian's arm, giving -it a twisting wrench that robbed the fellow of strength and nearly -rendered him unconscious. In a twinkling the boy was the master. - -Just then some one came hastening down the stairs and nearly fell over -them. This person swore as he gathered himself up and rushed out on the -steps. - -Something led Dick to follow. - -The darkness between the buildings was not as deep as that within, and -he saw a man placing a huge bundle in a gondola that floated at the foot -of the steps. - -Something told Dick this bundle was Teresa. Unhesitatingly he leaped -forward. - -The man turned in time to meet the attack of the courageous lad. Just as -Dick would have grappled with the fellow, he slipped. Before he could -recover, he received a stunning blow that hurled him flat and helpless, -although he was still conscious. He lay quite still, unable to lift a -hand. - -The man produced a knife, seemingly determined to finish the boy without -delay. Although he realized his peril, young Merriwell could not lift a -finger or make a move to save himself. As the desperado stepped toward -him, the lad gave himself up as done for. - -At that moment, unseen by the murderous thug, another dark form issued -from the doorway onto the steps. - -The man with the knife bent over Dick, lifting the weapon. A pantherish -figure shot forward, and a club fell with crushing force on the head of -the wretch, who was stretched prone and senseless beside his intended -victim. - -"This yere old table leg has sure done its duty tonight," said a voice -that thrilled Merriwell. - -With a supreme effort Dick softly called: - -"Brad!" - -"It is you, pard!" exclaimed the Texan, in delight. "I certain was -seeking for you some! What's the matter? Are you hurt?" - -"Give me a hand," urged Dick. "I was stunned. You saved my life, -Buckhart. That fellow would have finished me only for you and your table -leg." - -In a moment Buckhart had Dick on his feet, supporting him with a strong -arm. - -"You're not cut up, are you, partner?" anxiously inquired the loyal -fellow. "I saw you go bumping down the stairs with one of the bunch, and -I was a heap concerned for you. First opportunity I found I hiked to -look for you. I thought mebbe that galoot with the sticker might be -after you, and that's why I lost no time in cracking him on the kabeza." - -"I don't think I've been cut. Couldn't tell just what did happen in the -fighting, but I believe I'll be all right in a few moments." - -"Then it's up to us to do something for Teresa. I sure would like to -know what has become of her. The gang up there are hunting high and low -for her." - -"Why, one of them brought her down the stairs and placed her in this -gondola. I'm sure of it." - -"Great horn spoon! Then it's us to the gondola and away from here!" - -"But Reggio?" - -"We can't do anything for him." - -"Why not?" - -"They've finished him." - -"Killed him? Do you mean that?" - -"That's whatever. Teresa dropped the candle when she saw him knifed. -Didn't you hear her scream?" - -"You're sure--you're sure Reggio was killed?" - -"Dead sure, pard." - -"Then let's get away in the gondola. If I was not mistaken in thinking -this wretch placed Teresa in it, we can save her, at least." - -Dick was not mistaken, as they found when they sprang into the boat. -Teresa lay unconscious amid the cushions. - -By this time Merriwell had recovered his strength in a measure, and he -started to cast off the line that held the boat beside the steps. - -"The galoots are coming, pard!" hissed Brad, as he seized the oar. - -The bravos were coming. Just as Dick freed the line from the iron ring, -several of them hastened out onto the steps. - -The Texan gave a great thrust with the oar, pushing the gondola away. - -The voice of Nicola Mullura shouted to them, commanding them to stop. - -"We're in a hurry," retorted Dick. "Our time is very valuable. We can't -stop just now." - -"Not even a little minute," said Brad, as he continued to use the oar -with as much skill as he could command. - -"Look out, Brad!" shouted Dick, warningly, at the same time dropping -quickly. - -He had seen Mullura making a sweeping movement with his right arm. - -Dick dropped barely in time, for through the air whizzed a knife, cast -with great precision, and with such force that it clanged against the -wall of the opposite house, dropping back with a splash into the water. - -"A miss is as good as a mile," said Merriwell. "But look out for -yourself, Brad. Another may follow." - -Another of the desperadoes did cast a knife at them, but his aim was -poor, and soon the gondola shot out from the narrow passage onto the -bosom of a broader canal. - -They came near colliding with another boat that was moving swiftly and -silently along. - -"Look out, there!" cried Brad. "Clear the trail for us, or you may get -yourself run down a whole lot." - -Behind the curtains of the other gondola there was a stir. The curtains -parted and a familiar face peered forth in the moonlight. - -"Hi, there--hey!" cried the excited voice of Professor Gunn. "Stop! stop! -I have found you!" - -"Professor!" exclaimed Dick. "Where have you been?" - -"Seeking assistance. Looking for officers. Can't find them. Had no end -of trouble. Bless my stars! I was afraid I'd never see you boys alive -again. Goodness knows I'm thankful to behold you!" - -"But what made you leave us?" - -"I don't know. I didn't intend to do it. I was excited. I confess I was -excited. Who wouldn't be under such circumstances? Two men--two mad men -were trying to cut each other into shreds right before my eyes. I -slipped the line from the ring. Didn't know what I was doing. The tide -carried the boat away. I clutched the oar and tried to row back. Made a -mess of it, and lost the oar. In the midst of my excitement, after the -tide had carried me out of that canal, a human head appeared beside the -boat. Yes, sir--exactly so. A man was in the water. He was hurt, too. -Swam with one arm. Other arm didn't seem to have much strength. He -appealed to me for assistance. Of course I rendered assistance." - -"Which certain was the worst thing you could have done," said Brad. -"That's how Mullura escaped, Dick." - -"The man must be a fine swimmer. In some manner he swam under water -after falling into the canal until the darkness of the place hid him -completely." - -"It was a bad thing--a very bad thing," agreed the professor. "The man -was a wretch, a scoundrel, a villain!" - -"Which sure are too soft names for him," growled Buckhart. - -The two gondolas were now side by side. - -"Quite true, quite true," agreed the excitable old man. "I found it out. -But I couldn't refuse to help a man in distress, you know. I helped him -on board. He managed to pick up the oar. Then, using his uninjured hand, -he rowed. I urged him to take me back to find you. He cursed me. He told -me to keep still or he would cut my heart out. My goodness! I didn't -want him to do that! I kept still." - -"A most natural thing to do," said Dick. - -"I am glad you say so--very glad. Hum! ha! My position was -unpleasant--decidedly so. But I kept still. He handled the gondola. He -did it cleverly. But he lost no time in dodging into another canal. I -remonstrated. I told him I did not like the place. It was too dark. He -invited me to be quiet. I relapsed into silence. Here and there in the -darkness he went. At last he stopped. He ordered me to land. I was -compelled to do so. I didn't dare raise another remonstrance. He left -me. I was in a scrape. Ha! hum! It was a very bad scrape." - -Plainly the professor was very anxious to set himself right in the eyes -of the boys. - -"After that?" questioned Dick. - -"When he left me he told me if I raised a rumpus he would come back and -slice me. I couldn't get away, and I had no weapon to protect myself, so -I was compelled to be quiet. I remained there until this gondola came -past. Then I applied to the gondolier. Since that time I have been -searching to find that canal where you were. That is all." - -In some respects the professor's explanation seemed unsatisfactory, but, -of course, the boys accepted it. Dick explained what had happened after -the disappearance of Zenas, using as few words as possible. - -"Dreadful! horrible!" cried the old man. "Can such things be in these -days! But you rescued the girl?" - -"She is here," said Dick. - -At this point Teresa, recovering consciousness, began calling for her -brother. - -Dick tried to soothe her, but, overcome by the memory of what she had -beheld ere dropping the candle and fainting, the girl raved -incoherently. - -Dick and Brad quickly decided to abandon the gondola they occupied and -take to the other. Merriwell picked Teresa up and stepped with her from -one boat to the other, the Texan following. - -"Now to our rooms," said Dick. "That is our only course. We must take -care of Teresa. We must protect her with our lives." - -"And you bet we will!" put in Brad. - -"But I fear it is certain to involve us still further with the assassins -known as the Terrible Ten," sighed the professor. "Still, boys, you are -right about Teresa. We must stand by her. We must do everything in our -power for her. It is our duty as men and Americans." - -The gondolier was given directions, and he sent his craft gliding away. - -"What puzzles me," said Brad, "is that the rumpus made by that fight -didn't seem to stir up anybody much. That plenty of people heard it I am -sure, but they didn't come hiking to see what it was all about." - -"Because in that particular quarter of the city it is not safe to be too -curious, I fancy," said Dick. "I believe that explained why no one who -heard the sounds of the encounter came to investigate. They all kept -still and prayed that they would not be involved." - -"I have a theory," put in Professor Gunn, "that the people of the city -live in great terror of this awful Ten. They do not even dare speak of -the Ten, but all the while they fear it as much as the old-time Council -of Ten was feared. When they hear anything like that encounter, they -proceed to crawl into their holes and barricade themselves there until -the storm blows over." - -"Well, it sure is high time something was done to put an end to such a -reign of terror," declared the Texan. "It's up to us to expose the -doings of the Ten. I don't see why somebody hasn't exposed them long -before this." - -"It is doubtful if any foreigners, except ourselves, ever learned much -of anything about the Ten," said Dick. "That is one reason why there had -been no exposure." - -The gondolier did not seem to hear a word of their talk. Professor Gunn -now resolved to question him. The old man proceeded to ask him several -things about the Terrible Ten, but the man at the oar shook his head and -answered that he knew nothing of such a body. He even became somewhat -angry when Zenas persisted in his questions. - -"Signor," he said haughtily, "why should you believe that I speak a -falsehood? I am a poor man, and I attend to my own business. I have no -time to listen to foolish gossip. You say there is such a body. I would -not be impolite, signor, so I simply say that of it I know nothing at -all. I must beg you to ask no further questions." - -Through all this Teresa had continued to mutter and moan about her -brother. They could do nothing to comfort her. Dick tried it, but his -Italian was poor, and he entreated the professor to say something -soothing to the girl. - -Gently the old man placed an arm about her shoulders. - -"My child," he said, "your brother was a brave, man, but he could not -escape the decree of this terrible band. He knew he could not escape, -and he entreated Richard, as a great favor, to take you to America and -deliver you to friends of your family who are there. This we shall do. -Trust us." - -"I do trust you, signor," she sobbed; "but I cannot forget the terrible -thing I saw--my brother slain before my eyes! I can never forget that!" - -"No wonder, dear child. You should be thankful you escaped from those -men." - -"Until I am far away from Venice I shall not feel that I have escaped. -Nicola Mullura will do everything in his power to place his bloody hands -on me. I shall live in constant terror of him." - -"He shall never touch you!" cried Zenas. "Boys, she fears the wretch, -Mullura, will get possession of her." - -"Teresa," said Dick, using as good Italian as he could command, "we -swear to defend you with our lives. You may depend on us." - -"You are such brave boys--such wonderfully brave boys!" murmured the -girl. - -"I can't say it in dago talk," put in Brad; "but you bet your boots, -Teresa, that what my pard has promised, we'll back up. You hear me -shout!" - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE OATH OF TERESA. - - -Fearing she might do something rash in her distress and occasional -spells of delirium, Dick and Brad took turns watching over Teresa that -night. - -The girl was given one of the three rooms taken by the professor and the -boys in a private house. It was useless to urge her to retire. With the -horror of what had happened, upon her, and in great fear that Mullura -would find her, she kept her clothes on and slept on the outside of the -bed. The door between that room and the adjoining one, in which the boys -remained that they might be near her, was left slightly ajar at her -request. - -It was long past midnight before she slept at all. When they peered in, -they discovered her lying staring up at the ceiling, her face pale and -her lips moving, as if in prayer. - -"Pard," said Brad, "she sure is a right pretty girl." - -"She is," agreed Dick. "But you mustn't forget Nadia Budthorne, old -man." - -"Now quit!" remonstrated the Texan soberly. "No danger that I'll get -smashed on this girl, partner. My sympathy for her is aroused a heap, -that's all." - -"When a fellow becomes very sympathetic for a pretty girl, he's liable -to fall in love with her. I fancy your sympathy was aroused for Nadia, -to begin with." - -"Well, I don't judge it was a case of sympathy between you and June -Arlington." - -"She certainly deserves sympathy," said Dick. "Think of her fine -brother!" - -"I don't want to think of him!" growled the Texan. "Of all onery -coyotes, he certain is the worst!" - -"He's about as bad as they make 'em," nodded Dick. - -"And to think that you even fancied there could be any good in him! Long -ago you could have turned him out of Fardale by speaking a word, but you -let up on him until at last he drove you out. Pard, I say fair and open -that I like you a-plenty, but I do think you made a mistake with -Arlington. You must know it now." - -Dick was silent for some moments. - -"Perhaps you are right," he finally confessed. "I suppose you are. But I -had rather make a mistake by being too generous than to make one in the -opposite direction. It isn't natural for me to be easy with an enemy. I -love revenge. But I took my brother for my model. I'm not sorry, either. -I think I have changed my revengeful nature to a certain degree. The -best friend Frank has in the world, Bart Hodge, was originally his -bitterest enemy. Had Frank been revengeful, Hodge might have been -ruined. He says so himself. Even if Frank were to make a hundred -mistakes in generosity, that one instance--that one good result--would -more than outweigh them all. Had I been revengeful, I should have fought -Hal Darrell to the bitter end. Such a struggle between us must have been -disastrous for one of us at Fardale. I became satisfied that there was -little chance that Arlington would reform, and, after becoming thus -satisfied, I continued to be lenient with him. You know I gave my -promise to his sister, and I couldn't go back on my word." - -"She must be a whole lot sore with herself for exacting such a promise. -Wonder what she thinks about it now?" - -"I don't know. I'll know some time. But Arlington is not going to -triumph in the end. I shall return to Fardale. We're both going back -with the professor. Then it will be my day." - -"And I sure hope you make the most of it. If you get your innings, it -will be up to you to rub it into Arlington good and hard." - -This led them to speculating about what was taking place at the old -school while they were traveling in foreign lands. They remained talking -in low tones until finally, on peering into the next room, it was found -that Teresa had fallen asleep. - -Brad went to bed, with the understanding that he was to be called at a -certain hour for the purpose of remaining on guard during the latter -part of the night. Already Professor Gunn was snoring in his room. - -Buckhart was soon sleeping. About an hour later Dick heard a low, -moaning sound coming from the girl's room. - -He hastened to the door. - -Teresa was sitting on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped over her -heart, staring fixedly at the wall, the moaning sound issuing from her -pale lips. Merriwell lost no time in reaching her side. - -"What is it?" he asked. "Is there anything I can do, Teresa?" - -"Look!" she whispered. "I see him--I see my brother, dead on the stairs! -Nicola Mullura has killed him!" - -"There, there!" said the boy, soothingly, trying his best to speak her -language so she would understand. "You must sleep--you must try to forget -it for a while." - -Night passed and morning came, and a great change had come over Teresa. -She even greeted her friends with a smile! - -"I am glad to see you feel better, Teresa," said Dick. - -"I do feel better, good friend. I am almost happy now." - -"Great horn spoon!" muttered Brad. "And she saw her brother done to -death last night! Trouble runs off these Venetians like water off a -duck." - -They had breakfast, and through it all the girl maintained the same -unnatural light and lively manner. - -After breakfast she suggested that, in order to bring no further peril -on them, she should depart. - -"Not at all!" cried Zenas. "You must remain right here. I am going to -the authorities. I am going to inform them all about this band of Ten. -I'll know if they will permit such a thing in Venice. They must bestir -themselves! It is high time." - -"Then you may leave me here," said Teresa eagerly. - -At the first opportunity, young Merriwell called Brad into one of the -other rooms. - -"Brad, I want you to remain here and keep watch over Teresa," he said. -"She is not herself, and may do something rash. Professor Gunn and I are -going to see the authorities. Then we're going to see that a search is -made for the body of Reggio. I don't believe it will be found, for I -have an idea that the assassins cast it into the water, and the tide has -carried it far out to sea before this. Still it is our duty to have a -search made for it." - -"Sure as shooting." - -"You'll watch her closely, Brad?" - -"She may object some, but I'll do my prettiest, Dick." - -"Good! Now, I have to explain to her and urge her to remain here until -we bring back some sort of a report." - -Teresa frowned and shook her head when he told her of the plan. - -"I want no one to stay," she said. "You shall all go." - -"Oh, no, no!" put in Professor Gunn. "We couldn't think of that, my -dear--couldn't think of it. It wouldn't be proper. Bradley will remain -here to protect you from peril of any sort, and I assure you that he is -a brave and noble lad. I do not think I quite understand him at school, -but since seeing that he is brave as a lion and generous to a fault, I -appreciate him fully." - -"Thank you, professor," said the Texan. "You're some complimentary this -morning." - -"But not flattering. The truth is never flattery if it is spoken in the -right spirit. I am proud to pay this tribute to your fine qualities. I -shall be proud to do so before the entire school when we return to -Fardale." - -"Oh, Jerusalem! don't do that, professor!" gasped Buckhart, appalled. "I -wouldn't have you for a barrel of money!" - -"Eh? Wouldn't? Why not?" - -"Why, I'd certain take to the tall timber on the jump if you did it. I'd -hunt a hole and stay there till the fellows forgot it. They would guy me -to death." - -"Would they?" cried Zenas, surprised and displeased. "Now, don't you -think anything of the sort! I'd like to know of them trying it." - -"But you wouldn't know, you see." - -"You might tell me. It would be your duty to tell me." - -"People do not always do their duty in this world." - -The old pedagogue was surprised and puzzled. He had not fancied Buckhart -a modest boy, but now, of a sudden, he realized that the Texan was -genuinely modest in a way. - -"We'll say no more about it now, Bradley," he said gravely. "I believe I -am beginning to understand you more and more. You are a very singular -lad--very." - -In spite of Teresa's objections, Brad was left to look out for her, -while Dick and the professor departed. - -More than two hours later they returned. They had succeeded in reporting -to the authorities, but their tale had been received with such apparent -incredulity that both were vexed and angered. They had received a -promise that the matter should be investigated. More than that, an -official had accompanied them to the home of the Tortoras. - -On arriving there they found the broken door had been restored and -repaired, although not all the signs of the attack upon it had been -hidden. There was no blood on the steps outside the door, nor on the -stairs where Reggio had been stabbed by Mullura. - -The body of the gondolier was not found. - -The woman who owned the house explained that there had been carousing in -the rooms the previous night, and that her tenants, apparently fearing -ejectment, had vanished ere morning. - -"But they left all their belongings here," said Professor Gunn. - -"No, no!" exclaimed the woman. "They took everything. Not one thing -belonging to them did they leave." - -She persisted in this statement, and all the questions put to her did -not confuse her. She also declared she had found no trace of blood on -the stairs. - -"Then why have those stairs been washed this morning?" demanded Dick. - -"It is my custom to have them washed every morning." - -"Question others in the house," urged Professor Gunn. - -But other people in the house were very loath to answer questions, and -no satisfaction could be obtained from them. - -"They are one and all terrified by the Ten," asserted Dick. "They dare -not confess that they heard the sounds of the fight last night. It is -likely they have been warned to be silent." - -"It's a fine state of affairs!" exclaimed Zenas, exasperated. - -The official made a gesture of helplessness. - -"You see there is nothing that can be done, signors," he said. - -"And are you going to let this thing go right on in Venice? It will ruin -your city. You may have kept it quiet thus far, but it shall be -published to the world now. Travelers will cease coming here. Then what -will you do? You live off tourists. But for them the city would go to -the dogs in a short time. It's up to you to take hold of this matter in -earnest and bring this band of robbers and assassins to justice." - -"We care not for your advice," was the haughty answer. - -That ended it. Believing nothing could be done, Dick and the professor -finally returned to their waiting gondola, and gave the gondolier -directions to take them back to their lodgings. The official entered his -boat and was rowed away. - -Zenas fussed and fumed, but it was useless. Dick took it more calmly. - -But when they reached their own rooms an unpleasant surprise awaited -them. - -Teresa was gone. - -Likewise Brad Buckhart! - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE LAST STROKE. - - -The landlady was called, but she declared that the boy and girl had left -without her knowledge. She had not seen them go, and she had not the -least idea whither they had gone. - -"Strange Brad left no word," said Dick. "He should have left a note, at -least." - -But they found nothing to tell them what had become of the missing ones. - -"This is awful!" exclaimed the professor, mopping his face with his -handkerchief. "I fear some fearful thing has happened to Bradley. And we -can do absolutely nothing with the authorities." - -"Come!" cried Dick. "At least, we can report it." - -They hastened to the steps and called to a gondolier who was slowly -propelling his boat past. - -"In this city it is impossible to follow a trail," said Dick. "These -watery streets leave no scent. A bloodhound would be useless here." - -They gave the gondolier his orders. He took them by several short cuts -on the way to their destination. They were passing through a narrow -canal when Dick's attention became drawn by some mysterious influence to -a dark door set in a wall some distance above the water. - -Suddenly that door flew open before his eyes. Cloaked and hooded men -appeared within the doorway, their faces concealed from view. - -"Goodness!" gasped the professor, in astonishment. "Who are they -Richard? What are they doing?" - -Dick did not answer, for a strange thrill had shot over him at sight of -those men, among whom a silent struggle seemed taking place. - -All at once, before their startled eyes a human figure was hurled -headlong from that mysterious doorway, whirling over and over in the -air! - -It was Brad Buckhart! - -Dick recognized his friend. He saw Brad strike the water and disappear -with a great splash. Then he called a sharp order to the gondolier. - -The black door closed above them, and the mysterious men in cloaks and -hoods were hidden from view. - -It was not long before Brad rose to the surface, spouting water like a -whale. - -"Hello, pard!" he cheerfully called. "This ain't the first time I've -been in swimming with my clothes on." - -In a moment he was at the side of the gondola and drawn, dripping wet, -upon it. - -"For the love of goodness, explain this, Brad!" urged Dick. - -"Been back to our ranch?" questioned the Texan. - -"Yes." - -"Get my note?" - -"No." - -"That's right queer." - -"Did you leave a note?" - -"Sure thing. I left one telling you how I could do nothing with Teresa -unless I held her by main strength. She became a whole lot unmanageable -after you left. Reason didn't cut any ice with her--none whatever. She -was bound to go forth to some friends she knew. At last I opined I'd go -with her, if she did go. I called a gondolier, and we hiked merrily on -our way. She did have some people she knew, all right, and they live -somewhere in this ranch. This is the back door. We entered from the -front. The minute she got with her friends she allowed it was up to me -to amble and leave her. - -"Say, it's no use trying to reason with a girl. Talk was wasted. She -just got up and left me. I might have departed in peace, but I took a -notion to explore the ranch. I prowled round through it. Don't know how -many rooms I roamed through, but finally I didn't know which way to get -out. I wandered through a passage and opened a door. Next thing I knew I -was in trouble. I had stumbled right into a mess of galoots all sitting -round solemn as owls in a circle. They wore black cloaks and hoods that -hid their faces. Before I could say Jack Robinson they had me. I put up -the best fight I knew how, for I judged they were going to do me for -keeps. I don't want to boast, but I certain soaked some of the bunch a -few swats in the slats that they will remember. It wasn't any use. They -just hustled me along to that door up there and pitched me out into the -drink. That's the whole story, and here I am, a heap wet, but still -lively and chipper." - -"Brad," questioned Dick eagerly, "how many of those cloaked men were -there?" - -"Didn't have time to count 'em. I know what you're thinking, pard, and I -certain agree with you that it's some likely I ran slam into the -Terrible Ten. I judge they were holding a council of war when I burst in -on them." - -"And Teresa is somewhere in that building. Brad, we must make an attempt -to find her." - -"Anything you say goes." - -"Boys, boys, boys!" spluttered the professor, turning pale. "You'll come -to your death through such rashness. I must object. I must protect you. -It is my duty. What will Frank say if I fail to do my duty?" - -But the boys were both reckless and determined. It was not long before -they were at the front of the house into which Buckhart averred he had -escorted Teresa. They landed on the steps, urging Zenas to wait for them -in the boat. - -Another gondola floated at the steps, the gondolier idly waiting for -some one. - -"This wasn't here a short time ago," said Brad. "Somebody has visitors -in the house, I judge." - -They obtained admittance, but to their surprise Professor Gunn clung to -them. - -"I'm going to stick by you, even if it costs me my life," he said. - -Barely were they inside when they were startled by a scream. - -"The voice of Teresa!" exclaimed Dick. "She's up there somewhere!" - -They rushed up the stairs. The door of a room stood open. In that room -Teresa Tortora was struggling in the arms of a man, and that man was -Nicola Mullura. - -"I have found you, my pretty bird!" cried Mullura, in satisfaction. "I -traced you here. Now you are mine, and you cannot escape!" - -A door at the opposite end of the room, and directly behind the back of -the desperado, suddenly and silently opened. Through the doorway stepped -a man whose face was pale as death, and whose eyes shone with a fearful -light. - -Dick and Brad were turned to stone, for the man was Reggio Tortora, whom -they had thought dead! - -Tortora did not see them. His eyes were fastened on his sister and -Mullura. With swift and noiseless steps, he rushed upon the man, -clutching him about the neck and twisting him backward over a bent leg. - -Mullura, being thus flung backward and held helpless, could look -straight up into the face of Tortora. - -"You dog!" panted Reggio. "You left me for dead last night, but a woman -found me and bandaged my wounds. She kept me from bleeding to death, and -now I am here to kill you! Your time has come, and you die the death you -deserve!" - -Then his hand, gripping a knife, rose and fell! - - * * * * * - -For a long time the Venetian police had been investigating the stories -of the Terrible Ten. Already they had found sufficient evidence, but -they were waiting for the proper moment to bag the whole Ten at a swoop. - -On the very day that Reggio Tortora killed Nicola Mullura the police -descended on the rascals, who had begun to create such a reign of terror -in Venice, and captured them all. The evidence against them was -overwhelming, and the whole ten were given the full punishment which the -law provided for their crimes. - -As for Reggio, he easily satisfied the law that he had killed Mullura in -defense of his sister, after Mullura had failed in an effort to -assassinate him, and therefore, he was formally acquitted. - -His escape from death he had truthfully described to Mullura ere -striking the fatal blow. A woman whom he had befriended in the house -where he lived had bandaged his wounds and hidden him away, although in -mortal terror of her life while doing so. Of course she had declared, -when questioned, that she knew nothing of the desperate encounter on the -stairs. - -The gratitude of both Reggio and Teresa toward their American friends -was very great. - -The joy of the girl who had thus found her brother may be imagined, but -no words can describe it. It happened that Reggio had come to those -friends for shelter, and thus he had been on hand when Mullura appeared. - -"Well, partner," said Buckhart, after all these matters had been -settled, "we've certain had a warm time in Venice while it lasted. It -was somewhat too warm, but this calm after the storm is altogether too -calm. I'm getting a bit restless. I think we'd better float on." - -"So do I," nodded Dick. "What do you say, professor?" - -"All right, boys--all right," nodded Zenas. "We'll jog along into Greece, -but it will be just like you to get into some sort of trouble there and -keep me nerved up all the time." - -"Hurrah for Greece!" cried Dick. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -BEFORE THE PARTHENON. - - -"There it is, boys--there it is!" exclaimed Professor Zenas Gunn, in a -voice that actually choked with deep emotion. "Behold 'the casket of the -rarest architectural jewels of the world--the temple-crowned Acropolis'!" - -"She seems to be a right big old rock," observed Brad Buckhart; "or is -she just a hill?" - -"Both a rock and a hill, Brad," laughed Dick Merriwell. "It is mainly a -natural mass of rock, but in places it has been built up by substantial -masonry." - -"Correct, Richard," nodded the professor, approvingly. "It is plain you -have posted up on the Acropolis and that you remember something of what -you read. I regret that, in spite of my advice, Bradley seems much -disinclined to post himself in advance concerning the historical spots -we choose to visit." - -"What's the use?" said the Texan. "I know you'll tell us all about them, -professor, and I'll remember it a heap better by hearing you tell it, -than by reading it in a dry, old book. You have such a fascinating way -of telling things, you know, that any one who hears you can't help -remembering every word you speak." - -"Hum! ha!" coughed Zenas, much flattered. "I presume that is true. I -think it quite probable you are correct. Under the circumstances, -Bradley, you are excusable." - -The two boys and the professor had arrived at the port of Athens near -sundown the previous day. The sail through Grecian waters on a fine -steamer was one long to be remembered. Repeatedly the professor reminded -them that they were traversing the scenes of famous maritime adventures -and struggles of ancient history, and that every shore they beheld had -been made famous by poets, philosophers and wise men of the days when -Greece was the pride, the glory, and the envy of the world. - -Night had fallen before the trio reached the capital, which is located -six miles from the port. Therefore, being tired and somewhat spiritless, -they suppressed their desire to look around and waited for the following -day. - -And now, beneath the bright morning sunshine, they viewed the Acropolis, -which, on account of its history, the professor declared was the most -wonderful sight in all the world. - -On three sides this great mass of rock and masonry, which looms above -the modern city at its base, is practically perpendicular. On its summit -stand the white columns and pillars of its ruined temples, which two -thousand years ago were perfect in their grandeur and which are conceded -to have been specimens of architectual beauty never equaled in modern -times. - -"Think," said the professor; "think of Greece in the glorious days when -yonder rock was crowned with beautiful temples! We'll mount to its -crest, boys, and soon our feet may touch the very stones once pressed by -the feet of Demosthenes. We will stand beside pillars whose shadows may -have fallen on Pericles and Phidias. Is it not enough to stir a heart of -stone! Let us hasten." - -The old pedagogue was actually trembling with eagerness and excitement. - -"All right, professor," said Dick. "Lead on and we'll follow." - -"Yes," said Brad, "hike as fast as you choose, and we'll keep up with -you." - -To their surprise they found the city very modern in appearance, and -this surprise was increased on beholding a train of street cars drawn by -an ordinary steam engine. Still the people were interesting in their -native garments, and the language was what they had expected to hear. - -At last they approached the Acropolis. As they drew near they beheld -around its base a mass of ruins of the most picturesque character. - -"Whatever sort of buildings were those, professor?" inquired the Texan. - -"They were theatres," answered the old man. "The theatre of Bacchus, of -Odeon, and others stood at the base of the great rock. You behold the -ruins of those theatres. Somewhere in this vicinity is the dungeon of -Socrates, in which he drank the hemlock. We'll find it ere we leave -Athens." - -They were compelled to make inquiry of a peasant before they found the -only path by which the great rock could be ascended. The professor found -it necessary to rest several times before the summit was reached, but -still his enthusiasm buoyed him up in a wonderful manner. - -As they reached the plateau the professor turned to look back on the -city spread below them. - -"Yes," he said, nodding and speaking as if addressing himself, "I had -almost forgotten. Why, it was only a little more than half a century ago -that Athens was demolished by the Turks. Hardly a house in the place was -left in condition for human beings to inhabit it. That is why we see -this modern city here." - -Although they did not betray it as much as did the professor, both lads -were profoundly moved by their situation. - -For a few moments Dick seemed to feel himself transported back to -Fardale, and he saw himself in his little room poring over Homer's -electrifying verse or deep buried in Xenophon's incomparable prose. He -knew that from this hour, as he stood by the pillared gateway of the -Acropolis, he would understand the old Greek poets and philosophers -better and appreciate them more. - -"Come, boys," said Professor Gunn, in a hushed tone, "we'll pass through -this ruined gateway, which was called the Propylæa, and which cost two -and a half million dollars. Think of that! Think of it, and then behold -these ruins. Touch them reverently with your hands. You are treading on -sacred ground." - -When they had passed beyond the ruined gateway all halted in wonderment, -for before them spread the entire plateau and they saw it was literally -bestrewn with fallen columns and shattered statues. And directly before -them, at the highest point of the plateau, rose the ruins of a snowy -white temple, the Parthenon. - -The spectacle was one to render them silent and speechless. They stood -quite still and gazed in awe at the ruins. - -At last Zenas spoke. He had his hat in his hand, and he mopped his -forehead with a handkerchief, although the day was cool. - -"Words fail me, boys," he said. "I wonder if you understand what it is -to behold this spectacle. Look on this scene of desolation wrought by -the hand of ruthless man. It is quite enough to make the gods weep!" - -"However was she ruined, professor?" inquired Brad. - -"It occurred something like two hundred years ago. At that time the -Parthenon stood almost unchanged in its matchless magnificence. The -Turks used it as a powder magazine. The city was besieged by an army of -Venetians. They bombarded the town. One of their shells exploded in the -powder magazine. Behold the result!" - -"Say, that was a whole lot bad!" exclaimed the Texan. "It sure was a -shame!" - -"Let's get nearer," urged Dick. - -They threaded their way amid the ruined columns and statues, drawing -nearer to the ruins of the Parthenon. The professor told them how the -Parthenon had been despoiled of its treasures. - -At that moment they seemed to be quite alone on the plateau of the -Acropolis, but suddenly, from amid the pillars of the temple, dashed a -Grecian girl, who did not seem to be more than sixteen years of age. She -saw them and uttered a cry. - -A moment later two men appeared in close pursuit of her. Both were -Greeks. One was a man of forty-five or a little more, while the other -could not have been much past twenty-one. They shouted for the girl to -stop. - -She ran toward the boys and the old professor, and the cry that came -from her lips was one of terror and appeal. Her pursuers were close on -her heels. - -"By the great horn spoon!" shouted Buckhart, "here is where we mingle in -a red-hot old scrimmage, pard! There will be something doing on the top -of the Acrop in a moment!" - -"Boys, boys, boys!" exclaimed the professor, in great agitation and -alarm. "Do be careful! Those men look dangerous!" - -"Would you have us see a woman in distress without showing our manhood?" -demanded Dick, as he also prepared for an encounter. "We'll protect her, -Brad." - -"Now you're shouting!" cried the Texan. "We'll certain check the -careless behavior of those gents some." - -"Englishmen--good Englishmen!" cried the girl; "save me!" - -She was panting and wild-eyed as she reached them. She seized Dick's arm -with her shaking hands. In truth she was very pretty, with clear-cut -Grecian features and eyes as blue as the skies of Athens. - -"We're not Englishmen," said Dick, "but you can count on us just the -same." - -"You bet you can, just as long as the American eagle flaps its wings to -the tune of Yankee Doodle," asserted Brad. - -Dick placed her behind them saying: - -"Look out for her, professor, while we discuss the matter with these -boisterous gentlemen." - -"Boys, boys, boys!" again fluttered the old man. "Do be careful! Do be -discreet! You'll get us all into no end of trouble." - -By this time the two men had reached the spot, and the elder at once -demanded in Greek the possession of the maiden. - -"Although we've scanned that language under compulsion," said Dick, "we -are not prepared to talk it. If you will use plain United States, we may -be able to chat with you." - -With an assumption of politeness, the man immediately begged their -pardon in fairly good English, saying he had not thought in his -excitement to address them in other than his own language. - -"The girl," he said; "I take her." - -"Wait a bit," remonstrated Merriwell, declining to move. "As you can -talk a modern language, we'll discuss this matter. The girl seems -frightened. What is all the trouble about?" - -The elder man drew himself up haughtily, while the younger glowered on -the boys. - -"It is no bus'ness to you," was the answer. - -"Then I opine we'll have to make it our business," muttered Buckhart. - -"But she is frightened, and she seeks our protection," said Dick. "It is -the habit of all decent Americans to protect women in distress." - -"Let him not touch me!" entreated the girl, speaking again with that -indescribably bewitching accent which Dick had noted in her first appeal -to them. - -"She mere child," said the man haughtily. "I am her uncle, and I take -her." - -"Oh, you're her uncle?" - -"I am." - -"Well, tell us why she fled from you and seemed so excited and -frightened." - -"No bus'ness to you," again asserted the man. - -"He want make me do something I hate!" exclaimed the girl. "He make me -marree Maro." - -"Oh, ho! And who is Maro?" - -The girl pointed at the younger man. - -"And you do not wish to marry Maro?" questioned Dick. - -"Oh, no, no, no!" - -"Don't blame you," put in Brad. "If Maro wears that thundercloud on his -mug all the time, he'd frighten a Hottentot, much more a civilized girl. -Go change your face, Maro." - -The young man did not seem to understand this fully, but he darted a -deadly look at Brad, then urged his companion to make a move at once. - -"Look out, boys--look out!" panted Professor Gunn. "He says you are mere -children and easily crushed. He wants to attack you at once." - -"Whoop!" cried Brad, squaring away. "Let him wade right in! Let them -both break loose and come at us! They'll find the children ready for -business, you bet your boots!" - -"Steady, Brad," cautioned Dick. "We'll fight if we have to." - -"And I sure reckon we'll have to, pard." - -"It looks that way, but let's not rush matters. Keep a cool head." - -Dick feared the men were armed, which would give them an additional -advantage. Under ordinary circumstances it would not seem a difficult -thing for them to obtain the mastery over the two boys, but those boys, -in spite of their years, were remarkable athletes and clever fighters, -and they believed they could hold the Greeks good play unless deadly -weapons were produced. Neither lad counted on assistance from Professor -Gunn. - -The elder man grew impatient and again demanded possession of the girl, -asserting that the boys would be punished for interfering, as he was the -one who had sole authority over her. - -"Where is her father?" asked Dick. "Is he dead?" - -"Not dead," explained the girl quickly. "In India. He leaf me with -Tyrus." - -"So the old boy's name is Tyrus?" muttered Brad. - -"Tyrus Helorus," said the man haughtily. "If wise, you not int'fere in -Greece with one who have name Helorus." - -"The Helorus you say!" grinned Brad. - -"That what I say!" - -"Thanks! You're so kind! I reckon we'd better introduce ourselves. -Gents, this here is Dick Merriwell, a fighter from his toes to his scalp -lock. He lives on scrimmages. To him a good fight is the breath of life. -If he goes a whole day without a fight he loses flesh and becomes a -whole lot downcast. I've seen him whip seven men in concussion. He looks -young, but he's fought enough to be older than these ruins. I'll wager -the contents of my warbags that the professor and I can sit down and -look on comfortable while he wallops the both of you in one round." - -"That will about do," muttered Dick. - -"Wait," urged Brad. "Don't cut me out of presenting myself. I, gents, am -Bradley Buckhart, from the Rio Pecos country, Texas, U. S. I've been -brought up where they have man for breakfast every morning. It gets to -be a regular morning treat for us in Texas. I am some off my feed just -at present, not having had any man this morning. You've happened along -just in time to relieve my famished condition. So sail in, both of you, -and we'll proceed to chaw you up. You hear me sweetly carol!" - -The Greeks looked at him in bewilderment, and well they might. It is -likely that they took this talk for a bluff; but, if so, they were soon -to learn that Brad Buckhart was one of those rare bluffers who -invariably "made good." - -A silent chap with fighting blood in his veins is generally regarded as -formidable and dangerous when aroused, but once in a while it happens -that a talkative chap is just as dangerous. - -Those who saw and heard Brad for the first time were almost certain to -fancy he would show the white feather at the last moment. Those who had -seen him often and knew him well never doubted that he would -unflinchingly enter a den of roaring lions if he felt it his duty to do -so. - -The natural chivalry of Buckhart's nature had been stirred by the -appearance of the girl and by her appeal for protection, and therefore -he was ready to lay down his life in defense of her right there on the -plateau of the Acropolis. - -It was but natural that Professor Gunn should be much alarmed over the -situation, for he felt that, to a large extent, the safety of the boys -was in his hands and he was responsible for them. - -Therefore the old man now proposed that they should all go to a -magistrate or some official who had proper authority and that the case -should be submitted to him. - -To his astonishment this seemed to infuriate both the Greeks. They -cursed him and the boys for interfering and sneered at the proposal of -submitting the matter to any official. One more demand they made for -possession of the girl, and it was plain they meant to take her by force -if refused. - -They were promptly refused by both boys, who placed themselves shoulder -to shoulder in front of the shrinking maiden. - -With a snarl of rage, the younger Greek drew a knife. - -"Oh, heavens!" moaned Professor Gunn. "There will be bloodshed!" - -Then, to his greater horror, he saw Dick and Brad attack the men, -declining to wait to be attacked themselves. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -FIGHTING BLOOD OF AMERICA. - - -It was Dick Merriwell's theory that in an encounter that promised to be -unequal a sudden and surprising assault might more than outbalance the -odds. - -In this case he determined to put the theory to the test. - -Brad understood Dick so thoroughly that it was not necessary for the -latter to utter a word of command. He simply made a slight signal that -was unobserved by the Greeks, and when he leaped forward the Texan was -at his shoulder. - -It was a daring thing to do, considering the fact that Maro, the younger -man, had drawn a knife. Still Dick knew they would be compelled to fight -or surrender the girl, and he had no thought of following the latter -course. As it was necessary to fight, it was better to attack than to -wait for the attack. - -Merriwell singled out the man with the knife. Before the fellow realized -what was happening, the boy was on him. Then Maro tried to lift the -knife for the purpose of using it, at the same time uttering a snarl of -astonished rage. - -That snarl was broken midway, for Dick seized the fellow's right wrist -with his left hand, preventing him from making a stroke with the -gleaming blade. At the same time the daring American lad gave Maro an -awful jolt with his right. - -Dick knew how to put force into a blow, and he knew how to land a blow -that would put the other fellow "all to the bad." That punch, backed -with the boy's weight, simply knocked the wind out of his antagonist. - -Then Dick gave the man's wrist a wrench that seemed to snap the bones. -The knife flew from Maro's fingers and struck with a clang against a -prone and headless marble statue. - -Having succeeded thus swiftly in disarming the rascal and knocking the -wind out of him, Dick felt confident that he had accomplished the most -difficult part of the task. - -In the meantime Buckhart, roaring like an angry bull, went at Tyrus -Helorus. The older Greek was no mean antagonist. He side-stepped in a -manner that enabled him to avoid the full fury of the Texan's rush, at -the same time seeking to get hold of the boy with his powerful hands. - -"Fool American!" he grated. - -"Whoop!" shouted Brad, wheeling and coming at the man again. "Shades of -Crockett and Bowie! you're some spry on your feet!" - -The Greek clutched Brad's collar. - -"Ha!" he cried in satisfaction. - -"Ha! yourself, and see how you like it!" said Brad, as he delivered a -body blow in the ribs. - -But that blow, although struck with just as much force, perhaps, was not -as effective as the one struck by Dick, for the reason that it did not -land on the spot to count as heavily. - -The Greek jerked Brad nearer and fastened both hands on him. - -"Fool!" he said again. - -Then he gathered the lad in his arms. - -"I've been hugged by grizzly bears," said Buckhart, in relating the -adventure afterward, "but I certain allow that that old Greek gent sure -could out-hug them all. When he closed in on me I heard a general -cracking sound all round my anatomy, and I allowed at least nine of my -ribs was bu'sted then and there. I sure did." - -In fact, Brad was robbed of his strength by that squeeze, and, for the -time being, was helpless in the power of Tyrus Helorus. - -Professor Gunn had been hopping round, first on one foot and then on the -other. He was terribly excited, but suddenly, in a most astonishing -manner, he flew at the fellow who seemed to be crushing Brad. - -"Let that boy go, you wretch!" he cried, in a high-pitched voice. "Don't -you dare hurt one of my boys!" - -Then he proceeded to claw at Tyrus in a manner that bewildered and -confused the man for the time being. - -The Greek relaxed his hold on Buckhart, enabling Brad to get a breath. -With a wrench and a squirm the Texan twisted clear. He half dropped, and -then his arms closed about the knees of the man. A moment later the -Greek was lifted clear of his feet and pitched headlong against a marble -slab. - -The shock seemed to stun him. - -"Much obliged, professor," panted Buckhart. "You certain chipped into -the game at just the right juncture." - -"Hum! ha!" burst from Zenas, who suddenly realized that he had done -something. "They want to look out for me when I get started. I'm -dangerous--exceedingly dangerous." - -By this time Dick had punished the younger Greek in a manner that led -him to take to his heels in the effort to escape. - -"Stop him!" shrilled Zenas. - -"Let him go!" exclaimed the boy promptly. "If he'll keep on running I'll -be pleased." - -Maro dashed in amid the ruins of the Parthenon and disappeared. - -Tyrus lay where he had fallen. - -"My goodness!" exclaimed Zenas, gazing in apprehension at the prostrate -man. "I hope I didn't kill him--I really hope I didn't. Of course, it was -in self-defense--or, rather, in defense of one of my boys; but still I -hope I didn't finish him when I struck him that last terrible blow." - -The old man seemed to really believe he had knocked the Greek down. - -Dick turned to look for the girl. Pale and trembling, she stood with -clasped hands, seemingly quite overcome by what had happened. - -"Don't be afraid, miss," said Merriwell. "You are safe for the present." - -She gave him a flashing look of admiration from her splendid blue eyes. -Then suddenly she seemed to think of the fallen man, and a moment later -she was kneeling by his side, calling him by name and crying that he was -dead. - -"I do not think he is dead," said Dick, attempting to reassure her. "Let -me see." - -Even as the boy placed an inspecting hand on the breast of Tyrus the -eyes of the man opened and he heaved a sigh. The girl gave a cry of -gratitude and relief. He turned on her a glance that made her tremble, -and in his native tongue he began to mutter threats which sent her to -her feet like a startled fawn. - -"Don't waste your sympathy on him," advised Merriwell. "A man who can -growl like that isn't badly hurt. He'll be all right in a short time." - -"Then--then he make me marree Maro!" she gasped. "I better die!" - -"What are we going to do about it, pard?" asked Brad. "Whatever can we -do to help her?" - -"That's a puzzling question," admitted Dick. "Evidently this man is her -guardian, and we'll get into no end of trouble if we try to take her -from him. She ought to be able to appeal to the proper authorities for -protection." - -"Tak' me to Charlee," entreated the girl. - -"Charlie?" exclaimed Dick. "Who in the world is Charlie?" - -"I love heem!" she declared. "He grandes' man in the world! He grandes' -man ever live! I marree Charlee!" - -"Ah, ha! So that's the way the wind blows?" cried Dick. "There is -another man in the case, and that's why old Tyrus is trying to force you -to marry Maro?" - -She nodded violently. - -"Charlee come to tak' me to my father, in India," she said. "When Maro -find that so he come to Tyrus, say I never go, say I marree heem. Tyrus -say I must marree Maro. Say I never meet Charlee no more. That brek my -heart. I cry no, no, no! They tak' me from home, so Charlee never find -me when he come. They tak' me where I have to stay in small room all -time till Maro marree me. I geet out. I run. I come here. Charlee say he -come here often look at ruins. I think he may come now. I wait. Tyrus -and Maro come find me. I try to run. I see you. I call for help. That -all." - -"It's enough!" cried Dick. "Where is this Charlie? We will take you to -him." - -She shook her head in distress. - -"He somewhere in citee," she said, with a sweep of her hand. - -"A whole lot indefinite," observed Buckhart. - -Dick asked the girl if she did not know in what hotel Charlie was to be -found. - -She did not. - -"What is the rest of his name?" questioned Dick. "Do you know it?" - -"Whole name Charlee Cav'deesh," she declared. - -"Cavendish?" - -"That right." - -"It's up to us, Brad," said Merriwell, "to find Charlie Cavendish as -soon as possible." - -"I opine it is," nodded the Texan. - -"In the meantime," said the professor, "we'll all be arrested for -kidnapping the girl. Boys, boys, is it impossible for you to keep out of -scrapes?" - -"I'm afraid it is," confessed Dick. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -MARO AND TYRUS. - - -Having beaten off the two Greeks, neither of the boys had a thought of -surrendering the girl. They were determined to protect her, no matter -what happened, until they could get word to Cavendish, who, she -asserted, was somewhere in Athens. - -Tyrus made no objection when he saw the lads and the old professor -departing with the girl in their midst. He sat up, staring after them, a -wicked look on his face. - -Barely had Zenas, the boys, and the girl disappeared from view when Maro -reappeared amid the ruins of the Parthenon and ran swiftly to the spot -where Tyrus sat. - -"Why do you sit thus?" he demanded. "Did you not see them taking Flavia -away?" - -"I saw them," was the gruff answer. - -"Then why did you permit it?" - -"Why did you permit it?" - -"You are her uncle." - -"You are her lover." - -"But you have the power." - -"It is, indeed, little power I had after being dashed against this slab -of marble." - -"But yours is the authority." - -"They are Americans." - -"What of that?" - -"Americans recognize no authority but that of might. They are wonderful -fighters." - -"They fight like fiends!" exclaimed Maro. "Who could think that those -boys would dare attack us! And I was armed with a knife." - -"Little good it did you," returned Tyrus, with a touch of scorn. "I had -no weapon, and I would have mastered one of them had not the old man -attacked me, scratching and clawing like a cat." - -"But you are going to let them carry Flavia away?" - -"You have as much right to stop them as I have." - -"No, no!" almost shouted Maro, in great exasperation. "You have the -right, for you are her uncle. You must do it!" - -"I like not your language, Maro. No man has ever told me I must do a -thing." - -"But you let them walk away with her?" - -"Because the young man, strong and able to battle for his rights, fled -and sought shelter in hiding. Maro, I sadly fear I have been much -mistaken in you. I fear you are a coward." - -The younger man flushed with mingled anger and shame. - -"What was I to do?" he demanded, seeking to justify himself in the eyes -of Tyrus. "I saw that you were stretched prone upon the ground, and I -feared you had been slain. I was disarmed, and that terrible American -boy was hitting me so fast that the blows could not be counted. I knew -that, in another moment, I would have all three of them upon me. I fled -to save my life." - -"You saved it," said Tyrus, still with that biting touch of scorn. "You -saved your life, but it may be that you have lost Flavia." - -"Never!" grated Maro. "I will follow and take her from them!" - -"Alone?" asked Tyrus, with that same manner. "You ran from one of them, -but now you propose to follow and conquer all three of them. Indeed, -Maro, your words and your behavior are inconsistent." - -"We are losing time!" exclaimed Maro. - -"We? Why, I thought you were going to do it quite alone." - -"It is you who must lodge the complaint against them, as you did against -the Englishman, for you are the uncle and guardian of Flavia." - -"Oh, so you advise that we seek the assistance of the law?" - -"It is the better way." - -"In truth I doubted if you actually intended to attack those American -fighters, even though you spoke so boldly. You have had quite enough of -that, Maro. You still insist that Flavia must be your bride, even though -you know now that she scorns you and would prefer death?" - -"She is my light, my life! I must have her! You have given me your word -that she shall be mine." - -"But I had no thought that she would make such a terrible resistance. -She has ever been a good and dutiful girl since her father left her in -my hands. I knew she was averse to you, Maro, but I fancied you could -overcome her aversion, or that she would dutifully submit at my command. -She has in her the spirit of her father's family. He married my sister -even though I hated him and sought to prevent the union. Maro, he loved -her, which I hold to his credit. He was a good husband to her, and he -nearly died of grief when she passed from earth and left little Flavia. -It was for Flavia that he lived. Otherwise I believe he would have taken -his life that he might join her. But when he met reverses and lost most -of his little fortune, he felt that bad fortune had placed a blight on -him while he remained in his native land. He found an opportunity to go -to India, and he left Flavia with me, charging me to be like a father to -her. It is now said by this Englishman that he has prospered in life, -and by this Englishman he sends a message which tells me to let Flavia -return to him in care of the Englishman." - -"A trick! a trick!" cried Maro fiercely. "The letter was a forgery!" - -"How do you know?" - -"The Englishman and Flavia met before he presented that letter." - -"Which is true." - -"She fell in love with him." - -"Her behavior seems to denote it," confessed Tyrus. - -"She knew I wished to marry her and that you favored me." - -"Go on." - -"The Englishman smiled on her. She was deceived. She told him of her -father. Perhaps she gave him some letters from her father. Either the -Englishman forged the letter, or he employed an expert to accomplish it. -In this manner he means to steal her from you and from me." - -"It is possible you speak the truth." - -"I know I speak the truth! I feel it here in my heart! He is deceiving -her. He would take her away, pretending that it is his intention to -conduct her to her father; but in truth he has no such intention, and -when he becomes tired of her he will desert her. I am right, Tyrus. She -will be left to die in some foreign land by this young dog of an -Englishman, whose father is rich and who has money to fling about with a -lavish hand. It is your duty--and mine--to save her from such a fate! -Arouse yourself, Tyrus! Bestir yourself, and let's do something without -delay. The Englishman has been placed beneath arrest. It is our next -move to enter complaint against the Americans and have them arrested -also. It can be done." - -Tyrus bowed gravely. - -"It can be done," he agreed; "and, as you say, it may be our duty to see -that it is done." - -"Then delay not. Every moment is precious." - -"Give me your hand," said the elder man. - -Maro assisted him to rise. - -"It was a terrible shock I received," muttered Tyrus, moving his -shoulders and making a wry face. "It is most remarkable that my neck was -not broken. Even now to move at all causes me discomfort, and to-morrow -I fancy I will be exceedingly lame." - -"Think not of yourself," urged Maro, burning with impatience and seeking -to pull Tyrus onward. "Think of Flavia and your duty to her. Hasten!" - -"Wait a little," said the elder man. "I am dizzy. My head reels. It is a -singular sensation, for all my life I have been strong as the horse." - -Indeed, he swayed and might have fallen but for the supporting arm of -the young man. - -"Oh, these Americans!" he muttered. "Even mere boys, scarce escaped from -the nursery, seem to have the courage, skill and strength of men. What a -wonderful people they must be!" - -"Bah! I admire them not, for ever it is that an American and an -Englishman will unite against one of any other nation. They speak one -language, and there is between them a bond of sympathy stronger than -they themselves dream. Has the Astrologer of Minerva not said that some -day they will unite and rule the world. I admire them not, I tell you! -Come, Tyrus, they will escape with Flavia, and we----" - -"We will find them, never fear. They shall soon be placed in confinement -and kept there until Flavia is yours. I think I can walk now." - -"Then hasten, hasten!" urged the impatient and baffled lover. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -TWO ENGLISHMEN. - - -Zenas Gunn strutted like a peacock. He seemed to feel that he it was who -had accomplished the feat of baffling the girl's pursuers. For a time he -put aside his fear of further trouble over the affair, jogged along at -her side and talked fluently with her in the language she could best -understand. - -They left the plateau by way of the marble gate and hastened to descend. - -"Trust us, my dear child," said the professor. - -"I do," she declared, smiling on him in a manner that made him throw out -his chest still further. "But, oh, I fear Tyrus and Maro! They are -determined that I shall never see Charlee again." - -"Hum! hem! How long have you known this Charlie?" - -"It is not long. He is the most beautiful man in all the world!" - -"You should have seen me when I was younger," said Zenas. "I beg your -pardon, but I do not think we have learned your name?" - -"It is Flavia." - -"Beautiful name," declared the professor. "Look out, my child, do not -stumble there." - -"There is no danger that I will stumble, but you----" - -"Oh, I'm as frisky as a young colt! Didn't you see me put Tyrus to the -bad a while ago? Don't worry about me." - -"The old boy is getting along some!" observed Brad, speaking to Dick, as -they followed Zenas and the girl. "It takes a young girl to wake him up -and make him lively." - -There was a shadow on Merriwell's face. - -"It was our duty to protect the girl," he said; "but now it would be an -absolute relief if we knew where to find this Englishman, Cavendish. -There is going to be a great rumpus over this, and we may find ourselves -in a pickle because we took the part of this maid of Athens." - -"The Maid of Athens!" exclaimed Brad. "That's the title for her! It fits -her. By the great Panhandle! if it wasn't for Nadia Budthorne----" - -Dick laughed. - -"Brad, you're smashed! She has a fellow--Cavendish. And that is not -mentioning Maro." - -"Hang Maro! He doesn't count any whatever." - -"But Cavendish does." - -"He's lost in the shuffle." - -"Well, there is Nadia, and you----" - -"She's all right!" exclaimed Brad sincerely; "but she isn't here, and I -opine I've got a right to admire the Maid of Athens some." - -"But no right to make love to her." - -"No danger of that, pard," grinned the Texan. "I never did cut much ice -with the girls. You always were the one, and it's a wonder to me that -this girl didn't forget Charlee the moment she placed her sky-blue eyes -on you." - -"Oh, that will about do!" laughed Dick. "You're forever imagining that -girls are struck on me, when the fact is that they are not, and----" - -"How about Doris Templeton?" - -"Mere friendship." - -"Is that so? How about June Arlington?" - -"Friendship just the same." - -"Well, then, how about----" - -"That will do! Don't try to make me out a chap with a dozen girls!" - -The Texan chuckled. - -"Don't you get gay with me," he advised. "I can come back at you good -and plenty." - -By this time they were well down toward the base of the Acropolis. -Suddenly Flavia uttered a wild cry of joy, broke from Professor Gunn and -ran toward two men who were approaching. - -One of the two was a very young man, with a delicate mustache on his -lip, while the other was middle-aged, florid and puffy, carrying a heavy -cane. The younger man had seen Flavia the moment she discovered him, and -he sprang toward her, his hands outstretched. - -"Galloping jack rabbits!" exclaimed Buckhart. "Whatever does this yere -mean?" - -"It means," said Dick, with satisfaction, "that we'll not have to search -all over Athens for Charlee." - -"I'm almost sorry," declared Brad, with a comical twist of his face. -"She didn't have time to discover how much superior I am to Charlee." - -Professor Gunn looked both relieved and disappointed. He had feared they -would get into serious trouble, yet now he was disappointed by the -appearance of the Englishmen. - -For Englishmen they were, beyond question. The elder man had the -appearance of a man of the world, given to special delight in the good -things of life. He surveyed the boys and the professor with mild -curiosity. His eyes were rather bleary and blood-shotten. - -At first Flavia was too overjoyed to make an explanation, but finally, -in a confused torrent of words, she told what had taken place on the -plateau of the Acropolis. - -The face of the young Englishman brightened as he began to understand -how she happened to be escorted by Professor Gunn and the boys. - -"So you went there thinking you might meet me, Flavia?" he said. "It was -on my way to view those ruins that I first met you, and you remembered. -I fancied you might, don't you know, and that is why I am here now. I -found you had been removed from your home, and I could not trace you. It -is pure chance, but, by Jove! luck is with us." - -Then he turned to the Americans. - -"Gentlemen," he said, "my name is Cavendish--Charles Cavendish, son of -Sir Henry Giles Cavendish, of Grantham. This is a particular friend of -our family, Sir Augustus Camberwell. I wish to thank you most heartily -and sincerely for your brave defense of Flavia. Permit me to shake hands -with you all." - -"Yes," said Sir Augustus, "very gallant, really. Just like you queer -Americans. Never stop to inquire into an affair where a woman is -concerned. Always go in and stand by the woman. Splendid sentiment, but -dangerous." - -Sir Augustus now turned his attention to Flavia, at whom he gazed in a -manner that Dick did not fancy. - -"Very charming, my dear Charlie," he admitted. "I'm beginning to -understand how it happened. Oh, you rascal! Where would you be now if I -wasn't in Athens? Why, you would be in jail. It took my influence to get -you out." - -"For which I thank you most sincerely, Sir Augustus." - -"All right, my boy--all right. But you want to remember my advice. You -want to remember what I told you about getting in too deep. Oh, you -rascal! you're going to be another case with the girls, just as your -father was before you. Many's the little toot we've been on together, -and Henry always was getting entangled with a female." - -"Well, what do you think of that, pard?" whispered Buckhart, in Dick's -ear. - -"I think Sir Augustus is smelly," was the answer. - -Professor Gunn was likewise far from pleased. He regarded the older -Englishman with an air of pronounced distrust and suspicion. - -"Don't worry about me, Sir Augustus," advised Cavendish. - -Just then, happening to glance up the path they had lately descended, -Professor Gunn uttered an exclamation of alarm and warning. - -"Look--look, boys!" he cried. "There come the Greeks!" - -Maro and Tyrus were to be seen descending the path. - -Flavia was greatly alarmed in a moment. - -"Let them not touch me, Charlee!" she entreated, clinging to Cavendish. - -"Never fear," he said reassuringly. "They shall not." - -"But I opine we'd better be moseying along out of this," said Buckhart. - -To this the others agreed, and they lost no time in moving. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -WAS IT A MISTAKE? - - -Although the Greeks pursued them into the city, they made no attempt to -recover possession of Flavia. - -What they did do, however, was something alarming. - -At intervals they called to other men, friends or acquaintances, and -many of these joined them in following the girl and her escort. This -little band of dogged pursuers grew by ones and twos until there were in -all at least ten of them. - -Professor Gunn's agitation grew as the number of pursuers increased. - -"Boys," he said, "I sadly fear we are going to have grave trouble. It -would not surprise me if we were attacked and murdered right here in the -city of Athens. I am in favor of calling for protection by the 'Agents -of Peace,' as they call the police here." - -"Now, don't you know, really I wouldn't do that," objected Sir Augustus -Camberwell. "Really I wouldn't." - -"Why not, sir?" - -"On account of the girl, don't you understand! The blooming Agents of -Peace might ask us to explain what we are doing with the girl and why we -withheld her from her uncle, don't you see! Don't have anything to do -with the Greek bobbies. We have but a short distance farther to go--a -very short distance." - -So the Agents of Peace were not appealed to by them, and at last they -reached the hotel where Sir Augustus and Charles Cavendish were -stopping. - -"I have to thank you very much for your gallant protection of Flavia," -said Cavendish, again shaking hands with the boys and the old professor. -"She has explained fully how you risked your lives for her, as that -crazy fellow, her uncle wishes her to marry, drew a knife on you. It is -really wonderful that two boys and an old man should be able to stand -those two ruffians off." - -"Old man!" exploded the professor indignantly. "Who are you calling an -old man, sir? I would have you understand that I'm younger than lots of -men half my age." - -"No offense, professor," Cavendish hastened to say. "You are indeed -remarkably young for your years." - -Zenas sniffed and hemmed in a manner that denoted he was not fully -pacified. - -Both Cavendish and Sir Augustus seemed anxious to get rid of the -Americans. - -Maro, Tyrus, and the rest of the pursuers had now disappeared, and, -therefore, Dick proposed that they should return to their hotel. - -Not until they were far away and had failed to discover further signs of -their pursuers did Professor Gunn throw off his nervousness. - -"I tell you, boys," he said, "this has been a very serious affair--very. -Of course, we may yet have trouble over it. There is no telling. I can't -understand why we were not attacked by that band of men who gathered to -follow us. It is certain that the Greek of to-day is not much like the -Greek of old. In ancient times we would have been overwhelmed and -slaughtered like dogs." - -Dick was silent and moody. He seemed thinking of something that was far -from pleasant. Even after they had reached their hotel and were in their -rooms he maintained an air of gloomy thought. - -"Whatever is troubling you, pard?" questioned Brad, when the professor -had retired to his room. - -"I am thinking of Flavia--poor Flavia," answered Dick. "Her situation -bothers me, Brad. I almost fear we made a mistake to-day." - -"I've been thinking some that same way," declared the Texan, springing -up and beginning to pace the floor with long strides. "I sure didn't -like old Augustus any, and Cavendish didn't hit me any too well. You -don't suppose that young snipe is fooling that girl, do you, Dick?" - -"That is a hard question to answer. There is something queer about this -affair. Flavia says Cavendish is going to take her to India, where her -father is; but still they met by accident on the Acropolis or near it. -If Cavendish was sent here by the father of Flavia, why didn't he come -direct to the girl?" - -"You tell!" - -"Sir Augustus is an old rascal, and from his manner I inferred that he -held the idea that Cavendish is crooked. Brad, if we have been -instrumental in getting that beautiful girl into trouble, instead of -helping her out of trouble, I'll never forgive myself." - -"What are we going to do, Dick?" asked the Texan, gravely. - -"Perhaps it is our duty to go to the headquarters of the Agents of Peace -and tell all about it." - -"And get up to our necks in trouble, sure as shooting." - -"I suppose so. Sir Augustus must have influence, for he got Cavendish -out of the jug in a hurry." - -"Filthy lucre did it, partner. It will do almost anything in these days. -Somehow I opine that old Tyrus doesn't rate very high in the family line -here, and it's likely good coin would cause the authorities to wink at -an intrigue between a gay young Englishman and a girl of poor family." - -At this moment Professor Gunn came prancing back into the room, very -much excited in manner. - -"I was sure of it!" he squawked, shaking a quivering finger in the air. -"I was sure I had heard of that old reprobate! I looked over my notes. -Boys, he's a miserable old rounder! He's a man with a bad record! He -ought to be in prison! He would be in prison if he had his just deserts! -He disgraced himself and his family in England! He left his own country -on account of his reputation. That's the kind of man he is." - -"Who are you talking about?" asked Dick. - -"Sir Augustus Camberwell," answered the professor. "And he's the friend -of Cavendish!" - -"Now we know how the land lays, partner," said Brad. - -Dick rose to his feet, catching up his hat and light topcoat. - -"Come, Buckhart," he said grimly. - -"What are you going to do?" - -"I'm going out to get some air. I'm afraid we have been chumps of the -chumpiest variety." - -"I'm with you," said the Texan. - -"Boys, boys, boys!" spluttered the professor. "I hope you are not going -to do anything more that is rash. I can't permit it. I must object. I -must put my foot down." - -"Don't worry about us, professor," said Dick. "I feel the need of a -brisk walk to cool off. My indignation is getting the better of me." - -Zenas hurried to the door. - -"You shall not go until you promise me you will do nothing rash," he -declared. "I shall not permit you to leave this room." - -Dick managed to appease and reassure him in a short time, and soon he -left the hotel, accompanied by his chum. - -"What's your plan, pard?" asked Brad, as soon as they were on the -street. - -"I'm going direct to Cavendish and Camberwell," said Dick. "Unless -Cavendish can satisfy me beyond the shadow of a doubt that his -intentions toward Flavia are perfectly honorable, I'll denounce him to -the authorities, and push the matter against him, even if I go to jail -myself for it!" - -"Whoop!" cried the Texan. "That's the stuff! We'll take to the warpath, -Dick, and there will be things doing in Athens. You hear me shout!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -THE PURSUIT. - - -Although it did not take them long to retrace their steps to the hotel -where they had left the Englishmen and the Greek girl, they met with a -most surprising disappointment when they arrived there. They were -informed that Cavendish, Camberwell, and Flavia had just left in a -closed carriage. The carriage was pointed out to them, just disappearing -down a street that seemed to lead toward the outskirts of the city. - -Only a moment was Dick Merriwell nonplused. Then he called for saddled -horses, and the money he displayed brought him the assurance that his -wants should be supplied. - -"Lose not a second," he ordered. "We must overtake that carriage." - -Buckhart was burning with impatience, but he bemoaned the fact that they -were not armed. - -"Oh, for a brace of revolvers now!" he cried. "If we had the guns we -certain would take that girl away from them." - -"We'll take her anyhow," declared Dick grimly. - -Brad did not ask how they were going to do it, for he had perfect -confidence in his bosom friend. If Dick said they would do a thing, that -settled it--it was as good as done. - -So it happened that in a very few moments the two daring American boys -were mounted and riding at a breathless gallop along the street of that -Greek city. - -The carriage had disappeared from view some time before, but the boys -kept on, hoping fortune might be with them. - -Not far from the outskirts of the city Dick paused to question some -laborers. One of the men could speak good English, and he immediately -declared that he remembered the carriage. He directed them, and they -were soon galloping onward once more. - -The street they now followed quickly brought them to the open country -outside the city. In the distance lay some low, rugged hills, which from -that point seemed rather barren and forbidding. The road led up a steep -incline. - -"Pard," said Brad, "I'm sure afraid we've missed them. We can't see -anything of them anywhere." - -"Perhaps we have," admitted Dick; "but let's get to the top of this hill -and take a survey." - -They clattered up the hill. Near the crest, the road wound round the -shoulder of an immense bowlder, which was fully as large as a small -cottage. - -Sitting on the ground with his back against the rock and his body in the -sunshine, being fully protected from the rather chill wind that swept -the top of the hill, was a ragged beggar. He held out his open palm to -them. - -"Drachma," he said. "Drachma." - -"Whatever does he mean by that?" asked Brad. - -"Money," said Dick. "Evidently he takes us for wealthy foreigners, else -he would not ask for drachma, which has a value of something like twenty -cents in our money." - -Dick produced a coin and tossed it shimmering toward the beggar, who -deftly caught it. - -Then the boy began to question him, using a little "modern Greek" and -many signs. The beggar was grateful and seemed anxious to understand and -aid Dick. He even rose to his feet and drew nearer. - -Dick sprang down from his horse, giving the bridle into the hand of his -companion. With his finger he swiftly drew a crude picture in a patch of -dust beside the road. It was the picture of a closed carriage. - -The beggar understood in a twinkling. He nodded excitedly, jabbering in -his own language and motioning for the boys to follow him. Turning, he -ran to the point where the road disappeared round the shoulder of the -bowlder, pausing again to beckon them on. - -Merriwell leaped into the saddle and the two lads rounded the rock at -the heels of the beggar. The man pointed along the road, and amid some -bare trees on a slope half a mile away the carriage was plainly seen, a -tiny cloud of dust rolling up behind it. - -"Whoop!" shouted Buckhart. "There she is, pard! We're still on the -trail!" - -They did not pause to thank the beggar, but were off down the hill, the -hoofs of their horses ringing clear on the hard and stony road. - -It was dangerous to ride as they rode, for that strip of road was -anything but good. Still they took chances and dashed onward. - -It seemed that some one in the carriage observed them, for they soon -decided that the horses attached to the vehicle had been forced to -greater speed. - -"But they can't get away from us now!" declared Dick grimly. - -"What will we do when we overtake them?" questioned Brad. - -"We'll hold them up and find out what they are trying to do with -Flavia." - -"It's a whole lot queer they were able to get away from that hotel and -out of the city without any of that bunch of Greeks interfering." - -"I've been thinking of that. After following them to the hotel, it seems -that Maro, Tyrus, and their friends quit." - -"I certain am afraid the Greek of to-day is a sure enough quitter." - -"Look, Brad--look at the road yonder!" - -"Horsemen, partner, and they're riding good and hard." - -For a few moments a number of horsemen were in plain sight on another -road, and it was plain that they were pushing their mounts. They soon -disappeared from view behind an intervening ridge. - -"They were Greeks," said Dick. - -"Sure thing." - -"The carriage has disappeared." - -"That's right." - -"Brad, I think the road those horsemen were following intersects this -road somewhere beyond that ridge." - -"I judge she does." - -"The occupants of that carriage could not see those horsemen." - -"Because the ridge shut out the view of the other road." - -"Exactly. But I think the horsemen knew the carriage must come round -that ridge at the western end, and I believe they mean to intercept it -where the roads cross." - -"Partner, I allow you have figured it out proper. That being the case----" - -"Tyrus and Maro are leading the horsemen." - -"I'll bet on it." - -"In which case there is liable to be bloodshed. Camberwell and Cavendish -may be butchered by the engaged uncle and lover." - -"That's whatever." - -"They may deserve it, but still it's our duty to prevent it, if -possible." - -Even while riding at full gallop the boys had managed to carry on this -conversation. But now, as they reached the last declivity of the road, -and were descending into the valley between the two ridges, Dick's horse -stepped on a loose stone and fell as if shot. - -Had not Merriwell been an expert horseman that accident might have been -fatal. He shot over the head of the horse, having managed to free his -feet from the stirrups with the quickness of thought itself. Striking on -his feet, he managed to keep up for two springs, and, when he did fall, -he regained an upright position and wheeled so swiftly that it was -almost impossible to say that he had been down at all. - -As the horse rose Dick had the creature by the bit and was talking -soothingly to it. - -Having uttered an exclamation of dismay, Buckhart reined in as soon as -possible and turned about. An expression of relief shot over his rugged -face as he saw his friend on his feet, holding the frightened horse by -the bit. - -"Good work!" shouted the delighted Texan. "It certain takes more than a -little thing like that to put you down and out, partner." - -Dick managed to fling himself into the saddle. As his feet found the -stirrups once more, he waved his hand to Buckhart. - -Brad wheeled his own horse as Merriwell came alongside, and they were -off again, making for the rise beyond the hollow. - -Dick, however, quickly made an unpleasant discovery. His horse had been -injured, and quickly showed signs of lameness as they struck the rise. -In fact, the creature limped and betrayed signs of distress, beginning -to fall back. - -"Hard luck, Brad!" said Dick. "The beast is hurt, and will be scarcely -able to hobble in a few moments." - -The other boy drew up somewhat, turning his head to anxiously regard his -friend's faltering mount. - -"That's right," he said. "At first I reckoned you both had come through -all right. If the horse is that lame as quick as this, it will be plumb -done up in ten minutes' time." - -"I'm afraid we won't be on hand when the pursuers stop that carriage. -Ten to one I'll ruin this horse if I try to push him." - -Always sympathetic for dumb beasts, Dick was hurt by every hobbling -stride of the animal he bestrode. - -"Keep him going, pard," urged the Texan. "This is a right desperate -case, and you'll not be to blame for the horse if he is ruined. I'm some -anxious to see that the Maid of Athens gets a fair deal in the game, and -I'm afraid the cards are stacked against her." - -So Dick urged the faltering horse onward, and they toiled up the road on -which they had last seen the closed carriage. - -Suddenly from beyond the ridge came electrifying sounds. The air bore to -their ears the distant barking of firearms. - -"I judge the scrimmage is on, Dick!" palpitated Buckhart. "The battle is -taking place and we're not in it. What a howling shame!" - -"Wait, Brad!" cried Dick. "I've got to quit this horse. Your animal must -carry us both." - -He leaped to the ground as the Texan pulled up. With another bound he -was up behind the Texan. The lame horse was abandoned. - -"Git!" cried Buckhart. - -The animal bearing the double burden responded nobly. Up the road and -round the shoulder of the ridge they went. - -The shooting had ceased as suddenly as it began. All was silent before -them. That silence was ominous. - -"I'm afraid we'll arrive too late," said Dick regretfully. - -Soon they were dashing down the road. To the left they caught a glimpse -of another brown highway, the one on which they had seen the galloping -horsemen. It was plain that the two roads met not far beyond. - -They had made no mistake in thinking it the purpose of those horsemen to -intercept the carriage. The sound of firearms had told them that the -meeting was not of a peaceful nature. Dick dreaded yet was anxious to -know the result. - -Beyond and beneath them was a gloomy hollow. But for the clatter -produced by their own horse, they might have heard the echo of hoofbeats -receding and dying out in the distance of that hollow. The nature of the -landscape concealed from their eyes the road that led through it and -into the rugged hills beyond. - -Soon they came dashing into view of the carriage they had pursued. It -was overthrown on its side. One of the two horses that had drawn it was -down. The driver had managed to clear the other animal, which was taking -all of his attention. He was the only human being in sight. As they came -on, he gave them an apprehensive look, seeming on the point of -abandoning the horse and taking to his heels. - -"There sure has been the old blazes to pay there, Dick!" cried Brad. - -All at once, as they drew near, out from the wreck of the carriage -leaped a puff of smoke. A pistol spoke and a bullet sung unpleasantly -near the boys. - -"Mighty bad shooting," observed the Texan. - -He flung the horse to a stand. Dick was the first to leap to the ground. -Advancing toward the carriage, peering forth from which he caught a -glimpse of an ashen face, he cried: - -"Let up on that carelessness! Are you trying to shoot up friends?" - -Immediately the head and shoulders of a man rose through a shattered -door of the carriage. - -It was Sir Augustus Camberwell, and his whole appearance was that of a -man so badly frightened that he was liable to do almost any freakish -thing. He held in his hand the pistol with which he had fired at the -approaching lads. A bit of smoke still curled from the muzzle of the -weapon. - -"Really is--is it you--my--my dear boys?" he chattered, seeming to shake -all over like a man with the palsy. "I--I thought it was--those ruffians -returned to--to finish me up, don't you understand." - -"Yes, we understand," said Dick. "You lost your wits completely. Lucky -for us that your hand shook so you couldn't hit a house when you fired." - -"I--I hope you will pardon me." - -"We'll have to. What's happened here?" - -"Ruffians, highwaymen, cutthroats dashed upon us! Shot down one of our -horses! Tried to murder me! Fell on Cavendish and dragged him forth! -Seized the girl! Upset the carriage! That's about all I know, don't you -know. I'm hurt. I fancy they thought me killed. I kept still. They left. -Cavendish is gone. Girl is gone. Confound the girl! She made all the -trouble. Cavendish was a fool! I told him so." - -"Why did you leave Athens?" - -"Dangerous there. Greeks followed us to hotel. Knew a quiet place in a -little village where Charlie and the girl could stay till he got ready -to quit his foolishness. Thought the Greeks had gone to notify the -authorities, and raise a row. Thought they were satisfied after they -found where we were stopping. Saw nothing of them. Improved the -opportunity to get away." - -It was not the habit of Sir Augustus to express himself clearly and -concisely, but his condition of nervousness seemed to jerk the words out -of him in an astonishingly crisp manner. - -"What do you mean by saying that Cavendish and the girl could stay in -your quiet little village until he quit his foolishness?" demanded Dick. -"Do you intend to convey the idea that he was not going to marry -Flavia?" - -"Marry her?" cried Camberwell. "How ridiculous! Why, he would disgrace -his family, don't you know!" - -Dick Merriwell's eyes blazed with anger. - -"Then it is evident at last that Charles Cavendish is as great a -scoundrel as Sir Augustus Camberwell!" he said, in deep disgust. - -"What, sir--what?" gasped the Englishman, in astonishment. "How dare you -use such language to me!" - -"Give it to him, pard!" advised Brad, who was standing near, holding the -horse. "Tell him a few things good and plain." - -"You got off too easily," said Dick. "They should have hanged you to the -limb of a tree--and Cavendish with you!" - -Sir Augustus choked and spluttered. - -"Do you know whom you're addressing?" he fumed. - -"Yes; I'm addressing an old reprobate--a miserable old toad! I know your -record, Camberwell. I know that you disgraced your family in England. I -know you have left a track of wretchedness and ruin behind you all -through life. And now you connive with a young reprobate to deceive an -innocent and trusting girl! You plot to break her heart and destroy her! -I cannot find words to tell you exactly what I do think of you. You -ought to get twenty years in a Greek prison--you and Cavendish." - -"Be careful!" snorted Sir Augustus, rising to his full height and -clambering forth from the smashed carriage, while he shook his pistol at -the daring American lad. "I have money and influence--and friends in -Greece." - -"I don't care what you have; you have entered into a dastardly plot, and -I hope to see you properly punished." - -"I knew nothing of it to begin with," averred the Englishman. "Charlie -sent for me. I was his father's friend. Of course, I brought my -influence to bear to have him released. I had no part in forging the -letter. That was done before I knew Cavendish was in Athens. The girl -knew the letter was forged. Don't think she is such an innocent -little----" - -"That's enough!" blazed Dick, taking a step toward the man. - -Involuntarily Sir Augustus lifted the hand that contained the pistol. -Like a flash the boy grasped the weapon, turned its muzzle aside and -wrenched it from the grasp of the Englishman. - -"You're not fit to handle such dangerous playthings," he said. - -Brad had made a move to assist Dick, but he stopped, a grim smile on his -face, for he saw his friend needed no aid. - -"Why--why, you're worse than the ruffians!" gasped Sir Augustus. - -"Look here," said the fearless American boy, "you had better keep a -decent tongue in your vile mouth! Don't say a nasty word about Flavia, -unless you're anxious to get hurt. Cavendish is a rascal, like yourself. -He has led her to believe it is his intention to marry her. There is no -question about that, for she told us so. She has fled from Maro, who -would have married her any day, to this English reprobate, who only -means to deceive her. But I fancy that Cavendish will get all that's -coming to him, for doubtless both Maro and Tyrus, the uncle of the girl, -are with the band that dropped on you here. It is mighty doubtful if you -ever set eyes on Charles Cavendish again." - -"If they dare injure him they'll suffer for it!" cried the Englishman. -"If they are wise, they'll set him free without delay. I hope they do -keep the girl, for he's crazy over her, and I can't swear he wouldn't be -foolish enough to marry her." - -Dick turned in disgust from Camberwell to the driver, who stood looking -down mournfully at the dead horse. - -"Can you speak English?" asked Merriwell. - -"I spik it well," was the answer. - -"Who attacked you here?" - -"It was Donatus." - -"Who is Donatus?" - -"You never hear of him?" - -"No." - -"He outlaw. One time Suliote chief. Price on his head." - -"And this outlaw, Donatus, led the men who attacked you here?" - -"I have said it." - -"How did he happen to be so near the city?" - -The driver shook his head. - -"Some time he come into city. See hills yonder. He stay there much. -Think he go there now. Take Englishman. Englishman have friends perhaps. -They pay Donatus well if ever see him 'live again." - -"It's right evident," said Buckhart, "that Mr. Cavendish is in a very -bad scrape." - -"As he richly deserves to be," declared Dick. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -DONATUS, THE SULIOTE. - - -Amid the wild and rugged Grecian hills lay a sheltered and secluded -valley. Indeed, this valley was so secluded that a wandering traveler -might chance upon it only by the rarest accident. All things favored the -probability that he would pass near without ever dreaming of its -existence. - -It was night, and in this valley a fire burned, casting its shifting -lights on the faces of a small band of men. In all there were eight. -Kirtled, bearded, unkempt, picturesque ruffians they were, every man of -them fully armed and looking the thorough desperado and cutthroat. - -They lounged about the fire in various attitudes, with the exception of -one who, at a little distance, walked back and forth in front of the -black mouth of a cave. The latter was a guard. - -The night wind had a chill in it, and they drew their robes about them, -moving yet a little nearer the fire. - -Two of them seemed unprepared to spend any time at night in lying before -a fire in the open air, for they were unprotected save by their ordinary -clothes. One was a man of forty-five, the other a youth of twenty-one. - -The first was Tyrus Helorus; the second Maro Veturia. Finally the young -man spoke to the other in a low tone. - -"It is now nightfall, and there can be no further danger that possible -pursuers might see us leaving this place. Let us be going." - -"Be patient," answered Tyrus, in the same guarded tone. "When he is -willing that we should depart, my friend, Donatus, will speak. He is -buried in thought now." - -As he said this, he shifted his position slightly in order to observe -the figure of a bearded man that reclined on his elbow almost opposite -them, gazing straight into the changing flames. The figure was massive, -yet graceful. The curling beard was dark, as were the eyes. His face was -that of one used to command. It was cruel, yet in a way strikingly -handsome. - -This was the man who called himself Donatus and who dared lead his -lawless band to the very gates of Athens. Indeed, for all of the price -on his head, it was said he often entered the city unaccompanied. - -Donatus was a Suliote, at one time a chief, but robbed of his power by -the government which refused to recognize his authority and which -dispersed and intimidated his followers. In vain he had sought to return -to the old ways of living. Being baffled, he became an outlaw indeed, -preying on his fellow men. With the exception of Tyrus and Maro, these -were his followers. - -"I like not that look on his face," muttered Maro. "I don't know why I -fancy it, but I'll swear he is thinking of my Flavia this minute." - -"Hush!" cautioned Tyrus, in alarm. "Be careful what you say, if you -value your life!" - -Suddenly, like a flash of lightning, the dark eyes of Donatus were -lifted and fastened inquiringly upon them. - -"Why speak in whispers, Tyrus, my friend?" he demanded, using the Romaic -speech, with which he did not seem wholly familiar. "If you have -anything to utter, you need not fear to speak out." - -Instantly Tyrus would have risen, but the chief made a gesture that bade -him remain as he was. - -"We did not wish to disturb you, chief," asserted the elder Greek: "It -was plain you were buried in thought." - -"I was. I was thinking of my youth and of my home far from this spot. -For some time I have longed to return there, Tyrus; but I have not -wished to go empty-handed." - -"By the stories they tell of you, you should have riches to-day." - -Donatus made a slight, careless gesture with his hand. - -"Who gets money as I have and keeps it?" he said. "It is a desperate and -precarious life, Tyrus, and the rewards do not compensate for the -dangers. I came to Athens to seek certain men of influence to interpose -in my behalf and seek for me a pardon, with the understanding that I -should forever abandon the life I have led in recent years. Chance threw -me in with you, a friend who once concealed me when armed enemies were -close on my track. I promised you then that if the opportunity ever came -Donatus would repay the debt. You appealed to me in your distress, -saying the Englishmen had stolen your niece. - -"I called some of my followers, who in disguise had entered the city -with me. If you had advised it, we would have attacked the Englishmen -then and taken the girl from them. But you were afraid, Tyrus, that it -would create an uproar, and as a result that it must become generally -known that you had consorted with Donatus, the outlaw. You said wait, -and we waited. Fortune came our way, for the Englishmen fancied they saw -their opportunity to escape with the girl, and they lost no time in -trying it. We were watching every move, and they played the game to suit -us when they hastened with the girl from the city. In the open country -we could work, and we did work. One poor fool of an Englishman we left -on the road, permitting him to think he had deceived us, while, at your -suggestion, we took the other one. He is now a prisoner in the cave -yonder, where also the girl is safely stored. - -"I am sorry, Tyrus, that I could not please you and your young friend by -cutting the young Englishman's throat. Had I known that was why you -wished me to carry him off, I might have left him behind with the old -fool who played that he had been killed, when we took good care to kill -nothing save a horse. But now I am glad that we took the trouble, for -one of my men tells me he is the son of an aristocrat and that the man -we left behind is rich. It is well. A satisfactory ransom must be paid -before the young Englishman is set at liberty. Thus through a friendly -act I shall be able to turn an honest coin. Already I have dispatched a -faithful fellow who bears a message to the other Englishman, stating -that when I have received ten thousand drachmas I will set my captive -free." - -"If you get it, you will not return empty-handed to your home," said -Tyrus. - -"It was not of money I was thinking when I spoke thus," asserted -Donatus. "I am getting on in years. Long have I dreamed of an ideal who -should make my home complete by sharing it with me. This day I saw her." - -"A woman?" - -"The flower of Greece! I was thinking of her as I gazed into the fire." - -The hands of Maro suddenly closed and a wild light came into his eyes. -He rose to his feet. - -"Chief," he said, boldly addressing the Suliote, "if we do not return to -Athens ere another dawn, suspicion will fall on us. We must be going." - -"Would you depart so soon? Shall I send one of my men to conduct you and -show you the way?" - -"If you will." - -The brigand leader rose. There was a pantherish grace in every move, in -spite of the fact that he was a large man. He spoke to one of the band, -and the fellow sprang up. - -"Bion, bring horses for my friends and conduct them on the way until -they are safely on the road to the city." - -In a few minutes Bion returned from the darkness, leading two saddled -horses. The chief explained that the man would accompany them on foot, -being a fleet runner. - -Maro had become very nervous. Now he demanded: - -"Where is the third horse?" - -"The third?" questioned Donatus. "There are but two of you." - -"You have forgotten Flavia?" - -"Indeed not. I have remembered her well." - -Maro was pale, holding his excitement in check with difficulty. - -"Then I will walk and she shall ride," he said. "Have her brought." - -Barely a moment did Donatus hesitate, and then he gave the order that -the girl be brought. - -Soon one of the men conducted her from the cave before the mouth of -which the guard paced. She was almost deathly white. Her eyes were wide -with fear, but she pressed her lips together and tried to retain command -of herself. - -Never in all her life had Flavia looked more beautiful than at that -moment. Donatus folded his arms on his broad chest and gazed at her with -a singular expression in his eyes. - -"Maid," he said, "your uncle and your lover are about to depart. Your -lover has demanded that you shall accompany him. Are you ready to go?" - -"Come, Flavia!" cried Maro, holding out his hands to her. - -She shrank from him. - -"No!" she cried; "I do not wish to go with you! I will not go with you!" - -With a single stride Donatus reached her and placed his left arm about -her with almost crushing fierceness. His other hand he flung out toward -Maro. - -"You have her answer!" he said. "She remains, and you go without her!" - -With a cry of terror, Flavia tried to break from the powerful arm that -clasped her. This she could not have accomplished of her own strength, -but Donatus released her, and she reeled away. - -Maro sprang forward to support her, but she saw him and whirled in a -twinkling, rushing back to the protection of the brigand chief, who -smiled as he again clasped her with his arm. - -"She has made her choice," he said. And then in a voice unintelligible -to them he added: "I shall not return empty-handed to my home!" - -Maro was distracted. He clutched Tyrus by the arm, panting: - -"Is this your friend? Is this the man whose life you saved? See how he -repays you!" - -Tyrus was greatly agitated. - -"Donatus," he said entreatingly, "have you forgotten? She is my niece. -It is I who have the right to take her." - -"For years," said the chief, "I have dreamed of her face. To-day I saw -it for the first time." - -"But it is not because of you she chooses to stay. She does not -understand. She does not know you mean to keep her for yourself. It is -the Englishman of whom she thinks." - -"She will forget him soon when he is gone. With the money I shall secure -through him I may buy my pardon. She shall be mine!" - -Now Flavia did understand, and once more she struggled for her freedom, -crying out in her horror of them all. - -At this juncture, from some distant part of the valley, came startling -sounds. Several pistol shots were fired in rapid succession. In a -twinkling every brigand was on his feet, their weapons ready. - -Donatus had wheeled toward the sounds, which ceased as suddenly as they -began. - -Behind the chief's back Maro seized the girl, hissing into her ear: - -"Foolish Flavia! Will you give yourself up to this brigand? Do not think -he will let the Englishman have you. He means to keep you for himself." - -She stood like one turned to stone, unable to decide what should be -done. In that moment she seemed so beset and entangled that there was no -possible escape for her. She could not depart and leave Cavendish in -that dark hole, yet if she remained she might be forced to become the -bride of Donatus, the brigand. - -Maro was likewise in a fearful state of mind. Suddenly he snatched out a -pistol and threatened her with it. - -"I had rather kill you with my own hand than leave you to either of -them!" he hissed. - -She clutched the pistol in his hand with both of her hands and sought to -wrest it from him. In the struggle it was discharged. - -Donatus, the Suliote, gave a great start and then his legs buckled -beneath him and he fell prone to the ground. - -Instantly Maro relaxed his hold on the pistol and sprang away. When the -brigands who remained by the fire turned to look they saw their chief -stretched on the ground, while the smoking pistol was clutched in the -hands of the horror-stricken girl. - -Instantly they were upon her. They wrested the weapon from her and -pinned her arms at her side. One knelt beside the chief and made a hasty -search for the wound. - -"Kill her!" snarled a little ruffian, flourishing a knife. "Cut her -throat! She has slain Donatus!" - -He made a slash with the gleaming blade, as if he would sweep it across -the throat of the girl. - -It was the voice of Donatus that checked them and kept them from doing -her fatal harm. He had lifted himself to his elbow. - -"Hold!" he commanded, in the tone none dared disobey. "Hold her fast, -but harm no hair on her head. Where is Ruteni? Let him see how badly I -am wounded. Place her in the cave and guard her well." - -Then Flavia managed to drag those who had clutched her until she was -near enough to sink on her knees beside the wounded and bleeding -brigand. - -"Oh, I did not mean to do it!" she sobbed. "Believe me, I did not mean -it! I tried to wrest the weapon from Maro, and it was discharged." - -The face of Donatus, outcast and wretch that he was, lighted with a -great look of relief. With an effort, he lifted a hand and touched her -tangled hair. - -"I believe you, Flavia," he said. "You shall not be harmed. You shall -remain with the Englishman." - -Then he gave a few low-spoken orders, and Maro saw Flavia led away -toward the cave. - -"Where is Ruteni?" again demanded Donatus. "Am I to bleed to death for -need of a little care?" - -Soon the man called for came running from the darkness and dropped -beside the chief. He carried on his person a leather case, containing -some instruments and bandages, and he began at once to look after the -wound by the light of the camp fire. - -"What was the firing I heard, Ruteni?" asked the chief. - -"Some one succeeded in passing the guards at the entrance to the valley, -chief." - -"Succeeded?" said Donatus, as if he could not believe it. "How many of -them?" - -"Only one. He was crawling on his stomach like a serpent when they saw -him and fired. He sprang up and ran." - -"Into the valley?" - -"Into the valley, chief. But he is only one, and he cannot escape. They -will capture him." - -"Who could it be? Who would dare attempt such a thing? Ruteni, how badly -am I wounded?" - -"I fear it is serious," was the answer. - -Water had been brought, and a few of Donatus' band were watching the -work of Ruteni, seeming benumbed and dazed by what had happened. The -chief saw them and said: - -"Go! Help search for the one who entered the valley. Bring him hither, -dead or alive. I am still your chief, and shall be as long as I -breathe." - -The men obeyed at once, and besides Donatus and Ruteni only Maro and -Tyrus were left by the fire. - -The guard still paced before the dark mouth of the cave, in which Flavia -had once more been placed. - -"It is now our time!" whispered Maro, in the ear of Tyrus. "I have -recovered my pistol, and you are armed. Here are the saddled horses. -Donatus is helpless. If necessary, we can slay Ruteni and the guard, and -we can be away with Flavia before the others return." - -Tyrus grasped the wrist of his desperate companion. - -"I think too much of my life to try it," he declared. "If you attempt -that, you do it alone, and you will be slain. Do not be a fool!" - -Finally there was a great commotion in another portion of the valley. A -single shot was fired, but shouts of triumph came faintly through the -darkness. - -"They have captured the spy!" said the chief, with a smile of -satisfaction on his ashen face. "Are you done, Ruteni?" - -"I have done everything possible, chief. The wound is in your lung. If -you do not bleed internally----" - -"If I do--what?" - -"I fear you'll not see the rising of another sun," was the frank answer. - -"And to-day, for the first time, I gazed on the face of the maid of my -dreams. Do all dreams end in disappointment? Ruteni, roll me a -cigarette." - -The man had placed a robe, on which Donatus reclined. Ruteni rolled a -cigarette and placed it between the bearded lips. Then he struck a match -and lighted it. - -Donatus drew in a whiff of smoke and coughed. A fleck of blood appeared -on his lips. - -"Take it, Ruteni," he said sadly, surrendering the cigarette. "Throw it -away. I cannot smoke. To-day I found the one of my dreams. Am I to die -thus soon by her hand?" - -Some of the brigands came marching out of the darkness, bringing in -their midst a prisoner, his hands made fast behind his back. He was a -mere boy, with a tanned and rugged face and a fearless manner. - -"Is this the spy?" asked Donatus, in surprise, as the captive stood near -the fire. "Who is he?" - -"I know who he is!" cried Maro furiously. "Only for him and that other -American all this trouble would not have come, for we should have -captured Flavia this morning. I entreat the privilege of slaying him -with my own hand!" - -The captive was Brad Buckhart. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -IN THE CAVE. - - -As he spoke those fierce words, the young Greek drew a knife. His face -was convulsed with passion and hatred for this daring American boy who, -he believed, had caused him so much trouble. He longed to rush at Brad -and stab him to the heart. - -The manner of the Greek was enough to warn the Texan of his danger. - -"Whoop!" cried Brad. "If the gent is anxious to enter into a carving -contest, just give me a toadsticker and I'll show him my style. I opine -I can interest him some." - -Donatus weakly waved his hand. - -"I am wearied," he said. "I must rest. When I have rested I will say -what shall be done. Until that time, place the boy in the cave." - -"But, chief, he is----" - -The wounded brigand cut Maro short with a flashing look from his still -terrible eyes. - -"What I have said I have said," he declared. "Those who dare disobey me -invite destruction." - -Then, as directed by him, Buckhart was marched away to the cave, before -which the guard still paced to and fro. - -Maro sank down, his face wearing a look of bitter disappointment. Tyrus -squatted beside him, whispering in his ear: - -"Be content that your life is still spared, boy. It was in wrenching the -pistol from you that Flavia caused the accidental shooting of Donatus. I -feared you would be slain for that. The girl, the Englishman, and the -hated American boy are in the cave. They are guarded. Donatus is sorely -wounded and may die. Pray the gods that we may escape with our lives." - -"And is this Donatus the man you befriended?" exclaimed Maro bitterly. - -"Hush, you fool!" warned Tyrus; but the eyes of Donatus were closed and -he seemed to be sleeping. - -Brad Buckhart had looked around for Flavia and Cavendish. In the -blackness of the cave he could see nothing. The men who escorted him -left him, after warning him that he would be shot down the moment he -tried to step forth, unless given permission to do so. - -Then they departed. He saw their forms silhouetted for a moment against -the glow of the fire as they passed from the mouth of the cave. Then the -guard's dark figure paced slowly across the opening. - -"Well, here I am!" muttered the Texan. "I sure opine I'm in a right bad -scrape, and I'll have to depend hugely on my pard to pull me out." - -"It is indeed a bad scrape you are in," said the voice of a person near -at hand in the darkness of the place. "How in the world did you get -here?" - -"Hello!" cried the Texan, in surprise and satisfaction. "Is that your -gentle warble I hear, Cavendish?" - -"Yes, I am Charles Cavendish, a free-born Englishman, here held captive -by these dirty Greek brigands! Some one will pay dearly for it, too!" - -"Fighting mad, I see," half chuckled Buckhart. "Well, old man, this -comes of monkeying round the Maid of Athens." - -"The Maid of Athens? What are you doing, quoting Byron?" - -"I opine it was Byron that made me call her that, and I'll bet a bunch -of Texas longhorns that Byron's maid wasn't any prettier than Flavia." - -"Do you understand that, Flavia?" questioned the voice of Cavendish. -"Did you catch the compliment of this devil-may-care youngster who is in -the trap with us?" - -"I hear heem," was the answer, in a voice that made Brad start! "same -time the English is hard to comprehen'." - -The Texan whistled. - -"So Flavia is here with us, eh? And Maro outside! I don't quite -understand it." - -Cavendish explained as well as he could. - -"I fancy I came near being shot," he went on, "when I saw that Greek -ruffian catch Flavia in his arms. They warned me I'd be shot down the -moment I thrust my nose out of this cave, yet my blood boiled when he -clasped her. However, he kept her from Maro, and now he's in a bad way -himself. Boy, I fear you and I will not live to see the rising of -another sun. I fear these ruffians will cut our throats. As for Flavia, -my soul shudders when I think what may become of her." - -"It shudders some, does it?" said Buckhart, with a touch of unspeakable -scorn. "Well, I opine you see now, Mr. Cavendish, what a long-eared -jackass you made of yourself by fooling round an innocent girl in this -country. You sure brought it on yourself by trying to deceive her." - -In the gloom of the cave Cavendish stirred suddenly, and Brad fancied he -could see the figure of the man risen to a standing attitude. - -"Why do you say that?" hotly demanded the young Englishman. "Deceive -Flavia? How dare you accuse me of such a thing!" - -"Steady, you!" growled the Texan, not a bit abashed by the evident rage -of the other. "I want you to know that my pard and myself have seen and -talked with that blear-eyed old reprobate, Sir Augustus Camberwell. We -found him in the midst of the wreckage after the brigands jumped you on -the trail. He was so nervous he was ready to shoot at his own shadow. We -chinned him some, and he gave it to us straight that the whole affair -was brought about because you met the girl by accident and took a fancy -to fool her some. He allowed you never had the least idea of marrying -her." - -Flavia had listened to all this and understood it. Now she uttered a cry -and clutched at the young Englishman. - -"Charlee!" she gasped; "Charlee, it is not true?" - -Cavendish placed his arm about her waist and drew her close to him. - -"It is not true, sweetheart!" he declared, with deep earnestness. "I -must confess that Sir Augustus thought so, for he could not understand -that I, a son of the house of Cavendish, could possibly mean to treat in -an honorable manner a poor Greek girl of no family whatever. I tried to -tell him that I was in earnest, but I found that he would turn against -me the moment he believed it, and do everything in his power to separate -us. The only way to obtain his assistance, which I needed very much, was -to let him believe I was playing the scoundrel in this manner. That is -why I permitted him to think so." - -Needless to say Brad Buckhart had listened with deep interest to these -words. He now stepped forward and his hand found Cavendish's shoulder. - -"How about that forged letter?" he asked. - -"I confess it was forged," was the instant answer. "I met Flavia by -accident and fell in love with her at first sight. She tells me that she -loved me the moment her eyes met mine. We met several times, and she -told me of Maro, and how her uncle was trying to force her into a -hateful union with the fellow. We knew Tyrus Helorus would be enraged if -I simply presented myself and stated that I wanted Flavia for my wife, -so we concocted a scheme we fancied might work. Flavia told me all about -her father, where he was in India and all that. I secured the service of -an expert with the pen, and the rascal forged a letter purporting to be -from Flavia's father. The letter introduced me to Tyrus, who was -directed to deliver Flavia into my care, as I would take her to her -father in India." - -"That was some slick," commented Brad. - -"But it didn't work with Tyrus," said Cavendish. "The old man smelled a -rat, you know. He pretended to think it all right, and he promised that -Flavia should prepare for the journey. But he whisked her away and hid -her from me. I found her, and then he had me arrested on some sort of a -complaint. I was locked up, you understand, and I'd be there now only -for Sir Augustus, who used his influence to get me out. That's how I -became tangled up with him, don't you know. And now here we are. What -the deuce are we going to do?" - -Brad found Cavendish's hand in the darkness and gave it a hearty grip. - -"Even if I am in a right tight predicament myself," he said, "I'm sure -glad my pard and I concluded, after leaving Sir Augustus, to try to find -out what had happened to Flavia and you. Cavendish, we may all go over -the range into the unknown country beyond, but the jig's not up, by a -long shot." - -The Texan lowered his voice to a whisper. - -"Listen: My pard and I both got into this valley, though I was the only -one seen. If those cutthroats hadn't been miserable bad shots, I'd been -peppered full of holes. They shot all round me. Then something tripped -me as I was scooting, and they had me before I could recover. Here I am; -but Dick Merriwell is somewhere out in the valley, and I'll wager every -hoof on the Bar Z that we hear from him before morning. You want to hold -yourself ready to move a whole lot lively when he takes a hand in the -game, for he plays his cards to win and makes no false moves. You hear -me chirp!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -OUT OF THE TOILS. - - -The mists of early night had dissolved in the valleys. Above the hills -the pale stars glittered as the night wore on. Donatus, the Suliote, -still reclined by the fire, his head pillowed on the saddle. Over him a -faithful follower had spread a blanket to protect him from the cool -night air. - -The fire sank lower. Even Maro, with his heart of fire, had at last -fallen into slumber. - -The guard who had passed before the mouth of the cave, now unreached by -the firelight, seemed grown weary, for he made his beat with less -frequence and regularity. Once he disappeared for such a length of time -that Buckhart was tempted, for all of the danger of being shot, to peer -forth. But before the Texan brought himself to the point of risking the -peril the guard reappeared, a blanket wrapped about him, pacing with -slow step across the opening. - -Flavia slept, her head pillowed on Cavendish's lap. The Englishman had -removed his coat and spread it over her. - -"Poor girl!" he muttered, as he did so. "It's a beastly shame! She'll -get her death in this blooming hole!" - -"Death isn't the worst thing that can happen to her," said the Texan, in -a whisper. "But we'll hope for better luck. Cavendish, I'm sure afraid -something has happened to my pard. I'm afraid to wait longer for him to -move. Are you in for taking a chance?" - -"What sort of a chance?" - -"A desperate one. The band is asleep, though they're all sleeping with -weapons in their hands. The guard seems to be the only one awake, and I -judge he's half asleep." - -"Go on." - -"We'll creep close to the mouth of the cave. The fire is down so it no -longer shines in at the opening, and we can get right close without -being seen. When the guard passes, we'll jump him. I'll try to get him -by the woozle and shut off his wind so he can't peep. We'll have to move -a whole lot hasty, and if he raises any sort of a racket to awaken the -others, it will be a run for our lives, with bullets chasing us. But -remember that the gang shoot mighty bad. What do you say?" - -"Flavia?" - -"Of course we'll take her. You'll have to explain it to her." - -"She may be killed when they begin to shoot?" - -"Better that than for her to be carried off by these cutthroats." - -Cavendish shuddered. The thought of placing the beautiful girl in such -peril of instant death was horrible to him. He bent in the darkness and -gently kissed her parted lips. - -"Charlee!" she murmured. - -"With my life I'll protect you!" he whispered. - -"Wake her," urged Brad impatiently. He had resolved on action, and every -moment seemed precious now. - -Cavendish kissed her again and then gently aroused her. She was -frightened at first, but he succeeded in soothing her. - -"You are with me, Flavia," he said. - -"My Charlee!" - -"Yes." - -"Oh, I dream such terrible thing!" - -"Tell her our plan," directed Brad. - -Cavendish did so. - -"You may be kill, Charlee!" she whispered, in terror. - -"It is the only chance. We must try it. Remain here, Flavia, while we -creep close to the mouth of the cave and attempt to overpower the guard. -If we fail and he raises an outcry, we will knock him down at least, and -try to secure his weapons. If you see us do that, come quickly and be -prepared to run with us into the darkness. Are you brave, Flavia?" - -"You make me brafe, Charlee. You brafest, bes' man in whole world!" - -Even as he closed her loving lips with another kiss a surprising thing -happened. Brad saw the guard halt at the mouth of the cave and look -intently toward the dying fire and the dimly seen sleepers about it. -Then the fellow stepped into the cave! - -The Texan gathered himself panther-like for the spring. - -"Hist!" - -The guard had paused, and from his lips came a sibilant sound. - -"Englishman here? American boy here?" he asked, in a whisper. - -"Whatever does this mean?" thought Buckhart, hesitating. - -"Other American boy send me," declared the guard. "He have horses ready. -He pay me to help. I am sic' being outlaw. He gif me drachma 'nough to -make me rich. I leaf this countree, lif hones' some other countree. I -help you 'scape. You come now! Quick!" - -"Great horn spoon!" breathed the Texan. "My pard has made a move! I knew -he would! Oh, he's a bird, you bet your boots! But I don't see how he -worked the trick of bribing the guard." - -"Don't be fool!" hissed the man. "No time for waste! Come now!" - -He found Brad and thrust a weapon into his hand. - -"Perhap' have fight," he said. - -The Texan doubted no longer, for his fingers gripped the butt of a -pistol. - -"Come, Cavendish!" he palpitated. "Here is where we prance forth and -trust to fortune and the sagacity of Dick Merriwell, the cleverest chap -on two legs. You hear me gurgle!" - -They followed the stooping, muffled guard. The moment they were outside -the mouth of the cave he turned sharply to the right and hastened into -the enfolding gloom. They kept at his heels. - -They had not gone far when Buckhart espied a prostrate figure on the -ground. It seemed like a dead man, and the Texan paused, not a little -startled. - -"What's this?" he whispered. - -"He tied, gagged, make no trouble," explained the guard. "I take care of -that. Horses ready this way." - -A loud cry rose behind them. They turned in alarm, but saw in the dim -firelight a man bending over the prostrate figure of the chief, who had -seemed to be sleeping. - -That cry brought the brigands to their feet. The fire was stirred up. -They saw Ruteni kneeling beside Donatus. - -"He is dead!" declared Ruteni sorrowfully. "While we thought him -sleeping, he died!" - -Maro and Tyrus were looking on. They saw the brigands gather sorrowfully -about their dead leader. A look of great satisfaction rested on the face -of the young Greek, and, seeing this, Tyrus hastily advised him to -conceal his feelings. - -After a little, Maro asked that the captives should be brought from the -cave. - -Two of the brigands hastened to bring them forth, but quickly they -reappeared, declaring that the captives were not there. - -Snarling forth his fury, Maro caught a brand from the replenished fire -and dashed into the cave. He was gone but a few moments when he -reappeared, almost frothing in his madness. - -"I have been deceived!" he cried. "While I slept you dogs stole Flavia -away. Miserable, crawling things, where is she? Bring her to me without -delay, or I swear I'll see that you all are delivered over to justice!" - -One of the brigands swiftly approached him. - -"You threaten us!" he said--"you, whose pistol slew our chief! I saw it -all! But for your weapon Donatus would be living now. This for Donatus!" - -Like a stroke of lightning he drove his knife into Maro's bosom. - - * * * * * - -The valley was left far behind. The stars were beginning to pale. Still -that muffled figure astride the horse in advance led them on. - -They had trusted him. He had led them to the waiting and saddled horses, -and he had led them from the valley, near the entrance to which another -dark figure lay prone, but squirmed and rolled to get away from the -hoofs of the passing horses. - -But Brad Buckhart could stand it no longer. He urged his horse to the -side of the mysterious figure, about whose shoulders the robe flapped in -the wind. - -"Hold on here, you!" cried the Texan. "You told us my pard had bribed -you, but we reckoned we would combine with him a heap soon after leaving -that cave. Where is he?" - -"When we leave cave you see man on ground, tied, gagged, still?" - -"Sure thing." - -"That not him. You see 'nother man when we ride out from vallee?" - -"Yes." - -"That not him. First man guard cave; other one guard vallee. American -boy say him lif with Injun in America. Him creep on both. Jump on backs. -Fix them. Tie fast and gag. Old Joe Crowfoot teach American boy trick. -Him take clothes from both men all he need. Brigands see him then in -dark think him one of them. You want see American boy? Ha! ha! ha!" - -"May I be shot!" growled the disgusted Texan. "I'm the biggest fool -outside the bughouse, you hear me!" - -Then, with a swift movement, he reached out, caught at the muffling robe -and jerked it away, flinging it aside. - -The gray light of dawn was in the eastern sky toward which the face of -the supposed guard was turned. It was a laughing face, that of a daring -American boy--Dick Merriwell! - -"Brad, you're easy," he cried. - -"Dead easy!" admitted Buckhart. "But you're a wonder!" - -They looked back. Cavendish and Flavia had permitted their horses to -slow down. Their figures could be seen against the pearl gray of the -sky. He leaned toward her--she leaned toward him--their lips met. - -Dick and Brad were too far away to hear her whisper: - -"My Charlee!" - -THE END. - - - - -HAND BOOKS - -We have a line of the best and cleanest hand books ever published. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: Dick Merriwell Abroad - The Ban of the Terrible Ten - - -Author: Burt L. Standish - - - -Release Date: January 12, 2013 [eBook #41827] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK MERRIWELL ABROAD*** - - -E-text prepared by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading -Team (http://www.pgdp.net) - - - -DICK MERRIWELL ABROAD - -Or - -The Ban of the Terrible Ten - -by - -BURT L. STANDISH - -Author of the celebrated "Merriwell" stories, which are -the favorite reading of over half a million up-to-date -American boys. Catalogue sent free upon request. - - - - - - - -Street & Smith, Publishers -79-89 Seventh Ave., New York City - -Copyright, 1904 and 1905 -By Street & Smith - -Dick Merriwell Abroad - -All rights reserved, including that of translation -into foreign languages, including the Scandinavian. - - - - -CONTENTS - - I. THE STORY OF QUEEN MARY. - II. THE MEETING AT THE CASTLE. - III. AT BEN CLEUCH INN. - IV. BUDTHORNE'S STRUGGLE. - V. LIKE A BIRD OF EVIL OMEN. - VI. BUNOL'S PLOT. - VII. DONE BENEATH THE STARS. - VIII. BUNOL MAKES HIS DEMAND. - IX. THE FIGHT IN THE CASTLE. - X. THE HAUNTS OF ROBIN HOOD. - XI. THE SPANIARD AGAIN. - XII. THE STRUGGLE. - XIII. PROFESSOR GUNN'S WILD RIDE. - XIV. AN EXCITING CHASE. - XV. THE HAUNTED MILL. - XVI. SUNSET ON THE GRAND CANAL. - XVII. THE RING OF IRON. - XVIII. WHEN STEEL MEETS STEEL. - XIX. THE BURSTING OF THE DOOR. - XX. THE OATH OF TERESA. - XXI. THE LAST STROKE. - XXII. BEFORE THE PARTHENON. - XXIII. FIGHTING BLOOD OF AMERICA. - XXIV. MARO AND TYRUS. - XXV. TWO ENGLISHMEN. - XXVI. WAS IT A MISTAKE? - XXVII. THE PURSUIT. - XXVIII. DONATUS, THE SULIOTE. - XXIX. IN THE CAVE. - XXX. OUT OF THE TOILS. - - - - -DICK MERRIWELL ABROAD. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE STORY OF QUEEN MARY. - - -"Well, here we are, boys, in Scotland, the land of feuds, of clans, of -Wallace, Bruce, Scott, Burns, and of limitless thrilling stories and -legends." - -Professor Zenas Gunn was the speaker. With Dick Merriwell and Brad -Buckhart, Merriwell's friend and former roommate at the Fardale Military -Academy, as his traveling companions, he had landed at Leith the -previous day, having come by steamer from London. The three were now in -Edinburgh, strolling down High Street on their way to visit Holyrood -Castle. - -It was nipping cold. There had been a light fall of snow; but the sun -was shining, and the clear air, in strong contrast to the heavy, smoky -atmosphere of London, gave them a feeling of lightness and exhilaration. - -Perhaps it is not quite true to say it gave them all such a feeling, for -there was an expression of disappointment on the face of the boy from -Texas, a slight cloud of gloom that nothing seemed to dispel. - -The old professor, however, was in high spirits. - -"While we're here, boys," he said, "we'll visit as many of the -interesting places as possible. Already we have seen Scott's monument, -and to-morrow we will make an excursion to Melrose, and visit Melrose -Abbey and Abbotsford. Later on, perhaps, we'll run over to Loch Lomond -and see Rob Roy's prison and the cottage where Helen MacGregor, Rob -Roy's wife, was born. At Stirling we'll feast our eyes on the Wallace -Monument, which stands on the spot where the great hero defeated -England's army of invasion. Think what it will mean to stand on the -field of Bannockburn! - -"The English army, my boys, numbered one hundred thousand, while the -Scots were less than forty thousand. But Scotland had not forgotten the -terrible death of Wallace, who had been captured, carried to London, -condemned to die, hanged, cut down while yet alive, to have portions of -his body burned, and at last to be decapitated, his head being afterward -placed on a pole on London Bridge. The Scottish army of forty thousand -was led by the successor and avenger of Wallace, Robert Bruce, who -achieved the marvelous object of driving the invaders from the country, -fighting on until nowhere did an English foot crush the heather of -Scotland. - -"Ah! boys, these tales of heroism are the things to stir one's blood, -and make him feel that he might do great, and noble, and heroic things -should the opportunity present itself. But in these prosaic, modern -times men have little chance to become heroes. Now I feel that I, Zenas -Gunn--had I been given the opportunity--might have become a great leader, -a great hero, and my name might have lived in history. I've always -regretted the fact that I was born too late to take part in any of the -great struggles for human liberty. I am naturally a fighter. I think -that old rascal, Barnaby Gooch, found out that I possessed the courage -of a lion and the ability to fight like blazes. When we return to -Fardale, boys, he'll find out something else, I promise you that. Yes, -sir, he'll find out that he's not the whole thing at that academy." - -"I hope so," muttered Brad. "I certain hope he'll get all that's coming -to him." - -"Leave it to me," nodded Zenas. "I'll attend to that in due time. In the -meantime, boys, we'll travel and enjoy the things we see while we are -educating ourselves at the same time. Ha! there is Holyrood Palace, once -the home of that loveliest of women, Mary, Queen of Scots. And there is -the chapel in which she was married to Lord Darnley." - -The grim old castle stood before them, its turrets and towers rising -against the bleak mountain background in impressive grandeur. There was -snow on the mountains, and this made the outlines of the castle stand -out sharply and distinctly. - -"Stand here a few minutes boys," invited the old professor. "Before we -enter the castle, which will open to admit visitors at eleven o'clock, -let's brush up a little on the romantic and pathetic history of Queen -Mary. I've always taken the liveliest interest in the story of her -career. You know that first she was married to Francis II. and lived in -France. After Francis died she returned to Scotland where she was -immediately surrounded by a throng of royal suitors. Out of them all she -selected that handsome, egotistical, vain, selfish young reprobate, Lord -Darnley, which was a frightful mistake, for in a short time he began to -treat her with discourtesy and absolute brutality, drinking to excess -and behaving in a manner that made him generally detested at court." - -"But I have read that Queen Mary transferred her affection to an Italian -musician named Rizzio," said Dick. - -"Hum! haw! Haw! hum!" coughed the professor. "A slander invented by the -scheming noblemen about her who wished to rob her of her power in order -to advance their own selfish ends. It is doubtful if they made Darnley -himself believe it, but they told him it would advance him, and he fell -into the trap." - -"But historians say Rizzio was very handsome." - -"Some do, and some say he was very plain and uncomely. It is impossible -to tell which story is true; but beyond doubt he was a splendid singer. -It was his voice that first attracted Mary. One winter's day, while at -mass, she heard a rich, sonorous voice of great sweetness and power -ringing through the aisles. In answer to her inquiries concerning the -singer, they told her it was Rizzio, private secretary to the ambassador -from Savoy. Mary's taste in music was of the finest, and she became -greatly interested. There is a famous painting by David Neil, which -shows the queen standing on the palace steps and regarding Rizzio, who -has fallen asleep, mandolin by his side, near at hand. In this picture -he is represented as being very handsome; but artists, like poets, take -license with facts." - -"Is there any question as to the great friendliness that sprang up -between them?" asked Dick. - -"Oh, undoubtedly they became friends," nodded Gunn; "and in this -friendship the scheming noblemen who surrounded the queen saw their -opportunity. They did their best to arouse the jealousy of Darnley, -filling his ears with lies. Darnley was still little more than a boy, -and he easily became a tool in the hands of the schemers, who planned to -murder Rizzio in Mary's presence, hoping perhaps that the terrible -spectacle and the shock might kill her, which would leave Darnley in -apparent power, but really powerless in the hands of the scoundrels who -controlled him." - -"Fine business for the countrymen of Wallace and Bruce!" growled -Buckhart. - -"In those times the nobility seemed very corrupt, in Scotland, as well -as other countries. This band of reprobates carried out their bloody -plot. They hid in Mary's bedroom, where they awaited their time. Mary -was at supper with three friends in her library. One of the three was -Rizzio. In the midst of it Darnley entered the room, took a seat beside -the queen, put his arm about her and gave her the kiss of Judas. Then -the murderous plotters suddenly appeared in the room, their weapons -drawn. Instantly Rizzio started up, his face growing ghastly, for he -knew his hour had come. He appealed to Mary, who answered that the king -would never permit him to be slain in her presence. - -"But Darnley attempted to hold her, and one of the ruffians placed a -loaded pistol at her breast, while the others fell on Rizzio. In despair -the doomed man caught at Mary's dress, for he was unarmed and could not -make resistance. The assassins slashed at him with their gleaming -weapons, and in the struggle the table with its dishes was overturned. -Its lights were upset and extinguished, but some of the invaders had -brought torches and by the flaring light the bloody work went on. As -Rizzio's clutch on Mary's dress relaxed she fainted. He was then dragged -out into a narrow passage, where he was stabbed until his shrieks became -hushed by death. They say the stain of his blood still remains on the -oaken floor, and undoubtedly it will be pointed out to us to-day." - -"It's a great thing, professor, to visit such spots," said Dick. "I'll -never forget this bit of history after seeing and visiting the castle -where it all took place." - -"The finest way in the world to learn history is to visit historic -spots," nodded the old pedagogue. "I suppose you both remember the rest -of Mary's story. The dastardly noblemen made her their prisoner, -carrying her to captivity in a grim old castle on Lochleven. She was -removed in the night, placed on a horse and compelled to ride at full -gallop for several hours. When the castle prison was reached her brutal -guards compelled her, under threat of death, to sign an abdication of -the throne in favor of her son, at the same time naming one of the -plotters, the Earl of Murray, regent, until the boy should come of age. -Then she was left there, crushed and heartbroken." - -"But she escaped," cried Dick. - -"Yes, through the assistance of George Douglas, the son of her jailer, -who had become so enamored of the sad and beautiful captive that he -swore to save her, even though it cost him his life. One Sunday night as -the queen sat in her window, gazing out on the placid bosom of the lake, -she saw a boat silently approaching. In the boat was Douglas and his -younger brother, who contrived to get hold of the castle key while the -rest of the Douglas family were at supper. Without delay the daring -youths locked the family in and hastened to set Mary free, rowing her -across the lake and throwing the keys into the water. - -"Mary assembled her followers, who hastened to flock to her support; but -in a battle with the army of the regent, the Earl of Murray, she -suffered defeat and again became a fugitive. For some time she remained -hidden in Dundrennan Abbey, undecided what course to pursue. Some of her -friends advised her to flee to France, but she decided to trust to the -supposed friendship of her cousin, Elizabeth, Queen of England, and she -fled across the English frontier. This was a fatal mistake, for -Elizabeth had been her constant foe, fearing her claim to the English -throne, and she was again cast into captivity. In the end she was -falsely convicted of a conspiracy to assassinate Elizabeth, who was -persuaded to sign her death warrant. When she was led to the block her -executioners fell on their knees and asked forgiveness for the duty they -were compelled to perform, which she freely gave, then entreated the -women attending her not to weep, as she was glad to leave the world. -Twenty years later her son was sovereign of both England and Scotland; -and to-day the bodies of Mary and Elizabeth lie side by side beneath the -same cathedral roof." - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE MEETING AT THE CASTLE. - - -After having the romantic story of Queen Mary thus repeated for them by -the old professor, the boys felt a deeper interest in Holyrood Castle as -they wandered through its rooms. The guide showed them through the -Chapel Royal, which is a beautiful fragment of the ancient abbey, -conducted them into the picture gallery and the tapestry apartment, gave -them a chance to inspect Lord Darnley's rooms, and finally brought them -to Queen Mary's apartments, showing where the queen had supped on that -fatal night and pointing to dark stains on the floor of the narrow -corridor outside, which, in broadest Scotch, he soberly declared "were -made wi' th' blud o' Rizzio himsel'." - -Throughout the inspection of the castle Dick was keenly interested, but -he noticed that Brad remained gloomy and downcast in appearance. - -"What's the matter, old man?" he finally exclaimed. "Why don't you brace -up and chase that thundercloud off your face?" - -"I can't," answered the Texan. "I can't help thinking something wrong -has happened." - -"Something wrong? Why, you're thinking of----" - -"Nadia Budthorne and her brother," confessed Brad, flushing somewhat. -"You know they were to meet us at the hotel in Edinburgh, and they have -not done so." - -"Brad, you've been smitten on that girl ever since you first saw her on -London Bridge. I didn't think it of you, you husky son of the Lone Star -State!" - -"Now, don't try to kid me, pard!" growled Buckhart. "You can't say much, -for if ever a fellow was badly smashed over a girl, you have been -smashed over June Arlington." - -"Oh, June and I are just good friends," Dick hastened to say. - -"Good friends, indeed!" mocked the Texan. "Right good friends, and -that's no lie! You were such a mighty good friend to her that you got -her sneaking brother back into school after he had been fired, with the -result that he put up a low-down job on you that caused you to be -expelled. If you try to guy me any at all about Nadia Budthorne you'll -certain hear a few remarks from yours truly concerning June Arlington." - -"Oh, well," laughed Dick, "I admit you have me there, but how do you -know that Nadia cares anything for you?" - -"I don't know," acknowledged Brad, "and I sure opine that's what's -keeping me right well fussed up the most of the time. You know you were -surprised yourself when we struck Edinburgh, and failed to find the -Budthornes at the hotel where they agreed to meet us." - -"They came by rail, and I suppose they have visited Glasgow and other -places on their way." - -"Pard, you know that any one who comes from London by rail would -naturally visit Edinburgh first. I tell you I have a feeling that -something is wrong. We lost track of Miguel Bunol, Heck Marsh, and Luke -Durbin right away after the Budthornes left London, and I'm some afraid -that onery gang followed Nadia and her brother up here into Scotland. If -Bunol could meet Dunbar Budthorne alone, and get a chance to talk with -him a few minutes, I reckon he'd get the fellow in his power again, for -you must allow, partner, that he exercises some sort of baleful power -over Budthorne." - -"I thought it possible we broke Bunol's spell over Budthorne the night -we proved to the latter that Bunol and the others had been fleecing him -in a crooked manner at cards." - -"Temporarily we did, I judge; but you know Budthorne's will power has -been some weakened by drink, and he might cave in to Bunol again if the -Spaniard found him." - -"I don't think there is any great cause for worry, Brad. I believe Nadia -and her brother will appear in good time." - -During this conversation the old professor had been talking with the -guide. He now announced that he was ready to go, and soon the three were -leaving by the castle gate. - -Just as they passed through the gate they came face to face with two -persons who were on the point of entering. They halted in surprise, for -they were Hector Marsh and a corpulent, vulgar-appearing man known as -Luke Durbin. - -A growl of rage came from the throat of Brad Buckhart, and he planted -himself in front of Marsh and Durbin, his fists clinched and his whole -atmosphere breathing fight. - -"Whatever are you two sneaking, onery, low-down coyotes doing here?" he -roared, his rugged face dark as a storm cloud. - -"My goodness! my goodness!" gasped Zenas Gunn, in great alarm. "Stop -him, Richard, or he will attack them! We shall be arrested for making a -disgraceful disturbance here!" - -Dick caught Brad's muscular arm in a grip of iron. - -"Go slow, old man!" he said, in a low tone. - -Neither Marsh nor Durbin acted as if the encounter had given them great -surprise. Durbin was smoking a black, rank-smelling cigar, which he -rolled into the corner of his mouth, thrusting his pudgy hands deep into -his trousers pockets, and surveying the trio before him with an air of -insolent contempt. - -Marsh exposed his teeth in a sneering grin. - -"Why, hello!" he said, in a voice like the croaking of a bullfrog. "So -you people are here, eh? What are we doing? Well, I rather guess we have -just as good right to visit this old castle as you have." - -"Right," said Durbin. "And he wants ter be careful about callin' folks -names, or he'll git his block knocked off. See!" - -Dick felt Brad's arm quiver and the muscles tighten. - -"I'd certain enjoy it a heap if either of you varmints would try to -knock my block off!" exclaimed the Texan. "I'd enjoy it if you both -tried the trick! Just break loose and sail right into me. I'll stampede -over you red-hot and a-whooping, as sure as I'm the Unbranded Maverick -of the Rio Pecos!" - -"You're just as big a blower as ever," said Marsh. "Why don't you cut -out that hot air and learn decency in your talk." - -"Learn decency! Whoop! Would I learn it any of you? Why, you crawling -cur, you haven't one decent bone in your body!" - -"Stop him--Dick, do stop him!" gasped the professor. "He'll get us into a -broil!" - -Dick's good judgment told him that it was better to avoid an encounter -at that time and place, and, therefore, he spoke a few words to -Buckhart, seeking to quiet him. - -"That's right!" cried Marsh. "Better pull him away if you don't want him -hurt." - -"You'll never harm any one," said Dick, remembering Hector's natural -cowardice. "I don't wish him to soil his hands on you, that's all." - -"If the hot-air merchant wants ter fight," said Durbin, "why don't you -give him all he's lookin' fer, Heck? We'll jest step aside somewhere an' -you can knock the stuffin' outer him. I'll see that his frien's don't -interfere." - -Marsh turned pale at the thought. He had not the slightest desire to -meet Bradley Buckhart in a square fight, man to man. - -"Oh, no!" he quickly said. "The fellow talks fight, but it's all talk." - -"It is, eh?" cried Buckhart, attempting to free himself from Dick's -clutch and stride forward, a furious gleam in his eyes. - -Suddenly the bold front Marsh had assumed disappeared. Knowing -Merriwell's disinclination to engage in a personal encounter unless -forced to do so, and counting on the pacifying influence of Professor -Gunn, the fellow had assumed an air of bravery that was entirely -fictitious. Thinking the Texan might get free and come at him, he now -dodged behind Durbin, crying: - -"Keep your distance! I'll have the law on you if you touch me! I can -prove that we were going about our business when you stopped us." - -Buckhart paused in disgust, muttering: - -"I might have known it! I didn't stop to think what a coward he was at -school." - -Durbin showed disappointment. - -"Here, what are you dodging for?" he snapped. "You've tol' me fifty -times that that fellow was nuttin' but a bag of wind, and that you could -knock the tar outer him in a minute." - -"So I can--if I want to," said Heck. "But I don't want--at least, not -here. There's plenty of time. I'll see him again. I'll fix him all -right." - -"Come along, Brad," urged Dick. "Here come some other visitors from the -castle. Don't let them see you wasting words on such a worthless and -cowardly scamp." - -Professor Gunn also took hold of the Texan and urged him to move away. - -"It is the regret of my life," said the old pedagogue, "that while the -fellow was in school I did not sooner learn his true character. I am -sorry he was permitted to remain there so long to contaminate other -boys." - -"Bah, you old fossil!" croaked Marsh. "You're an old back-number anyhow, -and you're not fit to teach a monkey school. Why don't you go die and -get yourself buried out of the way! You'd never be missed." - -"Outrageous--outrageous!" gasped Zenas, shaking his cane at the insulting -chap. "I'd like to break this stick over your back, you scamp!" - -"You never will, old lobster. If you should try it I'd give you a punch -in the bread basket that would unhinge you." - -"Are you going to remain here longer and give him further opportunity to -insult me, Bradley!" demanded Gunn. - -"I'll go," said Buckhart, cooling down a little. "Dick is right about -him. He is a pitiful coward, and any one who touches him will simply -soil his hands." - -As they walked away Marsh continued to shout taunts and insults until -they were quite out of hearing. - -"Now what do you think about it, partner?" asked Buckhart, as they -retraced their way into the city. - -"About what?" asked Dick. - -"About the possibility that there is something wrong, and that is why -Nadia and her brother failed to meet us here. Marsh and Durbin are here, -and you can bet your sweet life Bunol is not far away. They followed the -Budthornes." - -"It may be that you are right." - -"I'm plumb certain of it. That gang has not given up the hope of again -getting hold of Dunbar Budthorne and squeezing money out of him. But -what worries me most is the fact that Bunol has an infamous scheme to -force Nadia into marriage with him. Just think of it! That sweetest of -girls married to a snake like Mig Bunol! It's enough to make a chap -crazy!" - -"He'll never succeed in that, don't worry, Brad. She knows him, and she -despises him quite as much as we do." - -"But they may make her a right good lot of trouble." - -"The fact that those fellows are here in Edinburgh would seem to -indicate that the Budthornes must be in the city. Perhaps there was some -mistake about the hotel where we are to meet them. We must search for -them, Brad." - -"That's the stuff, pard; we'll turn this old city over, but we'll find -them." - -"Dear me!" said Professor Gunn. "I hope there will be no serious -trouble. I do hope we'll not get into a fight of any sort with those -ruffians." - -"But, professor," smiled Dick, "a short time ago, as you were recalling -the fact that we are in the land of Wallace and Bruce, you said you knew -there was good fighting stuff in you and you lamented greatly because -you had never been given an opportunity to demonstrate what a hero you -really are. It is possible you may have an opportunity while we are in -Scotland. Who knows? I seem to scent fighting in the crisp air here." - -"Goodness knows that's not the sort of fighting I meant! I could shed my -blood joyfully for my country, or something like that; but fighting of -any other sort is low and degrading and I abhor it--I abhor it." - -Upon arriving at their hotel they found a letter there, addressed to -Dick. - -"A lady's writing," said Merriwell, in surprise. "Who can it be?" - -He tore the envelope open. A moment later he uttered an exclamation, -calling Brad and the professor to read it. This was all the letter -contained: - - "Dear Mr. Merriwell: We--my brother and myself--are stopping at - Ben Cleuch Inn, which is near Kinross on Lochleven. Left - Edinburgh suddenly because I saw Miguel Bunol there, and I - believe he had followed us. This will explain why we failed to - meet you as agreed. Hope you and your friends may be able to - join us at Lochleven. We desire very much to see you again, if - only to thank you for all your kindnesses to us. My brother is - pretty well, although quite nervous. Your grateful friend, - - "Nadia Budthorne." - -On first reading this brief communication Buckhart looked relieved and -delighted, but in a few minutes the shadow returned to his face, and it -seemed deeper than ever. Dick noted this and questioned him as to the -cause of it. - -"Oh, nothing," answered the Texan somewhat gruffly. - -"But it _is_ something. I thought you would be pleased to hear from -Nadia?" - -"I am." - -"You look it!" said Merriwell sarcastically. "Here you have been -worrying because she did not meet us, and now that you know where she is -you put on a face like a funeral." - -"It's all right," muttered Brad, failing to meet his companion's eye. -"It's all right! I don't care!" - -"What's all right? What is it you don't care about?" - -"She didn't have to write to me! She had a right to address the letter -to you if she wished." - -Suddenly the truth dawned on Dick; Brad was hurt because Nadia had not -addressed the letter to him. - -"Well, you're the limit for silliness!" Dick exclaimed. - -"Perhaps I am," grated Brad. "I can't help it. I know I'm no prize -beauty. I know that beside you I'm a half-finished shine. It's all -right! Of course, all the girls are bound to get struck on you. They -can't help it. But you've got girls enough!" he added, in resentful -rebellion. "To say nothing of June Arlington, there is Doris Templeton -and----" - -Dick put an arm round his friend and laughingly checked him. - -"Don't be such an ass, old man!" he entreated. "Nadia Budthorne is a -beautiful girl, but I'm not struck on her, and----" - -"She is on you!" - -"I don't believe it." - -"Then explain some why she sent that letter to you. Why didn't she -address it to me or to the professor?" - -"It just happened that way. You know I disguised myself as old Mr. -Allsquint and in that manner exposed Bunol and his gang, and I suppose -that is why----" - -"Perhaps so," admitted the Texan suddenly. "I reckon I am an ass, pard! -I always was, and it's becoming more and more natural for me. Of course -you can't be to blame if Nadia took a liking to you. Why shouldn't she -like you more than me? You're the best chap in the world, and I'm just a -very common and a very ordinary chump, without any particular polish and -without any pretense to good looks." - -"Brad," said Dick earnestly, "you are one of the truest, finest, noblest -fellows alive. Any one who comes to know you well can't help liking you; -and as for good looks--well, you bear the stamp of a man on your face, -and therefore in the very best sense you are handsome. Stop running -yourself down. What shall we do? Shall we light out of Edinburgh and -make for Kinross and Lochleven to-day?" - -"Instanter!" exclaimed the Texan eagerly. "Let's not lose an hour, -pard!" - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -AT BEN CLEUCH INN. - - -The Ben Cleuch Inn at Lochleven was kept by the Widow Myles, a plain, -kind, motherly soul, the best part of whose life lay behind her. - -The inn stood by the highway that wound close along the shore of the -wooded lake, about a mile from Kinross. - -In summers, visitors to Lochleven desirous of seeing Queen Mary's island -prison often patronized the little inn, and the widow thus derived -revenue enough to keep her in frugal comfort through the long winters. - -In November the strangers were few and far between, and glad the widow -was when one dropped in for a meal or a night's lodging. Doubly glad was -she when two strangers, a young man and a beautiful girl of sixteen, -came in a carriage to her door and bargained with her for rooms and -board for several days, saying they expected to remain three days, and -might, if they liked it, stay a great deal longer. - -The landlady did her very best to please them, for they did not ask -her to make her price smaller when she named it, and they readily paid -for three days in advance. The girl, as Widow Myles could not help -noticing, was very pretty, while the young man--her brother--looked pale -and wearied and had about his face something indicative of weakness -and irresolution. Indeed, he seemed on the verge of illness, and he -permitted his sister to do most of the business with the landlady. - -On the afternoon of the third day after the arrival of these guests -another stranger appeared and stopped at the inn. He came afoot and wore -a long, black cloak with a cape, while his wide-brimmed hat was pulled -low over his eyes. His complexion was dark, and on his upper lip there -was the shadowy outline of a new-born mustache. - -Although the sun was shining without, there was snow on the ground and -the air was nipping cold, which led the stranger to hold out his hands -to the warmth of the widow's cheerful open fire, in the little sitting -room, having removed his gloves and placed them with his hat on the -floor at his side. - -"It's cauld to-day, sir," said the widow. "Th' sun i' ower bright, but -the air ha' a nippin' in it." - -"Indeed it is cold, madam," said the young stranger, in a pleasant -voice. "It is far too cold for comfort. It must be frightful up here in -the dead of winter." - -"Oh, it's na sa bad--na sa bad," protested the widow. "Wi' a guide roof -ower one's haid an' a warm fire to sit near, th' winter soon runs awa'. -Ha' ye come fa'?" - -"Not very far," was the answer. "To me it would be a great favor, my -good woman, if you could give me a drink of something warm to start my -blood." - -"Tea?" suggested Widow Myles. - -The visitor shook his head. - -"I would prefer something warmer than that," he said. "Have you any -whisky in the house?" - -"I canna tell. I much doot i' I ha'!" - -"Because if you have," said the stranger, jingling some money in his -hand, "I'll pay well for a stiff drink." - -"I may ha' a wee drap," confessed the landlady. "I sometime' ha' it far -me'cine." - -"It is for medicine I need it now, so if you will hasten, madam, you -need but to name your price." - -The widow disappeared. After about ten minutes she reappeared with hot -water, whisky and sugar, at sight of which the face of the stranger -showed his satisfaction. Deftly and with loss of little time the -stranger mixed his drink, tasted it, smacked his lips over it and then -asked the widow to name her price. - -She declined to state a price, whereupon he placed two pieces of money -in her hand, and when she saw their value she showered him with thanks -and called down blessings on his head. - -In this manner the stranger placed himself right with the widow, whom he -engaged in further conversation as he stretched his booted feet to the -fire and sipped his steaming drink. - -"At this season I presume few are the visitors who come here to stop?" -he questioned. - -"Few ye ma' weel say," she nodded. - -"Is your house empty at the present time?" - -"Na, na! not quite sa bad as that." - -"Then you have some guests?" - -"I ha' twa." - -"Two? How long have they been with you, madam?" - -"They came three days gone, sir." - -"And is it long you expect them to remain?" - -"As to that I canna tell. When they came they said it might be they wud -stay three days or more; but it is now the third day an' they have na -spoke of leavin'." - -"I hope my curiosity you will pardon, but it seems strange any one -should come here at this season to remain so long. Where are they from, -if you don't mind telling?" - -"I ha' na reason to know, for I didna ask them, but London I think ha -seen them none sa lang ago." - -"They are English?" - -The widow slowly shook her head. - -"They are na like th' English. I think they may be fra America." - -"I presume they are man and wife?" - -"Na, na; they are brother an' sister. A bonnie lassie is the girl, sir; -but her brother seems na well." - -"Not well?" - -"Na, sir. He keeps over close to his room. If they came to see Queen -Mary's prison they ha' not yet accomplisht it." - -"It is not likely Americans would take so much trouble to get a look at -Queen Mary's prison, madam. It must be they are here for some other -purpose." - -"Then what it can be heaven knows! Once I said to the lassie that her -brother were fra too pale, an' I thought a wee bit o' whisky might be -guide fa him; but she went white an' trembly an' begged me na to gi' him -one drop o' it. She made me promise if he came and asked for it I wud -say there was naething o' th' kind i' th' house. I ken she is feared to -ha' him drink it." - -The stranger smiled a little, and there seemed something a trifle -sinister about his face in that moment. - -"It is a man poor in command of himself that cannot drink when he likes -and leave it alone when he chooses," he declared. - -"Many a guide man canna do it." - -"Well, I don't understand them. What is the name of this unfortunate -man, if you don't mind telling?" - -"It is Budthorne." - -"Rather odd name." - -"But I ha' na asked your name, sir. You are na English yoursel'?" - -"No." - -"Nor still American. I think you must be----" - -"French? Well, you are right, madam. I am Henri Clairvaux, of Paris. -Think not I am curious or prying. These questions I have asked merely -the time to pass. I am walking through Scotland, but the weather is -getting too cold, and I soon shall depart for the south. In winter I -much prefer Italy to your bleak north country here." - -At this the widow bridled a bit. - -"Scotland alwa' ha' been guide enow fa me!" she exclaimed. "I ha' took -notice it is alwa' th' weak that prefer the warm countries i' th' -winter. I ha' been thinkin' ma'hap it wud be well fa th' young man -upstair to go south fa th' winter time." - -Outside the door there was rustling. The door was opened and a musical, -feminine voice called to the widow. - -The man in the cloak had his back toward the door, and he did not move. - -Excusing herself, the landlady hurried from the room. The moment she was -gone the stranger picked up his hat and gloves and hastily rose. - -"It is well enough that she should not see me now," he muttered. "I must -get out at once." - -He clapped his hat on his head and pulled it hard down, taking pains to -make the limber brim lap over his face. Then he swiftly crossed the room -to the door, buttoning his cloak over his breast. - -Pausing at the door, he listened. - -"The coast is clear," he whispered; after which he stepped briskly out -to the front door. - -Just as he was passing through that door the girl came from another room -and saw his vanishing back. She clutched at the widow, who had followed -her. - -"That man?" she cried, in a trembling, frightened voice. "Who is he?" - -"He ga' his name as Henri Clairvaux, o' Paris," answered the Widow -Myles. - -"And lied!" panted the girl. After which she fled up the stairs to the -room of her brother, her face ashen pale. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -BUDTHORNE'S STRUGGLE. - - -The working of alcohol on some constitutions is remarkable. It is a -singular thing that some men seem to keep themselves steeped in the -poison for years without breaking down, while others rapidly go to -pieces and become physical wrecks before its vitality-destroying -influence. The latter class is by far the larger. - -Occasionally a man whose nerves are deep set, whose constitution is -ironlike and whose coarser nature predominates, persists in drinking -regularly and heavily for years and seems to remain in good health. To -those who know him well, and meet him day after day, he presents no -abnormal aspect; but almost certain it is that drink has taken such a -hold on him that he cannot appear to be in his natural condition unless -he constantly keeps in his stomach enough of the stuff to intoxicate an -occasional drinker to the point of reeling. Take it away from him and he -collapses like a pricked bladder. - -Dunbar Budthorne was a man without the stamina to withstand the -blighting effect of constant drinking. The rapidity with which the stuff -fastened its clutch upon him was appalling. His relapse when, at the -entreaty of his loving and faithful sister, he stopped drinking and let -it wholly alone, was pitiful. - -Ever since arriving at the Ben Cleuch, Budthorne had been in a state of -mental distress and physical collapse. The desire for drink was with him -constantly, and in his soul a fierce battle raged unceasingly. In the -night he rose and paced the floor of his room, his hands clinched, his -nerves taut, mumbling, mumbling, mumbling. Every night, at his request, -Nadia locked him in that room, keeping the key with her. - -"You must master the desire, Dunbar, my brother," she said. "You can do -it." - -"Yes, by Heaven!" he cried, setting his teeth. "For you, Nadia, I will -do it!" - -"Not for me alone, Dunbar; for yourself, as well. You can see what you -have come to in less than a year. A year ago you were not the slave of -drink." - -"I should say not! And had any one told me I'd get this way in twelve -months I should have thought him a fool. I don't understand it now. -Nadia, why can other men drink when they choose, and let it alone when -they choose?" - -"Not all of them can, Dunbar, I am sure. I believe there are thousands -just like you." - -"Perhaps you're right; they keep it hidden from others, or they do not -realize it themselves." - -"That's the way it is." - -"What a wise little chicken you are, sister! What a brave little girl! -And what a worthless brother you have!" - -Then she would caress him and pat him on the cheek, and tell him he was -"all right." - -"All wrong, you mean. Sis, I'm going to make my share of the fortune -left us over to you. I'll do it at the first opportunity. I've made a -hole in it already. Were I to keep hitting the booze, I'd go through the -whole of it in another year." - -"But you have stopped, and you'll never touch it again. You have escaped -from those evil friends whose influence was ruining you. Their hold on -you is broken." - -She did not chide him with his folly and weakness in ever becoming -friendly with such unworthy companions. She did not remind him that Luke -Durbin was a barroom acquaintance, a race-track gambler, and a creature -he had been forced to introduce to her with a flush of shame on his -cheeks. She knew he had thought of this with regret and remorse. - -But it was not Durbin she most feared; it was the Spaniard, Bunol, who -had been forced upon them by Durbin. She believed Bunol possessed some -evil power of unknown force which he had exercised upon Budthorne, and -the spell of which he had tried to cast upon her. Durbin knew about this -mysterious power, and he had brought Bunol forward that the fellow might -exercise it to accomplish the downfall of Budthorne and the snaring of -his sister. - -"Yes, their hold is broken," he agreed. "We have our chance -acquaintances which we met on London Bridge to thank for that. It was -your scheme----" - -"Not mine; Dick Merriwell did it. It was he who formed the plan to -disguise himself as Mr. Allsquint and get into your room in London that -night of the card party, where he exposed the cheating of Bunol, who was -robbing you at cards." - -"A wonderful chap that boy is! I like him, Nadia, and I like his chum, -the fellow from Texas. Don't you?" - -"I do, indeed. Brad Buckhart is splendid, and the old professor is a -genial soul. I am sorry we were unable to remain in Edinburgh until they -came; but Bunol was there, and I knew we might encounter him any time. I -thought it best to come here, but I have written our friends, making an -explanation, and I hope they will take the trouble to hunt us up." - -"If they do, it will be on your account, sis. Oh, yes it will! Look out -for Buckhart, Nadia! The fellow is smitten." - -"Nonsense, Dunbar!" - -"He is. I noticed how he held your hand as they were seeing us off at -the station in London. His eyes followed you all the time. You'll have a -wild and woolly Texan on your staff if you're not careful." - -"I don't see that there is anything so very wild and woolly about him." - -"Ha! ha! You resent that, eh? It looks suspicious, girl--very suspicious. -Better be careful." - -"Stop your teasing, Dunbar! I'm sure I don't care a snap about him, and -I don't believe he cares anything about me. Why should he? We barely -know each other; we may never meet again. He is only a boy----" - -"And you're only a girl. Many a boy-and-girl affair has ripened into -something binding. Better wait until you find out more about him. We -know practically nothing." - -"Oh, but I know he is a gentleman!" protested the girl. "If he were not -he would not be with Dick Merriwell and Professor Gunn. I have seen him, -too, when he dropped his Western manners and was as refined in every way -as any one can be. You don't think all Westerners are wild and woolly, -do you?" - -"Far from it. I am sure a chap from that part of our country may be as -much a gentleman as any one; but your earnest defense of him increases -my suspicions. You'll have to be on your guard." - -"Why don't you try to tease me about Dick Merriwell? I addressed the -letter to him, telling him whither we had gone." - -"All the more significant. The wise bird takes flight at first sight of -the sportsman." - -"You're perfectly tormenting, Dunbar! If you continue talking in such a -foolish manner I shall think your brain is affected." - -He laughed again. - -"All right; I'll let up--for the time being. But I'll wager Buckhart -shows up here as soon as possible after your letter is received, and -he'll bring the others with him. We'll have them with us by to-morrow." - -"I hope so," she confessed. - -The thing predicted was to happen even sooner. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -LIKE A BIRD OF EVIL OMEN. - - -Having seen the back of the departing stranger, Nadia fled up the stairs -to the room of her brother, who was lying on a couch and seeking to -divert his mind by reading. He did not note that she was pale and -agitated as she came in, but he saw her hurriedly cross the room to a -window that commanded a view of the road which wound down toward the rim -of Lochleven, where she drew aside the curtain and stood peering out. - -"What is it, sis?" he yawned. "What do you see?" - -She did not answer. - -"Eh?" he exclaimed, putting down the book. "What are you staring at, -Nadia?" - -"Come here!" she whispered hoarsely. - -Her manner and tone caused him to sit up at once. - -"Is anything the matter?" - -"Come quickly!" - -He hurried to the window. - -"Look!" she urged, clutching at his arm with her trembling fingers. "See -that man going down the road?" - -The stranger who had lately departed from the inn was walking briskly -away, the cape of his dark cloak flapping about him, his head bent to -the chill wind that was blowing. His figure, in spite of the folds of -the cloak, seemed slender and graceful. - -"I see him," said Dunbar. - -"He was here a few moments ago--in this house!" - -"Well?" - -"Do you see nothing familiar about him?" - -"Why, it seems as if I--I----By the Lord Harry! I believe----" - -Budthorne checked himself. - -"You believe what? Who is it?" - -"Nadia, it looks like Bunol." - -"Yes, it looks like him." - -"But it can't be! Did you see his face?" - -"No, nothing but his back as he passed out at the door." - -"It can't be Bunol," repeated Budthorne. - -"Why not?" - -"How could he trace us here?" - -"How could he trace us to Edinburgh? How much easier to trace us from -Edinburgh here than from London to Edinburgh!" - -"I think he appeared in Edinburgh by chance, without knowing we were -there." - -"I do not," declared the girl decidedly. "I think he followed us in some -manner." - -Budthorne did not like to believe this. - -"You give him credit for the acumen of a Sherlock Holmes. Bunol is no -detective." - -"He is a human bloodhound! You do not know how much I fear him, Dunbar." - -"You say that man was here in this house a few minutes ago?" - -"Yes." - -"You have seen the landlady since?" - -"Yes." - -"And questioned her?" - -"I asked her who he was." - -"Her answer?" - -"She said he gave his name as Henri Clairvaux, of Paris." - -"Then it is not Bunol, sister. Why are you so agitated? It is merely a -resemblance. Were we to see his face, I am sure it would prove to be -that of a perfect stranger." - -Suddenly she shrank back, lowering the curtain until she had partly -concealed herself behind it. - -"Look!" she exclaimed. "He has stopped before entering the woods! He has -turned to look back! He has pushed the hat up from his forehead to get a -better view! Look, Dunbar! Even at this distance you cannot fail to -recognize him!" - -"By Jove, you're right, Nadia! It is Bunol, himself! Satan take the -scoundrel! What is he trying to do?" - -"He has located us here, and he will try to get you into his clutches -again, Dunbar." - -"Confound him! He wants to keep away from me! I've had enough of him! -He'll find his day with me is past! He is wasting his time." - -"I fear him more than any one else in all the world," confessed the -girl. - -"Don't you be afraid, Nadia," said her brother. "I'll protect you." - -"But that man's eyes--you cannot resist their evil power." - -"Don't you believe it! I'm stronger now than I was. I have conquered my -weakness for drink, and that was what enabled him to deceive me." - -He truly thought he had conquered, but the girl realized that the battle -had only just begun, and that it was her influence and her watchfulness -that had kept him from drinking since the night of the exposure in -London. - -Hidden behind the curtain, they peered forth and watched the man in the -cloak. For a few minutes he remained gazing back at the lone inn, but at -last he turned once more and, with his cape flapping wing-like about his -shoulders, glided in the manner of a bird of evil omen into the bleak -woods, which swallowed him from view. - -"He is gone!" said Budthorne. - -"But he will return," declared Nadia. "What shall we do, brother--shall -we flee from here?" - -"No!" cried the man, flourishing his fist. "I'm no criminal, and I -refuse to act like one any longer! Let him return! I am my own master, -and a score of scoundrels like Miguel Bunol cannot make me hide in cover -like a frightened rabbit. This thing must come to an end, sister. He -believes we are afraid of him. I'll show him his error. That is the only -course to be pursued. It's ridiculous to think of us running away from a -common cur like that. If he annoys you or threatens you, I'll have him -arrested and locked up." - -Although his words were very bold, she had come to believe that he would -weaken and fail when the critical moment arrived. - -For a long time they sat in that room, talking of the matter, Nadia -feeling doubts concerning the best thing to be done. Finally she -exclaimed: - -"If the friends we met in London were here they could advise us. I would -feel safer, too. It might have been better had we remained in Edinburgh. -It's lonely here in the country, and I fear what may happen." - -The afternoon wore away. Night was at hand when both were startled by -the sound of hoofs and wheels outside. - -With her heart fluttering in her bosom, Nadia sprang up and rushed to -the front window. A closed carriage had stopped before the door. -Budthorne joined his sister at the window. - -The carriage door opened and from it sprang two boys, followed more -leisurely by a man past middle age. - -A cry of delight burst from Nadia. - -"Our friends have come at last!" she joyously exclaimed. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -BUNOL'S PLOT. - - -The man who had said he was Henri Clairvaux, of Paris, was in truth -Miguel Bunol, a scheming and villainous young Spaniard. - -Bunol had first met Luke Durbin on the race track in New Orleans, and, -being congenial rascals, they became very well acquainted. But Durbin -was a rather slow, thick-witted rascal, while Bunol was quick, -pantherish and full of crooked schemes. - -It was some time after this meeting, that Durbin became acquainted in -Chicago with Dunbar Budthorne, who had commenced a career of dissipation -and seemed anxious to spend as swiftly as possible his portion of the -fortune left him at the death of his mother. - -Durbin saw his opportunity, and determined to help Budthorne get rid of -that fortune. At that time Budthorne was plunging on the races, and -Durbin professed to have "inside information" and tips of the greatest -value. With the aid of assistants, who professed to be bookmakers or -pool-room men, Durbin succeeded in getting several thousands of dollars -belonging to the reckless young man. - -This money he spent freely, and it simply whetted his appetite for more. - -When Nadia Budthorne fully realized the pace at which her brother was -going she devised the plan of inducing him to take her abroad, hoping -that in this manner he would escape from his evil companions. - -But ere leaving Chicago Budthorne went on one last spree, met Durbin in -a saloon and told the rascal of his plans. - -Durbin did not try to dissuade the fellow, but he took passage on the -same steamer, and it was during the voyage across that Nadia suffered -the humiliation of an introduction to the man, who succeeded in keeping -Dunbar constantly under the influence of liquor and fleeced him -awkwardly at cards. - -In London Durbin ran across Miguel Bunol, who, with Hector Marsh, -formerly a student at Fardale, as an assistant, was working a fake -hypnotic and fortune-telling scheme. - -Durbin told Bunol and Marsh about Budthorne and his pretty sister. They -expressed a desire to meet Budthorne, and directly the three of them -were concerned in the plot to ruin the young American. - -But, as was entirely natural, being far shrewder than Luke Durbin, -Miguel Bunol soon became the chief mover and head of the rascally trio. - -On his first sight of Nadia, Bunol became infatuated, and two days later -he announced to his companions that he was determined to make her his -wife. - -"All the money you can get from her brother, Durbin, you shall have--you -and Marsh," said the Spaniard. "I will help you get it from him, too. -But for me I must have Nadia and her share of the fortune. My part of -the graft this shall be." - -To this the others agreed, yet not without some growling from Durbin. -Bunol, however, had the power to command and control the man, and he -exercised this power with little difficulty. - -In truth, the Spaniard possessed hypnotic influence, although he had not -fully developed it. This influence he brought to bear on Budthorne. He -likewise tried it on Nadia, but her mind was stronger, and she -successfully fought against his baleful influence. - -Budthorne refused to believe his sister's assertion that his comrades -were cheating and robbing him; but at last, through the cleverness of -Dick Merriwell, they were exposed, and he swore he would never again -have anything to do with them. - -Fearing his will power would not be strong enough to hold out, Nadia had -induced him to leave London and come north into Scotland, thinking the -rascals might be tricked and baffled. - -But Bunol had succeeded in tracing them, while Marsh and Durbin remained -behind and watched Merriwell's party, correctly fancying that Dick and -his friends intended to join the Budthornes later. - -Dick, Brad, and Professor Gunn were followed to Edinburgh by the two. In -Edinburgh, by the merest accident, the scoundrels learned that the -Budthornes had gone to Kinross. - -Without the knowledge of Dick and his friends, the very train that bore -them north to Kinross carried Marsh and Durbin in another compartment. - -Thus the opposing forces were gathering at a point on Lochleven, where -it seemed that another clash between them might occur. - -Bunol had wired his pals in London, but not until after they had left -for the north. He had received no answer from them. - -Having left the Ben Clench and walked as far as the woods, the Spanish -youth turned and looked back. His keen eyes surveyed the house, and even -at that distance he fancied he saw one of the curtains move at an upper -window. - -"If they are looking," he muttered, "I am now too faraway for them to -recognize me." - -At the back of the inn he saw a small man appear and wave something -white. - -"It is well," muttered the rascal. - -Then he turned and disappeared into the woods. - -The trees broke the biting wind, but Bunol cursed the cold and the -country. - -Coming to a little footpath where the thin snow showed the imprints of -many feet, he turned off and walked a short distance to the shore of the -lake, on which lay a stout boat. - -Sitting on a fallen tree near the boat was a sandy-haired, bearded, -rough-looking man, who had a rather brutal face, and, judging by his -massive frame, possessed great strength. - -"Well, MacLane, I am returned," said Miguel. - -The man nodded. - -"I see ye are," he said. "Did ye ha' guid luck?" - -"Oh, yes; you were right in saying my birds were at the Ben Cleuch. Now, -if Aaron keeps his part of the contract----" - -"Fear nawt, he wi' keep it," nodded MacLane. "Aaron kens Rob MacLane fu' -well, an' he dare na disobey me. He will come." - -"I think he will," agreed Bunol. "I looked back, and a small man waved -something at me from the back of the house." - -"That were Aaron. I told him to follow ye, man, when he left, but to -take guid care he were no' observed. He will be here." - -"Well, I hope he comes soon, for this devil's weather is uncomfortable." - -"Hoot man! Ye dinna ken what cauld weather is." - -"If that's the case, I don't want to know," retorted Bunol. "This is -quite enough for me." - -They sat on the log, talking in low tones, until a little, bent man, -with a shawl wrapped about his shoulders, came gliding softly through -the woods and stood before them. - -"Here's Aaron," said MacLane. "Aaron, this is the man I would ha' ye -meet." - -Aaron said nothing, but surveyed Bunol with a pair of small eyes that -were set close together and were filled with a light of mingled cunning -and simplicity. It was not the face of a man to trust, yet for five -years Aaron had been with the Widow Myles, and had seemed faithful as a -grateful dog. - -"Tell Aaron what ye want, man," said MacLane. "He will do it." - -"Aaron, at the inn there are two guests--a brother and a sister." - -The little man in the shawl bobbed his little head. - -"I will not attempt to explain my reasons to you, Aaron," the Spanish -youth went on; "but this night MacLane and I will get our hands on the -man, and you must help us. You will be paid well." - -"I ha' told him that," interrupted the huge man. "I gied him the siller -ye ga' me. Did I no gie ye th' siller, Aaron?" - -"Yes," said Aaron, "I ha' the siller." - -"You shall have twice as much more if you follow directions faithfully," -promised Bunol, and the eyes of the little man glowed greedily. "If you -are half as shrewd as MacLane says, you'll get into no trouble over it. -You wait on the guests at table?" - -Aaron nodded. - -"What does Budthorne drink at supper?" - -"A cup o' tay." - -"Well, see this package," said the Spaniard, holding: up a tiny package. -"It contains a powder. To-night you must contrive to get it into -Budthorne's cup of tea." - -"It is poison!" said Aaron fearfully. - -"Nothing of the sort. Budthorne has been a drinking man, but he is -trying to stop. The effect of this powder will be to make him crazy for -liquor. Twenty minutes after he takes the powder he'll be ready to -barter his soul for one drink. Then, Aaron--listen closely--you must -contrive to meet him and tell him somehow that you can get him a drink. -Tell him to step outside the house and come round to the back, promising -to meet him with liquor, but state that the stuff is some you have -stolen from the widow. Do you understand?" - -"I do," said Aaron. "But what will happen when he comes out?" - -"MacLane and I will be hidden there. We'll fall on Budthorne and carry -him off. MacLane is strong as a giant, and we'll have little trouble." - -"Na! na!" exclaimed Aaron. "It is I that will hae th' trouble!" - -"It is not necessary." - -"What can I say?" - -"You must tear your clothes, rumple your hair, cover yourself with dirt, -and half an hour after we have carried Budthorne away you may appear and -tell how he came outside, you spoke to him, and then you both were -attacked by a band of armed men, who struck you senseless. Of course you -will not know what has happened to Budthorne." - -"I must ken, man," said Aaron grimly. "I dinna want ma neck strecht. I -canna hae hand in murder." - -Bunol laughed. - -"But it's not murder." - -"Then what is't?" - -"We are going to make Budthorne a prisoner for reasons of my own. He'll -not be harmed, and in due time he'll have his liberty." - -Aaron seemed doubtful. He turned fearfully to MacLane. - -"Maun I do it?" he asked. - -"Yea," growled the big man. - -Aaron was afraid of MacLane, but now he almost fiercely declared: - -"I will na do it 'less I know where ye tak' him." - -"Why do you want to know that?" impatiently demanded Bunol. - -"Ye ha' to satisfy me," stubbornly said the little man. "I ha' to know -ye really mean to keep him captive wi'out doing him harm. 'Less ye tell -me where ye tak' him, I will no do it." - -MacLane knew Aaron to be immovable as the Scottish hills once he had set -his mind on anything, and therefore he turned to the Spanish youth, -saying: - -"Ye hae to tell him, man." - -"But can he be trusted?" - -"Aaron will na dare to betray me, but he has his whims, an' ye'll hae to -humor him." - -Bunol hesitated, not fancying the idea of trusting the little man with -the foolishly shrewd face to such an extent. - -"It's against my judgment," he declared. - -"Then tak' th' judgment o' Rob MacLane. Ye canna do anything wi' Aaron -till ye trust him fully, as he thinks he has tae trust ye." - -"All right," said the Spanish youth. "He will be taken to the old castle -on the island, Aaron." - -"Wha Queen Mary were kept a captive?" - -"Yes." - -"An' ye swear to harm him nawt?" - -"Sure. I'm going to make his sister marry me. It's a way they have in -America of winning a bride. The Americans like it." - -"It's a way they had years syne in Scotland," chuckled MacLane, "only it -was th' lassie hersel' th' lover stole awa'." - -"Is that a'?" exclaimed Aaron, apparently relieved. - -"That is all." - -The little man took the powder. - -"I will do all ye ask," he promised. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -DONE BENEATH THE STARS. - - -The delight of Nadia and her brother at the appearance of Dick and his -companions was great. Buckhart's face was crimson as he pressed the -girl's hand, and she seemed somewhat confused. Dick she met with perfect -frankness. - -When the greetings were over and they had warmed themselves at the fire, -the old professor went out and gazed long at Lochleven, over the -wind-ruffled bosom of which the night was creeping. - -"To-morrow," he said, "I will feast my eyes on Queen Mary's prison. What -a grand thing to be here on this romantic spot! Ah, those old days when -men fought and bled and died for their country!" - -In spite of the appearance of Miguel Bunol, it was a jolly party that -gathered about Widow Myles' table that night at supper time. Nadia had -recovered her high spirits and was gay and vivacious, while her brother -forgot for the time being the struggle against appetite that he had been -making for the last few days and was the smiling, courtly, jolly young -gentleman nature intended him to be. - -Widow Myles herself sat at the head of the table, beaming on her guests. -She had a face like a withered russet apple, and one knew at a glance -that a generous, kindly old heart beat in her bosom. Naturally affable, -the presence of so many guests at that season made her doubly so. - -Brad had been placed in a chair opposite Nadia, much to his -satisfaction, as it gave him an opportunity to watch her mobile, -changing features. It seemed that each passing minute revealed for him -some new and fresh attractiveness in the charming Chicago girl. He had -been badly smitten before, but during that supper at the Ben Cleuch he -fell head-over-heels in love with her. Boy love it was, perhaps, but -none the less sincere. It might not last, but even though time brought a -change, it would ever be a pleasant memory. - -Aaron waited on the table. At this he was very deft, seeming to know -precisely what was wanted at the lifting of the widow's finger. - -"A peculiar servant you have, Mrs. Myles," observed Dick, at a time when -Aaron was absent from the room. - -"Ay," nodded the widow, her cap ruffles dancing. "Aaron is alwa' -faithful." - -"Has he been with you long?" - -"Five year this snowfall, poor lad. He came trudgin' to my door, -barefoot, near dead wi' cauld, near perisht wi' hunger. I took him i' -th' house an' gied him bread an' clauthes. I warmed his bones, an' sin' -that day he has been wi' me." - -"Is he trustworthy?" - -"I wad trust him wi' my life," was her answer. "Th' poor lad is not over -bright, an' yet he's na fool. Have na fear he will molest your -valuables. He is th' watchdog o' Ben Cleuch." - -Aaron returning at this minute, the conversation turned into another -channel. - -The old professor could not get over his enthusiasm at being there in -that quaint little Scottish country inn. - -"To-morrow, boys!" he cried--"to-morrow shall be a great day. We'll visit -Queen Mary's prison." - -"Let's all go," proposed Dick. - -"That's the thing!" exclaimed Brad eagerly. "We'll make a grand -excursion to the old castle. Will you do it, Nad--er--ah--Miss Budthorne?" - -"I think it would be fine," she answered. "What do you say, Dunbar?" - -"I'm agreeable," said Budthorne, sipping at his tea. "I've been keeping -too close in the house. Perhaps if I get out I'll feel much better." - -Out of the corner of one small eye Aaron watched Budthorne drink the -tea. - -"Then it's settled," said Dick. "I suppose we can get a boat near here. -I don't fancy there are any of the old-time Scottish outlaws around here -now, Mrs. Myles?" - -"Na, unless ye ma' ca' Rob MacLane one," was her answer. - -"Who is Rob MacLane?" - -"He i' th' Auld Nick's own!" was the answer. "A bad egg, if e'er there -were one. I' these law-abidin' times he minds na law, an' he fears -nane--man nor de'il. It's a' things he has done but murder, an' I think -soon to hear he has done that." - -"Well, well! this is interesting, indeed!" cried the professor. "Why -don't they arrest him and put him in jail?" - -"Arrist Rob MacLane!" cried the widow. "It's richt plain ye ha' na heard -o' him! He i' strang as twenty men, an' na officer daurs to go take him. -Twa o' them tried it once, an' wi' his bare hands he near beat them both -to death. One didna get over that beatin' till the day he died." - -"He would have made a fine outlaw in the old days," laughed Dick. "Where -does this ruffian live?" - -"Na man kens. Mayhap to-day he be here, to-morrow he is i' th' mountains -far awa'." - -"How does he live?" - -"He takes a' he wants, an' no man says him nay. Were he to come here the -nicht, I'd gi' him a' he asked an' be thankit for my life when he left." - -"Well, I'm getting some interested in Mr. MacLane!" exclaimed Buckhart. -"I don't suppose he is around here now?" - -"I canna tell. He comes an' goes like the wind. He may be outside th' -door this minute, or he may be i' Sutherland." - -Dunbar Budthorne was doing his best to repress a peculiar sensation that -was creeping over him. He wanted something, but for the time he could -not imagine what it was. Of a sudden he knew, and he turned pale as the -truth dawned upon him. He was ready to give anything or do anything for -a drink of liquor. - -While the others chatted on this restlessness and craving grew on -Budthorne. Finally, politely asking to be excused and saying he was -going to his room, he rose from the table. - -His sister gave him a glance of questioning apprehension, but he smiled -on her reassuringly. - -"You're not ill, Dunbar?" she asked. - -"Never felt better in my life," he answered, and her mind was relieved. - -Outside the dining-room door he encountered Aaron, who had left the room -ahead of him. - -"I' there a'thing I could gi' ye, sir?" inquired Aaron, with the utmost -deference and solicitude. - -"No, nothing," answered Budthorne, and started to pass on. - -Suddenly he paused and looked over his shoulder at Aaron, dimly seen by -the faint light in the hall. - -"Wait," he said in a low tone. "Come here a moment, Aaron." - -The serving man stepped noiselessly toward him. - -"Aaron, I'm not feeling quite right." - -"Ay, sir; I thought ye lookt a wee disturbed. I hope ye are na ill?" - -"I'm afraid I shall be unless I can get something to ward off the -attack. Do you know if there is whisky or liquor of any sort in the -place?" - -Aaron seemed alarmed. - -"I no hae anything to do wi' it," he hastily declared. "The widow alwa' -keeps a wee bit i' a bottle, but I hae na richt to touch it, sir." - -Eagerly, almost fiercely, Budthorne grasped the little man by his bony -wrist. - -"I must have something of the sort!" he breathed, huskily. "Aaron, you -must get me some of the contents of that bottle!" - -"I canna do it," declared the serving man, as if in great alarm. "Were I -to touch it th' widow wud be sair mad wi' me." - -"You need not let her know it. She'll never miss a little--enough for one -good drink." - -Still Aaron seemed alarmed. - -"I ha' been wi' her five year an' no' once ha' I failed to mind her -biddin'," he said weakly. - -"I'll pay you--I'll pay you well," said Budthorne. "See, Aaron, here is -money. Take it. Bring me enough for a drink from that bottle." - -He pressed the money into the hand of the little man, who seemed on the -point of refusing it. - -"She wi' find it out, sir." - -"How? I'll never tell her." - -"Ye sw'ar it?" - -"Yes." - -"Na matter wh' may hap, ye sw'ar ye willna tell Aaron gi' ye one drop -from that bottle?" - -"I swear it! Hurry up, man, or I'll explode for the want of a drink." - -"I canna gi' it to ye here." - -"In my room, then?" - -"Na! na!" - -"Then where?" - -"Ye maun meet me back o' th' house." - -"Anywhere, so that I get the drink. How can I do it? Hurry up!" - -"Ye maun go out by th' front dure; I'll go out by th' back. Step round -the corner an' find me at th' back." - -"All right. But don't lose time about it." - -"Have na fear." - -"Bring a big drink--a stiff drink. The longer I am without it the more I -want." - -A few moments later Budthorne left the cottage by the front door. There -was no moon, but millions of bright stars gleamed in the dome of heaven. -The wind had fallen with the coming of night, but although it did not -feel as cold, the temperature was much lower. To the east, close at -hand, slumbered Lochleven; to the north, farther removed, rose the -rugged Ochill Hills. - -It was a night of peace and repose, with no suggestion of danger lurking -near. - -Within the cottage the merry party chatted and laughed about the supper -table. Not until Budthorne had been absent some time did Nadia think of -him again; but at last she began to worry why he did not return. - -Finally she rose from the table, saying she would see what was detaining -him. - -"He has not been quite well of late," she explained. "Of course I'm -foolish to worry about him, but I can't help it. He must be in his room. -I'll return in a few moments." - -She did return in a few moments, a frightened look on her pale face. - -"He's gone!" she said. "I can't find him!" - -At this moment the door leading to the kitchen was flung open by a heavy -body striking against it, and into the dining room staggered Aaron, his -clothes torn, his face pale, and a streak of blood across one temple. - -At sight of him the others sprang up. - -"What has happened?" cried Dick. - -"I canna tell!" moaned Aaron. "Th' guid young man asked me to meet him -at th' back o' th' house. When I did so an' we were speakin' together a -band o' men wi' masks ower their faces sprang out upon us. One o' them -grappled wi' me. I tried to tear fra him, an' thin I saw all th' stars -o' heaven fa' on my haid. Next I found mysel' strecht on th' ground an' -th' stars back i' their places; but th' young man were gone an' th' men -ha vanished." - -Having made this explanation, Aaron fell heavily to the floor. - -Nadia promptly fainted in Brad Buckhart's arms. The old professor threw -up his thin hands and looked quite helpless. The widow assisted Buckhart -to take the senseless girl into the sitting room and place her on the -couch near the crackling, open fire. - -Dick Merriwell lost not a moment in kneeling beside Aaron and examining -his injury. He found a very slight cut in the hair near the temple. - -"Stop that groaning!" he sternly commanded. "You're not even badly hurt; -you're scarcely scratched." - -"Na! na!" gasped the little man. "I think I maun dee!" - -"You won't die from anything that has happened to you to-night. Get up! -Stop this foolishness! Why, I can't even find a bump on your head, and -there should be a swelling there if you were hit so frightfully hard. -Sit up!" - -Dick's manner was commanding, and, although he continued to take on, -Aaron sat up. - -"Now, see here," said young Merriwell, "I want you to tell me that story -again, and tell it straight. Just what did happen outside the inn?" - -Aaron repeated his tale, without much variation. Practically it was the -same. - -"Do you mean to tell me that little scratch rendered you unconscious, -man?" demanded Dick. "Why, it wouldn't hurt a sick kitten!" - -"I were struck on th' heid wi' somethin'." - -"Where is the abrasion or the swelling?" - -"I ken naething about abreesions, sir. A' I know, the sky seemed to fa' -on me." - -There was insincerity in Aaron's tones, and Dick doubted him. - -"Get a lantern," he ordered. "I suppose you have one about the place?" - -"Ay." - -"Get up! Bring me that lantern, and lose not a second." - -He assisted the little man to his feet. Aaron professed to be weak and -confused, but Dick placed a heavy hand on him, saying sternly: - -"If you cause me delay, I shall suspect that you do it purposely. -Budthorne is rich, and those concerned in any harm to him cannot fail to -be punished severely. If masked men carried him off, a hundred armed -hunters will be engaged to search for them and kill them like dogs when -found. Those who are not killed will be arrested and imprisoned. Work -hard and fast, Aaron, that you are not suspected of having part in this -bad business." - -"Na one who knows poor Aaron will suspect him o' any wrong," was the -fellow's protest. - -"You don't know the manner of Americans. They suspect every one -concerned in an affair until he is found guiltless. Is this the lantern, -Aaron? Light it instantly and lead me to the spot where this struggle -took place." - -Somewhat awed by Dick and feeling the power of the boy's will, the -serving man tremblingly lighted the lantern, after which he conducted -Merriwell from the house to the spot where the encounter had taken -place. - -"Stand still," ordered Merriwell, taking the lantern from the man's -hand. "Let me read the signs here." - -There were tracks in the snow and some indications of a struggle. At one -point was an imprint that seemed to indicate a man had fallen there. -Dick picked up something, glanced at it by the light of the lantern and -slipped it into a pocket. - -Anxiously Aaron watched the boy, about whose manner there was method -that alarmed the servant. Somehow Aaron began to believe Dick was -reading those imprints and footmarks like the printed words of a book. - -He was not far from right. - -"What have you found, pard?" It was the voice of Buckhart, who had -issued from the back door of the inn. - -"Budthorne was struck down by men who had been concealed behind this -little building," said Dick. "They stepped out upon him as he stood here -at the corner of the building, with his back turned in their direction. -Aaron stood in front of him. They struck him with a sandbag, or some -muffled weapon that did not cut his head." - -"How many of them were there?" - -"Four. Three of them lifted and carried him toward the road, two holding -his arms, while the third had his legs. The fourth chap, who was the -leader, walked in advance. Three of them do not belong hereabouts, but -the fourth, a heavy man with very big feet, belongs in the country." - -"Guid Lord!" whispered Aaron to himself, "how do he ken a' that?" - -Dick's early training by the old Indian, Joe Crowfoot, was standing him -in good stead now. - -Holding the lantern low, Merriwell followed the tracks toward the road. - -"It's likely they carried him off in a carriage, partner," said the -Texan. - -But when the highway was reached, where it seemed that the boy with the -lantern could find nothing to guide him to any conclusions, Dick -continued his search, seeming to pick out the trail amid the many -imprints there. - -"There was no carriage here," said the lad with the lantern. "They still -carried him in the original manner." - -"But they could not contemplate carrying him far in that way." - -"Surely not." - -"Pard, are you armed?" - -"No; are you?" - -"I'm a-heap sorry to say I'm not." - -Aaron had followed tremblingly at the heels of the boys. Now Professor -Gunn came hastening from the house and joined them. - -"It's awful--perfectly awful!" he fluttered. "I fear the shock will kill -his sister. She's in a dreadful condition. Boys, we must send to town -right off for the officers. We are in danger of our lives. At this -moment we are in deadly peril. I'm afraid out here where the ruffians -may spring upon us, and I'm afraid in there with no one but a woman and -a girl." - -"Go back to the inn, professor," directed Dick. "Stay with the widow and -Nadia." - -"What if the ruffians come?" - -"You'll be there to protect the ladies. It will give you an opportunity -to display your heroism and fighting blood." - -"But this isn't the right kind of an opportunity," said Zenas. "Boys, -you are recklessly exposing your lives! Come back into the inn at once. -I can't permit you to be so careless." - -"You'll have to permit it now," retorted Merriwell. - -"What, do you dare disobey my orders?" - -"On an occasion like this, yes. It is necessary, professor." - -Zenas gasped and hesitated. - -"Do come in!" he urged. "What can I tell your brother if anything -serious happens to you?" - -"Tell him the truth, and he will be satisfied. I am doing what my -brother would wish me to do." - -"Dear! dear!" muttered Gunn. "I regret that we ever came here. I fear -we'll all be murdered before we get away." - -Mumbling to himself, he hastened tremblingly back to the inn. - -"His courage has all oozed out," said Dick. - -"Waugh! I should say it had!" growled Brad, in disgust. - -Aaron now attempted to frighten the boys by telling them how fierce the -masked men were and how thoroughly armed. - -"Singular you saw so much of them," observed Dick. "Never mind if they -are armed thus and ready to commit murder at the drop of a hat; we'll do -our best to trail them, just the same." - -"Right, partner!" cried Buckhart. "It's up to us to do everything we can -for the sake of Nadia. It hurt me a heap to see her heartbroken over her -brother, and I couldn't stay with her any longer. I told her we'd find -him." - -Down the road went Dick and Brad, with Aaron following them like a dog. - -They entered the woods, where the bare trees stood silent and grim, -coming at length to the path that turned off toward the lake. This Dick -took. - -Reaching the shore, Merriwell quickly announced that Budthorne had been -placed in a boat and taken away. - -"That lad ha' th' power o' a witch!" whispered Aaron to himself. Then he -shook as he beheld Dick's eyes fastened on him. - -"Come," said the boy grimly, "we can't follow them on water, for that -leaves no trail. We'll return to the inn." - -As they entered the inn Nadia rushed at them, asking if they had learned -where her brother was and what had happened to him. - -"Not yet," answered Merriwell; "but we'll know all about it in a -minute." - -"How--how will you learn the truth?" - -"From Aaron," was the quiet answer that made the little man gasp. - -"Aaron? He----" - -"He knows much more than he has seen fit to tell." - -"Guidness kens I ha' told ye everything!" protested the alarmed man. - -Dick's dark eyes were fastened on Aaron, and to the latter they seemed -to bore into his very soul. - -"Sit there," commanded the boy, pointing toward a chair. - -Aaron felt that he was compelled to do so. - -Dick drew another chair before the man, sitting where he could look him -straight in the eyes. - -"Aaron," he said, "who is your best friend?" - -"Mrs. Myles, sir." - -"Do you wish to ruin her?" - -"Na, na; not for th' world!" - -"Do you know that what has happened here to-night will ruin her unless -you tell the whole truth and thus enable us to follow Budthorne's -captors and rescue him?" - -"Na, na!" - -"But it will. The story will travel far and wide. Every one will hear -how a young American, a guest at this inn, was captured by ruffians and -carried off. Travelers will shun the place. Mrs. Myles will find her -business gone. With no income, she'll soon come to want and suffering. -Without money she'll be unable to buy flour, and meat, and fuel. There -will be no warm fire on her hearth in the bleak winter, and she'll -suffer from hunger. You will be responsible--you, the one she took in -when you were in wretchedness, the one she has fed, and housed, and -trusted." - -Aaron held up his hands. - -"I canna be to blame for it!" he cried. - -"You will be. You met Budthorne out there by understanding. You knew -those men were hidden behind the little building. You knew they meant to -carry him away. You were not injured or struck down. You even cut that -tiny gash on your own head with a common knife. Here it is. I picked it -up where in your excitement you dropped it in the snow." - -Dick produced and held up the knife. - -Aaron's face was ghastly, and a terrible fear was in his eyes. This boy -with the searching eyes knew just what had happened, and it was useless -to lie. - -"I canna tell!" moaned the little man. "Do na look a' me wi' them eyes! -I canna tell! I canna tell!" - -"My poor lad!" exclaimed the widow. "Do na fear, but speak out th' -truth." - -"He wi' kill me if I do!" whispered Aaron. - -"No one shall harm you," promised Dick. - -"You canna tell that, for you do na ken him." - -"Whom do you mean, Aaron?" asked the widow. - -"Rob MacLane," he breathed, shuddering with fear. - -"Rob MacLane?" cried the landlady, in consternation: "Do na tell me he -had hand i' this black work!" - -The shivering little man nodded. - -"Then," said the widow, "th' poor young man is lost forever an' there is -na hope for him." - -"You may as well confess everything now," said Dick, once more fixing -Aaron with his piercing eyes. "It can do no further harm to you. Make a -clean breast of it--for the widow's sake, for the one who has warmed, and -fed, and trusted you." - -"I will!" said the little man; and in shaking tones he hurried through -the confession. - -When Dick heard that Budthorne was to be taken to the old castle on the -island and held a captive there he sprang up, turning to Nadia. - -"We will find a way to save him, Miss Budthorne," he promised. "Trust -us." - -"How can you--how can you against Miguel Bunol and this terrible ruffian, -MacLane?" she cried. "Then Aaron says there were more than two of them -who attacked Dunbar at the door and struck him down." - -"The other two were Marsh and Durbin. Marsh is a pitiful coward, at -best, so that practically reduces their fighting force to three. There -are two of us, Brad and myself." - -"And I sure allow we'll make it a whole lot hot for those three fine -gents," said the Texan, whose fighting blood was beginning to course -hotly in his veins. "We know Bunol and Durbin. MacLane may not be half -as dangerous as he is pictured. Nadia, we propose to bring your brother -safe back to you before morning. You hear me chirp!" - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -BUNOL MAKES HIS DEMAND. - - -Miguel Bunol stood in front of his weak, helpless captive in a room of -the crumbling castle of Lochleven. The bare room was lighted by a torch -thrust into a great crack in the wall. There was no furniture in the -place. Dunbar Budthorne sat on the floor, with his back against the -wall. - -Bunol's arms were folded. His head was bowed a little, and he was -steadily regarding Budthorne from beneath his black eyebrows. - -"Well," said the captive, weakly, "have you come to finish me?" - -The Spaniard made a gesture of remonstrance with his gloved hand. - -"How can you ask such a foolish question, my dear friend?" he said. - -"Don't call me your friend!" exclaimed Budthorne, with a slight show of -resentment and spirit. "I am no friend to such a wretch as you!" - -"Then let me assure you that I am your friend. I am deeply interested in -you, else I should not have taken all this trouble to-night." - -Something like a mirthless, mocking laugh came from the lips of the -prisoner. - -"A fine, friendly act!" said Budthorne. "It is the act of a solicitous -friend to fall on one, sandbag him and carry him off by force to a place -like this, I suppose! Where are the rest of your ruffians?" - -"They are near enough to come at my call should I need them," said -Bunol. "Never mind them. I wished to have a little private chat with -you, and they kindly retired to give me that privilege." - -"What is your game, Bunol? Out with it!" - -"Don't be in such haste. There is plenty of time. We have the whole -night before us. Indeed, should you remain obstinate, we may have many -nights before us. You are quite safe, my dear Budthorne, here in this -old castle. At this season of the year there is no danger that -troublesome visitors will come to inspect the stronghold that was once, -long ago, the prison of Queen Mary and is now yours." - -"If they should come----" - -"If they should come--see that door? It can be closed and barred. Beyond -it is another door that can be made secure. If troublesome persons came, -they would never find you. In here you might shout until your throat you -split without ever making them hear one faint cry. Have you ever heard -of Rob MacLane? Well, some years there have been that he has lived with -a price on his head, and always he had found this a safe hiding place -when in this vicinity. There is not one chance in ten thousand that your -friends at Ben Cleuch will come here to look for you; but should they -come they will find no trace of you." - -"You devil!" cried Budthorne. - -"Just how it was I wished you to know before we began talking. Now, -listen, my dear Budthorne. You are a very reckless and extravagant young -man, wholly unfitted to handle large sums of money. This I have learned -since my acquaintance with you. I have discovered that soon you will -spend your own share of the fortune which you inherited, and then I am -sure you will make inroads into that of your sister, who cares so very -much for you that she is unable to refuse you anything. What you greatly -need is some one to look after you and your sister and to prevent you -from beggaring yourself and her. Who in all the world is better fitted -for this than your very dear friend, Miguel Bunol?" - -"What folly!" exclaimed the captive. "What are you driving at?" - -"First I wish to prove that I am sincere in my protestations of -friendship," the Spaniard calmly continued. "When first I knew you, a -certain man, who is now not far away, had chosen you as a victim to be -despoiled of your money. He thought I might be of assistance to him in -the pleasant occupation, and so he took me into partnership." - -"You mean that miserable wretch, Durbin!" - -"I have called no names. At the outset I joined him, with no other -thought than to obtain a portion of the spoils. But in time I came to -admire you and care for you very much. It became a repulsive task for me -to assist him in his bungling plans, but the money I needed, and you had -so much that I felt you well might spare a little. Thus it went on. Then -you did me the honor to present me to your lovely sister." - -"I was a fool." - -"No, for I learned to care a great deal for Nadia, and in time I decided -that for her sake you must be saved. In order to save you I decided to -marry her." - -In spite of his weakness, Budthorne struggled to his feet as if to -attack Bunol, but he was forced to lean against the wall for support. - -"Don't excite yourself too much," urged the Spaniard, with mock -solicitude. "You are not strong." - -"No, no!" groaned Budthorne. "My legs will scarcely bear my weight. I -believe you somehow contrived to drug me, you wretch!" - -Bunol smiled, thinking of the drug he had given Aaron. - -"You do me great injustice," he protested. "Let me continue. I resolved -to marry your sister, for I felt she stood in great need of a faithful -guardian who would care for her tenderly and prevent you from -squandering her share of the fortune. Little by little I gained -influence and control over you, and I should have succeeded in full but -for the interference of that fellow Merriwell. He upset all my plans. -Had those plans worked as they should, the moment I became sure of Nadia -I should have cast aside both Durbin and Marsh. Rid of them, I could -cause you to cease your recklessness and prevent you from squandering -what remained of your fortune. You see, Budthorne, my intentions toward -you were of the most friendly sort." - -"Bah!" cried the captive. - -"After the exposure in London," Bunol went on, "I succeeded in following -you here, leaving Marsh and Durbin behind. With the aid of a faithful -fellow, good fortune led me to meet, I planned to get hold of you, just -as I have, in order to talk reason to you. I could have done very well -without Marsh and Durbin, but it chanced that they followed Merriwell -and his companions to Ben Cleuch, and they were passing on the highway -when I hailed them. I thought it best to use them once more this night, -and then to get rid of them forever. They think I am now trying to -squeeze from you more money that is to be divided equally between us. -Thus they deceive themselves. If you have in your head the reason you -should, it is little they will get." - -"What are you trying to propose?" demanded Budthorne. - -"That you swear to me by all you hold sacred, by the memory of your -mother and the fear of God, that you will not prevent me from making -your sister my wife, either by word, deed or suggestion. That is all I -ask." - -"And if I do that--what then?" - -"I will outwit the others. I will lead you from this place when they -know nothing of it. We will take the boat and row away. When we arrive -at the inn, I will tell how I found and rescued you from Rob MacLane, -Hector Marsh, and Luke Durbin. You will say it is true, every word to -the last. After that my own cards I will play, and your sister will I -win, for I have the power to make her mine." - -Always self-confident to an amazing degree, knowing his influence over -Budthorne, and believing he could force the man to do his will, Bunol -believed that in this manner he might make himself a hero in the eyes of -Nadia, might ensnare her in his hypnotic net, and might obtain her for -his own at last. - -But all the while he was playing double with Budthorne, for he had -outlined his plan to Durbin and Marsh, promising to wring money from -both brother and sister if he succeeded, and to divide liberally with -his accomplices. Rob MacLane was to be paid a set sum for his services. - -"What if I refuse?" asked Budthorne. - -"Then I shall leave you here alone in the dark to meditate upon it a -time." - -"You fool!" panted the captive. "You were crazy to fancy you could force -me into such a thing! Not in a thousand years!" - -Bunol shrugged his shoulders. - -"It is you who are foolish," he asserted. "Look into my eyes a moment, -Budthorne, and----" - -"No! no!" hoarsely cried the young man, as he suddenly started forward, -his hands clinched, resolved to attack his enemy. "I'll fight you here, -man to man." - -The Spaniard struck those clinched hands aside and gave Budthorne a -thrust that sent him again to the wall, against which he struck and then -dropped to the floor. - -"Very well," said Miguel. "Having thought it over, you will change your -mind, I believe. I will leave you to consider it all." - -Snatching the torch from the crack, he strode from the room, closing and -barring the heavy door behind him. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE FIGHT IN THE CASTLE. - - -The night was on the wane when Miguel Bunol returned and found the -shivering, half-frozen captive stretched on the bare floor. - -Budthorne lifted his head from his curled arms and looked at his enemy -with eyes filled with fear and hatred. - -"Leave me to die!" he hoarsely said. "You can never force me to -sacrifice my sister!" - -"Still obstinate!" sneered Bunol. "I had hoped to see a change in you. -Unless you decide at once to comply, you will have to remain here -through another day, for morning approaches, and we can leave this -island only by night." - -"I'll never give in! I'll never surrender to your evil influence! You----" - -The speaker stopped suddenly, starting up and listening, for from some -distant portion of the old ruin came a sudden cry of alarm. This cry was -followed by others and then a shot was heard! - -For a moment, as Budthorne struggled to his feet, Miguel Bunol stood -amazed and thunderstruck. Then he snarled out an oath and wheeled toward -the door. - -With a sudden burst of strength, Budthorne dashed at the fellow and -leaped on his back, clutching him round the neck with both arms. - -At the same time he lifted his voice and shouted for help. - -Budthorne believed rescuers had arrived. - -He was right. With muffled oars, a boat containing four persons had -noiselessly approached the island, slipping into the dark shadows of its -wooded shore. - -The four in the boat were Dick Merriwell, Brad Buckhart, Zenas Gunn, and -Aaron, the latter having provided the boat and accompanied them in the -effort to find and rescue Budthorne. - -Professor Gunn was shaking like a man with the ague. - -"Bub-bub-bub-boys," he whispered, as Dick and Brad cautiously stepped -out of the boat, "I th-th-think I had bub-bub-bub-better remain here and -gug-gug-gug-guard the bub-boat." - -"That's right," agreed Dick. "You'll serve us better here than you will -to go with us. But don't go away. Wait for us, no matter what happens." - -Aaron, who was determined to undo the wrong Dick had led him to believe -he had committed toward Widow Myles, led the boys under the crumbling -wall and into the grim and silent castle. - -To Professor Gunn it seemed that ages passed, but at last his heart was -sent quivering into his throat by the sounds that came from the interior -of the ruin. There were hoarse shouts, a shot, and a muffled voice -calling for help. - -The professor wrung his hands. - -"How can I ever tell Frank that I let his brother go to his death in -this manner!" he moaned. "Both those brave boys will be murdered, and I -feel that I am responsible for it." - -Within the castle the terrifying sounds continued for a time. At last -the old professor was startled to see appear on a portion of the wall, -faintly outlined against the sky, two dark figures. They grappled, one -of them seeming huge and giant-like, while the other was much smaller. - -Holding his breath in horrified suspense, Professor Gunn watched the -brief struggle. The larger man seemed easily to conquer his antagonist, -and the professor heard him hoarsely snarl: - -"Ye runty de'il, ye ha' played traitor on Rob MacLane, ha' ye? It's th' -last thing ye e'er do!" - -Then the giant lifted the little man in his arms to hurl him from the -wall. - -At that moment another figure appeared. There was a flash of fire and -the ring of a pistol shot. - -The giant dropped the little man, flung up his hands and both plunged -from the wall. - -The shaking old man by the boat heard the one who had fired the shot -exclaim: - -"Great tarantulas! I sure opine that's the end of both of them!" - -It was Buckhart, the fighting Texan; but a moment later he had -disappeared. - -Then, as the still trembling professor crouched by the boat, he was -startled to see two forms run past, one after the other. Directly the -sound of oars came to his ears, and, peering out on the placid face of -the cold lake, he beheld a boat that was being rapidly rowed away. - -And he could have sworn there were three persons in the boat. - - * * * * * - -Miguel Bunol succeeded after much effort in tearing his assailant from -his back and striking him down. Then the Spaniard fled from the room and -down the stairs. - -Bunol's companions had been surprised and attacked. On account of the -boldness of the assailants, they believed the force much larger than it -was, and they lost no time in seeking to get away. - -The light in the room was dashed out, and in the darkness the fight -continued. - -Aaron had singled out Rob MacLane, but the ruffian escaped by another -door, and the little man followed him to the wall, where took place the -encounter witnessed by Professor Gunn. - -Marsh and Durbin had been fortunate in getting away in the dark passages -of the old castle, and Buckhart followed Aaron in his pursuit of -MacLane. Brad witnessed the peril of the little man, and fired to save -him from being dashed from the wall. Following the shot, both men fell. - -Buckhart retraced his steps and heard Dick calling to him. Guided by -Merriwell's voice, he came upon Dick, who was supporting Budthorne with -one hand and holding a torch with the other. - -"Perhaps we had better get out of here before those chaps recover and -realize there are so few of us," said Dick. "I think Budthorne is all -right, and we've had great luck." - -"Luck!" cried the fighting Texan. "No luck about it, pard! I opine it -was a case of pure sand, and we won the game on our merits." - -He then told what had happened on the old wall. - -They lost no time in getting outside and aiding Budthorne to the spot -where the terrified professor waited with the boat. - -"But we're not going away without finding out what has happened to -Aaron," said Dick. "Come on, Brad." - -They went in search of the little man and found him under the wall, his -leg broken. Near at hand lay another man, who had something worse than a -broken leg, for a bullet had pierced his shoulder and his neck had been -broken when he struck the ground. - -Innocent persons in that part of the country would never more be -terrorized by Rob MacLane. - -After a long consultation with Budthorne and his sister, it was decided, -on Dick's advice, that Dunbar and Nadia should quietly leave Scotland -for Italy. Dick and Brad promised to meet them, if possible, after they -had visited several points of interest in England, upon which the -professor insisted. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE HAUNTS OF ROBIN HOOD. - - -"Well, boys," said Professor Gunn, "we are at last in the very heart of -Sherwood Forest, the haunt of Robin Hood, the outlaw." - -"There certain is a right good stretch of timber and some of the biggest -trees I ever saw," confessed Brad Buckhart; "but it doesn't seem to me -that it should have been such a mighty hard thing to hunt an old outlaw -out of a place like this." - -"Times were different then, and you must not forget that, while Robin -plundered the rich, legends have it that he was always kind to the poor, -and, therefore, he had many friends who warned him of danger and gave -him protection." - -Dick Merriwell, Brad Buckhart, and Professor Gunn were being driven in -an open carriage through the noble and famous forest. All around them -stood the mighty oaks, some of which, it was said, had withstood the -storms of seven centuries. The westering sun of what had been an ideal -autumn day gleamed through the branches on which the brown leaves -rustled and where the squirrels chattered. The frozen ground was -bestrewn with fallen leaves, which rustled in little flocks along the -hard road when stirred by a passing breeze, seeming like startled birds. - -Earlier in the day they had visited Newstead Abbey, the home of Byron, -where two hours were spent. On leaving they drove through the -ever-thickening forest to a little wayside inn, where they lunched. -After a rest, they resumed their drive, it being their object to stop -for the night at Robin Hood's Tavern, an inn of which they had been told -by their cockney driver. - -"Is it really true, professor," asked Dick, "that Robin Hood was of -noble birth?" - -The old pedagogue shrugged his shoulders and smiled a withered smile. - -"That is a question no one can answer," he declared. "It has been said -that he was the outlawed Earl of Huntingdon, but such a tale may have -come from the fact that the really noble qualities he betrayed seemed -quite unnatural for a robber and outlaw, and were supposed to be -possessed only by those of gentle birth. But here in this forest he -roamed with Friar Tuck, Little John, Will Scarlett, Allen-a-Dale, and -Maid Marion. Here he made merry and lived such a life of adventure, and -ease, and pleasure, that he has been the envy of every romantic -youngster to this day." - -"Did he live long?" questioned Buckhart. - -"Tradition says he lived his roving, careless, jolly life until he -became a very old man." - -"And how did he die? Was he executed?" - -"Oh, no. Being somewhat ill, he trusted himself to the prioress of -Kirkley to be bled, and she treacherously let him bleed to death." - -"Do you believe there really was a Robin Hood, professor?" - -"Why not?" - -"Well, you know the story has been doubted by students of history, many -of whom assert that the story of his life is purely legendary." - -"Hum! haw! Haw! hum!" coughed Zenas. "Some of these students of history -are cranks and doubters on principle. They think they impress people -with their great knowledge, acumen and judgment by doubting everything -there is any chance of doubting. You can doubt anything that happened -say a century ago if you wish to. No matter how strong the proofs may -be, you can say they were manufactured. Do either of you boys doubt the -story of Paul Revere's ride?" - -"Of course not!" exclaimed Dick. - -"I should rise to remark that we don't," burst from Brad. - -"Well, I once heard a man, an educated man, a scholar, declaring that -the whole yarn had been manufactured out of moonshine. He didn't deny -there had lived such a person as Paul Revere, for Paul Revere's -descendants still live; but he insisted and maintained that the tale of -his midnight ride had been elaborated and cooked up to please those who -wished to make a hero of a very commonplace man." - -"Great tarantulas!" growled Brad. "That gent certain deserved to be shot -up some for making such foolish talk!" - -"Do you really believe there was a Robin Hood, professor?" asked Dick, -once more. - -"I think there is no doubt that such a man lived," answered the old man -stiffly. "Perhaps he did not pass through all the stirring adventures -credited to him, but I am satisfied that there was a Robin Hood. He was -passionately attached to the chase, and he was bold enough to make free -with the king's deer, which angered the king, who summoned him to -London. Thinking himself far safer here in this forest, which was then -much more vast, having since been cut away to a great extent, he simply -ignored the summons, upon which the king pronounced him an outlaw." - -The sun was low in the west, and the long shadows deepened in Sherwood -Forest. Soon the sun set and night spread its wing over the ancient -haunts of Robin Hood. - -"How much farther to the tavern, driver?" asked Professor Gunn. - -"Not hover four mile, sir," was the answer. - -Behind them on the hard road there sounded the clatter of hoofs and -rumble of wheels. Looking round, they saw a closed carriage, drawn by -two horses, rapidly approaching. - -"Some one drives in a great hurry," said Dick. - -The horses were steaming as they whipped past at a favorable place for -doing so. The curtains of the carriage were closely drawn, and not a -soul save the muffled driver was to be seen. - -"Those horses have been pushed right hard," observed Buckhart. "Wonder -who's inside the old hearse." - -They crossed a stone bridge and followed the winding road on into a -still deeper portion of the forest. The sun went down and darkness -gathered. - -At last a light glimmered cheerfully in the distance and a dog barked. - -"That is Robin 'Oods Tavern," said the driver. - -"Glad of it!" exclaimed the professor. "It's getting cold since sunset. -Not quite as bad as it was in Scotland, but too cold for comfort while -driving." - -"Why, I allowed it was some hot up round Lochleven in Scotland," -chuckled Buckhart. "We warmed things up one night. Eh, pard?" - -"Rather," agreed Dick. - -Amid the massive oaks stood the little inn, with the light shining -cheerfully from its windows. Soon they drew up before it, their journey -ended for the night. - -Outside the inn, with the horses unhitched and removed, stood the same -closed carriage that had passed them on the road. - -A hostler came to take charge of their horses, and they entered the inn, -being greeted by the landlord, a ruddy-cheeked man, named Swinton, who -was smoking a rank-smelling pipe. The landlord welcomed them in a -hearty, cheerful manner, bidding them come in by the fire and get warm. - -"It's going to be a cold night, gentlemen," he said. - -"Cold, indeed, sir," agreed the professor; "but your little house looks -bright, and warm, and comfortable." - -"So I think you will find it. You will stay to sup with me?" - -"We hope you can give us accommodations overnight. Have you two rooms, -one with a fire in it?" - -"I have just what you want, I believe--two rooms with a door between, and -a grate fire in one of them. You may be as comfortable as you please -here." - -By this time the professor had learned that it was always best to -bargain in advance for accommodations in England, and this he proceeded -to do, haggling in a good-natured way with the landlord, who at first -asked an exorbitant price. - -"We're not millionaires, my dear sir," said Zenas. "We're just plain, -ordinary people, traveling through your beautiful country. The pennies -count with us." - -"You're from America, are you not?" asked the innkeeper, seeming greatly -surprised at this confession. - -"We are, but not all Americans have money to burn, even though the most -of them who come abroad wish people to think so." - -Finally the landlord agreed to a price a full third lower than he had -originally named, after which, having ushered them into a room with an -open coal fire, he went away to prepare their rooms for them. - -A servant came and removed the wraps, saying they would be taken to the -rooms upstairs. He also took charge of the big hand bag, which contained -their nightdresses and such toilet articles as they always carried with -them. - -After a time the porter came and announced that their rooms were ready -for them. At the foot of the stairs a maid with a lighted candle waited -to escort them. She was a buxom, red-cheeked country girl. - -"Be careful hof of the stairs, sir; they're very steep sir," she said to -Zenas, giving him a smile that made him brace up wonderfully. "Hi 'ave -to climb them hoften henough to know." - -"Er-hum!" coughed the old fellow. "They say climbing stairs is fine -exercise--great for the complexion. But you don't need anything to -improve your complexion, my dear--it couldn't be improved." - -"'Ow kind you hare, sir!" she said, with a smothered laugh. - -Dick was behind Brad, and he gave the Texan a pinch that caused him to -utter a whoop. - -"Ow, goodness!" cried the girl, in alarm. - -"Don't be frightened, my dear--don't be frightened!" said Zenas quickly. -"It's only the boys." - -"Hit gave me 'art a hawful jump," said the girl. "One gets frightened -terrible in this 'ouse." - -"Get frightened here? Why?" - -"'Avent you 'eard, sir?" - -"About what?" - -"This place is 'aunted, you know." - -"Eh? Hey? Haunted, did you say?" - -"Yes, sir; they do say it's the spirit of Robin 'Ood hisself that come -'ere, sir." - -"This is interesting--decidedly so!" said Zenas. "A haunted inn in the -heart of Sherwood Forest! Why, I should think it would drive away custom -if such a report got out." - -"Hinstead of that, hit brings people 'ere to see the place, sir. They -seem to take great hinterest in 'aunted 'ouses." - -She flung open the door of a room. - -"'Ere is your rooms, sirs," she said. "The fire is warm, and Hi 'ope you -will be very comfortable. Is there hany thing I can bring you?" - -They entered the first room, in which the fire was burning. It was -fairly large and comfortable, with a big English bed, surrounded by -curtains. - -"Wait a minute, my dear," urged the professor. Then turning to the boys, -he said: - -"Here, you youngsters, take that candle on the mantel and inspect your -room. The door is open, I see." - -Dick gave Brad a wink and picked up the candle, starting for the -adjoining room. The maid had entered the first room and was waiting, -candle in hand. - -"You may go with Richard, Bradley," said Zenas, seeing that Buckhart -lingered behind. - -"All right," nodded the Texas youth. - -As he stepped past the girl he gave a puff that extinguished the candle -in her hand. Then he swiftly strode into the adjoining room, closing the -door behind him. - -Immediately the old professor began to call loudly for Dick and Brad to -return. - -"Come back here, you young rascals!" he shouted. "What are you up to, -you scoundrels? Bring that candle instantly! How dare you do such a -thing--how dare you!" - -"I'm so frightened!" fluttered the girl, catching hold of Zenas. "'Ave -you a match, sir? We might light the candle, sir." - -Dick opened the door and peered back into the room, discovering the girl -clinging to the professor. - -"Here! here!" he cried reprovingly. "What are you doing, Professor Gunn? -You're a married man. I didn't think it of you! I didn't think you would -blow out the young lady's candle and attempt to kiss her in the dark. -It's really scandalous! What would Mrs. Gunn say if she ever heard of -this?" - -"Oh, goodness! She'd have a fit!" confessed Zenas. "Bring that candle -instantly! How in the world did this candle happen to go out?" - -"Oh, I think you know how it happened," laughed Merriwell. - -"On my word I don't!" declared Gunn. "I believe that reprobate Buckhart -did it!" - -"But he didn't compel you to attempt to kiss the girl in the dark." - -"Oh, murder! I never touched her! She was frightened. She clung to me -for protection." - -"Oh, all right," said Dick; but his tone and manner seemed to indicate -that he knew better and could not be fooled by such an explanation. - -Zenas shook his fist at Dick in great excitement. - -"If you dare hint that I was trying to kiss her, I'll--I'll--I'll----" - -He seemed unable to find words with which to complete the threat, and so -he turned to the maid, anxiously urging her to attest that he had done -nothing of the sort. - -Behind the professor's back Dick winked and nodded at her, making signs -she understood. - -"Why, sir," she said, falling in with the joke, "Hi don't hexactly -suppose you hactually meant to kiss me, sir; but----" - -"There it is professor--there it is!" cried Dick, while Buckhart laughed -aloud. "She confesses that you really did do it, although she tries to -shield you by saying it was an accident." - -"She didn't confess anything of the sort!" palpitated Zenas, actually -dancing in his excitement. "You're twisting her language, you rascal! -You're perverting her meaning! You're trying to ruin my reputation!" - -"If she hadn't said so with her own lips--the lips you tried to----" - -"Stop it! stop it!" implored Zenas. "If you respect me in the least, I -implore you to stop it! If you ever hint that such a thing happened, if -you ever breathe a suggestion of it in the presence of my wife, I'll----" - -"Now, don't threaten me," said Dick reproachfully. "You know I'm your -friend, and even though I have been saddened to know of your -disreputable behavior, I'll remain silent as the grave concerning it. -Even though I may deplore your inclination to get gay with the girls, -I'll bury the black secret in my heart and never breathe a word of it to -your lovely, delicate and trusting wife." - -"Lovely! Delicate!" gasped the old pedagogue. - -"Don't say a word against her, sir!" exclaimed Dick, with a pretense of -righteous indignation. "She remains at home and permits you to travel -abroad for your health, little dreaming that, while she thus sacrifices -herself for your sake, you are carrying on scandalously with every -pretty girl you meet." - -Zenas threw up his hands in despair, the expression on his face being so -laughable that Buckhart with difficulty kept himself from roaring. - -"I didn't dream you could say such things of me, Richard!" groaned the -old man. - -"And I didn't dream you would cut up so among the girls. Of course, I'll -keep still about it, and Brad will never say a word, but still it may -leak out. It may get into the newspapers. You know there are -representatives of the yellow journals of America in London. They may -hear of it. It will make a breezy bit of scandal--a juicy morsel--for -them. How would this sound in one of their papers: 'Professor Gunn Gets -Gay With the Girls. Giddy Old Chap, Traveling in England, Tickles the -Chambermaids----'" - -With a genuine shriek of horror, Professor Gunn dropped on a chair. - -"Stop! stop!" he yelled. "You'll drive me to suicide!" - -"But you know it may get into the papers," Dick went on. "As I said, -neither Brad nor myself will say anything about it." - -"Then how can it get out?" - -"Why, the girl you tried to kiss may----" - -"Never tried it--never!" - -"Well, the girl who says you tried to kiss her----" - -"Who says you did kiss her--by accident," put in the boy from Texas. - -"I stand corrected, and I accept the correction." said Dick. "The girl -who says you did kiss her by accident may happen to speak of it to other -tourists. She may mention your name. It's not unlikely some of those -tourists may be newspaper men. If they are not, they may be friends of -newspaper men. They may see an opportunity of making a good, spicy item -out of it. Oh, there are ways enough for it to get into the American -papers." - -"How can I prevent it?" groaned the tortured old fellow. - -"Why, you might fix it with the girl," answered Dick, again giving the -maid a significant wink. "She's a poor girl, but she's honest and -kind-hearted. She wouldn't like to ruin you, and she'll keep still--for -an inducement." - -"Ow, Hi couldn't think hof it----" began the girl. - -Thinking she meant that she could not think of keeping still, Zenas -sprang to his feet, cold perspiration starting out on his pale face. - -"I implore you! I beseech you!" he cried. "I'm an honorable man, and I -hold a position of trust and responsibility in America. If this thing -gets into the American papers I'm ruined. Here, my dear girl, take -this--take it and remain silent--for my sake." - -Eagerly he thrust a pound note into her hand. - -"Ow, you hare so kind, sir--so very kind, sir!" she tittered, bobbing him -a bow. "Hi'm ownly a poor girl, and Hi thank you for being so hawfully -kind to me, sir. If there's hanything Hi can do for you, sir, while you -are 'ere----" - -"You can," said Zenas solemnly. - -"You may depend hon me, sir. What is it?" - -"Keep away from this room. Don't come near it while I remain in the -house. If you do these boys will see something further that is improper. -Go at once. Every moment you remain adds to my peril. Go!" - -"Very well, sir. Hi 'opes you 'ave a pleasant time while 'ere, sir. Hi -'opes you henjoy your supper and your night's rest, sir. Good night, -sir." - -Bobbing a bow to each of them in turn, she smilingly left the room. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE SPANIARD AGAIN. - - -"I don't think you're really to blame, professor," said Dick. "Indeed, I -have often wondered in the past how you succeeded in warding off the -attacks of the fair sex, who are continually besieging you. No one is to -blame if he happens to be attractive and fascinating to women." - -The old fellow brightened up a little. - -"That's nonsense, Richard," he said. "Of course, there was a time when -the girls did chase after me more or less, but that's gone by." - -"You know better, professor. In these days girls are learning to admire -men of brains, and talent, and genius. You'll have to be careful, -professor. There's something about you that fetches them every time." - -Zenas smiled. - -"Do you think so?" - -"I know it! I want to warn you for your own good. You'll have to hold -them off. If we go to Paris, you'll have to be on your guard. They're -sure to throw themselves at you. Paris is full of pretty girls, they -say, and they'll keep you ducking. If you were inclined to be frisky, -you could have a score of handsome women chasing you." - -"He! he!" laughed Gunn. "That would be embarrassing, but it would be -rather exciting." - -He rose to his feet and threw out his chest. - -"I don't know but you are right," he nodded. "Since crossing the pond -I've noticed the ladies glancing my way and smiling on me. In London -they smiled at me, and in Scotland the Scottish girls were inclined to -give me the eye. I used to be quite a chap with 'em, but since getting -married I've lived retired and kept away from 'em. I'll have to look out -or some of them will be trying to steal me." - -Buckhart turned a laugh into a severe fit of coughing. - -"I'm afraid I've taken cold," he barked. - -By this time Dick had Professor Gunn thinking himself really a very -captivating old chap with the ladies, and he began to tell how he had -found it necessary to dodge them all his life. - -"Stop it, pard!" whispered the boy from Texas. "If you don't let up I'll -sure give myself away to him." - -Thus adjured, Merriwell finally quit egging Zenas on, but he improved an -opportunity to slip out of the room and leave the professor relating -some of his experiences to Buckhart. - -Dick descended to the lower rooms of the inn, entering the one to which -they had first been ushered by the landlord. - -A man in black clothes was half sitting, half reclining in a big -easy-chair that was drawn up before before the fire. Evidently he had -been perusing a newspaper, over which, made drowsy by the warmth, he had -fallen asleep. The paper was spread over his face. - -At one corner of the glowing open grate was another chair, and Dick sat -down in this. - -"A cool night, sir," he observed, by way of being sociable. - -The man did not stir. Evidently he was quite sound asleep. - -Dick took from his pocket a tourist's map and began examining it. The -old professor had stated that in a few days they would leave England for -warmer countries to the south, but their exact route had not yet been -decided on. - -For ten minutes or more Dick studied the map closely, becoming quite -absorbed in it. At last, although he had not heard a sound or observed a -movement on the part of his companion, he was led to glance up quickly, -feeling himself attracted by something. - -The man in the easy-chair had permitted the newspaper to slip down just -enough for him to peer over the upper edge of it. - -Merriwell found himself looking straight into a pair of dark, magnetic -eyes, which were fixed on him with a steady, intent gaze. As those eyes -met Dick's they did not waver or blink in the least, and thus the two -sat perfectly still, Dick holding the map and having his head partly -lifted, gazing at each other unwaveringly and in stony silence. - -Almost instantly Dick knew he had seen those eyes before. There was -something familiar about them. They gave the boy at first a queer, -uncanny sensation, and something like a chill, followed by a tingling -flush of heat, passed over him. - -A sense of danger came to Dick Merriwell. He seemed to feel the -influence of a strange, subtle power. Directly he realized that this -unknown power emanated from those piercing dark eyes, and it seemed that -in his ear his guardian genius whispered an anxious warning. - -Immediately the boy roused himself and brought his own firm will to the -task of combating the influence whose touch he had so distinctly felt. -Summoning his spirit of resistance to the contest, he continued to watch -the eyes revealed above the edge of the newspaper. - -Neither man nor boy moved a muscle. In dead silence they remained thus, -watching each other like panthers about to spring. - -The fire glowed warmly on the hearth and a great clock that stood in one -corner of the room ticked solemnly and regularly. Outside the wind rose -in a great gust and swept with rushing sound through the branches of the -trees. Ghostly hands, like those of restless spirits seeking admission -from the darkness and the cold, rapped at the casement of a window. - -Still the unknown man and the American lad sat motionless, gazing into -each other's eyes. - -The unvaried ticking of the great clock began to sound loud as hammer -strokes. - -Gradually Dick realized that he was obtaining the mastery. He had met -and resisted the unknown influence the other was bringing to bear upon -him, and his determination was conquering the subtle power of those -magnetic eyes. - -He called into action all the force of will he could command, knowing -that he was defeating the object of the silent man before the fire. - -Finally the man uttered a low exclamation of disappointment and anger, -and the newspaper fell rustlingly from his face. - -Dick sat face to face with Miguel Bunol! - -"Curses on you!" hissed the Spanish youth. "Had you not looked up so -soon I would have succeeded." - -"Never!" retorted Dick. "It is not in you, Bunol, to conquer a -Merriwell." - -"We shall see." - -"I should think you would know it by this time. What are you doing -here?" - -"That is my business." - -"In which I am somewhat interested. How dare you show your face again?" - -"Dare?" laughed the young Spaniard, harshly. "Did you think you could -frighten me? Fool not yourself by such a fancy. I have a right to go -where I choose, have I not?" - -"You might find it unpleasant if you were to appear in the vicinity of -Kinross, Scotland, about now. Of course you have a right to go there, if -you choose, but you would be arrested if you did so." - -"We are not in Scotland, Merriwell. This is England and the heart of -Sherwood Forest." - -"But the law is just as strong here as in Kinross. If Dunbar Budthorne -were here he would----" - -Bunol snapped his fingers contemptuously. - -"He would do nothing at all. Had he sat before me, were he sitting thus -now, I'd have him powerless to disobey my command--I'd have him subject -to my every wish. I am his master, and he knows it." - -"Still at Lochleven you did not succeed in forcing him into your -dastardly scheme--you did not compel him to aid you in your plot to marry -his sister." - -"But for you, Merriwell, I should have succeeded. You ruined my plot. -That very night, as I fled in a boat across the bleak bosom of the lake, -I swore to turn my attention to you, and put you beyond the possibility -of baffling me again. Now you know why I am here. What will you do about -it?" - -The Spaniard asked the question mockingly. He was flinging defiance in -the teeth of the young American. - -"You have selected a big task, Mig Bunol." - -"But I have sworn to succeed." - -"You will fail utterly and miserably." - -Bunol lifted one hand to caress the thin, black mustache upon his lip. - -"That is what you believe," he said; "but I know I shall not fail. At -Fardale I hated you, but I forgot you after I left the school. Never -again would I have given you a thought had you not crossed my path in -London. You crossed it at a most unfortunate time for me, as then I was -on the very verge of accomplishing my great object." - -"And that object was to ruin Dunbar Budthorne and to make his beautiful -sister your wife." - -"I love her!" - -"You love her! Never! You love nothing but your own selfish, villainous -self, Bunol. You were interested in her, and fascinated by her, because -of her beauty; but had she been a poor girl you would not have dreamed -for a moment of marrying her." - -"How wise you are!" sneered Miguel, shrugging his shoulders. "Even if -that is so, what does it prove?" - -"It proves that you are a fortune hunter of the lowest and most -contemptible sort." - -"Is it such a crime to be a fortune hunter, as you call it? What are the -ruined and penniless noblemen of Europe who seek marriage with American -heiresses?" - -"You are not even in the class of those men, for, though they may be -cads, and snobs, and weaklings, and utterly lacking in manly qualities, -few of them are downright scoundrels and desperadoes. At least, they -have titles to give in return for the wealth their rich wives will bring -them; but you have nothing to give." - -"Yah!" snarled the Spaniard, showing his white, gleaming teeth. "You say -things that sting, but some day your tongue will be silent with death!" - -"Your threats do not disturb me in the least, Bunol, for I am confident -that I shall live to see you hanged, as you justly deserve to be. Bunol, -your power is broken and your great scheme has come to naught. You may -as well seek other victims, for never again will your fingers handle a -dollar of Budthorne's money." - -With a sneer on his dark face, the Spanish youth had listened to -Merriwell's words. - -"It is a great wonder you think yourself!" he cried. "You think you have -defeated me. How little you know me, boy! Did you imagine you had thrown -me off the track and would see me no more while abroad? I am here. From -Edinburgh you I followed to Glasgow, from Glasgow to Dublin, from Dublin -to Manchester, Sheffield and here. I chose this spot to appear to you -again and to let you know I am on your track. All this time you have -known nothing of it, and you have thought me frightened by what happened -in Scotland. While you remained in Scotland I did not care to appear, as -I knew you would try to have me arrested. - -"In Dublin there was no reason why I should make myself known, nor yet -in Manchester or Sheffield. Here we are far from any town and in the -heart of a forest. True, your friends are within call of your voice if -you lift it; but I, too, have friends ready to spring in on us at a -signal. My friends are all armed, and it is short work they would make -of two boys and a cowardly, withered old man. Ha! ha! Call, if you like! -I am willing; I am ready. Utter a shout, and by the time your friends -get down to this room you will be lying on this hearth in your blood." - -"Are you trying to frighten me with such talk, Mig Bunol? You should -know by this time that I am not easily frightened. You say you have -followed me. That is good. While you were doing so Dunbar Budthorne and -his sister were getting far beyond your reach. You have followed me in -order to be near when they joined us again. That is it!" - -Dick laughed triumphantly, for he had stated the reason why Bunol had so -persistently dogged him about, and he felt that the fellow had been -completely baffled. - -Dick's laughter caused Bunol to turn pale with rage. He saw that the -young American regarded him with positive contempt. In Dick he had not -aroused an atom of fear--nothing but aversion, scorn and contempt. - -"You cannot fool me!" he snarled. "The Budthornes are not very far away. -If you live, you will meet them soon. I shall be there." - -"Will you?" - -"Yes! I know your cowboy friend has become deeply interested in Nadia, -but--bah!--what is he? I can dispose of him so." Bunol gave a careless -flirt of his hand. - -"It's plain enough you do not know the kind of stuff that Brad Buckhart -is made of." - -"He is nothing but a blustering braggart." - -"He's a fighter, every inch of him; fearless as a lion. It was his -bullet that pierced the shoulder of Rob MacLane, the outlaw, on the wall -of Lochleven Castle, and sent him tumbling to the ground, where his -career ended with a broken neck, greatly to the relief of all honest -people." - -"Still he is nothing but a blustering braggart, and any man of real -courage can become his master. I mind him not. It is you I have set my -heart to conquer and crush, and then Buckhart will be disposed of with -ease." - -"How do you propose to carry out your little project with me?" - -"Don't think I'll not find a way. If I chose, you'd never leave this inn -alive. You'd never rise from that chair, unless it were to drop dead on -this hearth!" - -"If all this is true, why don't you go about it?" cried Dick, his eyes -flashing. "I'm watching you! I am waiting for you to begin!" - -"I came here to force you to tell me where Nadia is." - -Once more Dick laughed. - -"And you fancied you could succeed? You fancied you could force a -Merriwell to do your bidding? Bunol, you are a greater fool than I -thought!" - -"Oh, laugh, conceited idiot!" snarled the Spaniard. "You may be laughing -in the face of death!" - -"In some ways you are amusing, as well as disgusting. Now I know why you -sat so still on that chair and pretended to sleep with the paper hiding -your face. Now I know why you permitted the paper to slip down until you -could peer over it. You have discovered that with your eyes and your -mind you can govern weaklings. Your success with Dunbar Budthorne caused -you to think you might hypnotize me, and force me to tell you where you -could find Nadia. You have failed. What will be your next move?" - -"I have failed, and my next move may be to put you forever out of the -way of causing me more trouble." - -"Begin!" was Dick's challenge. "I am waiting! Do you fancy you can do it -alone? or will you call your paid ruffians to your assistance? Call -Durbin! Call Marsh! Durbin has none too much courage, and Marsh is a -miserable coward. I am here in this room alone. Call them to your aid -and let's have it out!" - -"How bold you are!" sneered Bunol, again. "But it is not on such as -Durbin and Marsh I depend alone. A closed carriage passed you on the -road shortly before you arrived here. I was in that carriage, and with -me were men ready to cut your throat at a word of command from me. -Should I give the signal they would come with a rush. Better be careful -with that tongue of yours. If you do not arouse me too far, I may permit -you to live yet a while longer; but in the end you shall die--and by my -hand!" - -Dick was becoming tired of the talk. He had fancied some one might enter -the room, either the landlord or the friends he had left upstairs. Now, -of a sudden, he heard a sound of heavy knocking coming from the upper -part of the inn, as if some one were pounding furiously on a door. - -"Your friends are growing impatient," said Bunol. "They wish to get out, -it seems." - -"Wish to get out?" - -"Yes; they are locked in their rooms. One of my men attended to that -after you left them, I presume. I gave orders to keep Buckhart and the -old man away in case I found an opportunity to meet you face to face. -But the place will be disturbed by the racket they are making. I hope -you enjoy your supper here and your night's rest. I'm sorry to say I -have decided to leave you. It might be disagreeable if your party and -mine were to remain beneath the same roof." - -Bunol started to rise from his chair, as if to depart. - -Instantly, without warning and with a great bound, Dick reached the -Spaniard and clutched him. - -"Wait a minute!" he exclaimed. "Don't be in such a hurry to go." - -With a furious exclamation, Bunol flashed out a knife and struck at the -boy's throat a blow that was much like a streak of lightning as the -steel glinted in the gleaming firelight--a blow impelled by deadly hatred -and murderous impulse. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE STRUGGLE. - - -At times Professor Gunn became very garrulous, and on such occasions he -invariably insisted that either Dick or Brad should listen to him. If -both refused, he was mortally offended. - -When Brad saw Dick had slipped away and left him with the old man he -feared what was coming, and tried to edge toward the door; but Zenas -promptly called him back, urged him to sit down, placed a chair before -the open fire, and sat down himself. - -"Now we're comfortable and cozy," said the old man. "Now we can chat, -Bradley. I have a few things I wish to say to you. I have some advice I -wish to give you, my boy." - -Buckhart smothered a groan. - -"Won't it keep until after supper, professor?" he asked. - -"No, sir. I've been waiting for an opportunity to speak with you alone, -and this is the time. I have taken note that you are greatly interested -in Miss Budthorne. Now, you are young--far too young to fall seriously in -love. Wait, sir; let me speak. I am doing this as a father. Indeed, I -feel that while we are traveling together I must practically fill the -position of father to you. You have some faults. I had faults when I was -of your age. I wish to tell you a story, and at the end I will indicate -the lesson it teaches." - -Zenas then began a long-winded series of reminiscences about himself and -his boyish love affair, to which Brad was forced to listen, little -dreaming that in a room below Dick Merriwell and his enemy, Miguel -Bunol, were sitting face to face, watching each other with eyes that -never wavered. - -Only for Professor Gunn's determination to talk Buckhart would have -attempted to leave the room long before he did, and would have made a -surprising and annoying discovery that came to him later when he tried -the door. - -"Whatever's the matter with this old door?" exclaimed the Texan, when he -found it refused to open before his hand. - -"Perhaps it sticks," suggested Zenas. - -"Sticks--nothing!" growled Brad. - -"Then what----" - -"It's locked!" - -"Locked?" - -"Sure as shooting." - -"It can't be." - -"I opine I know when a door is locked," said the Texan; "and this yere -door is locked tight and fast." - -"How could it happen? I'm sure there is not a spring lock on the door." - -"Not at all, professor. I wonder some if this is one of Dick's tricks. I -wonder if he locked us in here?" - -"Why should he do that?" - -Brad did not explain that he fancied it possible Dick had done so in -order to compel him to listen to the old man's lecture. - -"Wonder if there's no other way to get out," he growled. "Mebbe the door -to the next room is not locked." - -He hurried into the adjoining room, but found, to his further -disappointment and disgust, that the door leading from that room was -likewise locked. - -When Brad returned he began hammering on the door in earnest. - -"Look out!" cried Zenas. "You'll knock a panel out!" - -"That's what I sure will do!" roared the Texan. "I'll certain bu'st a -hinge off if Dick doesn't hike this way and open things up." - -"Perhaps he didn't lock the door." - -"Then whoever did? That's what I'd like to know." - -A sudden thought flashed through Buckhart's head. What if this locking -them in was a trick to keep them away while an attack of some sort was -made on Merriwell? - -"I can pay for the door," he muttered; "and I certain ain't going to -keep still when there may be deviltry of some sort going on." - -Then he backed off a few steps and made a rush and a spring, flinging -his shoulder against the door, with the whole weight of his body behind. - -The door burst open with a crash. Brad stumbled out into the hall, -nearly falling, but quickly recovering his feet. - -As he did so a significant cry came to his ears, proceeding from the -lower part of the building. - -In another moment he was bounding recklessly down the dark flight of -stairs. - -In the meantime, Dick was having his hands full with the treacherous -Spaniard. Bunol had whipped out his knife with astonishing swiftness and -had struck a deadly blow at the boy's throat. - -Quick as he was, however, either Merriwell anticipated the movement or -he was quicker, for he dodged and clutched the wrist of his enemy at the -same time. - -Bunol uttered a low exclamation of disappointed rage, attempting to -wrench his knife hand free. - -"No you don't!" exclaimed Dick, holding fast with a grip of iron. "You -murderous dog! This ought to be enough to put you behind bars, and I -think I'll see that you go there for a while." - -"You'll never put me there!" palpitated the Spanish youth. - -In the struggle to break away from Dick he dragged the boy back and -struck against the chair on which he had been sitting, nearly falling to -the floor. - -"Furies!" he panted. - -For a few moments in the first heat of the encounter Bunol possessed -amazing strength, and he kept Dick busy on the defensive, but it was not -long before the boy tripped his antagonist and flung him heavily. - -The knife flew from Bunol's hand as he fell, clanging on the stone -hearth, to lie gleaming in the glow of the open grate. - -Although Dick had thrown the Spaniard, he found Bunol much like an eel -to hold. The fellow slipped and squirmed, almost instantly writhing from -beneath the American lad. - -As the two started up and Dick reached to again clutch his enemy, the -landlord came rushing into the room. His eyes falling on the combatants, -he paused a second, aghast. - -"What does this mean?" he cried. - -Brad Buckhart was not a second behind the landlord, and his eyes -recognized Miguel Bunol instantly. - -A roar broke from his lips. - -"Mig Bunol!" he shouted. - -But when he sprang to take a hand in the conflict, the strong arm of the -landlord blocked him off and flung him back, while that worthy again -demanded to know what it all meant. - -"Don't stop me!" snarled the Texan, his face pale with excitement and -rage. "Let me get my paws on that varmint! I sure will have his scalp!" - -"Keep him away!" cried Bunol to the landlord. "They are ruffians and -robbers! This one tried to rob me right here!" - -Although Dick had again grasped the Spaniard, the latter once more -squirmed from his fingers and managed to recover his feet. Instantly he -sprang toward the hearth, on which his deadly knife lay shining brightly -in the light. - -Dick had no thought of letting the fellow again get that weapon in his -hand. Knowing he had saved his life only by the narrowest possible -margin, he now launched himself from a half-crouching position at the -Spaniard, hurling the fellow aside and against the wall. - -"Stand there!" thundered Buckhart. - -In Glasgow Brad had purchased a revolver. This weapon he now had in his -hand, and its muzzle was turned toward Bunol. - -"Stand there, or by the everlasting Rockies, I'll bore you in your -tracks!" declared the Texan. - -Dick quickly snatched up Bunol's knife. - -The Spaniard stood at bay, his black eyes gleaming and his breast rising -and falling with his panting breathing. He was like a ferocious wild -animal that had fallen into a trap. - -"See, landlord!" he cried. "Now they are ready to murder me!" - -"I'll have none of this in my house!" grated the innkeeper, and he -unhesitatingly placed himself in front of Buckhart, who was thus -prevented from using his weapon in case he wished to do so. - -Dick took a step toward Bunol. - -The Spanish youth saw his opportunity. He did not wait for Merriwell to -again lay hands on him. Instead of that, with two pantherish bounds he -crossed the floor, and another bound carried him, doubled into a compact -ball, straight at a window. - -There was a great crashing and jangling of glass as the desperate young -villain shot through the window, carrying out sash and panes. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -PROFESSOR GUNN'S WILD RIDE. - - -Strange and unusual things were happening at Robin Hood Tavern that -night. Perhaps not since the days of the famous outlaw himself had such -blood-stirring events happened on that particular spot. - -Professor Gunn held up his hands in consternation as the impetuous young -Texas hurled himself crashing through the door. - -"Dear me! dear me!" gasped Zenas. "What a boy! what a boy! Impossible to -restrain him! Impossible to refine him! Sometimes he acts like other -people, but at other times----Eh? What's that?" - -The old pedagogue heard the cry that caused Brad to gather himself and -go bounding recklessly down the dark stairs. - -"Sounded peculiar!" whispered Zenas, listening at the door. "I don't -like it! I fear something is wrong!" - -Then he heard excited voices rising from below and distinctly understood -Buckhart to shout the name of Bunol. - -"Bunol!" gurgled the old man. "That scoundrel! That miserable villain! -Is he here? Can it be possible?" - -Something stirred in a dark corner of the hall. He saw the thing move -and cried out: - -"Who's there? What are you doing? What do you want?" - -There were two of them. They came out of the darkness swiftly and were -upon him in a moment. Over their faces they wore masks, and the -professor gave a cry of dismay as he saw a pistol in the hand of one of -them. The weapon was pointed at Zenas, and the man who held it growled: - -"Better keep still, guvner! If you raise a noise we'll 'ave to shoot -you, and we don't want to do hanything like that." - -"Robbers!" whispered the old man. "This place is a den of thieves! We'll -all be robbed and murdered here!" - -Had the door not been broken he might have tried to close and hold it -against them, but now he was totally defenseless. - -"Don't shout, don't speak, don't heven whisper!" commanded the man with -the pistol. - -"All right," said Zenas, disobeying the order. "I won't make a noise. -Take my money! I haven't much. Be careful with that deadly weapon! It -might go off by accident!" - -They entered the room, while the commotion below continued. - -"Hif you're sensible, guvner," said the one with the pistol, "you'll get -off with an 'ole skin; but hif you're foolish Hi'm afraid you'll get -'urt." - -"Don't waste time in talk, pal!" growled the other fellow. "We've got to -move lively." - -"Here's my purse," said Zenas, holding it out. "Take it--take it and go!" - -One of the men took it, but at the same time he said: - -"We wants you to take a little walk with us, guvner. Now you 'adn't -better refuse, for we'll 'ave to shoot you hif you do. Don't hask hany -questions, but move and move in a 'urry. Right out of the door, guvner. -March!" - -They grasped him by the arms and he was unceremoniously hustled through -the broken door. He thought they were going to take him toward the front -stairs, but they forced him falteringly along a dark and narrow passage, -coming to another flight of stairs at the back of the house, which they -descended. - -"What are you going to do?" whispered the agitated old man. - -"Shut hup!" growled the fellow with the pistol. "Hif you hopen your 'ead -hagain Hi'll 'ave to shoot you." - -In the darkness they passed through a room at the back of the house and -came to a door that let them out into the open air. The stars were -shining brightly through the leaf-denuded branches of the trees. - -Just as they reached the open air there was a crashing and jangling of -broken glass at the front of the house. - -The starlight showed Zenas that a pair of horses had been attached to -the closed carriage he had observed standing near the building. A man -was standing at the head of the horses. Another man was perched on the -driver's seat, holding the reins. - -The man who had hold of Gunn now rushed him without loss of time to the -carriage, the door of which was standing open. Without regard for his -feelings, they lifted him bodily and pitched him into the vehicle. - -He bumped his head and uttered a cry of pain and fear. - -One of the men sprang in and perched upon his body. The other man -followed. A whip cracked like a pistol, and with a jerk the carriage -started. - -"Pull in his legs, pal!" exclaimed the man astride Zenas. "You can't -close the door unless you pull in his legs." - -"Blawst 'is blooming legs!" came from the other man. "Make 'im pull 'em -hup." - -"Pull up your feet, old man!" commanded the one who was holding -Zenas--"pull them up, if you don't want to lose the top of your head!" - -"I'm a dead man!" groaned the old professor. "This is the end of me!" - -He pulled up his legs, and the carriage door was closed at last. - -While this was taking place the carriage had whirled out from the forest -inn into the highway, with the horses at a dead run. Persons rushing -from the inn were startled and astonished, but they gave their attention -to the search for Miguel Bunol, who had lately leaped through one of the -windows of Robin Hood's Tavern. - -Zenas Gunn gave himself up for lost. - -"Never thought I'd come to such an untimely end," he moaned. "Why did we -ever visit Sherwood Forest?" - -Suddenly he became frantic and began to shout for help. Three times he -did this before the man astride of him could do anything to prevent it. - -"For 'Eaven's sake smother 'im!" burst from the other man. - -The fellow holding Gunn down got him by the throat and quickly checked -the cries. - -But those cries had been heard by both Dick Merriwell and Brad Buckhart. - -The carriage bounced, and swayed, and rumbled over the forest road. - -It was a terrible experience for Professor Gunn. The old fellow believed -he had fallen into the hands of robbers, who were carrying him off with -the idea of holding him for ransom. - -Suddenly something happened. Some portion of the harness on one of the -horses became unfastened, and the driver was compelled to pull up as -soon as possible. He sprang down from the seat and made haste to fix the -harness. - -The horses had been excited and fretted by the manner in which they were -whipped at the very outset. As the driver came alongside one of them the -animal snorted, shied and sprang against its mate. The other horse gave -a leap, and a second later both animals were running away. - -The driver was jerked off his feet and dragged some distance. He clung -to the reins, vainly endeavoring to hold the terrified creatures, but -finally his hold relaxed and the animals raced on unguided, their fears -seeming to increase as they ran. - -At first the two ruffians inside did not realize what had happened, but -soon they began to suspect that everything was not quite right. - -"'E's drivin' 'orrid reckless, pal," said the one with the cockney -dialect. "'E'll 'ave us hupset hif 'e don't look hout." - -The carriage rocked and swayed, flinging its three occupants from side -to side. At a sharp turn of the road it snapped round on two wheels, -threatening to go over. Once the hub of a rear wheel struck the trunk of -a tree and the carriage was flung violently to one side. - -It was now the turn of Professor Gunn's captors to be alarmed. - -"What's he trying to do, get us all killed?" palpitated the one who had -been holding the old pedagogue, but who was now occupied in taking care -of himself, which was no small matter. - -"Hi believe the 'orses are running haway," said the other. - -"Can't the thundering fool hold them?" - -"'E don't seem hable to." - -Then they began shouting to the driver, but as there was no driver on -the seat, they received no reply. - -Down a hill and over a stone bridge went the runaway team. The hoofs of -the horses clattered on the frozen ground and the wheels made a rumbling -roar like sullen thunder. The woods echoed with these sounds. - -Professor Gunn managed to sit up and drag himself upon a cushioned seat -in a corner of the carriage. The curtain at the glass window was up, and -outside the old man saw the trees flying past. - -With his heart in his mouth, Zenas waited for the termination of that -wild night ride, yet dreaded what it might be. - -The ruffians were frightened indeed now. One of them succeeded in -opening the door and shouted again and again to the man he supposed was -holding the reins. The carriage swept close to a tree, the trunk of -which struck the door and slammed it shut, driving the man's head -through the glass, which was shattered, and cut him in a manner that -brought blood copiously. - -The man was dazed. He fell back on Zenas, who thrust him off. - -"The 'orses hare running haway and there is no driver!" cried the -cockney. - -Suddenly Professor Gunn was seized with a feeling of revengeful joy. He -knew the men were frightened, and a singular sort of courage came upon -him. - -"Serves you right, you villains!" he shrilly shouted. "I'm glad of it! I -hope they run until they smash everything into a million pieces!" - -"Ain't there any way of stoppin' them, pal?" questioned one of the -ruffians. - -"No, Hi don't believe there is." - -"Let them run! let them run!" laughed Zenas wildly. "You brought it on -yourselves! It's good enough for you! Going to carry me off and hold me -for ransom, were you? This is what you get! I hope you enjoy it!" - -"Shut up, you old fool!" - -"I won't shut up! You can't shut me up! Ha! ha! ha! Let them run! let -them run!" - -Suddenly, with a fearful shock, one of the forward wheels struck some -obstruction. The carriage careened into the air and over it went, being -flung from the road and fairly against a sturdy tree. The horses tore -themselves free from the ruined vehicle and continued their mad flight -along the forest road. - -The wrecked carriage lay overturned by the roadside, and from its -shattered ruins came no sound to tell whether its occupants were living -or dead. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -AN EXCITING CHASE. - - -The landlord of the Robin Hood had prevented Brad Buckhart from taking a -flying shot at Miguel Bunol as the reckless young desperado leaped -through the window. Had the Texan fired, being a wonderfully good shot, -it is probable he would have "winged" the Spaniard, at least. - -At the destruction of the window the excited landlord threw up his hands -in despair. - -The whole house was in an uproar. One or two frightened men came and -peered into the room where the encounter had taken place, while the -cries of frightened women could be heard coming from other parts of the -building. - -"What do you mean by such actions in my place?" shouted the enraged and -exasperated landlord, turning on Dick and Brad. - -"We're not responsible any," retorted Buckhart. "Whatever made you get -in my way and keep me from salting that ornery Spaniard good and -plenty?" - -"Out and after him!" cried Dick. "Don't let him get away!" - -"He'll have to pay for that window!" yelled the landlord. - -Then Dick led the rush from the inn. The door was thrown open, and they -ran out beneath the stars. - -They were just in time to see the closed carriage, with both horses at a -dead run and the driver mercilessly plying the whip, whirl out of the -yard, turn to the right and go clattering and rattling away on the -frozen road. - -A moment later a horseman shot past the opposite corner of the building -and turned to the left. - -As he passed the windows from which the light was shining the Texan -caught a glimpse of him. - -"There goes the galoot hot foot!" he roared, and flung up his hand to -shoot. - -It was Dick who now grasped his arm and prevented him from firing. - -"Steady, Brad!" cried Merriwell. "You don't want the blood of that dog -on your hands!" - -"I certain would like to know why!" retorted the excited Texan. "It -would give me a heap of pleasure to bore him for keeps!" - -"Let him go and----" - -Dick stopped, for from the rattling carriage which had already vanished -beneath the great tress that lined the road came wild cries for help, -which were suddenly broken and checked. - -"Great horn spoon!" palpitated the Texan. "Did hear that, pard?" - -"I did, and it certainly sounded like the voice of Professor Gunn!" - -"Just what I thought. You don't opine----" - -But already Dick was rushing back into the inn, and Brad quickly -followed him. Up the stairs they leaped, assailed by a new feeling of -fear. - -The broken door of the professor's room hung on a single hinge, just as -the Texan had left it. The light of the glowing fire and of a single -candle showed them the comfortable interior of that room, but they saw -nothing of Zenas Gunn. - -"Professor----Professor Gunn!" called Dick. - -"Where are you? Answer me--answer at once!" - -But there was no answer. - -"Search, Brad!" urged Dick. "He may have been alarmed by the uproar and -concealed himself. Look on the bed behind those curtains! Look under the -bed! Look everywhere!" - -Even as he was urging his friend to do this Dick flung open the door of -a wardrobe and looked within. Then he caught up the candle and hastened -into the adjoining room, looking in every nook and corner, meanwhile -continuing to call to Gunn. - -A few moments later the two boys met in the first room and stood face to -face, staring into each other's eyes. - -"Where is he, partner?" - -"Gone!" said Dick. "Brad, that was the game!" - -"I don't just rightly see how----" - -"First Bunol was to be given a chance at me. If he failed, the professor -was to be captured and carried off. He was in that closed carriage!" - -"Sure as shooting!" - -"Come!" - -The flushed, wild-eyed, excited landlord appeared in the door and -attempted to check them, demanding why they had turned his house into a -Bedlam. - -Dick swept him aside. - -"No time to explain now!" he declared. "We'll explain to you later." - -The boys rushed downstairs once more, out of the inn and round to the -stable. A hostler demanded to know what had happened. - -"Hi'd like to 'ave you tell me what it's hall habout!" he said. "Why did -the gentlemen 'ave their 'osses taken hout and then 'ave them 'itched in -hagain in such an hawful 'urry?" - -They seized him and demanded to know where their own horses were. Their -manner frightened him. - -"Those men were ruffians, and they must be caught," said Dick. "Help us -get our horses to pursue them. If you don't you may be taken as the -accomplice of the scoundrels. It's worth a pound note to you, my man, if -you get our horses out instantly and provide us with bridles for them." - -This inducement led the hostler to move quickly. He found the bridles -and brought out the horses. The boys lost not a second in helping bridle -the animals. At the same moment, it seemed, both flung themselves -astride the beasts. A cowboy yell broke from the lips of the Texan--a -yell that sent his mount bounding forward with surprise and fear. Dick -smote his horse with his open hand, which fell with a pistol-like crack -on the animal's rump. - -"Hold on!" shouted the hostler. "Where is that pound note you said I -should 'ave?" - -He ran after them, but neither of the boys paused a moment to respond, -and quickly they vanished down the dark road that turned away beneath -the great trees to the right. Back to his ears came the clatter of hoofs -on the roadbed, receding and growing fainter in the distance. - -Both boys were ready for any emergency as they galloped mile after mile -along that road. - -Twice they passed branching roads, but chose to stick by the principal -highway, although it was impossible to say that they were following the -right course by doing so. - -"It's more than even, pard," said the Texan, "that the onery varmints -turned off on one of those other roads. We're going her a whole lot on -pure luck." - -"We have to," said Dick. - -Down a hill and over a bridge they flew. By this time the horses were -breathing heavily and beginning to perspire. Their breath whistled -through their nostrils and they would have slackened the pace had they -been permitted. - -On and on until at last, descending yet another hill, they came upon the -wrecked carriage lying in a splintered heap by the roadside. - -They flung themselves from their nearly exhausted horses, the creatures -willingly stopping and standing with hanging heads and heaving flanks. - -"Whatever happened here, pard?" cried Brad. - -"Smash up," answered Dick. "Must have been a runaway and a bad one, -too." - -Amid the ruins of the carriage they found a man lying ominously still. - -"Is it the professor?" whispered Buckhart, fearfully. - -Together they dragged away some of the debris, and then Dick struck a -match. The mask that had hidden the face of the man was covered with -blood and partly torn away. His face was badly cut. - -"Luke Durbin!" shouted the boy from Texas, as Merriwell fully removed -the bloody mask and held the match with the reflected light flung from -the hollow of his hands. - -"That's who it is," said Dick. - -"And I opine he's cashed in. This was the end of the racket for him." - -Dick struck another match. - -"See!" he exclaimed, as the light of this second match fell on Durbin's -mutilated face. "He's not dead!" - -The eyelids of the man fluttered and his eyes opened. A groan came from -his lips. - -"It's some rough," said the Texan; "but you've got only yourself to -blame for being here." - -The man's bloody lips moved and he sought to speak, but the husky sounds -he uttered could not be understood. - -"Durbin," said Dick, "your pals have left you here to die. Did you aid -them in capturing and carrying off Zenas Gunn?" - -Another painful effort to speak resulted in nothing that could be -understood. - -"Tell me the truth," urged Dick. "You can see how they deserted you. Why -should you shield them? Did you carry off the old professor? Can't you -answer? If you would say yes, close your eyes and open them again." - -Slowly the wretch closed and opened his eyes. - -"Where is he? Where have they taken him?" - -It was impossible for Durbin to answer in words. - -The boys lifted him and lay him on the cold ground by the roadside. - -"I judge he's mighty near gone, partner," whispered Brad. "It's bad we -have to lose time like this. We ought to be doing something for the -professor." - -"We can't leave this man to die here alone like a dog, no matter how bad -he has been." - -"He sure has got what was coming to him." - -"But he's a human being. Think of leaving any human creature to die here -in such a manner!" - -"Think of Professor Gunn!" - -"If we find out without delay what has happened to the professor and -where he has been taken, we must learn it through this man. In case he -knows--which is pretty certain--he may tell everything if he finds he is -going to die." - -"That's correct, Dick. You're always the long-headed one. But if he -can't talk, how are we going to learn anything from him?" - -"If we had a stimulant or restorative of some sort----" - -"Liquor?" - -"Yes; as a medicine liquor is all right when properly used. As a -beverage it is poisonous." - -Although Dick fully believed in temperance, he was not a crank, and he -knew that liquor had its good uses, although almost invariably it was -put to a bad use. - -"But we haven't a drop of the stuff. What can we do?" - -"Is there no way for us to get him back to the Robin Hood?" - -"How'll we make the riffle, partner?" - -Dick meditated a moment. As he did so, both lads heard in the distance -the sound of hoofbeats and the rumble of wheels, telling them that a -carriage was approaching at a rapid pace. - -"Somebody else driving a heap hard, Dick," said the Texan. "Perhaps more -trouble is coming." - -"We'll have to be ready for anything. If it's some one we do not know, -we'll appeal to him to take this man in and carry him back to the inn." - -They waited, Buckhart producing his pistol, while Dick led the horses -aside beneath a tree. - -Back along the road a short distance there was an opening among the -trees, and soon the carriage, drawn by a single horse, came rumbling -through this star-lighted spot. - -Dick joined Brad. - -"We'll have to stop it, even if we scare the driver out of his wits," he -said. - -The boys stepped into the road and called to the driver. Immediately a -man rose up in the carriage and cried: - -"Who are you? Have you seen anything of two boys on horses, riding as if -pursued by Old Nick himself?" - -"We're the boys, I fancy," confessed Dick. "You're Mr. Swinton, of Robin -Hood's Tavern." - -It was the landlord, and he jumped out in a hurry when he found he had -overtaken Dick and Brad. - -"Look here, you chaps," he cried, "don't you think you can upset my -house, smash windows and doors and run away without paying the damages! -I'm an honest man, and what's happened to-night at my place may ruin me. -I demand damages, and you'll have to pay 'em." - -"All right," said Dick quietly. "Although we're not responsible for the -things that have happened, we'll pay a reasonable damage charge if you -promptly take into your carriage and carry to the inn a man who has been -seriously injured here and may be dying. I'll pay you for your trouble -with him, too." - -Although still suspicious and doubtful, the landlord was somewhat -mollified. - -"How did it happen?" he asked, as he stooped and peered down at the -injured man. - -"There's the carriage," explained Brad, "smashed a whole lot. I opine -they had a runaway. Don't waste time in asking other questions. Time is -powerful precious to-night, and every minute counts." - -The injured wretch groaned as they raised him and placed him in the -carriage, which the driver had already turned about. The driver proved -to be the hostler, who reminded Dick that he had not received the pound -note promised him. - -"I'll pay you as soon as we get back to the tavern," was the promise. -"Had no time to do it before." - -Before starting on the return, Dick made another examination of the -injured man to see if his wounds were so serious that he might bleed to -death on the way, but found that the cold air had caused the blood to -congeal, and that there was no danger from the source feared. - -Mounted and riding close behind the carriage, the boys turned their -faces toward the inn, their hearts heavy in their bosoms, for the -uncertainty of the fate that had befallen Professor Gunn oppressed them. - -"For all of the accident and the smash-up," said Dick, "Bunol's game to -carry off the professor has succeeded." - -"That's right," agreed Brad. "But why should he do anything like that? I -confess it puzzles me up a plenty." - -"Recall his little trick at Lochleven." - -"That was some different. By getting hold of Dunbar Budthorne he hoped -to force Nadia into a marriage with him. He reckoned that, to save her -brother, she might hitch with him." - -"You don't think he counts on murdering Zenas Gunn, do you, partner?" - -"No; had he intended to murder the professor he would not have gone to -so much trouble to capture him and run him off. The men who did that -could have finished the old man in his room at the tavern while we were -having our little racket with Bunol below. Bunol knows the strength of -the law and fears it. He's none too good or too timid to commit a -cold-blooded murder, but he fears the consequences of such an act. -To-night he told me he has dogged us everywhere since we left Kinross. -We did succeed in fooling him by helping Budthorne and his sister to get -away secretly. Having lost track of Nadia, Bunol has followed us, -believing we would join the Budthornes sooner or later. - -"Of late he has been growing impatient. Finding we contemplated visiting -Newstead Abbey and the haunts of Robin Hood, he decided to strike a blow -here in this forest. Some of his spies must have learned from our -conversation and inquiries that we meant to remain overnight at Robin -Hood's Inn. Having learned that much Bunol acted swiftly. Durbin was -with him, and probably Marsh. He must have secured the aid of ruffians -who were familiar with this part of the country. He had an idea that, -could he meet me face to face and quite alone, he might exercise his -newly discovered hypnotic powers on me, and this he tried to do -to-night. But I know something about hypnotism myself, and I was able to -combat him and defeat him on his chosen ground. - -"He had prepared for defeat, having instructed his ruffianly tools to -capture and carry off Professor Gunn, whom he knew to be timid, old, and -incapable of making serious resistance. Through threats of what he may -do to the professor he hopes to bring me to my knees. It is his object -to conquer us now, Brad, for he is sure he can accomplish his designs on -the Budthornes, once he can place us beyond interfering and baffling -him. Without doubt he will threaten and frighten Zenas into telling him -where to find Nadia Budthorne. I do not fear that he will seriously -injure the old professor, unless Zenas was injured in the runaway and -smash-up." - -"But Nadia!" cried Brad. "If he forces the professor to tell where Nadia -may be found----" - -"We'll lose no time in sending a warning message to the Budthornes. Then -it will be a race between us and Miguel Bunol out of England, across the -Channel and down into sunny Italy. But Bunol will seek to baffle and -delay us." - -"How?" - -"By keeping Zenas Gunn a prisoner somewhere, knowing we'll not leave -England until we have found and freed him." - -"Great tarantulas! I reckon you're right, partner! You're a whole lot -long-headed, and you have tumbled to his game. Whatever can we do?" - -"We must beat him at that game." - -"Elucidate how." - -"This runaway and smash-up was something not reckoned on by Bunol." - -"Certain not." - -"Durbin was left for dead." - -"No doubt of it." - -"If Durbin lives long enough to talk, we may induce him to tell us where -Zenas Gunn is to be kept a prisoner." - -"I sure hope so." - -"Then it will be our business to waste no time in finding the professor -and setting him free. After that the race for Italy will begin." - -Buckhart was greatly stirred up over the prospect. - -"If we permit that Spaniard to get ahead of us, pard, I'll certain feel -like committing suicide some!" he cried. "You made a big mistake when -you kept me from taking a crack at him with my gun as he went whooping -away from the Robin Hood. If I had bored him----" - -"We should have been arrested and compelled to stand trial. It is true -we might have been acquitted; but shooting a human being, even though it -may be a dastardly dog like Bunol, is mighty bad business, and I don't -believe you wish, any more than I do, to stain your hands with human -blood." - -"I punctured Rob MacLane at Lochleven." - -"But it was only a flesh wound in the shoulder, and the authorities, who -seemed relieved and pleased over the death of the Strathern outlaw, -decided that the cause of his death was not the bullet wound, but came -from a broken neck received when he fell from Lochleven Castle." - -"All the same," muttered the Texan, in a low tone, "I don't opine he'd -taken that fall if I hadn't fired at him. I saw he was going to murder -Aaron by flinging him over, and I didn't falter any at all in shooting. -My conscience hasn't troubled me much." - -"But with Bunol mounted on a horse and trying to escape from us, the -aspect of the case would have seemed different. At least, that is the -way I looked at it." - -"I suppose you're right, partner, for you're right as a rule ten times -out of ten; but I'm powerful afraid Bunol will get a start on us now." - -"We'll do our best to baffle him at his game," said Dick. "This accident -that befell Luke Durbin may enable us to defeat the Spaniard." - -"At the same time, it's mighty sure to put Durbin out of the running, -even if he doesn't die, for I judge he's badly busted up, and he won't -be so frisky and troublesome in future." - -"But for Bunol, Durbin never would have been a hard man to check. Bunol -is reckless to the point of madness. He has resolved to possess Nadia -Budthorne and her money----" - -"But by the stars above us I swear he never shall!" cried the Texan -fiercely. - -When they reached Robin Hood's Tavern once more, the boys, assisted by -Swinton, lifted the injured man, who was still alive, and carried him -inside, where he was placed on a bed. - -"How far is it to the nearest doctor?" asked Dick. "This man is badly -injured, and he must have medical treatment, if he does not die before a -doctor can be brought." - -"It's good ten miles," said the landlord. - -"Send a man for a physician without delay," directed Dick. "I will pay -all expenses." - -"It's easy enough for you to say so," returned the doubting keeper of -the inn; "but I have not yet seen the color of your money, and my doors -and windows have been smashed, the people in the house, including my -wife, nearly frightened to death, and the reputation of the place -ruined. What have I done that all this misfortune should be heaped upon -me?" - -"Would you see this man die for want of medical attention?" - -"How do I know what will follow before morning? There may be further -trouble here. Besides myself I have but two men about the place, and I -must keep them to protect the ladies." - -"You will send a man for a doctor," said Dick, sternly. "Here, I have -money to pay. Tell me what your bill is for the broken door and window, -and it will be settled--unless you make it exorbitant. Tell me how much -it will cost to dispatch a man on a horse for the doctor, and I will pay -that, too." - -At sight of the boy's money the landlord immediately became quite humble -and obliging. He started to ramble in his statement concerning the -damage done, saying no money could pay him for the injury to the good -name of the house; but Merriwell cut him short, asserting he would -settle that matter after he had seen the man start to bring a physician. - -Within a short time the hostler was dispatched on a good horse, with -instructions not to return under any condition without the needed -physician. - -"I feel better about that now," confessed Dick. "I wouldn't see my worst -enemy in the condition of Durbin without doing what I could for him." - -The injuries the man had received about the face were washed and dressed -by Dick himself, while Durbin was given a little whisky, which seemed to -revive him, although it was apparent to all that he might die within the -hour. - -Having done whatever he could to make the man comfortable, Merriwell sat -down beside the bed and talked to him. At first it seemed that Durbin -still remained unable to speak, but his wandering eyes gazed at Dick -pathetically, as if he could not quite understand the boy. - -"Durbin," said Dick, "I'm sorry for you; but you must know that you -brought this upon yourself, and you cannot blame any one else." - -The man moved his head the least bit from side to side. - -"Your bones do not seem to be broken," the boy went on; "but your -condition indicates that you are seriously--probably fatally--injured. You -may not live an hour; you may die within ten minutes. You had a hand in -carrying off Zenas Gunn. It was Bunol's plot, but it is likely you know -that rascal's plans. The least you can do now is to tell me where the -professor has been taken. For the sake of your own conscience, at least, -you should tell." - -The man was silent. - -"You were deserted by your pals and left to die alone by the roadside. I -have taken trouble to have you brought here, and I've sent for a doctor. -In return for this will you not tell me the one thing I want to know? -Where has Bunol taken Zenas Gunn?" - -The injured man's lips parted, an expression of great effort and -distress came into his eyes, but the only sounds he uttered were a few -painful gasps. - -"Can't you speak?" asked Dick. - -Again that faint rocking motion of the head from side to side. - -"I don't opine he'll ever speak again, pard," whispered Buckhart, in -Dick's ear. "He's done for, and we're wasting time in trying to get -anything out of him." - -"It's folly to attempt to search the country blindly to-night," said -Dick. "Unless Durbin can give us a clue, we have nothing to work on." - -Brad looked desperate. - -"All right," he muttered. "You know best, partner. I opine I'd better -trust the whole thing to you." - -"Give me that whisky, Mr. Swinton," requested Dick. - -The liquor had been weakened with water in a cup, and the boy again held -this out to Durbin's lips. A little of the stuff passed into the man's -mouth, and he swallowed it with great difficulty. - -"Now," once more urged Dick, "try to tell me where they have taken -Professor Gunn." - -The man's lips moved again. Dick bent low over him, holding his ear down -to listen, but he could catch no word, and the fear that Durbin would -die without speaking grew upon him. - -Looking straight into the pathetic eyes of the injured man, Dick said, -in a tone of confidence and command: - -"I will give you the power to speak. You shall speak! You can speak! -Tell me at once where they have taken the professor." - -For a moment there was absolute silence in the room. Both Buckhart and -Swinton watched, breathless and awed, feeling that in some singular -manner the boy was transmitting some strength of his own to the man on -the bed. They felt as if something like a miracle was about to take -place. - -Finally Durbin's lips parted again, and, in a low yet perfectly distinct -tone, he muttered three words: - -"The--haunted--mill!" - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE HAUNTED MILL. - - -A branch of the Meden runs through the northwestern portion of that -region still known as Sherwood Forest. At one time all that country was -covered with one great, dense forest, but now there are many pieces of -woods and a great deal of cleared country, with beautiful cottages and -winding roads. - -In a little, wooded valley stands an old, deserted mill. The broken -water wheel is still and covered with rank moss and slime. The mill has -settled on one side until it threatens to topple into the little basin -above the almost vanished dam. It seems to cling to the old-fashioned -stone chimney in a pitiful way for support. - -This is known as the "Haunted Mill of the Meden," and tourists travel -far to see it. Hundreds of artists have daubed its semblance on their -canvases. - -Years ago, it is said, the miller, crazed by solitude or something, -murdered his beautiful daughter in the old mill and then committed -suicide. The people of that region tell that the ghosts of both father -and daughter visit the old mill nightly at the hour when the crime was -committed, which was shortly after midnight. - -The haunted mill stands about eight English miles from Robin Hood's -Tavern. - -A cold moon had risen in the east, and it was near the hour when the -ghosts of the old mill were supposed to walk. - -At least half a mile from the mill three horsemen had halted. They were -Dick Merriwell, Brad Buckhart, and Swinton, the keeper of Robin Hood's -Tavern. - -Not only had the landlord's demands been fully satisfied and appeased by -Dick, but he had been induced by the payment of a liberal sum to guide -the boys to the haunted mill. - -"You can't miss it," he declared in a low tone. "It's straight down this -road in the wood yonder." - -"But aren't you coming with us?" asked Brad. - -"Ten pounds wouldn't take me nearer the mill at this hour," said the -landlord. "I've kept my part of the agreement; I have guided you to it." - -"Let him remain here," said Dick, "and take care of the horses. We'll go -alone, Brad. We must leave the horses, for we do not wish to give Bunol -warning that we are coming, and he might hear the animals." - -"Mebbe that's a right good idea," nodded the Texan. "I don't opine a man -as scared as he is would be any good with us." - -So the horses were left with the landlord, who promised to remain and -guard them until the boys returned. - -"If you ever do return," he added. "It seems to me as likely as not that -I'll never clap eyes on you again." - -"I hope you don't think we're going to run away?" exclaimed Dick. - -"No, but I do think it likely you'll run into plenty of trouble, -considering the things those men did at my place. I don't see why you do -not wait until morning and gather a force to aid you. It's the only -sensible thing. What can two boys do against such ruffians!" - -"We're not the kind that waits a great deal," said Buckhart. "I sure -reckon you'll find out what we can do, and the ruffians will find out, -too." - -Both boys were armed. They lost no time in hastening along the road that -led in to the dark woods which choked the little valley. It demanded -plenty of courage for those two American lads to attempt such an -undertaking in a strange country at such an hour, and under such -circumstances; but Dick and Brad had the courage, and they did not -falter. - -The woods were dark and silent, and filled with many black shadows, -although in spots moonlight sifted through the openings amid the trees. - -Stepping cautiously and keeping constantly on the alert, the boys -followed the winding road down into the valley, avoiding the patches of -moonlight. - -Finally a faint murmuring sound of water reached their ears. It came -from the little stream that trickled over the broken dam. - -A few moments later the boys saw the dark and forbidding outlines of the -old mill. All about the mill reigned a stillness like death, broken only -by the almost inaudible sound of trickling water. - -"It sure doesn't seem like there is much of anything doing here," -whispered Buckhart. "I hope we haven't arrived too late, pard." - -"The only way to find out about that is to investigate," returned Dick, -in the same cautious tone. - -They approached the mill, circling a last spot where the moonlight shone -down through the trees. - -True, their hearts were beating faster than usual in their bosoms, but -they were fully as undaunted as when they had set out from Robin Hood's -Tavern. - -The old mill was reached at last, and they listened as they stood close -beside its rotting wall. - -No sound came from within. - -"Have you the candles, Dick?" asked the Texan. - -"Sure," was the assurance. "But we'll not use them until we get inside." - -They tried the door, but it was fastened, and after a few moments they -decided that it could not be opened from the outside unless the person -who attempted it knew how. - -"We'll have to find a window that will let us in," said Dick, in a -whisper. - -Fortunately, they had little difficulty about this, for the windows of -the mill were broken, and, although they had been boarded up, the boards -were torn away from one of them. This window was high, but Dick mounted -on Buckhart's shoulders and crept through it. Then he leaned far out and -grasped the hands of the Texan, who followed him, but made more or less -noise in scrambling up and over the sill. - -"Hush!" warned Dick. "We'll listen here a while to see if we have -disturbed any one." - -The silence within the place was even more oppressive than that of the -dark woods outside. - -"I sure am afraid we're on a Tom Fool's errand, partner," murmured -Buckhart. "I'm almost ready to bet my boots that, besides ourselves, -there's no living thing in this thundering old building." - -"You may be right," Dick admitted; "but we'll search it from top to -bottom before we quit. I hate to think that, in the face of almost -certain death, Luke Durbin lied to me." - -"Mebbe he didn't lie; mebbe Bunol changed his plan after that runaway -and smash-up." - -"Perhaps so." - -"Light a candle, pard." - -"Not yet. We'll prowl round a little first. Take care not to step into a -hole or trap of any sort." - -They moved forward with the utmost caution, feeling their way along in -the darkness. Soon they found a door that was standing wide open and -passed into a sort of hall, beyond which another door opened into -another part of the building, which Dick believed was the mill proper. - -In spite of their caution, they had made some slight noises, Brad once -striking the toe of his boot against some obstacle. - -As they paused there in irresolution, something of a startling nature -took place. - -First through the empty hallowness of the vacant rooms echoed a groan -that was most dismal and nerve-trying. - -This sound was followed almost instantly by a shrill, piercing shriek, -like that which might be uttered by some one in the agony of death! - -Buckhart afterward confessed that his hair "certain rose up on its hind -legs and mighty nigh kicked his hat off." - -No wonder. - -Such appalling sounds breaking in on the absolute silence of the place -were enough to give a man of iron something more than a slight start. - -The sounds died out as suddenly as they had broken forth, and the -stillness that followed was disturbed only by the tumultuous beating of -the hearts of the two boys. - -Brad clutched Dick's arm. - -"Great everlasting tornadoes!" groaned the Texan. "That sure was letting -it out some!" - -"Just a little!" admitted Dick. - -It did not take the boys long to recover from the shock, which was -followed by a feeling of resentment, for both knew some one had sought -to frighten them in that manner. - -Neither of them believed in ghosts. - -"Wherever did it come from, pard?" asked Buckhart, softly--"upstairs or -down?" - -Dick was compelled to confess that he did not know. The groan and the -shriek had echoed through the empty rooms in a most deceptive manner. - -By this time both lads had their revolvers ready for use. - -They remained perfectly still for many minutes, listening for some new -sound to guide them. Although they were wonderfully courageous, they -knew they might be plunging into a deadly trap, and neither cared about -throwing his life away. - -Still they had come there for the purpose of trying to rescue Professor -Gunn, and they did not propose to retire without doing their best to -accomplish their design. - -Finally they decided to investigate the upper portion of the mill, and -on their hands and knees they crept up the stairs. They knew not what -moment they might be attacked, and when they reached the top of the -flight they more than half expected to be set upon without further -delay. - -After the startling sounds which had chilled and appalled them for a few -moments, there was no further demonstration, and the deathlike silence -of the place placed another strain upon their nerves, which seemed to -grow more and more severe. Finally they felt that they would gladly -welcome a noise of some sort. - -The moonlight reached some of the upper windows of the building now, and -it assisted them in exploring a portion of that floor. But though they -went from room to room, they found up there no sign of any living thing. - -"This is a whole lot disappointing, partner," breathed the Texan. "There -is nothing doing up here." - -"Evidently not," admitted Dick. "Let's go down. We have not half -investigated the rooms below." - -They still believed it quite probable they would be attacked while in -the old mill, but neither faltered. Down the stairs they went, and Dick -led the way into that part of the building that had once been the mill -proper. - -Suddenly he stopped in the dark and put out his hand, checking Brad. - -"Don't move!" he warned. - -"What's the matter?" - -Dick had heard the sound of running water rising from almost directly -beneath his feet, and a cold breath of air came up and smote him in the -face. - -"Keep your revolver ready for use," he said. "I'm going to light a -candle." - -A moment later he struck a match and soon lighted a candle, which he had -brought in his pocket, wrapped in a paper. - -The light thus provided showed the boys that it was a fortunate thing -that Dick had halted just as he did. Barely a step before him the -flooring had rotted and fallen away, leaving a great opening down to the -bed of the stream below. - -"I'll keep this candle going now," decided Dick. - -The investigation of that portion of the mill did not consume much time, -and it was productive of nothing but disappointment. - -"It's a whole lot singular!" growled the Texan. "Partner, we know -somebody was here a short time ago, for we heard the galoot groan and -yell." - -"There must still be a part of the building we have not searched," said -Dick. - -There was. They found a door leading from the hall into a short and -narrow passage, which was blocked by still another door. The second door -was securely fastened. - -Their efforts to open it in an ordinary manner were wasted; but while -they sought to do so they were surprised and interested to hear a -strange thumping sound issuing from some part of the building just -beyond that very door. - -As they paused to speculate concerning the meaning of that thumping, -another startling and disagreeable thing happened. - -In the hall behind them there was a flash, and the loud and deafening -report of a pistol smote upon their ears. At the same instant a bullet -clipped past Dick's ear and struck the candle in his hand, cutting it -off close to the top and extinguishing it. - -Buckhart turned in a twinkling and answered the shot by firing blindly -back into the hall. - -The flash of his pistol blinded Brad, but Dick--who had also wheeled and -was slightly to one side--plainly saw a man spring through a doorway and -vanish from view. - -Once more snatching out his own revolver and warning Buckhart against -shooting him by mistake, Merriwell darted back into that hall and -followed the man through the doorway. - -He discerned a dark figure just slipping out through the very window by -which the two boys had entered the mill. - -Although he was tempted to fire on the fleeing man, Dick restrained the -impulse, permitting the unknown to escape. - -"He's gone," he explained, in answer to the eager questions of the -Texan, who had followed closely. "Let him go. I'm for finding out as -soon as possible the meaning of the thumping sounds we heard beyond that -immovable door. Let's look for something with which we may batter down -the door." - -In the mill section of the building they discovered a huge, rusty -hammer, and with this they returned and attacked the door, Dick having -relighted his candle. - -The sturdy Texan begged the privilege of smashing the door, and the old -building resounded with the concussions of his blows. In a few moments -he had beaten the door until it was split and ready to give way. A sort -of fury seemed to possess him, and he soon smashed his way through the -door and into the small room beyond. - -Dick followed with the candle, the light of which showed them a human -figure lying on the floor before them. - -It was Professor Gunn, bound tightly with ropes wound and knotted about -him and gagged in a manner that prevented him from making any outcry. -However, he had managed to thump the floor with his feet when he heard -the boys outside the door, and now his eyes were filled with an -expression of untold relief and joy. - -Dick lost not a moment in producing a knife and slashing at the cords -which held the old man helpless. At the same time Brad removed the gag. - -"Thank God!" mumbled Zenas weakly. - -When they had freed him, he was unable to rise, so they lifted him -between them and aided him from the room. Reaching the window by which -they had entered, Brad sprang out, and Dick assisted Zenas in getting -over the sill and lowering himself into the strong arms of the Texan. - -Then Merriwell sprang out, drawing a deep breath of relief, for, -regardless of the flight of the man who had fired the shot that -extinguished the candle, he had feared another attack until all were -clear of the building. - -"Boys," half sobbed the old professor, "I knew you would come! I knew -you would rescue me somehow! But it seems as if I have been in the power -of those villains for ages." - -"Where is Bunol?" asked Dick. - -"Gone." - -"Gone where?" - -"He was here when they brought me to the place. He compelled me to tell -him where he could find Nadia Budthorne, then he left me, with a single -man to guard me until morning. With the coming of daylight the man was -to get away, and I might have remained there until I perished from -hunger or exhaustion if you had not come to my rescue. Oh, boys, you are -jewels! You are the bravest, finest chaps in the world!" - -"Bunol knows!" said Buckhart hoarsely. "He accomplished his purpose!" - -"But we'll baffle him!" cried Dick. "We'll send a warning to the -Budthornes the first thing in the morning, and then--then away for -Naples." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -SUNSET ON THE GRAND CANAL. - - -Venice, and sunset on the Grand Canal! - -Nowhere else in all the world is there such a sight. For two miles this -magnificent waterway; the main thoroughfare of the most wonderful city -in the world, winds in graceful curves, with red-tiled, creamy white -palaces on either hand. At all times it is a source of wonder and -delight to the visitor, but at sunset and in the gathering purple -twilight it is the most entrancing. - -So thought Dick Merriwell, as he lay amid the piled-up cushions of a -gondola that was propelled by a gracefully swaying, picturesquely -dressed gondolier, one beautiful evening. - -Brad Buckhart and Professor Gunn were in the gondola with Dick, and -they, also, were enchanted and enraptured with the scene. - -The mellow rays of the sinking sun touched the shimmering surface of the -water, shone on the windows of the palaces, gleamed on the hanging -balconies of marble, and made the Bridge of the Rialto seem like an -ivory arch against the amber-turquoise sky. - -There were many other gondolas moving silently along here, there, -everywhere. On this great thoroughfare there was no rumble and roar of -traffic. It was a street of soft silence, as Venice is the City of -Silence. - -"In a short time, boys," said the old professor, in a modulated voice, -that seemed softened by the influence of his surroundings, "you shall -see Venice at her best, for the moon will rise round and full. When you -have seen Venice by moonlight, you may truthfully say you have beheld -the most beautiful spectacle this world can show you." - -"She ain't so almighty bad by sunlight," observed Buckhart. - -"Ah, but time has worked its ravages upon her," sighed Zenas sadly. -"Once even the dazzling sun of midday could show no flaw in her beauty, -but now it reveals the fact that, although she is still charming, her -face is pathetically wrinkled. Ah! those splendid days of old--those days -of her magnificence and grandeur--gone, gone forever!" - -In truth, Zenas was profoundly moved as he thought of the past greatness -and present state of this City of the Sea. - -Still Dick remained silent. He was watching the sunset. Between him and -the western sky seemed falling a shower of powdered gold, and yet this -wonderful, golden light was perfectly transparent. Beneath the balconies -and in the narrower canals the shadows were growing deeper. Just then -Dick thought that, no matter what disaster, what suffering, what sorrow -might come to him in life, just to be there in Venice that night at -sunset was joy and pleasure and reward enough to overbalance all else. - -"Pard, are you dreaming?" - -Dick turned his eyes toward the loyal Texan without moving his head. - -"Yes, yes--dreaming," he murmured. - -"Of what?" - -"Like the professor, of the old days--of the founding of this wonderful -city by a mere handful of refugees, who fled before the devastating, -barbarian army of Attila, well named the 'Scourge of God.' How little -could they have dreamed--those terror-stricken refugees--of the wonderful -future of this city of a hundred islands! I am dreaming of Venice at the -height of her glory, of the power of the Doges, of the senators in their -splendid robes, of battles and conquests, of riches and splendor, of -pompous pageants, of Ascension Day, when amid the roar of cannon, the -shouts of the people, and the throb of music, the Doge in his barge of -gold flung a golden ring into the blue waves, announcing the wedding of -Venice and the sea. Yes, I am dreaming--dreaming!" - -"And while you dream, pard," said Brad, "dream some of the dark deeds, -the crimes, the Bridge of Sighs, the Council of Ten----" - -A strange, half-startled exclamation came from the gondolier. He had -paused, clutching his oar, leaning forward--apparently paying attention -to their words for the first time. He could speak a little English, but -Professor Gunn addressed him in Italian: - -"What's the matter, Reggio?" - -"The boys, signor." - -"What of them?" - -"They talk too much. It is not well. They should be more careful." - -"Careful? I do not understand you, Reggio. Why should they be careful?" - -"I hear them speak of the Ten," whispered Reggio, leaning forward. "It -is very dangerous, signor. Nothing should be spoken." - -"Still I do not understand you," persisted the amazed old pedagogue. -"The time of the Council of Ten is past forever. There is now no longer -danger that a citizen of Venice may be secretly denounced to the -council, secretly tried and secretly executed. We know that at one time -the despotism of this council was so great that even the Doge himself -became a mere instrument in the hands of that body of tyrants. Now, -however, there is no council----" - -The agitation of Reggio had increased as Gunn was speaking, until now it -became absolutely painful to behold. He was trembling violently, and -with shaking hand he entreated the old man to be silent. - -"You know not, signor--you know not!" he whispered. "Beware what you say! -If you continue to talk, I must decline to carry you in my gondola--you -and the boys. We must part. I am a poor man. I need the money you pay me -for my services. But most I need my life, not for myself alone, but for -Teresa, my sister." - -"Man," said Zenas, "you must be crazy! What harm could speaking of----" - -"I pray you no more, signor--no more!" - -"Well, wouldn't that beat you!" said Buckhart, who understood a little -Italian, and had succeeded in getting the drift of the talk. "What do -you think of it, pard?" - -"I do not know what to think," confessed Dick, quite as much surprised -and bewildered as Professor Gunn. "It is most remarkable. The man seems -frightened. He actually pretends that we may place his life in peril by -our words." - -"It may be some kind of a trick, Dick." - -"What kind of a trick can it be?" - -"I don't know, but I'm sure watching out constant for tricks by these -dagoes. They're a slippery set, and they seem to think travelers are -fair and legitimate game for plucking." - -"Not all of them, Brad." - -"No, not all; but you know Naples is called 'the city of thieves,' and -we certain found it that. This fellow has appeared a heap decent, and----" - -"Just so. I've taken a liking to him. He's positively handsome, and he -seems honest. I've urged the professor to retain him while we remain in -Venice. But now----" - -"We can't even discuss the history of the city in his presence." - -All effort to induce Reggio to explain proved unavailing. He declined to -explain, and he continued to urge them--in whispers--to talk of something -else. - -"I suppose we had better humor him," said Gunn. "I can't understand it, -but just to please him we'll drop it now." - -"I sure judge he has a streak of the daffy in him," nodded Brad. - -The silver moon rose wondrously fair. The evening was cool, still not -cold. The professor and the boys drew some wraps about their shoulders, -having come prepared for the change in the atmosphere. - -In the moving gondolas lights began to twinkle and gleam. Soft laughter -floated over the water. - -Reggio's oar moved silently in the water, and the gondola glided through -alternating patches of moonlight and shadow, glory and gloom. - -Beneath the moon, Venice was indeed at her best. The defects of age, -seen in the broad light of day, were now hidden by a silver veil. In -places lights gleamed through the casements. - -"Pard," said Buckhart, after a long silence, "I'm a whole lot glad you -were expelled from Fardale!" - -"What's that?" exclaimed Dick, surprised. "Glad I was expelled?" - -"Sure!" nodded the Texan grimly. "If you hadn't been expelled, we'd not -be here together now." - -"That's true enough." - -"Of course I'm plenty bitter on Chet Arlington, but I opine his day is -coming. The professor will look out for that, all right. You'll return -to old Fardale in triumph after----" - -"We'll return together, Brad." - -"Yes, we'll return together--after we've seen a right good lot of this -amazing old world, and I allow you'll be received back with high -acclaim. I can see it now. I can see big Bob, Obediah, Chip, Gardner, -Darrel, Flint, Smart, and all the rest of them, welcoming you back. Just -to think of it stirs me some, you bet! There'll be something doing at -Fardale that day, Dick--you hear me gently gurgle! Then back to the -diamond, the gridiron, the gymnasium--back to all things we love! And the -yarns we'll have to tell! The things we'll have seen! Whoop! I'm sure -busting just to think of it!" - -Professor Gunn, who had been listening to the words of the boys, now -observed: - -"Youth and anticipation of the glories of the future! Two of the most -joyous things in this old world, boys. Do you know, I'm glad myself that -Dick was expelled. Remarkable, eh? Astonishing and shameful confession, -hey? Well, it's the truth. Why am I glad? Because it brought me the -companionship of you two lads, something I needed. Yes, I needed it. I'm -a pretty old man, boys, and I find myself inclined to look backward -instead of forward. Instead of thinking of the joys to come, I find I'm -inclined to think of the pleasures past. Now, that's bad--very bad. When -a man gets to living in the past, he's in his decline--he's beginning to -decay--he's pretty near the end of the road. It's natural for progress to -constantly look forward. Looking backward means retrogression. You boys -have seemed to arouse in me the looking-forward spirit which I needed. -I, too, think of the future and the pleasures to come. Therefore you -have done me no end of good. Hum! ha! Ha! hum! I hope I've not -interfered with your enjoyment of this glorious night by my little -lecture." - -"What's the matter with Reggio?" questioned Dick in a low tone. "He -still seems excited. He keeps looking back, and----Why does he send the -gondola darting in here so suddenly?" - -They had turned with a sudden swing from the broad canal to go speeding -swiftly into a very dark and very narrow passage between high buildings. - -"Why did you turn in here, Reggio?" demanded the professor, in Italian. - -"Signor, it is best," was the half-spoken, half-whispered answer. -"Question me not, but trust me. Soon we will be again on the Grand -Canal." - -"I certain believe the man is some bughouse," said Buckhart. "He's sure -acting and talking a heap queer to-night." - -"I think he is perfectly trustworthy," declared Dick; "and he's the -handsomest gondolier in all Venice." - -"You picked him out, pard, because he was handsome and graceful." - -"No; because I believed I could read honor and sincerity in his face. I -believed he could be trusted." - -"If he's daffy, he can't be trusted to any great extent." - -Out of the canal they sped, Reggio's body swaying rhythmically as he -propelled the craft. He seemed almost feverish in his haste. Soon they -swung again into another narrow channel, where it was very dark, Reggio -turning his head to look round just as he did so. What he saw, if -anything, caused him to increase his efforts. - -They began to feel a touch of the almost fierce anxiety which had seized -upon their gondolier. He seemed fleeing before something of which he was -in mortal terror. In the moonlight, before they were sent rushing -through this second dark channel, Dick had obtained a full view of the -Italian's face. It was pale and set, and his eyes seemed glowing with -strange terror. - -What thing was this from which Reggio fled like a hunted man? What peril -pursued him, seen by him alone? - -"Reggio!" spoke Dick. - -"Silence! silence! silence!" implored the man at the oar. - -"He sure has gone luny of a sudden!" whispered Brad. "There is no other -explanation, pard." - -"I don't like his behavior myself," confessed the professor. "He's -getting me nervous. You know there are banded thieves in Venice, who -prey on foreigners. Now----" - -"There can be no connection between Reggio's singular conduct and the -thieves of Venice," said Dick impatiently. "If he intended to rob us, he -would not first excite our suspicion by his behavior." - -"I judge that's correct," nodded the Texan. "I certain allow it's just a -plain case of daffy on Reggio's part." - -Once more they glided out upon the moon-lighted surface of the Grand -Canal, and the professor drew a deep breath of relief. - -"This is good enough for us, Reggio," he said. "You don't have to take -us through those dark alleys to amuse us." - -But the man addressed did not seem to hear. He swung the craft into the -shadow of the palaces at one side of the canal, still sending it forward -with unusual speed. Other gondolas he avoided or passed with great -skill. It was evident they attracted more or less attention by their -surprising haste at that hour. - -"I think, boys," said Zenas Gunn, "that it might be well for us to -return to our rooms and dismiss Reggio." - -But Dick's interest and curiosity had been aroused. Behind the peculiar -behavior of the man he believed there was something worth understanding. -He scented a mystery, and mysteries always aroused and interested him. - -"I couldn't think of giving up this pleasure in the open air for our -gloomy old rooms," he said. - -"Nor I, pard," joined in Brad. "I slept a whole lot this forenoon, so -that I'd not be at all sleepy to-night. Night certain is the time to -enjoy Venice. I opine I'll get into bad habits about hours while we're -here; but I can't help it." - -"You boys are tyrants!" exclaimed the professor. "Who is the master -here, may I ask? Am I taking you round, or are you taking me round?" - -Dick laughed, and assured the professor that he was the one in supreme -authority, which seemed to relieve and satisfy the old man. In truth, -the boys did just about as they pleased, but they succeeded in this by -making Zenas believe he was the one who wished to do the things that -interested them most. In carrying this out, Dick was far more clever -than Brad. - -"Reggio seems to be behaving better," said Merriwell. - -"Correct," nodded Buckhart. "Mebbe it was a fit he had. It seems gone -now." - -"Though he keeps looking back." - -Once more Dick spoke to the gondolier, asking him why he had seemed to -flee through those narrow and dark channels, and why he kept turning his -head to stare behind them. - -Reggio paused and leaned forward. - -"Ah!" he said, in a very low voice, "you don't-a know. I--I feel-a it in -da air." He spoke in broken English now. - -"What did you feel in the air?" - -"Death!" whispered the gondolier. "You don't-a know. You not see-a heem -follow us. He follow. That why I hurry vera much." - -"Whoop!" muttered Brad. "That's a heap fine! So we had a race with -death, did we? Well, partner, if that isn't daffy talk, what do you call -it?" - -"Do you mean that we were really and truly pursued by anything, Reggio?" -demanded Dick. - -"I mean-a it. Death he follow us. But mebbe he not-a after us. He follow -no more now." - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE RING OF IRON. - - -A boat full of musicians appeared, gliding slowly past them in the -moonlight, surrounded by many gondolas. To the throbbing of the harp and -guitar, a score of voices were chanting an Italian song. - -"Splendid! magnificent!" breathed the professor. - -The singing ceased. The gondolas swung near the music barge, from which -white, phantom hands were outstretched. Into those hands fell silver -coins, and the gondolas swept away. - -Dick spoke a word of command to Reggio, who quickly sent them close to -the boat of the singers. Merriwell added his contribution to the -collection the musicians were taking up. - -"There's still music in Venice," said Dick, as they drifted away. - -"But now," said Professor Gunn, "the musicians are professionals, who -take that way of making a living." - -"Then," spoke Dick, "in a certain sense it is true that-- - - "'In Venice Tasso's echoes are no more, - And silent rows the songless gondolier: - Her palaces are crumbling to the shore, - And music meets not always now the ear; - -Those days are gone--but beauty still is here.'" - -"Well quoted, my boy!" exclaimed the old pedagogue, in deep -satisfaction. - -"Let's follow the music boat," suggested Brad. "That singing has stirred -up something a whole lot inside of me. I sure would like to hear some -more." - -So Reggio was instructed to follow the musicians. - -Some fifteen minutes later, perhaps, the music boat turned into a -narrow, close canal, where all was darkness and gloom, with never a -gleam of light, save from the gondolas, where lamps twinkled and moved -like wills-o'-the-wisp. The boats were lost in the blackness of the -place, the lights alone marking their movements. - -"Another right fine place for a race with death, pard," whispered Brad. - -"Why have they turned in here?" whispered the professor apprehensively. - -"We'll find out," said Dick. "We must be close to the Bridge of Sighs. -Yes, you can see it against the sky. There it is." - -"With a palace and a prison on either hand," murmured Zenas. - -The beautiful bridge could be seen, buttressed by two great hulks of -gloom. It was a ghostly place, and the cool air of the night seemed to -take on a deeper chill. - -The music barge floated beneath the arch of the bridge and stopped. -Reggio permitted his gondola to slowly move along until it was also -beneath the bridge. Above them was the terrible prison. Beneath them was -the dark and sluggish waters. Dick thought of the headless bodies that -once had awaited the changing tide that was to bear them away from that -bloodstained spot to outer sea. - -Suddenly the musicians began to play and chant a solemn song, full of -sadness and despair. Enraptured, enthralled, their blood cold in their -bodies, the boys and the old professor listened to the most thrilling -and impressive music that had ever greeted their ears. In fancy, Dick -seemed to hear the tread of the condemned passing over the bloody -bridge, the moans of the dying within those black walls. The air -shuddered and vibrated with the horror of it. - -Never as long as life lasted could any of that trio forget that chanted -song. - -When it ended at last, they seemed turned to stone themselves. It was -several moments before one of them stirred or even seemed to breathe. - -"Let's get out of here!" Brad finally suggested, chokingly. - -"Grand, but terrible!" muttered the professor. - -"I would not have missed it for worlds!" declared Dick. - -Reggio swung the gondola round, and they were soon moving toward the -open canal. - -Just as they passed out of the deeper darkness, a black gondola swept -close to them--so close that the two boats almost touched. - -An unseen person reached forth a ghostly hand from between divided black -curtains, and something was tossed through the air, falling with a -little clang at the feet of Reggio. It sounded not unlike the ring of -money. - -Then the phantom hand disappeared and the gondola slipped swiftly into -the blackness from which they had just emerged, being lost to view. - -"What was it?" muttered Buckhart. "Did some one throw Reggio a coin?" - -Dick grasped the arm of his bosom friend. - -"Look!" he breathed. "Look at Reggio!" - -The gondolier had not moved after the thing dropped at his feet. He was -poised with his body swayed backward a little, and he seemed to be -gazing with wide-open eyes at the mysterious object lying within ten -inches of his feet. His attitude was expressive of the greatest horror. - -"Whatever does it mean?" speculated the Texan. "He certain looks a whole -lot alarmed." - -Dick started to speak to the gondolier, but checked himself and -continued to watch the man. - -Onward glided the boat, out into the full flood of moonlight. - -Then the man at the oar could plainly see the thing that had been cast -before him. Slowly, slowly, as if dreading to touch it, yet forcing -himself to perform the act, Reggio stooped and picked it up. - -"At last!" he muttered, with a choking sound--"at last it has come to -me!" - -"What is it?" questioned Dick. - -"Death!" answered the man. - -"Death?" exclaimed Professor Gunn. "Why, what do you----" - -"See!" directed the gondolier, holding the object up in the moonlight. -"Here it is! By this I am told that I must die!" - -"What is it?" - -"A ring of iron." - -"A ring of iron? What has that to do with your death?" - -"It tells me that I am chosen. I have a few hours in which to settle my -affairs and make ready. I knew that death pursued us to-night!" - -"He's still making crazy talk, pard!" declared Brad, who could -understand Italian, although he made a mess in attempting to speak it. - -"The man is not crazy," asserted Dick positively. - -"He sure talks that way." - -"There is something behind all this, Brad--something I'd like to -understand." - -Professor Gunn continued to question Reggio. They seemed quite alone -just then, with no other boats near them. - -"I warned you not to speak of the Ten," said the gondolier. "It is now -too late." - -"But the Council of Ten no longer exists." - -"Not as once it did; but there is another. Oh, if I talk now it will -only hasten the end! I am chosen, anyhow, and there is no escape! Little -Teresa, my sister--what will become of her!" - -The man seemed utterly crushed and hopeless. All the buoyant life and -grace had departed from his body. His shoulders were bowed and his -appearance that of one aged twenty years in a few moments. - -"Boys," said Professor Gunn, "there is something mighty singular and -sinister back of this. That man is badly frightened." - -"Or doing stunts," muttered Buckhart. - -"No stunts," asserted Dick. "His terror and despair is genuine. -Evidently the iron ring is a sign of some sort. He believes that the -receipt of it dooms him to death." - -"Folly." - -"Perhaps not." - -For a little time now Reggio answered none of their questions. Finally -he straightened up and looked around. He lifted his arms and stretched -them out to the white buildings with a despairing gesture. - -"Farewell--farewell, Venice!" he murmured, with a sob. "This is my last -night with you! For the last time I look on your beauty! Before another -night my eyes will be closed in the long, long sleep." - -Then suddenly he seemed to realize that the others were looking and -listening. He threw back his shoulders, drew in a deep breath, and with -that breath his manhood seemed to return. He made a careless gesture of -his hand. - -"It is nothing to you, signors," he said. "Mind not anything you have -seen or heard. But it is better that you should leave Venice, for I have -spoken to you of the Ten." - -"But you have not explained--you have not told us what you mean," said -the professor. - -"It is better that you should not know. Your knowledge would place you -in peril. Talk no more of the Ten. Keep your lips tightly closed, if you -value your lives--and leave Venice." - -"Well, I like that!" growled Brad, in a manner that plainly told he did -not like it. "I opine we won't be chased out of Venice in any such -manner." - -"Not much!" declared Dick earnestly. "We'll remain and solve the mystery -of the Ten." - -In vain they tried to learn anything further from the gondolier. He -became silent, and no amount of questioning elicited anything of a -satisfactory sort. - -"I must return to Teresa," he finally said. "It is the last time I shall -see her." - -He then insisted on taking them without delay to their lodgings. On the -way, he swung the gondola into another dark and narrow canal. A peculiar -whistle sounded from his lips, causing Professor Gunn, who was very -nervous by this time, to give a jump of alarm. - -"My! my!" muttered the old pedagogue. "I'm expecting anything to happen! -I'm looking for assassins everywhere. Why did he whistle? What does it -mean?" - -The answer came in the form of a gleam of light from a window in the -wall on their left. - -Reggio uttered a soft exclamation of satisfaction. - -"Teresa is waiting for me, signors," he said. "I must hasten with you -and then return." - -"So this is his ranch," said Buckhart. "He camps here, I judge." - -But now a change came over the gondolier. The light above had been shut -off suddenly. Darkness followed for a moment, after which the light -gleamed again. Again it disappeared for a few seconds, and again it -gleamed. - -"Trouble!" hissed Reggio. "Teresa has made the danger signal!" - -"Dear! dear! dear!" gasped Zenas Gunn. "This is terrible! It is so dark. -In the light of day I am brave as a lion--I fear nothing. But this -darkness is so treacherous that I--really I'm disturbed." - -"Signors," entreated the gondolier, "I entreat you a moment to wait, -till I see what danger it is that has alarmed my sister. When I have -reassured her, I will hasten to take you on your way." - -"All right, Reggio," said Dick promptly. "We can wait. In fact, we're in -no haste." - -"Hum! ha!" coughed Zenas. "I am in haste to get out of this dark -spot--indeed I am!" - -"But you would not leave a lady in trouble, professor?" remonstrated -Dick. "I know you would not do that, for you are the soul of chivalry. -Where the fair sex is concerned, you are ever ready to face peril or -death." - -"That's right," agreed the old pedagogue, bracing up. "You understand me -perfectly, Richard. You are a very astute lad. Reggio, we will wait." - -"And," added Dick, "if you need our assistance, you may depend on us." - -The gondolier poured out his thanks, swung the craft alongside some dark -steps, fastened it to a ring of iron set in the marble, and then stepped -out, saying he would make great haste. - -He had not ascended more than three of the steps when he paused. At the -same moment, from some dark nook, a figure stepped out above him. - -"Who is there?" challenged the gondolier. - -"A friend, Reggio Tortora," came the answer, in perfect Italian, the -voice being soft and musical. - -"A friend?" retorted the gondolier, suspiciously. "What are you doing -here?" - -"Waiting for your return." - -"Who are you?" - -"You know me well." - -"I know you not." - -A laugh sounded low and soft in the darkness. - -"Your ears must be losing their cunning, Reggio. Why, I should recognize -your voice anywhere in all the world that I heard it. Come nearer." - -But the gondolier had been warned of death that hovered over him, and he -did not move. - -"If you are my friend," he said, "why do you lurk like an assassin at my -door?" - -Again that musical laugh echoed between those dark walls. - -"You seem timid as a rabbit, Reggio. Is this the brave, careless Tortora -I knew so well? It cannot be." - -The gondolier was angered by the mockery of the words and laughter, but -he did not forget that the iron ring had fallen at his feet a short time -before. Might this not be the man chosen by the Ten to strike the fatal -blow? - -"Reggio," called Dick, standing up and preparing to step from the -gondola to the steps, "if you need aid, you may rely on us." - -"You bet your boots!" exclaimed Buckhart, eager to do something. "Just -say the word, Reg, and we'll get right into the game. I'm beginning to -spoil for a rumpus, and I'm the Unbranded Maverick of the Rio Pecos. -When I get my war paint on and take to the trail, I'm a holy howler on -ten wheels." - -"Boys, boys!" spluttered the agitated old professor, "do be careful! -Don't leave me here! I must protect you. I must take care of you. If any -harm comes to you, I'll never forgive myself." - -"Don't worry, professor," said Dick. - -"Just keep your clothes on, professor," urged Brad. - -"There is but one," said Reggio, in answer to Dick. "I need no aid in -facing one man." - -Again the stranger laughed. - -"Even though you are changed," he said, "you yet have a little pride, my -Reggio. But why should you fear me! I am here to do you a great -service." - -"To do me a service?" - -"Even so, my Reggio." - -"What service?" - -"I would save your life." - -"How is that--how can it be?" - -"You are under the ban of the Terrible Ten," whispered the stranger, -leaning forward in the darkness, and sending the words down the steps at -the gondolier. - -"How know you that unless you are my enemy--unless you are the assassin -sent to do the deed?" demanded Reggio. - -"I know many things, but my means of knowledge I keep in my own breast. -You doubt me? I swear to you that I can save you, and will--on a certain -condition." - -"No one condemned by the Ten has ever escaped," retorted Reggio. - -"You shall be the first--if you agree to terms I will offer." - -"What are the terms?" doubtingly inquired the doomed man. - -"Will you accept them?" - -"I will not become a murderer and a thief!" was the fierce retort. "I -will not plunder and slay, and give one-half my evil gain to those -criminals who hide their faces and are growing wealthy through the black -crimes other men commit out of fear of them. I am a man! My ancestors -were of the Castellani--the aristocrats of the red hoods. Never one of -them has descended to the ranks of crime. It is because of that thing -that I am now condemned to the assassin. The Ten claim they are the -descendants of the black-hooded Nicolletti, and that they are avenging -the old wrongs of their class. It is a lie! They are thieves and -murderers, banded together for plunder. They strike no blows with their -own hands, but they frighten others into doing the dark work and giving -them half the plunder. Not even their tools know who compose the Ten, -whose faces are always hidden. No man dares betray them by confessing. -If he is caught red-handed, he takes all the blame, and tells it not -that those who drove him to his crimes, and have shared his plunder, are -the Ten, for if he should speak, he knows the ban of death will fall on -all his family and all his blood relations." - -Repeatedly the stranger had tried to check the torrent of words flowing -from Reggie's lips, but his efforts had been unavailing. The speaker was -aroused to a pitch of desperation, and he would not be silenced until he -had finished. - -"I fear not to speak!" he exclaimed. "I know I must die, for I have -received the iron ring." - -"You fool!" hissed the other. "Do you not think of Teresa? What will -happen to her if you talk like this?" - -Reggie's aspect of defiant rage suddenly departed, his shoulders drooped -and he lifted his shaking hand to his eyes. - -"Teresa!" he whispered. "Teresa, my sister! What have I done?" - -"You have spoken like a crazy fool in the presence of foreigners," -declared the other man. "Still, besides them, I am the only one who has -heard your words, and I am your friend. Their lips must be silenced, for -if they speak one word of this, Teresa is doomed!" - -Once more Reggio straightened himself somewhat defiantly. - -"What mean you?" he demanded. "Their lips must be silenced, you say. -What mean you?" - -"You know." - -"They shall not be harmed while with me!" exclaimed the gondolier. "No -man I have ever served has come to harm through me." - -"Oh, Lord, boys! Oh, Lord!" palpitated Zenas Gunn, almost overcome by -horror. "Do you hear? Do you understand? They are speaking of murder--of -killing us!" - -"But Reggio is on the level," said Dick. - -"Great howling coyotes!" exclaimed Buckhart. "It begins to look some as -if we were going to get mixed up with this Ten, whoever they are." - -"Tortora," said the stranger, "you are a great fool! You will be slain, -the strangers will disappear, and Teresa--it will be left for me to save -her." - -"For you?" - -"Yes." - -"Why, you?" - -"Because she is the fairest flower of Venice! Because my sleeping dreams -of her and my waking thoughts of her have brought me back to Venice from -America, far over the seas." - -"By the saints!" cried Reggio, "you are Nicola Mullura!" - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -WHEN STEEL MEETS STEEL. - - -"At last you have named me!" laughed the mysterious man. - -"You wretch!" panted the gondolier. "How dare you again show your face -in Venice?" - -"I am not showing it very much," was the cool retort. "Even here, as -near as we are, you could not see it well enough to recognize me. By day -you might rake the city with a fine comb, and still you would not find -me." - -"You are a thief, a murderer, and death will be yours if you are -discovered!" - -"Never fear, my Reggio," was the mocking assurance. "I have friends far -more powerful than the authorities of this city. My friends are of the -Ten." - -"For whom you committed a hundred crimes before you were compelled to -flee the country in order to save yourself from the hand of justice. -Well might they be your friends!" - -"You are very careless in your speech, Tortora," said the one accused, -still with perfect self-possession. "I will take good care of Teresa -when you are gone. Trust her to me, my Reggio. In my arms she will be -safe." - -"Rather than think she might become yours would I slay her with my own -hand!" panted the gondolier. "What have you been doing? You have -frightened her!" - -"I knocked at the door and asked admission. She should have welcomed me -with open arms." - -"I knew you had frightened her. She loathes you, Nicola Mullura." - -"She shall adore me." - -"In her room she has been shuddering and praying since you knocked at -the door and demanded admission." - -"You shall soothe her and tell her I have come to take her with me to -America, where, in the city of New York, I am already a great man with -my people." - -"Never! How have you the impudence to place your feet on these steps! -How did you come here?" - -"I was brought. When Teresa declined to admit me, I decided to wait -until your return, for I knew you were out in the city. I am here. Now -we will go in together. You shall leave me with Teresa while you take -away the foreigners and return." - -The man spoke as if fully confident that Tortora would comply. The -gondolier seemed hesitating, but suddenly he cried: - -"As I must die, I'll not leave you to torture my sister! The Ten will -destroy me, but not until I have killed you, Mullura!" - -"He has drawn a knife!" exclaimed Dick, noting as well as possible in -the darkness the movements of Reggio. - -"It sure is the real thing now!" said Buckhart. - -"Terrible!" groaned Professor Gunn. "Where are the authorities? It -should be stopped!" - -Mullura had watched closely, and now he lost not a second in whipping -out his own knife. - -"Fool!" he sneered. "You are no match for me! I shall kill you, and save -the Ten a task!" - -Tortora held his knife at arm's length toward the sky, as if invoking -the assistance of a higher power. Then he started up the steps. - -"Fair play!" cried Dick Merriwell, springing from the gondola. "If we -can't stop this business, Brad, we can see fair play!" - -"You bet your boots!" roared the Texan, following promptly. - -The professor called to them in the greatest consternation, but they did -not heed his appeals. - -Mullura waited for Tortora to come within reach. Being higher up, he had -the advantage. - -Suddenly the gondolier darted to one side and sprang up the steps until -he was on a level with the other man. Mullura tried to prevent this, but -he was not quick enough. He leaped forward, striking at the gondolier. - -Reggio flung up his hand and warded the blow, the knives clinking as -they met and rasping as they parted with a twist. - -The gondolier gave the other a swing and then struck under like a flash, -but Mullura leaped backward and escaped. - -The struggle that followed was of a silent, deadly sort. - -Dick and Brad pressed near to watch, but did not try to interfere -between the men. - -Suddenly a door was flung open and a fan of light flared out upon the -steps. In the open doorway, holding a lighted candle above her head, was -a girl. - -Both Dick and Brad gasped as they saw her, for they were struck with the -fact that she was wonderfully beautiful. She was not more than -seventeen, with eyes and hair as dark as deepest midnight. Her features -were finely molded. - -The girl's face was very pale and her lips were parted. She made a -wonderful picture as she stood there peering out at the fighting men. - -The light of the candle enabled the men to see how to get at each other. -Mullura cried: - -"He forced it on me, Teresa! I do not wish to kill him, but now it is -his life or mine!" - -Saying which he crouched at a little distance. He sprang forward on the -steps, made a false thrust with his knife that bore a dark stain, then -plunged beneath the arm Reggio flung up. - -It seemed that the gondolier would be cut to death in a moment, but he -made a lucky clutch with his empty hand, and caught the wrist of his -enemy, partly checking and turning the blow. He was wounded slightly. - -Baffled in that manner, Mullura had the misfortune to slip on the steps -while within the reach of Tortora. Before he could recover and save -himself, the latter plunged the knife into his shoulder. - -The stricken man broke the hold of the other, but up went one of his -arms, and he reeled down the steps, on which his knife clanged, having -fallen from his hand. - -Reggio followed. His back was toward the light, but his manner was that -of one who means to finish a task not yet accomplished. - -Mullura tried to rise to his feet. He scrambled up, saw Tortora right -upon him, leaped back, again lost his footing, and, a moment later, -plunged with a great splash into the water. - -The gondolier followed to the edge of the water, where he crouched, -bloody knife in hand, watching for the man he hated to rise to the -surface. - -The water was ruffled and broken, but the ripples were caused by the man -who had vanished, and they grew less and less. The head of Mullura did -not rise into view. - -"I opine the gent is done for," muttered Brad Buckhart, finding his -voice at last. - -"I believe he is," said Dick, speaking with an effort. "If so, he met -his just due." - -"Nary dispute to make on that, pard." - -There was something of disappointment in Reggio's manner as he rose to -his feet. - -"I wished to see him dead," he muttered. "Still, I know he is done, and -he will never touch Teresa with his vile hands." - -"I reckon he's gone, all right, Reg," said Brad; "but so is your -gondola. It's disappeared, and Professor Gunn has disappeared with it. -Pard, we're kind of left here, I judge." - -Already Dick had discovered that the gondola was gone. - -With it had vanished the possibility of their immediately leaving the -place by water, as they had reached it. - -"We're stranded, Brad," said Dick. - -They called to Professor Gunn, but there was no answer. - -"Courageous old boy!" muttered the Texan, with a show of anger. - -"I don't know that we can blame him much," said Dick, seeking an excuse. -"He's very nervous, and the spectacle of Reggio and his antagonist -fighting like tigers for their lives must have caused him to lose his -head." - -"Oh, he's all right," said Brad hastily--"he's all right when he doesn't -tell people how brave he is." - -In the meantime Reggio was reassuring his sister, who had seemed quite -horrified by the spectacle of her brother engaged in the deadly struggle -with Nicola Mullura. He placed his arm about her supportingly, speaking -soft words into her ear. She was white, and the candle in her hand -trembled violently. - -"What can we do, Reggio?" questioned Dick, in very poor Italian. "The -professor is gone, and the gondola with him." - -"Come in da house," invited the gondolier, abandoning his own tongue for -the time being. "Spik da English-a to me-a. I understand-a heem vera -much-a well." - -"But he can't understand your talk, pard," chuckled Buckhart. "That's a -horse on you." - -"I suppose we had better accept his invitation. We can't stay out here." - -"Sure--we'll accept it," nodded the Texan. - -So they followed Reggio and his sister into the house, the door being -closed behind them. They mounted some stairs, threaded a passage of -several angles, and came to a lighted room. - -"Teresa," said Reggio, "I introduce-a you my 'Merican friends. They very -fine-a gentleman." - -"Wow!" muttered Brad. "Our gondolier calls us his friends, pard!" - -Reggio seemed to catch the meaning of Buckhart's low-spoken words, which -were not intended for his ears, for he straightened up with an air of -pride, quickly saying: - -"You hear me tell-a Nicola Mullura my ancestor they belong-a to da -Castellani. Mebbe you no understand-a me? I spik to him in da Italian. I -poor gondolier now. My family good one. Da blood-a of da gentleman run -here in me-a. I no tell-a it ev'rybody. What da use? I tell-a you now. -Da Mullura blood vera bad--vera bad. Da Mullura belong-a to da -Nicolletti--common class-a. My sist' she fine-a lady." - -This was said with considerable effort, and suddenly Dick began to -understand that this Venetian gondolier really believed himself and his -sister of greater distinction than most of the foreigners he rowed about -the city in his boat. Indeed, there was something that carried the -impression that Reggio really believed he was unbending and bestowing on -them a favor by permitting them to meet his sister. - -"No offense, Reg, old man," said Brad, in his frank, Western way. "I can -tell that your sister is an aristocrat by looking at her. You don't have -to explain that any to me. She is all right, and so are you. I certain -admire the way you polished off old Mul, out on the front steps. All the -same, I didn't think you had cooked his hash when you sheathed your -knife in his dirty hide, and it was a surprise for the Unbranded -Maverick of the Rio Pecos when he failed to rise to the surface after -going in for that little swim." - -"His shoulder," said Reggio; "I strike-a him in da shoulder. He no -swim-a." - -"Well, it was a right fine job, Reg." - -The gondolier now questioned his sister in Italian, and she told him how -she had endured terror while Mullura was outside the door, on which he -knocked and knocked, demanding admittance. At first, on hearing his -rapping, she took a candle and crept down to the door, asking who was -there. He answered, saying it was a friend from her brother; but she -recognized his voice, and fled back to her room, where she remained, -praying that the door would not yield until her brother returned. After -a time he ceased to knock, and she hoped he had departed. Still, knowing -how bitterly he hated Reggio, she feared he was waiting to attack him at -the door, and therefore she had given the danger signal by flashing the -light when she heard her brother's whistle. - -Reggio explained how Mullura had attempted to force his attentions upon -Teresa. He was a reckless character in Venice at the time, with a very -black reputation, and the girl had shrunk from him with the greatest -aversion. - -On discovering that Teresa feared him, the fellow became more and more -persistent in his annoying attentions. At last he insulted her, and -then, burning with fury, Reggio sought the scoundrel, intending to kill -him. They fought, but were separated before either had been harmed. - -Then and there Mullura swore to obtain possession of Teresa and to kill -Reggio if he lifted a hand to prevent it. - -But directly after that the authorities obtained conclusive evidence -that Mullura had been concerned in a number of crimes, the most -dastardly being a cold-blooded murder. The fellow was forced to flee -from Venice, much to the relief of both Reggio and Teresa. He emigrated -to America, but sent back word that some day he would return and secure -Teresa, in spite of herself and her brother. - -All this was explained in a broken manner to the boys, upon which Brad -cried: - -"Good riddance to old Nic! You won't have to worry about him any more, -Reg. Both you and your sister are safe." - -"No, no!" muttered the man, a dark shadow coming to his face. "Nicola -Mullura gone-a, but I have-a da iron ring-a." - -At this Teresa, who understood a little English, gave a cry and caught -her brother by the arm. In Italian she plied him with questions. At -first he tried to put her off, but his manner added to her alarm, and -she insisted that he should tell her the truth. - -"I have-a to tell-a her!" he murmured sadly. "Mebbe bet' tell-a her now. -She find-a out prit soon, best I can-a do." - -Then he took her in his arms, looking sadly and lovingly down into her -upturned face. - -"Little sister," he said in soft Italian, "my heart is sore, for it is -true that the Ten have placed the death seal upon me." - -She cried out in horror, clutching him and clinging to him. - -"No, no, no! Oh, Reggio, my brother, my dear, good brother, why should -they do it? It cannot be true!" - -"You know, little sister, that a Tortora never stained his hand with -crime. The Ten live and grow fat on the proceeds of crime. Every man who -fails to contribute his share of loot at their command is sure in the -end to get the iron ring. When that happens, unless he is able to flee -from Venice at once, he is doomed to die. I have no money. I cannot -flee. The ring was tossed at my feet. Within twenty-four hours from the -time it fell there I shall be dead. Poor, little Teresa! What will -become of you?" - -She put her slender arms round him and clung to him with fierce -affection, as if she would in some manner protect him from the black -peril that threatened. Again and again she cried that it could not be, -this terrible thing. She drew him down, wound her arms about his neck -and kissed him. - -"Brad," said Dick, in a husky voice, "we must save Tortora somehow." - -"Right you are, partner!" agreed the Texan heartily. "I was thinking of -that some before getting a look at his sister; and I am thinking it a -heap sight more since. However are we going to do it?" - -"We must get him out of Venice before the blow is struck by the Terrible -Ten." - -"Or take to the warpath and chaw up the Terrible Ten. That would suit me -a heap better." - -"That's out of the question. The only way is to smuggle Reggio out of -Venice. I have a way. The fishing boats! They start out for the fishing -grounds of the open sea before daybreak. We must find a man who, for a -sufficient bribe, will hide Reggio aboard his boat, take him out of the -city, and keep him until we can get along with a little steamer. It will -cost a lot of money, but what is money when a human life is in the -balance!" - -Reggio had been listening to Dick's words. He now put his sister gently -aside, turning to the boy, placed his hands on Merriwell's shoulders, -and spoke with deep feeling: - -"A thousand times I thank-a you, my frien'! You good-a, kind-a! No use -to try. No do-a it." - -"Why not?" - -The gondolier explained that in all Venice there was not one fisherman -who would dare smuggle him away on learning that he had been condemned -by the Ten, and had been given the iron ring. The man who did it would -be assassinated in less than a day and a night after his return to the -city. - -"But why tell him that you have received the ring?" asked Dick. - -For a moment Reggio's face brightened, and then the shadow returned and -settled upon it. - -"Would you hav-a me getta poor feesh'man killed?" he asked. "That what -come-a to him. You gent'man-a. You save-a me from da Ten, but you gitta -da in'cent man-a kill." - -"Well, that sure takes the prize!" muttered Brad. "I'll never say again -that a dago has no sense of real honor and justice. How many men would -think of that? What would they care? To escape they would be willing to -sacrifice a dozen innocent men. Pard, it sure is a whole lot amazing!" - -Dick agreed that it was. Then he talked earnestly with Reggio, seeking -to discover or invent some plan by which the escape could be contrived. - -The gondolier insisted that all efforts were useless. Never had any man -placed beneath the ban of the Ten escaped. He seemed to think the power -of the Ten was almost infinite. In the old days the Council of Ten had -possessed unlimited power, but even the original council, it seemed, had -not been more dreaded than were the Ten of modern times. - -At last Reggio said: - -"You want-a do somet'ing for me-a? Good! You have-a da mon'. You -honorable gent'man-a. See my little sister? I leave-a her all 'lone in -da worl'. You take-a her to 'Merica? Over dere, in da cit' of New York-a -live one Antonio Melino. He know-a me--know-a my father--know-a my sister. -You take-a her to him; he take-a care of her. What you say to dat?" - -"It shall be done!" cried Dick. - -Then, of a sudden, came a loud hammering on the door at the foot of the -stairs, heavy blows that resounded crashingly through that part of the -building. - -"They have come!" said Reggio, in Italian. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE BURSTING OF THE DOOR. - - -Plainly the door was being attacked by heavy instruments for the purpose -of battering it down. Again Teresa clutched her brother and clung to -him. - -"Little sister, little sister," he said, "if you cling to me so, how -shall I defend myself?" - -"I cannot lose you, Reggio!" she sobbed. "It is wicked! They shall not -kill you!" - -He implored her to release him. - -"Let me go down and meet them," he said. "If they come here to do the -deed, then, in order to leave no living witnesses, they may destroy you -and these good American friends who have promised to help you reach -Antonio Melino." - -"Do you think the assassins have come to do the work?" asked Dick, his -black eyes gleaming. - -"I think so." - -"Then give us weapons! Let's stand together! We can thin out this -dastardly gang somewhat before they can do the job!" - -"That's the talk, pard!" shouted Buckhart. "Whoop! If we were supplied -with shooting irons, we'd sure come pretty near wiping the old Ten off -the map to-night. Give us something--anything! We'll make a hole in the -bunch! You hear me warble?" - -"It is madness!" exclaimed the gondolier, as the blows continued to -resound. "It means the death of all! Flee with Teresa! For her sake----" - -Brad had been looking around. The room was rather poorly furnished. At -one side sat a rude wooden table. This the Texan seized, turning it -bottom up in a twinkling. Planting his foot upon it, the Texan grasped a -leg of the table and gave it a mighty wrench, literally twisting it off. -This leg he flourished over his head. - -"Here's my war club, pard!" he shouted. "I opine I can crack a head with -that." - -Dick followed Brad's example, and in a moment or two he had torn off -another leg of the table. - -Reggio looked on in wonderment. He could not understand why these -American boys should sacrifice their lives for him. Never before in all -his life had he seen boys like these. - -Teresa clasped her hands and gazed at them also, her eyes kindling with -unspeakable admiration. - -Crash! crash! crash! sounded the heavy blows. - -The door was falling. - -Suddenly Reggio awoke. His bloodstained knife appeared once more in his -hand, and he flourished it above his head. - -"Let them come, then!" he cried. "If we all die, we'll do what we can to -destroy the Ten who have a hundred poor Venetians beneath their feet!" - -"That's the talk!" said Dick, whose face was flushed and whose eyes -gleamed, "To the stairs, Reggio! Let Teresa hold the light, that we may -see. There will be some broken heads before they do the job they have -blocked out." - -"Talk about Texas!" burst from Brad. "Why, Texas is a Sunday-school -picnic all the time compared with Venice! The wild and woolly West won't -seem half so wild and woolly to me if I ever get back to it." - -Teresa was brave. She caught up the candle, and said she was ready. As -they hurried from the room to the stairs, the door fell with a sound of -splintered wood. - -"Just in time!" exclaimed Dick, hearing many voices and the sound of -feet at the foot of the stairs. - -They reached the head of the flight. Teresa was close at hand, and she -held the candle as high as she could reach, in order that its light -might shine down those stairs. - -At the bottom of the flight were a number of men--not less than six or -seven. They paused as the light revealed them. - -Reggio Tortora gave a shout of astonishment. - -"They are not the Ten!" he declared. "The Ten are always in cloaks and -hoods." - -"Then who are they?" questioned Dick. - -"Bravos, desperadoes of the city--men who rob and murder! They have been -sent by the Ten, for----" - -He stopped, catching his breath. Among those men, and at the head of -them, he saw a man whose clothing still hung dripping damp upon his -limbs. This man's jacket was gone, and about his shoulder were many -bandages. His arm was bound in a bent position to his side. - -"Mullura!" gasped Reggie. "He still lives!" - -"You're right!" savagely retorted the leader of the bravos. "I still -live, and I'll yet have Teresa for my own! You shall die the death of a -dog!" - -"This is a whole lot interesting!" observed Brad Buckhart. - -At this point Teresa produced a slender dagger, which she held aloft, -crying down the stairs: - -"Ere you put your hands on me, Nicola Mullura, I'll plunge this into my -heart! It is my dead body you may obtain--no more!" - -For a moment Mullura seemed taken aback. Then he forced a laugh, -sneering: - -"Very finely spoken, but your courage will not take you that far, -beautiful Teresa. You'll not be so foolish. I'll take you with me to -America, where I am a great man, and you shall be my wife. If your -brother agrees to this, I will not lift my hand against him, even though -he so nearly destroyed me to-night. Come, my Reggio, what say you?" - -"Teresa, it is for you to answer," said the gondolier. - -"Then I will answer!" she exclaimed, her dark eyes flashing fire. "Not -if he were king of all America would I consent!" - -"You have had your answer, Nicola Mullura!" cried Reggio, in -satisfaction. - -"And it seemed good and hot," chuckled Buckhart. - -"Have it as you like!" snarled Mullura. "These men will soon overpower -you. Your resistance will simply make them all the more furious." - -"Let them come on," said Tortora; "but see that you come at their front. -My knife found your shoulder a while ago. Next time, if the saints are -with me, it shall find your black heart!" - -"They are going to rush in a moment, Brad!" breathed Dick. "They are -getting ready." - -"I'm ready, too," declared the undaunted Texan. "I'll guarantee that -I'll crack one head, at least, with this table leg!" - -Dick was right. Mullura spoke to his companions in low tones. They -gathered themselves, and with a yell, they came charging up the stairs. - -"Whoop!" roared Buckhart. "Wake up snakes and hump yourselves! Now there -will be doings!" The fighting Texan seemed in his element. His face -glowed with a sort of fine frenzy. - -Dick Merriwell's eyes shone like stars. He laughed as he saw the bravos -coming. It might be a fight to the death, but, with his blood bounding -in his veins, he felt no thrill of dread. He was defending the innocent; -his cause was just, and he gloried in the encounter. - -The desperadoes flourished their gleaming knives, seeming to hope to -intimidate the defenders in that manner. In truth, they were a -savage-appearing set. - -Reggio, too, was undaunted. The dauntless bravery of the boys was -infectious. - -There was little time to wait. Seeming to look at one man, Dick swung -his club and smote another wretch over the head. - -The fellow went whirling end over end down the stairs. - -Buckhart dropped another in his tracks. - -Reggio tried to get at Nicola Mullura. - -"Come within reach of my arm, you dog!" he entreated. "America will lose -one great man, who will return no more." - -But it was another of the ruffians who tried to get under the guard of -the gondolier and drive his knife home. - -Reggio was too quick for the man. He struck and thrust his own blade -through the fellow's forearm. - -With a shriek, the wretch dropped his own blade, clutched his wounded -arm, which quickly began to drip blood, and fell back against the man -behind him. - -"Oh! if you were looking for two kids who couldn't fight any, you're -beginning to understand your mistake," shouted Buckhart. - -Mullura urged them on. Still he continued to take pains to keep beyond -the stroke of Reggio. The gondolier taunted him with cowardice, and -begged him to come nearer. In his desire to get at his enemy once more, -he forgot the peril of the others. - -Dick saw a bravo strike at Reggio, but Merriwell struck at the same -time. His club fell across the arm of the ruffian, which was broken. - -In that moment, however, Dick exposed himself, and one of the ruffians, -who had been struck down on the stairs, crept up and clasped him about -the knees. - -The boy was pulled off his feet. He seized his assailant as he fell, and -together they rolled down the stairs. Of course Merriwell's club was -lost, and he was compelled to fight the bravo hand to hand. - -The man tried to get his fingers on Dick's throat. Now, although a boy, -young Merriwell was a trained athlete, and in the finest condition -possible. If that ruffian fancied he was dealing with an ordinary boy -who could be handled easily, he met the surprise of his life. - -For a time they twisted and turned there in the gloom at the foot of the -stairs. The boy baffled the ruffian in his efforts, all the while -seeking to secure the advantage himself. - -While this was taking place Dick heard a cry of distress from Teresa, -and at the same moment the candle and candlestick fell on the stairs, -the light being extinguished. - -At this juncture Merriwell obtained a hold on the ruffian's arm, giving -it a twisting wrench that robbed the fellow of strength and nearly -rendered him unconscious. In a twinkling the boy was the master. - -Just then some one came hastening down the stairs and nearly fell over -them. This person swore as he gathered himself up and rushed out on the -steps. - -Something led Dick to follow. - -The darkness between the buildings was not as deep as that within, and -he saw a man placing a huge bundle in a gondola that floated at the foot -of the steps. - -Something told Dick this bundle was Teresa. Unhesitatingly he leaped -forward. - -The man turned in time to meet the attack of the courageous lad. Just as -Dick would have grappled with the fellow, he slipped. Before he could -recover, he received a stunning blow that hurled him flat and helpless, -although he was still conscious. He lay quite still, unable to lift a -hand. - -The man produced a knife, seemingly determined to finish the boy without -delay. Although he realized his peril, young Merriwell could not lift a -finger or make a move to save himself. As the desperado stepped toward -him, the lad gave himself up as done for. - -At that moment, unseen by the murderous thug, another dark form issued -from the doorway onto the steps. - -The man with the knife bent over Dick, lifting the weapon. A pantherish -figure shot forward, and a club fell with crushing force on the head of -the wretch, who was stretched prone and senseless beside his intended -victim. - -"This yere old table leg has sure done its duty tonight," said a voice -that thrilled Merriwell. - -With a supreme effort Dick softly called: - -"Brad!" - -"It is you, pard!" exclaimed the Texan, in delight. "I certain was -seeking for you some! What's the matter? Are you hurt?" - -"Give me a hand," urged Dick. "I was stunned. You saved my life, -Buckhart. That fellow would have finished me only for you and your table -leg." - -In a moment Buckhart had Dick on his feet, supporting him with a strong -arm. - -"You're not cut up, are you, partner?" anxiously inquired the loyal -fellow. "I saw you go bumping down the stairs with one of the bunch, and -I was a heap concerned for you. First opportunity I found I hiked to -look for you. I thought mebbe that galoot with the sticker might be -after you, and that's why I lost no time in cracking him on the kabeza." - -"I don't think I've been cut. Couldn't tell just what did happen in the -fighting, but I believe I'll be all right in a few moments." - -"Then it's up to us to do something for Teresa. I sure would like to -know what has become of her. The gang up there are hunting high and low -for her." - -"Why, one of them brought her down the stairs and placed her in this -gondola. I'm sure of it." - -"Great horn spoon! Then it's us to the gondola and away from here!" - -"But Reggio?" - -"We can't do anything for him." - -"Why not?" - -"They've finished him." - -"Killed him? Do you mean that?" - -"That's whatever. Teresa dropped the candle when she saw him knifed. -Didn't you hear her scream?" - -"You're sure--you're sure Reggio was killed?" - -"Dead sure, pard." - -"Then let's get away in the gondola. If I was not mistaken in thinking -this wretch placed Teresa in it, we can save her, at least." - -Dick was not mistaken, as they found when they sprang into the boat. -Teresa lay unconscious amid the cushions. - -By this time Merriwell had recovered his strength in a measure, and he -started to cast off the line that held the boat beside the steps. - -"The galoots are coming, pard!" hissed Brad, as he seized the oar. - -The bravos were coming. Just as Dick freed the line from the iron ring, -several of them hastened out onto the steps. - -The Texan gave a great thrust with the oar, pushing the gondola away. - -The voice of Nicola Mullura shouted to them, commanding them to stop. - -"We're in a hurry," retorted Dick. "Our time is very valuable. We can't -stop just now." - -"Not even a little minute," said Brad, as he continued to use the oar -with as much skill as he could command. - -"Look out, Brad!" shouted Dick, warningly, at the same time dropping -quickly. - -He had seen Mullura making a sweeping movement with his right arm. - -Dick dropped barely in time, for through the air whizzed a knife, cast -with great precision, and with such force that it clanged against the -wall of the opposite house, dropping back with a splash into the water. - -"A miss is as good as a mile," said Merriwell. "But look out for -yourself, Brad. Another may follow." - -Another of the desperadoes did cast a knife at them, but his aim was -poor, and soon the gondola shot out from the narrow passage onto the -bosom of a broader canal. - -They came near colliding with another boat that was moving swiftly and -silently along. - -"Look out, there!" cried Brad. "Clear the trail for us, or you may get -yourself run down a whole lot." - -Behind the curtains of the other gondola there was a stir. The curtains -parted and a familiar face peered forth in the moonlight. - -"Hi, there--hey!" cried the excited voice of Professor Gunn. "Stop! stop! -I have found you!" - -"Professor!" exclaimed Dick. "Where have you been?" - -"Seeking assistance. Looking for officers. Can't find them. Had no end -of trouble. Bless my stars! I was afraid I'd never see you boys alive -again. Goodness knows I'm thankful to behold you!" - -"But what made you leave us?" - -"I don't know. I didn't intend to do it. I was excited. I confess I was -excited. Who wouldn't be under such circumstances? Two men--two mad men -were trying to cut each other into shreds right before my eyes. I -slipped the line from the ring. Didn't know what I was doing. The tide -carried the boat away. I clutched the oar and tried to row back. Made a -mess of it, and lost the oar. In the midst of my excitement, after the -tide had carried me out of that canal, a human head appeared beside the -boat. Yes, sir--exactly so. A man was in the water. He was hurt, too. -Swam with one arm. Other arm didn't seem to have much strength. He -appealed to me for assistance. Of course I rendered assistance." - -"Which certain was the worst thing you could have done," said Brad. -"That's how Mullura escaped, Dick." - -"The man must be a fine swimmer. In some manner he swam under water -after falling into the canal until the darkness of the place hid him -completely." - -"It was a bad thing--a very bad thing," agreed the professor. "The man -was a wretch, a scoundrel, a villain!" - -"Which sure are too soft names for him," growled Buckhart. - -The two gondolas were now side by side. - -"Quite true, quite true," agreed the excitable old man. "I found it out. -But I couldn't refuse to help a man in distress, you know. I helped him -on board. He managed to pick up the oar. Then, using his uninjured hand, -he rowed. I urged him to take me back to find you. He cursed me. He told -me to keep still or he would cut my heart out. My goodness! I didn't -want him to do that! I kept still." - -"A most natural thing to do," said Dick. - -"I am glad you say so--very glad. Hum! ha! My position was -unpleasant--decidedly so. But I kept still. He handled the gondola. He -did it cleverly. But he lost no time in dodging into another canal. I -remonstrated. I told him I did not like the place. It was too dark. He -invited me to be quiet. I relapsed into silence. Here and there in the -darkness he went. At last he stopped. He ordered me to land. I was -compelled to do so. I didn't dare raise another remonstrance. He left -me. I was in a scrape. Ha! hum! It was a very bad scrape." - -Plainly the professor was very anxious to set himself right in the eyes -of the boys. - -"After that?" questioned Dick. - -"When he left me he told me if I raised a rumpus he would come back and -slice me. I couldn't get away, and I had no weapon to protect myself, so -I was compelled to be quiet. I remained there until this gondola came -past. Then I applied to the gondolier. Since that time I have been -searching to find that canal where you were. That is all." - -In some respects the professor's explanation seemed unsatisfactory, but, -of course, the boys accepted it. Dick explained what had happened after -the disappearance of Zenas, using as few words as possible. - -"Dreadful! horrible!" cried the old man. "Can such things be in these -days! But you rescued the girl?" - -"She is here," said Dick. - -At this point Teresa, recovering consciousness, began calling for her -brother. - -Dick tried to soothe her, but, overcome by the memory of what she had -beheld ere dropping the candle and fainting, the girl raved -incoherently. - -Dick and Brad quickly decided to abandon the gondola they occupied and -take to the other. Merriwell picked Teresa up and stepped with her from -one boat to the other, the Texan following. - -"Now to our rooms," said Dick. "That is our only course. We must take -care of Teresa. We must protect her with our lives." - -"And you bet we will!" put in Brad. - -"But I fear it is certain to involve us still further with the assassins -known as the Terrible Ten," sighed the professor. "Still, boys, you are -right about Teresa. We must stand by her. We must do everything in our -power for her. It is our duty as men and Americans." - -The gondolier was given directions, and he sent his craft gliding away. - -"What puzzles me," said Brad, "is that the rumpus made by that fight -didn't seem to stir up anybody much. That plenty of people heard it I am -sure, but they didn't come hiking to see what it was all about." - -"Because in that particular quarter of the city it is not safe to be too -curious, I fancy," said Dick. "I believe that explained why no one who -heard the sounds of the encounter came to investigate. They all kept -still and prayed that they would not be involved." - -"I have a theory," put in Professor Gunn, "that the people of the city -live in great terror of this awful Ten. They do not even dare speak of -the Ten, but all the while they fear it as much as the old-time Council -of Ten was feared. When they hear anything like that encounter, they -proceed to crawl into their holes and barricade themselves there until -the storm blows over." - -"Well, it sure is high time something was done to put an end to such a -reign of terror," declared the Texan. "It's up to us to expose the -doings of the Ten. I don't see why somebody hasn't exposed them long -before this." - -"It is doubtful if any foreigners, except ourselves, ever learned much -of anything about the Ten," said Dick. "That is one reason why there had -been no exposure." - -The gondolier did not seem to hear a word of their talk. Professor Gunn -now resolved to question him. The old man proceeded to ask him several -things about the Terrible Ten, but the man at the oar shook his head and -answered that he knew nothing of such a body. He even became somewhat -angry when Zenas persisted in his questions. - -"Signor," he said haughtily, "why should you believe that I speak a -falsehood? I am a poor man, and I attend to my own business. I have no -time to listen to foolish gossip. You say there is such a body. I would -not be impolite, signor, so I simply say that of it I know nothing at -all. I must beg you to ask no further questions." - -Through all this Teresa had continued to mutter and moan about her -brother. They could do nothing to comfort her. Dick tried it, but his -Italian was poor, and he entreated the professor to say something -soothing to the girl. - -Gently the old man placed an arm about her shoulders. - -"My child," he said, "your brother was a brave, man, but he could not -escape the decree of this terrible band. He knew he could not escape, -and he entreated Richard, as a great favor, to take you to America and -deliver you to friends of your family who are there. This we shall do. -Trust us." - -"I do trust you, signor," she sobbed; "but I cannot forget the terrible -thing I saw--my brother slain before my eyes! I can never forget that!" - -"No wonder, dear child. You should be thankful you escaped from those -men." - -"Until I am far away from Venice I shall not feel that I have escaped. -Nicola Mullura will do everything in his power to place his bloody hands -on me. I shall live in constant terror of him." - -"He shall never touch you!" cried Zenas. "Boys, she fears the wretch, -Mullura, will get possession of her." - -"Teresa," said Dick, using as good Italian as he could command, "we -swear to defend you with our lives. You may depend on us." - -"You are such brave boys--such wonderfully brave boys!" murmured the -girl. - -"I can't say it in dago talk," put in Brad; "but you bet your boots, -Teresa, that what my pard has promised, we'll back up. You hear me -shout!" - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE OATH OF TERESA. - - -Fearing she might do something rash in her distress and occasional -spells of delirium, Dick and Brad took turns watching over Teresa that -night. - -The girl was given one of the three rooms taken by the professor and the -boys in a private house. It was useless to urge her to retire. With the -horror of what had happened, upon her, and in great fear that Mullura -would find her, she kept her clothes on and slept on the outside of the -bed. The door between that room and the adjoining one, in which the boys -remained that they might be near her, was left slightly ajar at her -request. - -It was long past midnight before she slept at all. When they peered in, -they discovered her lying staring up at the ceiling, her face pale and -her lips moving, as if in prayer. - -"Pard," said Brad, "she sure is a right pretty girl." - -"She is," agreed Dick. "But you mustn't forget Nadia Budthorne, old -man." - -"Now quit!" remonstrated the Texan soberly. "No danger that I'll get -smashed on this girl, partner. My sympathy for her is aroused a heap, -that's all." - -"When a fellow becomes very sympathetic for a pretty girl, he's liable -to fall in love with her. I fancy your sympathy was aroused for Nadia, -to begin with." - -"Well, I don't judge it was a case of sympathy between you and June -Arlington." - -"She certainly deserves sympathy," said Dick. "Think of her fine -brother!" - -"I don't want to think of him!" growled the Texan. "Of all onery -coyotes, he certain is the worst!" - -"He's about as bad as they make 'em," nodded Dick. - -"And to think that you even fancied there could be any good in him! Long -ago you could have turned him out of Fardale by speaking a word, but you -let up on him until at last he drove you out. Pard, I say fair and open -that I like you a-plenty, but I do think you made a mistake with -Arlington. You must know it now." - -Dick was silent for some moments. - -"Perhaps you are right," he finally confessed. "I suppose you are. But I -had rather make a mistake by being too generous than to make one in the -opposite direction. It isn't natural for me to be easy with an enemy. I -love revenge. But I took my brother for my model. I'm not sorry, either. -I think I have changed my revengeful nature to a certain degree. The -best friend Frank has in the world, Bart Hodge, was originally his -bitterest enemy. Had Frank been revengeful, Hodge might have been -ruined. He says so himself. Even if Frank were to make a hundred -mistakes in generosity, that one instance--that one good result--would -more than outweigh them all. Had I been revengeful, I should have fought -Hal Darrell to the bitter end. Such a struggle between us must have been -disastrous for one of us at Fardale. I became satisfied that there was -little chance that Arlington would reform, and, after becoming thus -satisfied, I continued to be lenient with him. You know I gave my -promise to his sister, and I couldn't go back on my word." - -"She must be a whole lot sore with herself for exacting such a promise. -Wonder what she thinks about it now?" - -"I don't know. I'll know some time. But Arlington is not going to -triumph in the end. I shall return to Fardale. We're both going back -with the professor. Then it will be my day." - -"And I sure hope you make the most of it. If you get your innings, it -will be up to you to rub it into Arlington good and hard." - -This led them to speculating about what was taking place at the old -school while they were traveling in foreign lands. They remained talking -in low tones until finally, on peering into the next room, it was found -that Teresa had fallen asleep. - -Brad went to bed, with the understanding that he was to be called at a -certain hour for the purpose of remaining on guard during the latter -part of the night. Already Professor Gunn was snoring in his room. - -Buckhart was soon sleeping. About an hour later Dick heard a low, -moaning sound coming from the girl's room. - -He hastened to the door. - -Teresa was sitting on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped over her -heart, staring fixedly at the wall, the moaning sound issuing from her -pale lips. Merriwell lost no time in reaching her side. - -"What is it?" he asked. "Is there anything I can do, Teresa?" - -"Look!" she whispered. "I see him--I see my brother, dead on the stairs! -Nicola Mullura has killed him!" - -"There, there!" said the boy, soothingly, trying his best to speak her -language so she would understand. "You must sleep--you must try to forget -it for a while." - -Night passed and morning came, and a great change had come over Teresa. -She even greeted her friends with a smile! - -"I am glad to see you feel better, Teresa," said Dick. - -"I do feel better, good friend. I am almost happy now." - -"Great horn spoon!" muttered Brad. "And she saw her brother done to -death last night! Trouble runs off these Venetians like water off a -duck." - -They had breakfast, and through it all the girl maintained the same -unnatural light and lively manner. - -After breakfast she suggested that, in order to bring no further peril -on them, she should depart. - -"Not at all!" cried Zenas. "You must remain right here. I am going to -the authorities. I am going to inform them all about this band of Ten. -I'll know if they will permit such a thing in Venice. They must bestir -themselves! It is high time." - -"Then you may leave me here," said Teresa eagerly. - -At the first opportunity, young Merriwell called Brad into one of the -other rooms. - -"Brad, I want you to remain here and keep watch over Teresa," he said. -"She is not herself, and may do something rash. Professor Gunn and I are -going to see the authorities. Then we're going to see that a search is -made for the body of Reggio. I don't believe it will be found, for I -have an idea that the assassins cast it into the water, and the tide has -carried it far out to sea before this. Still it is our duty to have a -search made for it." - -"Sure as shooting." - -"You'll watch her closely, Brad?" - -"She may object some, but I'll do my prettiest, Dick." - -"Good! Now, I have to explain to her and urge her to remain here until -we bring back some sort of a report." - -Teresa frowned and shook her head when he told her of the plan. - -"I want no one to stay," she said. "You shall all go." - -"Oh, no, no!" put in Professor Gunn. "We couldn't think of that, my -dear--couldn't think of it. It wouldn't be proper. Bradley will remain -here to protect you from peril of any sort, and I assure you that he is -a brave and noble lad. I do not think I quite understand him at school, -but since seeing that he is brave as a lion and generous to a fault, I -appreciate him fully." - -"Thank you, professor," said the Texan. "You're some complimentary this -morning." - -"But not flattering. The truth is never flattery if it is spoken in the -right spirit. I am proud to pay this tribute to your fine qualities. I -shall be proud to do so before the entire school when we return to -Fardale." - -"Oh, Jerusalem! don't do that, professor!" gasped Buckhart, appalled. "I -wouldn't have you for a barrel of money!" - -"Eh? Wouldn't? Why not?" - -"Why, I'd certain take to the tall timber on the jump if you did it. I'd -hunt a hole and stay there till the fellows forgot it. They would guy me -to death." - -"Would they?" cried Zenas, surprised and displeased. "Now, don't you -think anything of the sort! I'd like to know of them trying it." - -"But you wouldn't know, you see." - -"You might tell me. It would be your duty to tell me." - -"People do not always do their duty in this world." - -The old pedagogue was surprised and puzzled. He had not fancied Buckhart -a modest boy, but now, of a sudden, he realized that the Texan was -genuinely modest in a way. - -"We'll say no more about it now, Bradley," he said gravely. "I believe I -am beginning to understand you more and more. You are a very singular -lad--very." - -In spite of Teresa's objections, Brad was left to look out for her, -while Dick and the professor departed. - -More than two hours later they returned. They had succeeded in reporting -to the authorities, but their tale had been received with such apparent -incredulity that both were vexed and angered. They had received a -promise that the matter should be investigated. More than that, an -official had accompanied them to the home of the Tortoras. - -On arriving there they found the broken door had been restored and -repaired, although not all the signs of the attack upon it had been -hidden. There was no blood on the steps outside the door, nor on the -stairs where Reggio had been stabbed by Mullura. - -The body of the gondolier was not found. - -The woman who owned the house explained that there had been carousing in -the rooms the previous night, and that her tenants, apparently fearing -ejectment, had vanished ere morning. - -"But they left all their belongings here," said Professor Gunn. - -"No, no!" exclaimed the woman. "They took everything. Not one thing -belonging to them did they leave." - -She persisted in this statement, and all the questions put to her did -not confuse her. She also declared she had found no trace of blood on -the stairs. - -"Then why have those stairs been washed this morning?" demanded Dick. - -"It is my custom to have them washed every morning." - -"Question others in the house," urged Professor Gunn. - -But other people in the house were very loath to answer questions, and -no satisfaction could be obtained from them. - -"They are one and all terrified by the Ten," asserted Dick. "They dare -not confess that they heard the sounds of the fight last night. It is -likely they have been warned to be silent." - -"It's a fine state of affairs!" exclaimed Zenas, exasperated. - -The official made a gesture of helplessness. - -"You see there is nothing that can be done, signors," he said. - -"And are you going to let this thing go right on in Venice? It will ruin -your city. You may have kept it quiet thus far, but it shall be -published to the world now. Travelers will cease coming here. Then what -will you do? You live off tourists. But for them the city would go to -the dogs in a short time. It's up to you to take hold of this matter in -earnest and bring this band of robbers and assassins to justice." - -"We care not for your advice," was the haughty answer. - -That ended it. Believing nothing could be done, Dick and the professor -finally returned to their waiting gondola, and gave the gondolier -directions to take them back to their lodgings. The official entered his -boat and was rowed away. - -Zenas fussed and fumed, but it was useless. Dick took it more calmly. - -But when they reached their own rooms an unpleasant surprise awaited -them. - -Teresa was gone. - -Likewise Brad Buckhart! - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE LAST STROKE. - - -The landlady was called, but she declared that the boy and girl had left -without her knowledge. She had not seen them go, and she had not the -least idea whither they had gone. - -"Strange Brad left no word," said Dick. "He should have left a note, at -least." - -But they found nothing to tell them what had become of the missing ones. - -"This is awful!" exclaimed the professor, mopping his face with his -handkerchief. "I fear some fearful thing has happened to Bradley. And we -can do absolutely nothing with the authorities." - -"Come!" cried Dick. "At least, we can report it." - -They hastened to the steps and called to a gondolier who was slowly -propelling his boat past. - -"In this city it is impossible to follow a trail," said Dick. "These -watery streets leave no scent. A bloodhound would be useless here." - -They gave the gondolier his orders. He took them by several short cuts -on the way to their destination. They were passing through a narrow -canal when Dick's attention became drawn by some mysterious influence to -a dark door set in a wall some distance above the water. - -Suddenly that door flew open before his eyes. Cloaked and hooded men -appeared within the doorway, their faces concealed from view. - -"Goodness!" gasped the professor, in astonishment. "Who are they -Richard? What are they doing?" - -Dick did not answer, for a strange thrill had shot over him at sight of -those men, among whom a silent struggle seemed taking place. - -All at once, before their startled eyes a human figure was hurled -headlong from that mysterious doorway, whirling over and over in the -air! - -It was Brad Buckhart! - -Dick recognized his friend. He saw Brad strike the water and disappear -with a great splash. Then he called a sharp order to the gondolier. - -The black door closed above them, and the mysterious men in cloaks and -hoods were hidden from view. - -It was not long before Brad rose to the surface, spouting water like a -whale. - -"Hello, pard!" he cheerfully called. "This ain't the first time I've -been in swimming with my clothes on." - -In a moment he was at the side of the gondola and drawn, dripping wet, -upon it. - -"For the love of goodness, explain this, Brad!" urged Dick. - -"Been back to our ranch?" questioned the Texan. - -"Yes." - -"Get my note?" - -"No." - -"That's right queer." - -"Did you leave a note?" - -"Sure thing. I left one telling you how I could do nothing with Teresa -unless I held her by main strength. She became a whole lot unmanageable -after you left. Reason didn't cut any ice with her--none whatever. She -was bound to go forth to some friends she knew. At last I opined I'd go -with her, if she did go. I called a gondolier, and we hiked merrily on -our way. She did have some people she knew, all right, and they live -somewhere in this ranch. This is the back door. We entered from the -front. The minute she got with her friends she allowed it was up to me -to amble and leave her. - -"Say, it's no use trying to reason with a girl. Talk was wasted. She -just got up and left me. I might have departed in peace, but I took a -notion to explore the ranch. I prowled round through it. Don't know how -many rooms I roamed through, but finally I didn't know which way to get -out. I wandered through a passage and opened a door. Next thing I knew I -was in trouble. I had stumbled right into a mess of galoots all sitting -round solemn as owls in a circle. They wore black cloaks and hoods that -hid their faces. Before I could say Jack Robinson they had me. I put up -the best fight I knew how, for I judged they were going to do me for -keeps. I don't want to boast, but I certain soaked some of the bunch a -few swats in the slats that they will remember. It wasn't any use. They -just hustled me along to that door up there and pitched me out into the -drink. That's the whole story, and here I am, a heap wet, but still -lively and chipper." - -"Brad," questioned Dick eagerly, "how many of those cloaked men were -there?" - -"Didn't have time to count 'em. I know what you're thinking, pard, and I -certain agree with you that it's some likely I ran slam into the -Terrible Ten. I judge they were holding a council of war when I burst in -on them." - -"And Teresa is somewhere in that building. Brad, we must make an attempt -to find her." - -"Anything you say goes." - -"Boys, boys, boys!" spluttered the professor, turning pale. "You'll come -to your death through such rashness. I must object. I must protect you. -It is my duty. What will Frank say if I fail to do my duty?" - -But the boys were both reckless and determined. It was not long before -they were at the front of the house into which Buckhart averred he had -escorted Teresa. They landed on the steps, urging Zenas to wait for them -in the boat. - -Another gondola floated at the steps, the gondolier idly waiting for -some one. - -"This wasn't here a short time ago," said Brad. "Somebody has visitors -in the house, I judge." - -They obtained admittance, but to their surprise Professor Gunn clung to -them. - -"I'm going to stick by you, even if it costs me my life," he said. - -Barely were they inside when they were startled by a scream. - -"The voice of Teresa!" exclaimed Dick. "She's up there somewhere!" - -They rushed up the stairs. The door of a room stood open. In that room -Teresa Tortora was struggling in the arms of a man, and that man was -Nicola Mullura. - -"I have found you, my pretty bird!" cried Mullura, in satisfaction. "I -traced you here. Now you are mine, and you cannot escape!" - -A door at the opposite end of the room, and directly behind the back of -the desperado, suddenly and silently opened. Through the doorway stepped -a man whose face was pale as death, and whose eyes shone with a fearful -light. - -Dick and Brad were turned to stone, for the man was Reggio Tortora, whom -they had thought dead! - -Tortora did not see them. His eyes were fastened on his sister and -Mullura. With swift and noiseless steps, he rushed upon the man, -clutching him about the neck and twisting him backward over a bent leg. - -Mullura, being thus flung backward and held helpless, could look -straight up into the face of Tortora. - -"You dog!" panted Reggio. "You left me for dead last night, but a woman -found me and bandaged my wounds. She kept me from bleeding to death, and -now I am here to kill you! Your time has come, and you die the death you -deserve!" - -Then his hand, gripping a knife, rose and fell! - - * * * * * - -For a long time the Venetian police had been investigating the stories -of the Terrible Ten. Already they had found sufficient evidence, but -they were waiting for the proper moment to bag the whole Ten at a swoop. - -On the very day that Reggio Tortora killed Nicola Mullura the police -descended on the rascals, who had begun to create such a reign of terror -in Venice, and captured them all. The evidence against them was -overwhelming, and the whole ten were given the full punishment which the -law provided for their crimes. - -As for Reggio, he easily satisfied the law that he had killed Mullura in -defense of his sister, after Mullura had failed in an effort to -assassinate him, and therefore, he was formally acquitted. - -His escape from death he had truthfully described to Mullura ere -striking the fatal blow. A woman whom he had befriended in the house -where he lived had bandaged his wounds and hidden him away, although in -mortal terror of her life while doing so. Of course she had declared, -when questioned, that she knew nothing of the desperate encounter on the -stairs. - -The gratitude of both Reggio and Teresa toward their American friends -was very great. - -The joy of the girl who had thus found her brother may be imagined, but -no words can describe it. It happened that Reggio had come to those -friends for shelter, and thus he had been on hand when Mullura appeared. - -"Well, partner," said Buckhart, after all these matters had been -settled, "we've certain had a warm time in Venice while it lasted. It -was somewhat too warm, but this calm after the storm is altogether too -calm. I'm getting a bit restless. I think we'd better float on." - -"So do I," nodded Dick. "What do you say, professor?" - -"All right, boys--all right," nodded Zenas. "We'll jog along into Greece, -but it will be just like you to get into some sort of trouble there and -keep me nerved up all the time." - -"Hurrah for Greece!" cried Dick. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -BEFORE THE PARTHENON. - - -"There it is, boys--there it is!" exclaimed Professor Zenas Gunn, in a -voice that actually choked with deep emotion. "Behold 'the casket of the -rarest architectural jewels of the world--the temple-crowned Acropolis'!" - -"She seems to be a right big old rock," observed Brad Buckhart; "or is -she just a hill?" - -"Both a rock and a hill, Brad," laughed Dick Merriwell. "It is mainly a -natural mass of rock, but in places it has been built up by substantial -masonry." - -"Correct, Richard," nodded the professor, approvingly. "It is plain you -have posted up on the Acropolis and that you remember something of what -you read. I regret that, in spite of my advice, Bradley seems much -disinclined to post himself in advance concerning the historical spots -we choose to visit." - -"What's the use?" said the Texan. "I know you'll tell us all about them, -professor, and I'll remember it a heap better by hearing you tell it, -than by reading it in a dry, old book. You have such a fascinating way -of telling things, you know, that any one who hears you can't help -remembering every word you speak." - -"Hum! ha!" coughed Zenas, much flattered. "I presume that is true. I -think it quite probable you are correct. Under the circumstances, -Bradley, you are excusable." - -The two boys and the professor had arrived at the port of Athens near -sundown the previous day. The sail through Grecian waters on a fine -steamer was one long to be remembered. Repeatedly the professor reminded -them that they were traversing the scenes of famous maritime adventures -and struggles of ancient history, and that every shore they beheld had -been made famous by poets, philosophers and wise men of the days when -Greece was the pride, the glory, and the envy of the world. - -Night had fallen before the trio reached the capital, which is located -six miles from the port. Therefore, being tired and somewhat spiritless, -they suppressed their desire to look around and waited for the following -day. - -And now, beneath the bright morning sunshine, they viewed the Acropolis, -which, on account of its history, the professor declared was the most -wonderful sight in all the world. - -On three sides this great mass of rock and masonry, which looms above -the modern city at its base, is practically perpendicular. On its summit -stand the white columns and pillars of its ruined temples, which two -thousand years ago were perfect in their grandeur and which are conceded -to have been specimens of architectual beauty never equaled in modern -times. - -"Think," said the professor; "think of Greece in the glorious days when -yonder rock was crowned with beautiful temples! We'll mount to its -crest, boys, and soon our feet may touch the very stones once pressed by -the feet of Demosthenes. We will stand beside pillars whose shadows may -have fallen on Pericles and Phidias. Is it not enough to stir a heart of -stone! Let us hasten." - -The old pedagogue was actually trembling with eagerness and excitement. - -"All right, professor," said Dick. "Lead on and we'll follow." - -"Yes," said Brad, "hike as fast as you choose, and we'll keep up with -you." - -To their surprise they found the city very modern in appearance, and -this surprise was increased on beholding a train of street cars drawn by -an ordinary steam engine. Still the people were interesting in their -native garments, and the language was what they had expected to hear. - -At last they approached the Acropolis. As they drew near they beheld -around its base a mass of ruins of the most picturesque character. - -"Whatever sort of buildings were those, professor?" inquired the Texan. - -"They were theatres," answered the old man. "The theatre of Bacchus, of -Odeon, and others stood at the base of the great rock. You behold the -ruins of those theatres. Somewhere in this vicinity is the dungeon of -Socrates, in which he drank the hemlock. We'll find it ere we leave -Athens." - -They were compelled to make inquiry of a peasant before they found the -only path by which the great rock could be ascended. The professor found -it necessary to rest several times before the summit was reached, but -still his enthusiasm buoyed him up in a wonderful manner. - -As they reached the plateau the professor turned to look back on the -city spread below them. - -"Yes," he said, nodding and speaking as if addressing himself, "I had -almost forgotten. Why, it was only a little more than half a century ago -that Athens was demolished by the Turks. Hardly a house in the place was -left in condition for human beings to inhabit it. That is why we see -this modern city here." - -Although they did not betray it as much as did the professor, both lads -were profoundly moved by their situation. - -For a few moments Dick seemed to feel himself transported back to -Fardale, and he saw himself in his little room poring over Homer's -electrifying verse or deep buried in Xenophon's incomparable prose. He -knew that from this hour, as he stood by the pillared gateway of the -Acropolis, he would understand the old Greek poets and philosophers -better and appreciate them more. - -"Come, boys," said Professor Gunn, in a hushed tone, "we'll pass through -this ruined gateway, which was called the Propylaea, and which cost two -and a half million dollars. Think of that! Think of it, and then behold -these ruins. Touch them reverently with your hands. You are treading on -sacred ground." - -When they had passed beyond the ruined gateway all halted in wonderment, -for before them spread the entire plateau and they saw it was literally -bestrewn with fallen columns and shattered statues. And directly before -them, at the highest point of the plateau, rose the ruins of a snowy -white temple, the Parthenon. - -The spectacle was one to render them silent and speechless. They stood -quite still and gazed in awe at the ruins. - -At last Zenas spoke. He had his hat in his hand, and he mopped his -forehead with a handkerchief, although the day was cool. - -"Words fail me, boys," he said. "I wonder if you understand what it is -to behold this spectacle. Look on this scene of desolation wrought by -the hand of ruthless man. It is quite enough to make the gods weep!" - -"However was she ruined, professor?" inquired Brad. - -"It occurred something like two hundred years ago. At that time the -Parthenon stood almost unchanged in its matchless magnificence. The -Turks used it as a powder magazine. The city was besieged by an army of -Venetians. They bombarded the town. One of their shells exploded in the -powder magazine. Behold the result!" - -"Say, that was a whole lot bad!" exclaimed the Texan. "It sure was a -shame!" - -"Let's get nearer," urged Dick. - -They threaded their way amid the ruined columns and statues, drawing -nearer to the ruins of the Parthenon. The professor told them how the -Parthenon had been despoiled of its treasures. - -At that moment they seemed to be quite alone on the plateau of the -Acropolis, but suddenly, from amid the pillars of the temple, dashed a -Grecian girl, who did not seem to be more than sixteen years of age. She -saw them and uttered a cry. - -A moment later two men appeared in close pursuit of her. Both were -Greeks. One was a man of forty-five or a little more, while the other -could not have been much past twenty-one. They shouted for the girl to -stop. - -She ran toward the boys and the old professor, and the cry that came -from her lips was one of terror and appeal. Her pursuers were close on -her heels. - -"By the great horn spoon!" shouted Buckhart, "here is where we mingle in -a red-hot old scrimmage, pard! There will be something doing on the top -of the Acrop in a moment!" - -"Boys, boys, boys!" exclaimed the professor, in great agitation and -alarm. "Do be careful! Those men look dangerous!" - -"Would you have us see a woman in distress without showing our manhood?" -demanded Dick, as he also prepared for an encounter. "We'll protect her, -Brad." - -"Now you're shouting!" cried the Texan. "We'll certain check the -careless behavior of those gents some." - -"Englishmen--good Englishmen!" cried the girl; "save me!" - -She was panting and wild-eyed as she reached them. She seized Dick's arm -with her shaking hands. In truth she was very pretty, with clear-cut -Grecian features and eyes as blue as the skies of Athens. - -"We're not Englishmen," said Dick, "but you can count on us just the -same." - -"You bet you can, just as long as the American eagle flaps its wings to -the tune of Yankee Doodle," asserted Brad. - -Dick placed her behind them saying: - -"Look out for her, professor, while we discuss the matter with these -boisterous gentlemen." - -"Boys, boys, boys!" again fluttered the old man. "Do be careful! Do be -discreet! You'll get us all into no end of trouble." - -By this time the two men had reached the spot, and the elder at once -demanded in Greek the possession of the maiden. - -"Although we've scanned that language under compulsion," said Dick, "we -are not prepared to talk it. If you will use plain United States, we may -be able to chat with you." - -With an assumption of politeness, the man immediately begged their -pardon in fairly good English, saying he had not thought in his -excitement to address them in other than his own language. - -"The girl," he said; "I take her." - -"Wait a bit," remonstrated Merriwell, declining to move. "As you can -talk a modern language, we'll discuss this matter. The girl seems -frightened. What is all the trouble about?" - -The elder man drew himself up haughtily, while the younger glowered on -the boys. - -"It is no bus'ness to you," was the answer. - -"Then I opine we'll have to make it our business," muttered Buckhart. - -"But she is frightened, and she seeks our protection," said Dick. "It is -the habit of all decent Americans to protect women in distress." - -"Let him not touch me!" entreated the girl, speaking again with that -indescribably bewitching accent which Dick had noted in her first appeal -to them. - -"She mere child," said the man haughtily. "I am her uncle, and I take -her." - -"Oh, you're her uncle?" - -"I am." - -"Well, tell us why she fled from you and seemed so excited and -frightened." - -"No bus'ness to you," again asserted the man. - -"He want make me do something I hate!" exclaimed the girl. "He make me -marree Maro." - -"Oh, ho! And who is Maro?" - -The girl pointed at the younger man. - -"And you do not wish to marry Maro?" questioned Dick. - -"Oh, no, no, no!" - -"Don't blame you," put in Brad. "If Maro wears that thundercloud on his -mug all the time, he'd frighten a Hottentot, much more a civilized girl. -Go change your face, Maro." - -The young man did not seem to understand this fully, but he darted a -deadly look at Brad, then urged his companion to make a move at once. - -"Look out, boys--look out!" panted Professor Gunn. "He says you are mere -children and easily crushed. He wants to attack you at once." - -"Whoop!" cried Brad, squaring away. "Let him wade right in! Let them -both break loose and come at us! They'll find the children ready for -business, you bet your boots!" - -"Steady, Brad," cautioned Dick. "We'll fight if we have to." - -"And I sure reckon we'll have to, pard." - -"It looks that way, but let's not rush matters. Keep a cool head." - -Dick feared the men were armed, which would give them an additional -advantage. Under ordinary circumstances it would not seem a difficult -thing for them to obtain the mastery over the two boys, but those boys, -in spite of their years, were remarkable athletes and clever fighters, -and they believed they could hold the Greeks good play unless deadly -weapons were produced. Neither lad counted on assistance from Professor -Gunn. - -The elder man grew impatient and again demanded possession of the girl, -asserting that the boys would be punished for interfering, as he was the -one who had sole authority over her. - -"Where is her father?" asked Dick. "Is he dead?" - -"Not dead," explained the girl quickly. "In India. He leaf me with -Tyrus." - -"So the old boy's name is Tyrus?" muttered Brad. - -"Tyrus Helorus," said the man haughtily. "If wise, you not int'fere in -Greece with one who have name Helorus." - -"The Helorus you say!" grinned Brad. - -"That what I say!" - -"Thanks! You're so kind! I reckon we'd better introduce ourselves. -Gents, this here is Dick Merriwell, a fighter from his toes to his scalp -lock. He lives on scrimmages. To him a good fight is the breath of life. -If he goes a whole day without a fight he loses flesh and becomes a -whole lot downcast. I've seen him whip seven men in concussion. He looks -young, but he's fought enough to be older than these ruins. I'll wager -the contents of my warbags that the professor and I can sit down and -look on comfortable while he wallops the both of you in one round." - -"That will about do," muttered Dick. - -"Wait," urged Brad. "Don't cut me out of presenting myself. I, gents, am -Bradley Buckhart, from the Rio Pecos country, Texas, U. S. I've been -brought up where they have man for breakfast every morning. It gets to -be a regular morning treat for us in Texas. I am some off my feed just -at present, not having had any man this morning. You've happened along -just in time to relieve my famished condition. So sail in, both of you, -and we'll proceed to chaw you up. You hear me sweetly carol!" - -The Greeks looked at him in bewilderment, and well they might. It is -likely that they took this talk for a bluff; but, if so, they were soon -to learn that Brad Buckhart was one of those rare bluffers who -invariably "made good." - -A silent chap with fighting blood in his veins is generally regarded as -formidable and dangerous when aroused, but once in a while it happens -that a talkative chap is just as dangerous. - -Those who saw and heard Brad for the first time were almost certain to -fancy he would show the white feather at the last moment. Those who had -seen him often and knew him well never doubted that he would -unflinchingly enter a den of roaring lions if he felt it his duty to do -so. - -The natural chivalry of Buckhart's nature had been stirred by the -appearance of the girl and by her appeal for protection, and therefore -he was ready to lay down his life in defense of her right there on the -plateau of the Acropolis. - -It was but natural that Professor Gunn should be much alarmed over the -situation, for he felt that, to a large extent, the safety of the boys -was in his hands and he was responsible for them. - -Therefore the old man now proposed that they should all go to a -magistrate or some official who had proper authority and that the case -should be submitted to him. - -To his astonishment this seemed to infuriate both the Greeks. They -cursed him and the boys for interfering and sneered at the proposal of -submitting the matter to any official. One more demand they made for -possession of the girl, and it was plain they meant to take her by force -if refused. - -They were promptly refused by both boys, who placed themselves shoulder -to shoulder in front of the shrinking maiden. - -With a snarl of rage, the younger Greek drew a knife. - -"Oh, heavens!" moaned Professor Gunn. "There will be bloodshed!" - -Then, to his greater horror, he saw Dick and Brad attack the men, -declining to wait to be attacked themselves. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -FIGHTING BLOOD OF AMERICA. - - -It was Dick Merriwell's theory that in an encounter that promised to be -unequal a sudden and surprising assault might more than outbalance the -odds. - -In this case he determined to put the theory to the test. - -Brad understood Dick so thoroughly that it was not necessary for the -latter to utter a word of command. He simply made a slight signal that -was unobserved by the Greeks, and when he leaped forward the Texan was -at his shoulder. - -It was a daring thing to do, considering the fact that Maro, the younger -man, had drawn a knife. Still Dick knew they would be compelled to fight -or surrender the girl, and he had no thought of following the latter -course. As it was necessary to fight, it was better to attack than to -wait for the attack. - -Merriwell singled out the man with the knife. Before the fellow realized -what was happening, the boy was on him. Then Maro tried to lift the -knife for the purpose of using it, at the same time uttering a snarl of -astonished rage. - -That snarl was broken midway, for Dick seized the fellow's right wrist -with his left hand, preventing him from making a stroke with the -gleaming blade. At the same time the daring American lad gave Maro an -awful jolt with his right. - -Dick knew how to put force into a blow, and he knew how to land a blow -that would put the other fellow "all to the bad." That punch, backed -with the boy's weight, simply knocked the wind out of his antagonist. - -Then Dick gave the man's wrist a wrench that seemed to snap the bones. -The knife flew from Maro's fingers and struck with a clang against a -prone and headless marble statue. - -Having succeeded thus swiftly in disarming the rascal and knocking the -wind out of him, Dick felt confident that he had accomplished the most -difficult part of the task. - -In the meantime Buckhart, roaring like an angry bull, went at Tyrus -Helorus. The older Greek was no mean antagonist. He side-stepped in a -manner that enabled him to avoid the full fury of the Texan's rush, at -the same time seeking to get hold of the boy with his powerful hands. - -"Fool American!" he grated. - -"Whoop!" shouted Brad, wheeling and coming at the man again. "Shades of -Crockett and Bowie! you're some spry on your feet!" - -The Greek clutched Brad's collar. - -"Ha!" he cried in satisfaction. - -"Ha! yourself, and see how you like it!" said Brad, as he delivered a -body blow in the ribs. - -But that blow, although struck with just as much force, perhaps, was not -as effective as the one struck by Dick, for the reason that it did not -land on the spot to count as heavily. - -The Greek jerked Brad nearer and fastened both hands on him. - -"Fool!" he said again. - -Then he gathered the lad in his arms. - -"I've been hugged by grizzly bears," said Buckhart, in relating the -adventure afterward, "but I certain allow that that old Greek gent sure -could out-hug them all. When he closed in on me I heard a general -cracking sound all round my anatomy, and I allowed at least nine of my -ribs was bu'sted then and there. I sure did." - -In fact, Brad was robbed of his strength by that squeeze, and, for the -time being, was helpless in the power of Tyrus Helorus. - -Professor Gunn had been hopping round, first on one foot and then on the -other. He was terribly excited, but suddenly, in a most astonishing -manner, he flew at the fellow who seemed to be crushing Brad. - -"Let that boy go, you wretch!" he cried, in a high-pitched voice. "Don't -you dare hurt one of my boys!" - -Then he proceeded to claw at Tyrus in a manner that bewildered and -confused the man for the time being. - -The Greek relaxed his hold on Buckhart, enabling Brad to get a breath. -With a wrench and a squirm the Texan twisted clear. He half dropped, and -then his arms closed about the knees of the man. A moment later the -Greek was lifted clear of his feet and pitched headlong against a marble -slab. - -The shock seemed to stun him. - -"Much obliged, professor," panted Buckhart. "You certain chipped into -the game at just the right juncture." - -"Hum! ha!" burst from Zenas, who suddenly realized that he had done -something. "They want to look out for me when I get started. I'm -dangerous--exceedingly dangerous." - -By this time Dick had punished the younger Greek in a manner that led -him to take to his heels in the effort to escape. - -"Stop him!" shrilled Zenas. - -"Let him go!" exclaimed the boy promptly. "If he'll keep on running I'll -be pleased." - -Maro dashed in amid the ruins of the Parthenon and disappeared. - -Tyrus lay where he had fallen. - -"My goodness!" exclaimed Zenas, gazing in apprehension at the prostrate -man. "I hope I didn't kill him--I really hope I didn't. Of course, it was -in self-defense--or, rather, in defense of one of my boys; but still I -hope I didn't finish him when I struck him that last terrible blow." - -The old man seemed to really believe he had knocked the Greek down. - -Dick turned to look for the girl. Pale and trembling, she stood with -clasped hands, seemingly quite overcome by what had happened. - -"Don't be afraid, miss," said Merriwell. "You are safe for the present." - -She gave him a flashing look of admiration from her splendid blue eyes. -Then suddenly she seemed to think of the fallen man, and a moment later -she was kneeling by his side, calling him by name and crying that he was -dead. - -"I do not think he is dead," said Dick, attempting to reassure her. "Let -me see." - -Even as the boy placed an inspecting hand on the breast of Tyrus the -eyes of the man opened and he heaved a sigh. The girl gave a cry of -gratitude and relief. He turned on her a glance that made her tremble, -and in his native tongue he began to mutter threats which sent her to -her feet like a startled fawn. - -"Don't waste your sympathy on him," advised Merriwell. "A man who can -growl like that isn't badly hurt. He'll be all right in a short time." - -"Then--then he make me marree Maro!" she gasped. "I better die!" - -"What are we going to do about it, pard?" asked Brad. "Whatever can we -do to help her?" - -"That's a puzzling question," admitted Dick. "Evidently this man is her -guardian, and we'll get into no end of trouble if we try to take her -from him. She ought to be able to appeal to the proper authorities for -protection." - -"Tak' me to Charlee," entreated the girl. - -"Charlie?" exclaimed Dick. "Who in the world is Charlie?" - -"I love heem!" she declared. "He grandes' man in the world! He grandes' -man ever live! I marree Charlee!" - -"Ah, ha! So that's the way the wind blows?" cried Dick. "There is -another man in the case, and that's why old Tyrus is trying to force you -to marry Maro?" - -She nodded violently. - -"Charlee come to tak' me to my father, in India," she said. "When Maro -find that so he come to Tyrus, say I never go, say I marree heem. Tyrus -say I must marree Maro. Say I never meet Charlee no more. That brek my -heart. I cry no, no, no! They tak' me from home, so Charlee never find -me when he come. They tak' me where I have to stay in small room all -time till Maro marree me. I geet out. I run. I come here. Charlee say he -come here often look at ruins. I think he may come now. I wait. Tyrus -and Maro come find me. I try to run. I see you. I call for help. That -all." - -"It's enough!" cried Dick. "Where is this Charlie? We will take you to -him." - -She shook her head in distress. - -"He somewhere in citee," she said, with a sweep of her hand. - -"A whole lot indefinite," observed Buckhart. - -Dick asked the girl if she did not know in what hotel Charlie was to be -found. - -She did not. - -"What is the rest of his name?" questioned Dick. "Do you know it?" - -"Whole name Charlee Cav'deesh," she declared. - -"Cavendish?" - -"That right." - -"It's up to us, Brad," said Merriwell, "to find Charlie Cavendish as -soon as possible." - -"I opine it is," nodded the Texan. - -"In the meantime," said the professor, "we'll all be arrested for -kidnapping the girl. Boys, boys, is it impossible for you to keep out of -scrapes?" - -"I'm afraid it is," confessed Dick. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -MARO AND TYRUS. - - -Having beaten off the two Greeks, neither of the boys had a thought of -surrendering the girl. They were determined to protect her, no matter -what happened, until they could get word to Cavendish, who, she -asserted, was somewhere in Athens. - -Tyrus made no objection when he saw the lads and the old professor -departing with the girl in their midst. He sat up, staring after them, a -wicked look on his face. - -Barely had Zenas, the boys, and the girl disappeared from view when Maro -reappeared amid the ruins of the Parthenon and ran swiftly to the spot -where Tyrus sat. - -"Why do you sit thus?" he demanded. "Did you not see them taking Flavia -away?" - -"I saw them," was the gruff answer. - -"Then why did you permit it?" - -"Why did you permit it?" - -"You are her uncle." - -"You are her lover." - -"But you have the power." - -"It is, indeed, little power I had after being dashed against this slab -of marble." - -"But yours is the authority." - -"They are Americans." - -"What of that?" - -"Americans recognize no authority but that of might. They are wonderful -fighters." - -"They fight like fiends!" exclaimed Maro. "Who could think that those -boys would dare attack us! And I was armed with a knife." - -"Little good it did you," returned Tyrus, with a touch of scorn. "I had -no weapon, and I would have mastered one of them had not the old man -attacked me, scratching and clawing like a cat." - -"But you are going to let them carry Flavia away?" - -"You have as much right to stop them as I have." - -"No, no!" almost shouted Maro, in great exasperation. "You have the -right, for you are her uncle. You must do it!" - -"I like not your language, Maro. No man has ever told me I must do a -thing." - -"But you let them walk away with her?" - -"Because the young man, strong and able to battle for his rights, fled -and sought shelter in hiding. Maro, I sadly fear I have been much -mistaken in you. I fear you are a coward." - -The younger man flushed with mingled anger and shame. - -"What was I to do?" he demanded, seeking to justify himself in the eyes -of Tyrus. "I saw that you were stretched prone upon the ground, and I -feared you had been slain. I was disarmed, and that terrible American -boy was hitting me so fast that the blows could not be counted. I knew -that, in another moment, I would have all three of them upon me. I fled -to save my life." - -"You saved it," said Tyrus, still with that biting touch of scorn. "You -saved your life, but it may be that you have lost Flavia." - -"Never!" grated Maro. "I will follow and take her from them!" - -"Alone?" asked Tyrus, with that same manner. "You ran from one of them, -but now you propose to follow and conquer all three of them. Indeed, -Maro, your words and your behavior are inconsistent." - -"We are losing time!" exclaimed Maro. - -"We? Why, I thought you were going to do it quite alone." - -"It is you who must lodge the complaint against them, as you did against -the Englishman, for you are the uncle and guardian of Flavia." - -"Oh, so you advise that we seek the assistance of the law?" - -"It is the better way." - -"In truth I doubted if you actually intended to attack those American -fighters, even though you spoke so boldly. You have had quite enough of -that, Maro. You still insist that Flavia must be your bride, even though -you know now that she scorns you and would prefer death?" - -"She is my light, my life! I must have her! You have given me your word -that she shall be mine." - -"But I had no thought that she would make such a terrible resistance. -She has ever been a good and dutiful girl since her father left her in -my hands. I knew she was averse to you, Maro, but I fancied you could -overcome her aversion, or that she would dutifully submit at my command. -She has in her the spirit of her father's family. He married my sister -even though I hated him and sought to prevent the union. Maro, he loved -her, which I hold to his credit. He was a good husband to her, and he -nearly died of grief when she passed from earth and left little Flavia. -It was for Flavia that he lived. Otherwise I believe he would have taken -his life that he might join her. But when he met reverses and lost most -of his little fortune, he felt that bad fortune had placed a blight on -him while he remained in his native land. He found an opportunity to go -to India, and he left Flavia with me, charging me to be like a father to -her. It is now said by this Englishman that he has prospered in life, -and by this Englishman he sends a message which tells me to let Flavia -return to him in care of the Englishman." - -"A trick! a trick!" cried Maro fiercely. "The letter was a forgery!" - -"How do you know?" - -"The Englishman and Flavia met before he presented that letter." - -"Which is true." - -"She fell in love with him." - -"Her behavior seems to denote it," confessed Tyrus. - -"She knew I wished to marry her and that you favored me." - -"Go on." - -"The Englishman smiled on her. She was deceived. She told him of her -father. Perhaps she gave him some letters from her father. Either the -Englishman forged the letter, or he employed an expert to accomplish it. -In this manner he means to steal her from you and from me." - -"It is possible you speak the truth." - -"I know I speak the truth! I feel it here in my heart! He is deceiving -her. He would take her away, pretending that it is his intention to -conduct her to her father; but in truth he has no such intention, and -when he becomes tired of her he will desert her. I am right, Tyrus. She -will be left to die in some foreign land by this young dog of an -Englishman, whose father is rich and who has money to fling about with a -lavish hand. It is your duty--and mine--to save her from such a fate! -Arouse yourself, Tyrus! Bestir yourself, and let's do something without -delay. The Englishman has been placed beneath arrest. It is our next -move to enter complaint against the Americans and have them arrested -also. It can be done." - -Tyrus bowed gravely. - -"It can be done," he agreed; "and, as you say, it may be our duty to see -that it is done." - -"Then delay not. Every moment is precious." - -"Give me your hand," said the elder man. - -Maro assisted him to rise. - -"It was a terrible shock I received," muttered Tyrus, moving his -shoulders and making a wry face. "It is most remarkable that my neck was -not broken. Even now to move at all causes me discomfort, and to-morrow -I fancy I will be exceedingly lame." - -"Think not of yourself," urged Maro, burning with impatience and seeking -to pull Tyrus onward. "Think of Flavia and your duty to her. Hasten!" - -"Wait a little," said the elder man. "I am dizzy. My head reels. It is a -singular sensation, for all my life I have been strong as the horse." - -Indeed, he swayed and might have fallen but for the supporting arm of -the young man. - -"Oh, these Americans!" he muttered. "Even mere boys, scarce escaped from -the nursery, seem to have the courage, skill and strength of men. What a -wonderful people they must be!" - -"Bah! I admire them not, for ever it is that an American and an -Englishman will unite against one of any other nation. They speak one -language, and there is between them a bond of sympathy stronger than -they themselves dream. Has the Astrologer of Minerva not said that some -day they will unite and rule the world. I admire them not, I tell you! -Come, Tyrus, they will escape with Flavia, and we----" - -"We will find them, never fear. They shall soon be placed in confinement -and kept there until Flavia is yours. I think I can walk now." - -"Then hasten, hasten!" urged the impatient and baffled lover. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -TWO ENGLISHMEN. - - -Zenas Gunn strutted like a peacock. He seemed to feel that he it was who -had accomplished the feat of baffling the girl's pursuers. For a time he -put aside his fear of further trouble over the affair, jogged along at -her side and talked fluently with her in the language she could best -understand. - -They left the plateau by way of the marble gate and hastened to descend. - -"Trust us, my dear child," said the professor. - -"I do," she declared, smiling on him in a manner that made him throw out -his chest still further. "But, oh, I fear Tyrus and Maro! They are -determined that I shall never see Charlee again." - -"Hum! hem! How long have you known this Charlie?" - -"It is not long. He is the most beautiful man in all the world!" - -"You should have seen me when I was younger," said Zenas. "I beg your -pardon, but I do not think we have learned your name?" - -"It is Flavia." - -"Beautiful name," declared the professor. "Look out, my child, do not -stumble there." - -"There is no danger that I will stumble, but you----" - -"Oh, I'm as frisky as a young colt! Didn't you see me put Tyrus to the -bad a while ago? Don't worry about me." - -"The old boy is getting along some!" observed Brad, speaking to Dick, as -they followed Zenas and the girl. "It takes a young girl to wake him up -and make him lively." - -There was a shadow on Merriwell's face. - -"It was our duty to protect the girl," he said; "but now it would be an -absolute relief if we knew where to find this Englishman, Cavendish. -There is going to be a great rumpus over this, and we may find ourselves -in a pickle because we took the part of this maid of Athens." - -"The Maid of Athens!" exclaimed Brad. "That's the title for her! It fits -her. By the great Panhandle! if it wasn't for Nadia Budthorne----" - -Dick laughed. - -"Brad, you're smashed! She has a fellow--Cavendish. And that is not -mentioning Maro." - -"Hang Maro! He doesn't count any whatever." - -"But Cavendish does." - -"He's lost in the shuffle." - -"Well, there is Nadia, and you----" - -"She's all right!" exclaimed Brad sincerely; "but she isn't here, and I -opine I've got a right to admire the Maid of Athens some." - -"But no right to make love to her." - -"No danger of that, pard," grinned the Texan. "I never did cut much ice -with the girls. You always were the one, and it's a wonder to me that -this girl didn't forget Charlee the moment she placed her sky-blue eyes -on you." - -"Oh, that will about do!" laughed Dick. "You're forever imagining that -girls are struck on me, when the fact is that they are not, and----" - -"How about Doris Templeton?" - -"Mere friendship." - -"Is that so? How about June Arlington?" - -"Friendship just the same." - -"Well, then, how about----" - -"That will do! Don't try to make me out a chap with a dozen girls!" - -The Texan chuckled. - -"Don't you get gay with me," he advised. "I can come back at you good -and plenty." - -By this time they were well down toward the base of the Acropolis. -Suddenly Flavia uttered a wild cry of joy, broke from Professor Gunn and -ran toward two men who were approaching. - -One of the two was a very young man, with a delicate mustache on his -lip, while the other was middle-aged, florid and puffy, carrying a heavy -cane. The younger man had seen Flavia the moment she discovered him, and -he sprang toward her, his hands outstretched. - -"Galloping jack rabbits!" exclaimed Buckhart. "Whatever does this yere -mean?" - -"It means," said Dick, with satisfaction, "that we'll not have to search -all over Athens for Charlee." - -"I'm almost sorry," declared Brad, with a comical twist of his face. -"She didn't have time to discover how much superior I am to Charlee." - -Professor Gunn looked both relieved and disappointed. He had feared they -would get into serious trouble, yet now he was disappointed by the -appearance of the Englishmen. - -For Englishmen they were, beyond question. The elder man had the -appearance of a man of the world, given to special delight in the good -things of life. He surveyed the boys and the professor with mild -curiosity. His eyes were rather bleary and blood-shotten. - -At first Flavia was too overjoyed to make an explanation, but finally, -in a confused torrent of words, she told what had taken place on the -plateau of the Acropolis. - -The face of the young Englishman brightened as he began to understand -how she happened to be escorted by Professor Gunn and the boys. - -"So you went there thinking you might meet me, Flavia?" he said. "It was -on my way to view those ruins that I first met you, and you remembered. -I fancied you might, don't you know, and that is why I am here now. I -found you had been removed from your home, and I could not trace you. It -is pure chance, but, by Jove! luck is with us." - -Then he turned to the Americans. - -"Gentlemen," he said, "my name is Cavendish--Charles Cavendish, son of -Sir Henry Giles Cavendish, of Grantham. This is a particular friend of -our family, Sir Augustus Camberwell. I wish to thank you most heartily -and sincerely for your brave defense of Flavia. Permit me to shake hands -with you all." - -"Yes," said Sir Augustus, "very gallant, really. Just like you queer -Americans. Never stop to inquire into an affair where a woman is -concerned. Always go in and stand by the woman. Splendid sentiment, but -dangerous." - -Sir Augustus now turned his attention to Flavia, at whom he gazed in a -manner that Dick did not fancy. - -"Very charming, my dear Charlie," he admitted. "I'm beginning to -understand how it happened. Oh, you rascal! Where would you be now if I -wasn't in Athens? Why, you would be in jail. It took my influence to get -you out." - -"For which I thank you most sincerely, Sir Augustus." - -"All right, my boy--all right. But you want to remember my advice. You -want to remember what I told you about getting in too deep. Oh, you -rascal! you're going to be another case with the girls, just as your -father was before you. Many's the little toot we've been on together, -and Henry always was getting entangled with a female." - -"Well, what do you think of that, pard?" whispered Buckhart, in Dick's -ear. - -"I think Sir Augustus is smelly," was the answer. - -Professor Gunn was likewise far from pleased. He regarded the older -Englishman with an air of pronounced distrust and suspicion. - -"Don't worry about me, Sir Augustus," advised Cavendish. - -Just then, happening to glance up the path they had lately descended, -Professor Gunn uttered an exclamation of alarm and warning. - -"Look--look, boys!" he cried. "There come the Greeks!" - -Maro and Tyrus were to be seen descending the path. - -Flavia was greatly alarmed in a moment. - -"Let them not touch me, Charlee!" she entreated, clinging to Cavendish. - -"Never fear," he said reassuringly. "They shall not." - -"But I opine we'd better be moseying along out of this," said Buckhart. - -To this the others agreed, and they lost no time in moving. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -WAS IT A MISTAKE? - - -Although the Greeks pursued them into the city, they made no attempt to -recover possession of Flavia. - -What they did do, however, was something alarming. - -At intervals they called to other men, friends or acquaintances, and -many of these joined them in following the girl and her escort. This -little band of dogged pursuers grew by ones and twos until there were in -all at least ten of them. - -Professor Gunn's agitation grew as the number of pursuers increased. - -"Boys," he said, "I sadly fear we are going to have grave trouble. It -would not surprise me if we were attacked and murdered right here in the -city of Athens. I am in favor of calling for protection by the 'Agents -of Peace,' as they call the police here." - -"Now, don't you know, really I wouldn't do that," objected Sir Augustus -Camberwell. "Really I wouldn't." - -"Why not, sir?" - -"On account of the girl, don't you understand! The blooming Agents of -Peace might ask us to explain what we are doing with the girl and why we -withheld her from her uncle, don't you see! Don't have anything to do -with the Greek bobbies. We have but a short distance farther to go--a -very short distance." - -So the Agents of Peace were not appealed to by them, and at last they -reached the hotel where Sir Augustus and Charles Cavendish were -stopping. - -"I have to thank you very much for your gallant protection of Flavia," -said Cavendish, again shaking hands with the boys and the old professor. -"She has explained fully how you risked your lives for her, as that -crazy fellow, her uncle wishes her to marry, drew a knife on you. It is -really wonderful that two boys and an old man should be able to stand -those two ruffians off." - -"Old man!" exploded the professor indignantly. "Who are you calling an -old man, sir? I would have you understand that I'm younger than lots of -men half my age." - -"No offense, professor," Cavendish hastened to say. "You are indeed -remarkably young for your years." - -Zenas sniffed and hemmed in a manner that denoted he was not fully -pacified. - -Both Cavendish and Sir Augustus seemed anxious to get rid of the -Americans. - -Maro, Tyrus, and the rest of the pursuers had now disappeared, and, -therefore, Dick proposed that they should return to their hotel. - -Not until they were far away and had failed to discover further signs of -their pursuers did Professor Gunn throw off his nervousness. - -"I tell you, boys," he said, "this has been a very serious affair--very. -Of course, we may yet have trouble over it. There is no telling. I can't -understand why we were not attacked by that band of men who gathered to -follow us. It is certain that the Greek of to-day is not much like the -Greek of old. In ancient times we would have been overwhelmed and -slaughtered like dogs." - -Dick was silent and moody. He seemed thinking of something that was far -from pleasant. Even after they had reached their hotel and were in their -rooms he maintained an air of gloomy thought. - -"Whatever is troubling you, pard?" questioned Brad, when the professor -had retired to his room. - -"I am thinking of Flavia--poor Flavia," answered Dick. "Her situation -bothers me, Brad. I almost fear we made a mistake to-day." - -"I've been thinking some that same way," declared the Texan, springing -up and beginning to pace the floor with long strides. "I sure didn't -like old Augustus any, and Cavendish didn't hit me any too well. You -don't suppose that young snipe is fooling that girl, do you, Dick?" - -"That is a hard question to answer. There is something queer about this -affair. Flavia says Cavendish is going to take her to India, where her -father is; but still they met by accident on the Acropolis or near it. -If Cavendish was sent here by the father of Flavia, why didn't he come -direct to the girl?" - -"You tell!" - -"Sir Augustus is an old rascal, and from his manner I inferred that he -held the idea that Cavendish is crooked. Brad, if we have been -instrumental in getting that beautiful girl into trouble, instead of -helping her out of trouble, I'll never forgive myself." - -"What are we going to do, Dick?" asked the Texan, gravely. - -"Perhaps it is our duty to go to the headquarters of the Agents of Peace -and tell all about it." - -"And get up to our necks in trouble, sure as shooting." - -"I suppose so. Sir Augustus must have influence, for he got Cavendish -out of the jug in a hurry." - -"Filthy lucre did it, partner. It will do almost anything in these days. -Somehow I opine that old Tyrus doesn't rate very high in the family line -here, and it's likely good coin would cause the authorities to wink at -an intrigue between a gay young Englishman and a girl of poor family." - -At this moment Professor Gunn came prancing back into the room, very -much excited in manner. - -"I was sure of it!" he squawked, shaking a quivering finger in the air. -"I was sure I had heard of that old reprobate! I looked over my notes. -Boys, he's a miserable old rounder! He's a man with a bad record! He -ought to be in prison! He would be in prison if he had his just deserts! -He disgraced himself and his family in England! He left his own country -on account of his reputation. That's the kind of man he is." - -"Who are you talking about?" asked Dick. - -"Sir Augustus Camberwell," answered the professor. "And he's the friend -of Cavendish!" - -"Now we know how the land lays, partner," said Brad. - -Dick rose to his feet, catching up his hat and light topcoat. - -"Come, Buckhart," he said grimly. - -"What are you going to do?" - -"I'm going out to get some air. I'm afraid we have been chumps of the -chumpiest variety." - -"I'm with you," said the Texan. - -"Boys, boys, boys!" spluttered the professor. "I hope you are not going -to do anything more that is rash. I can't permit it. I must object. I -must put my foot down." - -"Don't worry about us, professor," said Dick. "I feel the need of a -brisk walk to cool off. My indignation is getting the better of me." - -Zenas hurried to the door. - -"You shall not go until you promise me you will do nothing rash," he -declared. "I shall not permit you to leave this room." - -Dick managed to appease and reassure him in a short time, and soon he -left the hotel, accompanied by his chum. - -"What's your plan, pard?" asked Brad, as soon as they were on the -street. - -"I'm going direct to Cavendish and Camberwell," said Dick. "Unless -Cavendish can satisfy me beyond the shadow of a doubt that his -intentions toward Flavia are perfectly honorable, I'll denounce him to -the authorities, and push the matter against him, even if I go to jail -myself for it!" - -"Whoop!" cried the Texan. "That's the stuff! We'll take to the warpath, -Dick, and there will be things doing in Athens. You hear me shout!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -THE PURSUIT. - - -Although it did not take them long to retrace their steps to the hotel -where they had left the Englishmen and the Greek girl, they met with a -most surprising disappointment when they arrived there. They were -informed that Cavendish, Camberwell, and Flavia had just left in a -closed carriage. The carriage was pointed out to them, just disappearing -down a street that seemed to lead toward the outskirts of the city. - -Only a moment was Dick Merriwell nonplused. Then he called for saddled -horses, and the money he displayed brought him the assurance that his -wants should be supplied. - -"Lose not a second," he ordered. "We must overtake that carriage." - -Buckhart was burning with impatience, but he bemoaned the fact that they -were not armed. - -"Oh, for a brace of revolvers now!" he cried. "If we had the guns we -certain would take that girl away from them." - -"We'll take her anyhow," declared Dick grimly. - -Brad did not ask how they were going to do it, for he had perfect -confidence in his bosom friend. If Dick said they would do a thing, that -settled it--it was as good as done. - -So it happened that in a very few moments the two daring American boys -were mounted and riding at a breathless gallop along the street of that -Greek city. - -The carriage had disappeared from view some time before, but the boys -kept on, hoping fortune might be with them. - -Not far from the outskirts of the city Dick paused to question some -laborers. One of the men could speak good English, and he immediately -declared that he remembered the carriage. He directed them, and they -were soon galloping onward once more. - -The street they now followed quickly brought them to the open country -outside the city. In the distance lay some low, rugged hills, which from -that point seemed rather barren and forbidding. The road led up a steep -incline. - -"Pard," said Brad, "I'm sure afraid we've missed them. We can't see -anything of them anywhere." - -"Perhaps we have," admitted Dick; "but let's get to the top of this hill -and take a survey." - -They clattered up the hill. Near the crest, the road wound round the -shoulder of an immense bowlder, which was fully as large as a small -cottage. - -Sitting on the ground with his back against the rock and his body in the -sunshine, being fully protected from the rather chill wind that swept -the top of the hill, was a ragged beggar. He held out his open palm to -them. - -"Drachma," he said. "Drachma." - -"Whatever does he mean by that?" asked Brad. - -"Money," said Dick. "Evidently he takes us for wealthy foreigners, else -he would not ask for drachma, which has a value of something like twenty -cents in our money." - -Dick produced a coin and tossed it shimmering toward the beggar, who -deftly caught it. - -Then the boy began to question him, using a little "modern Greek" and -many signs. The beggar was grateful and seemed anxious to understand and -aid Dick. He even rose to his feet and drew nearer. - -Dick sprang down from his horse, giving the bridle into the hand of his -companion. With his finger he swiftly drew a crude picture in a patch of -dust beside the road. It was the picture of a closed carriage. - -The beggar understood in a twinkling. He nodded excitedly, jabbering in -his own language and motioning for the boys to follow him. Turning, he -ran to the point where the road disappeared round the shoulder of the -bowlder, pausing again to beckon them on. - -Merriwell leaped into the saddle and the two lads rounded the rock at -the heels of the beggar. The man pointed along the road, and amid some -bare trees on a slope half a mile away the carriage was plainly seen, a -tiny cloud of dust rolling up behind it. - -"Whoop!" shouted Buckhart. "There she is, pard! We're still on the -trail!" - -They did not pause to thank the beggar, but were off down the hill, the -hoofs of their horses ringing clear on the hard and stony road. - -It was dangerous to ride as they rode, for that strip of road was -anything but good. Still they took chances and dashed onward. - -It seemed that some one in the carriage observed them, for they soon -decided that the horses attached to the vehicle had been forced to -greater speed. - -"But they can't get away from us now!" declared Dick grimly. - -"What will we do when we overtake them?" questioned Brad. - -"We'll hold them up and find out what they are trying to do with -Flavia." - -"It's a whole lot queer they were able to get away from that hotel and -out of the city without any of that bunch of Greeks interfering." - -"I've been thinking of that. After following them to the hotel, it seems -that Maro, Tyrus, and their friends quit." - -"I certain am afraid the Greek of to-day is a sure enough quitter." - -"Look, Brad--look at the road yonder!" - -"Horsemen, partner, and they're riding good and hard." - -For a few moments a number of horsemen were in plain sight on another -road, and it was plain that they were pushing their mounts. They soon -disappeared from view behind an intervening ridge. - -"They were Greeks," said Dick. - -"Sure thing." - -"The carriage has disappeared." - -"That's right." - -"Brad, I think the road those horsemen were following intersects this -road somewhere beyond that ridge." - -"I judge she does." - -"The occupants of that carriage could not see those horsemen." - -"Because the ridge shut out the view of the other road." - -"Exactly. But I think the horsemen knew the carriage must come round -that ridge at the western end, and I believe they mean to intercept it -where the roads cross." - -"Partner, I allow you have figured it out proper. That being the case----" - -"Tyrus and Maro are leading the horsemen." - -"I'll bet on it." - -"In which case there is liable to be bloodshed. Camberwell and Cavendish -may be butchered by the engaged uncle and lover." - -"That's whatever." - -"They may deserve it, but still it's our duty to prevent it, if -possible." - -Even while riding at full gallop the boys had managed to carry on this -conversation. But now, as they reached the last declivity of the road, -and were descending into the valley between the two ridges, Dick's horse -stepped on a loose stone and fell as if shot. - -Had not Merriwell been an expert horseman that accident might have been -fatal. He shot over the head of the horse, having managed to free his -feet from the stirrups with the quickness of thought itself. Striking on -his feet, he managed to keep up for two springs, and, when he did fall, -he regained an upright position and wheeled so swiftly that it was -almost impossible to say that he had been down at all. - -As the horse rose Dick had the creature by the bit and was talking -soothingly to it. - -Having uttered an exclamation of dismay, Buckhart reined in as soon as -possible and turned about. An expression of relief shot over his rugged -face as he saw his friend on his feet, holding the frightened horse by -the bit. - -"Good work!" shouted the delighted Texan. "It certain takes more than a -little thing like that to put you down and out, partner." - -Dick managed to fling himself into the saddle. As his feet found the -stirrups once more, he waved his hand to Buckhart. - -Brad wheeled his own horse as Merriwell came alongside, and they were -off again, making for the rise beyond the hollow. - -Dick, however, quickly made an unpleasant discovery. His horse had been -injured, and quickly showed signs of lameness as they struck the rise. -In fact, the creature limped and betrayed signs of distress, beginning -to fall back. - -"Hard luck, Brad!" said Dick. "The beast is hurt, and will be scarcely -able to hobble in a few moments." - -The other boy drew up somewhat, turning his head to anxiously regard his -friend's faltering mount. - -"That's right," he said. "At first I reckoned you both had come through -all right. If the horse is that lame as quick as this, it will be plumb -done up in ten minutes' time." - -"I'm afraid we won't be on hand when the pursuers stop that carriage. -Ten to one I'll ruin this horse if I try to push him." - -Always sympathetic for dumb beasts, Dick was hurt by every hobbling -stride of the animal he bestrode. - -"Keep him going, pard," urged the Texan. "This is a right desperate -case, and you'll not be to blame for the horse if he is ruined. I'm some -anxious to see that the Maid of Athens gets a fair deal in the game, and -I'm afraid the cards are stacked against her." - -So Dick urged the faltering horse onward, and they toiled up the road on -which they had last seen the closed carriage. - -Suddenly from beyond the ridge came electrifying sounds. The air bore to -their ears the distant barking of firearms. - -"I judge the scrimmage is on, Dick!" palpitated Buckhart. "The battle is -taking place and we're not in it. What a howling shame!" - -"Wait, Brad!" cried Dick. "I've got to quit this horse. Your animal must -carry us both." - -He leaped to the ground as the Texan pulled up. With another bound he -was up behind the Texan. The lame horse was abandoned. - -"Git!" cried Buckhart. - -The animal bearing the double burden responded nobly. Up the road and -round the shoulder of the ridge they went. - -The shooting had ceased as suddenly as it began. All was silent before -them. That silence was ominous. - -"I'm afraid we'll arrive too late," said Dick regretfully. - -Soon they were dashing down the road. To the left they caught a glimpse -of another brown highway, the one on which they had seen the galloping -horsemen. It was plain that the two roads met not far beyond. - -They had made no mistake in thinking it the purpose of those horsemen to -intercept the carriage. The sound of firearms had told them that the -meeting was not of a peaceful nature. Dick dreaded yet was anxious to -know the result. - -Beyond and beneath them was a gloomy hollow. But for the clatter -produced by their own horse, they might have heard the echo of hoofbeats -receding and dying out in the distance of that hollow. The nature of the -landscape concealed from their eyes the road that led through it and -into the rugged hills beyond. - -Soon they came dashing into view of the carriage they had pursued. It -was overthrown on its side. One of the two horses that had drawn it was -down. The driver had managed to clear the other animal, which was taking -all of his attention. He was the only human being in sight. As they came -on, he gave them an apprehensive look, seeming on the point of -abandoning the horse and taking to his heels. - -"There sure has been the old blazes to pay there, Dick!" cried Brad. - -All at once, as they drew near, out from the wreck of the carriage -leaped a puff of smoke. A pistol spoke and a bullet sung unpleasantly -near the boys. - -"Mighty bad shooting," observed the Texan. - -He flung the horse to a stand. Dick was the first to leap to the ground. -Advancing toward the carriage, peering forth from which he caught a -glimpse of an ashen face, he cried: - -"Let up on that carelessness! Are you trying to shoot up friends?" - -Immediately the head and shoulders of a man rose through a shattered -door of the carriage. - -It was Sir Augustus Camberwell, and his whole appearance was that of a -man so badly frightened that he was liable to do almost any freakish -thing. He held in his hand the pistol with which he had fired at the -approaching lads. A bit of smoke still curled from the muzzle of the -weapon. - -"Really is--is it you--my--my dear boys?" he chattered, seeming to shake -all over like a man with the palsy. "I--I thought it was--those ruffians -returned to--to finish me up, don't you understand." - -"Yes, we understand," said Dick. "You lost your wits completely. Lucky -for us that your hand shook so you couldn't hit a house when you fired." - -"I--I hope you will pardon me." - -"We'll have to. What's happened here?" - -"Ruffians, highwaymen, cutthroats dashed upon us! Shot down one of our -horses! Tried to murder me! Fell on Cavendish and dragged him forth! -Seized the girl! Upset the carriage! That's about all I know, don't you -know. I'm hurt. I fancy they thought me killed. I kept still. They left. -Cavendish is gone. Girl is gone. Confound the girl! She made all the -trouble. Cavendish was a fool! I told him so." - -"Why did you leave Athens?" - -"Dangerous there. Greeks followed us to hotel. Knew a quiet place in a -little village where Charlie and the girl could stay till he got ready -to quit his foolishness. Thought the Greeks had gone to notify the -authorities, and raise a row. Thought they were satisfied after they -found where we were stopping. Saw nothing of them. Improved the -opportunity to get away." - -It was not the habit of Sir Augustus to express himself clearly and -concisely, but his condition of nervousness seemed to jerk the words out -of him in an astonishingly crisp manner. - -"What do you mean by saying that Cavendish and the girl could stay in -your quiet little village until he quit his foolishness?" demanded Dick. -"Do you intend to convey the idea that he was not going to marry -Flavia?" - -"Marry her?" cried Camberwell. "How ridiculous! Why, he would disgrace -his family, don't you know!" - -Dick Merriwell's eyes blazed with anger. - -"Then it is evident at last that Charles Cavendish is as great a -scoundrel as Sir Augustus Camberwell!" he said, in deep disgust. - -"What, sir--what?" gasped the Englishman, in astonishment. "How dare you -use such language to me!" - -"Give it to him, pard!" advised Brad, who was standing near, holding the -horse. "Tell him a few things good and plain." - -"You got off too easily," said Dick. "They should have hanged you to the -limb of a tree--and Cavendish with you!" - -Sir Augustus choked and spluttered. - -"Do you know whom you're addressing?" he fumed. - -"Yes; I'm addressing an old reprobate--a miserable old toad! I know your -record, Camberwell. I know that you disgraced your family in England. I -know you have left a track of wretchedness and ruin behind you all -through life. And now you connive with a young reprobate to deceive an -innocent and trusting girl! You plot to break her heart and destroy her! -I cannot find words to tell you exactly what I do think of you. You -ought to get twenty years in a Greek prison--you and Cavendish." - -"Be careful!" snorted Sir Augustus, rising to his full height and -clambering forth from the smashed carriage, while he shook his pistol at -the daring American lad. "I have money and influence--and friends in -Greece." - -"I don't care what you have; you have entered into a dastardly plot, and -I hope to see you properly punished." - -"I knew nothing of it to begin with," averred the Englishman. "Charlie -sent for me. I was his father's friend. Of course, I brought my -influence to bear to have him released. I had no part in forging the -letter. That was done before I knew Cavendish was in Athens. The girl -knew the letter was forged. Don't think she is such an innocent -little----" - -"That's enough!" blazed Dick, taking a step toward the man. - -Involuntarily Sir Augustus lifted the hand that contained the pistol. -Like a flash the boy grasped the weapon, turned its muzzle aside and -wrenched it from the grasp of the Englishman. - -"You're not fit to handle such dangerous playthings," he said. - -Brad had made a move to assist Dick, but he stopped, a grim smile on his -face, for he saw his friend needed no aid. - -"Why--why, you're worse than the ruffians!" gasped Sir Augustus. - -"Look here," said the fearless American boy, "you had better keep a -decent tongue in your vile mouth! Don't say a nasty word about Flavia, -unless you're anxious to get hurt. Cavendish is a rascal, like yourself. -He has led her to believe it is his intention to marry her. There is no -question about that, for she told us so. She has fled from Maro, who -would have married her any day, to this English reprobate, who only -means to deceive her. But I fancy that Cavendish will get all that's -coming to him, for doubtless both Maro and Tyrus, the uncle of the girl, -are with the band that dropped on you here. It is mighty doubtful if you -ever set eyes on Charles Cavendish again." - -"If they dare injure him they'll suffer for it!" cried the Englishman. -"If they are wise, they'll set him free without delay. I hope they do -keep the girl, for he's crazy over her, and I can't swear he wouldn't be -foolish enough to marry her." - -Dick turned in disgust from Camberwell to the driver, who stood looking -down mournfully at the dead horse. - -"Can you speak English?" asked Merriwell. - -"I spik it well," was the answer. - -"Who attacked you here?" - -"It was Donatus." - -"Who is Donatus?" - -"You never hear of him?" - -"No." - -"He outlaw. One time Suliote chief. Price on his head." - -"And this outlaw, Donatus, led the men who attacked you here?" - -"I have said it." - -"How did he happen to be so near the city?" - -The driver shook his head. - -"Some time he come into city. See hills yonder. He stay there much. -Think he go there now. Take Englishman. Englishman have friends perhaps. -They pay Donatus well if ever see him 'live again." - -"It's right evident," said Buckhart, "that Mr. Cavendish is in a very -bad scrape." - -"As he richly deserves to be," declared Dick. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -DONATUS, THE SULIOTE. - - -Amid the wild and rugged Grecian hills lay a sheltered and secluded -valley. Indeed, this valley was so secluded that a wandering traveler -might chance upon it only by the rarest accident. All things favored the -probability that he would pass near without ever dreaming of its -existence. - -It was night, and in this valley a fire burned, casting its shifting -lights on the faces of a small band of men. In all there were eight. -Kirtled, bearded, unkempt, picturesque ruffians they were, every man of -them fully armed and looking the thorough desperado and cutthroat. - -They lounged about the fire in various attitudes, with the exception of -one who, at a little distance, walked back and forth in front of the -black mouth of a cave. The latter was a guard. - -The night wind had a chill in it, and they drew their robes about them, -moving yet a little nearer the fire. - -Two of them seemed unprepared to spend any time at night in lying before -a fire in the open air, for they were unprotected save by their ordinary -clothes. One was a man of forty-five, the other a youth of twenty-one. - -The first was Tyrus Helorus; the second Maro Veturia. Finally the young -man spoke to the other in a low tone. - -"It is now nightfall, and there can be no further danger that possible -pursuers might see us leaving this place. Let us be going." - -"Be patient," answered Tyrus, in the same guarded tone. "When he is -willing that we should depart, my friend, Donatus, will speak. He is -buried in thought now." - -As he said this, he shifted his position slightly in order to observe -the figure of a bearded man that reclined on his elbow almost opposite -them, gazing straight into the changing flames. The figure was massive, -yet graceful. The curling beard was dark, as were the eyes. His face was -that of one used to command. It was cruel, yet in a way strikingly -handsome. - -This was the man who called himself Donatus and who dared lead his -lawless band to the very gates of Athens. Indeed, for all of the price -on his head, it was said he often entered the city unaccompanied. - -Donatus was a Suliote, at one time a chief, but robbed of his power by -the government which refused to recognize his authority and which -dispersed and intimidated his followers. In vain he had sought to return -to the old ways of living. Being baffled, he became an outlaw indeed, -preying on his fellow men. With the exception of Tyrus and Maro, these -were his followers. - -"I like not that look on his face," muttered Maro. "I don't know why I -fancy it, but I'll swear he is thinking of my Flavia this minute." - -"Hush!" cautioned Tyrus, in alarm. "Be careful what you say, if you -value your life!" - -Suddenly, like a flash of lightning, the dark eyes of Donatus were -lifted and fastened inquiringly upon them. - -"Why speak in whispers, Tyrus, my friend?" he demanded, using the Romaic -speech, with which he did not seem wholly familiar. "If you have -anything to utter, you need not fear to speak out." - -Instantly Tyrus would have risen, but the chief made a gesture that bade -him remain as he was. - -"We did not wish to disturb you, chief," asserted the elder Greek: "It -was plain you were buried in thought." - -"I was. I was thinking of my youth and of my home far from this spot. -For some time I have longed to return there, Tyrus; but I have not -wished to go empty-handed." - -"By the stories they tell of you, you should have riches to-day." - -Donatus made a slight, careless gesture with his hand. - -"Who gets money as I have and keeps it?" he said. "It is a desperate and -precarious life, Tyrus, and the rewards do not compensate for the -dangers. I came to Athens to seek certain men of influence to interpose -in my behalf and seek for me a pardon, with the understanding that I -should forever abandon the life I have led in recent years. Chance threw -me in with you, a friend who once concealed me when armed enemies were -close on my track. I promised you then that if the opportunity ever came -Donatus would repay the debt. You appealed to me in your distress, -saying the Englishmen had stolen your niece. - -"I called some of my followers, who in disguise had entered the city -with me. If you had advised it, we would have attacked the Englishmen -then and taken the girl from them. But you were afraid, Tyrus, that it -would create an uproar, and as a result that it must become generally -known that you had consorted with Donatus, the outlaw. You said wait, -and we waited. Fortune came our way, for the Englishmen fancied they saw -their opportunity to escape with the girl, and they lost no time in -trying it. We were watching every move, and they played the game to suit -us when they hastened with the girl from the city. In the open country -we could work, and we did work. One poor fool of an Englishman we left -on the road, permitting him to think he had deceived us, while, at your -suggestion, we took the other one. He is now a prisoner in the cave -yonder, where also the girl is safely stored. - -"I am sorry, Tyrus, that I could not please you and your young friend by -cutting the young Englishman's throat. Had I known that was why you -wished me to carry him off, I might have left him behind with the old -fool who played that he had been killed, when we took good care to kill -nothing save a horse. But now I am glad that we took the trouble, for -one of my men tells me he is the son of an aristocrat and that the man -we left behind is rich. It is well. A satisfactory ransom must be paid -before the young Englishman is set at liberty. Thus through a friendly -act I shall be able to turn an honest coin. Already I have dispatched a -faithful fellow who bears a message to the other Englishman, stating -that when I have received ten thousand drachmas I will set my captive -free." - -"If you get it, you will not return empty-handed to your home," said -Tyrus. - -"It was not of money I was thinking when I spoke thus," asserted -Donatus. "I am getting on in years. Long have I dreamed of an ideal who -should make my home complete by sharing it with me. This day I saw her." - -"A woman?" - -"The flower of Greece! I was thinking of her as I gazed into the fire." - -The hands of Maro suddenly closed and a wild light came into his eyes. -He rose to his feet. - -"Chief," he said, boldly addressing the Suliote, "if we do not return to -Athens ere another dawn, suspicion will fall on us. We must be going." - -"Would you depart so soon? Shall I send one of my men to conduct you and -show you the way?" - -"If you will." - -The brigand leader rose. There was a pantherish grace in every move, in -spite of the fact that he was a large man. He spoke to one of the band, -and the fellow sprang up. - -"Bion, bring horses for my friends and conduct them on the way until -they are safely on the road to the city." - -In a few minutes Bion returned from the darkness, leading two saddled -horses. The chief explained that the man would accompany them on foot, -being a fleet runner. - -Maro had become very nervous. Now he demanded: - -"Where is the third horse?" - -"The third?" questioned Donatus. "There are but two of you." - -"You have forgotten Flavia?" - -"Indeed not. I have remembered her well." - -Maro was pale, holding his excitement in check with difficulty. - -"Then I will walk and she shall ride," he said. "Have her brought." - -Barely a moment did Donatus hesitate, and then he gave the order that -the girl be brought. - -Soon one of the men conducted her from the cave before the mouth of -which the guard paced. She was almost deathly white. Her eyes were wide -with fear, but she pressed her lips together and tried to retain command -of herself. - -Never in all her life had Flavia looked more beautiful than at that -moment. Donatus folded his arms on his broad chest and gazed at her with -a singular expression in his eyes. - -"Maid," he said, "your uncle and your lover are about to depart. Your -lover has demanded that you shall accompany him. Are you ready to go?" - -"Come, Flavia!" cried Maro, holding out his hands to her. - -She shrank from him. - -"No!" she cried; "I do not wish to go with you! I will not go with you!" - -With a single stride Donatus reached her and placed his left arm about -her with almost crushing fierceness. His other hand he flung out toward -Maro. - -"You have her answer!" he said. "She remains, and you go without her!" - -With a cry of terror, Flavia tried to break from the powerful arm that -clasped her. This she could not have accomplished of her own strength, -but Donatus released her, and she reeled away. - -Maro sprang forward to support her, but she saw him and whirled in a -twinkling, rushing back to the protection of the brigand chief, who -smiled as he again clasped her with his arm. - -"She has made her choice," he said. And then in a voice unintelligible -to them he added: "I shall not return empty-handed to my home!" - -Maro was distracted. He clutched Tyrus by the arm, panting: - -"Is this your friend? Is this the man whose life you saved? See how he -repays you!" - -Tyrus was greatly agitated. - -"Donatus," he said entreatingly, "have you forgotten? She is my niece. -It is I who have the right to take her." - -"For years," said the chief, "I have dreamed of her face. To-day I saw -it for the first time." - -"But it is not because of you she chooses to stay. She does not -understand. She does not know you mean to keep her for yourself. It is -the Englishman of whom she thinks." - -"She will forget him soon when he is gone. With the money I shall secure -through him I may buy my pardon. She shall be mine!" - -Now Flavia did understand, and once more she struggled for her freedom, -crying out in her horror of them all. - -At this juncture, from some distant part of the valley, came startling -sounds. Several pistol shots were fired in rapid succession. In a -twinkling every brigand was on his feet, their weapons ready. - -Donatus had wheeled toward the sounds, which ceased as suddenly as they -began. - -Behind the chief's back Maro seized the girl, hissing into her ear: - -"Foolish Flavia! Will you give yourself up to this brigand? Do not think -he will let the Englishman have you. He means to keep you for himself." - -She stood like one turned to stone, unable to decide what should be -done. In that moment she seemed so beset and entangled that there was no -possible escape for her. She could not depart and leave Cavendish in -that dark hole, yet if she remained she might be forced to become the -bride of Donatus, the brigand. - -Maro was likewise in a fearful state of mind. Suddenly he snatched out a -pistol and threatened her with it. - -"I had rather kill you with my own hand than leave you to either of -them!" he hissed. - -She clutched the pistol in his hand with both of her hands and sought to -wrest it from him. In the struggle it was discharged. - -Donatus, the Suliote, gave a great start and then his legs buckled -beneath him and he fell prone to the ground. - -Instantly Maro relaxed his hold on the pistol and sprang away. When the -brigands who remained by the fire turned to look they saw their chief -stretched on the ground, while the smoking pistol was clutched in the -hands of the horror-stricken girl. - -Instantly they were upon her. They wrested the weapon from her and -pinned her arms at her side. One knelt beside the chief and made a hasty -search for the wound. - -"Kill her!" snarled a little ruffian, flourishing a knife. "Cut her -throat! She has slain Donatus!" - -He made a slash with the gleaming blade, as if he would sweep it across -the throat of the girl. - -It was the voice of Donatus that checked them and kept them from doing -her fatal harm. He had lifted himself to his elbow. - -"Hold!" he commanded, in the tone none dared disobey. "Hold her fast, -but harm no hair on her head. Where is Ruteni? Let him see how badly I -am wounded. Place her in the cave and guard her well." - -Then Flavia managed to drag those who had clutched her until she was -near enough to sink on her knees beside the wounded and bleeding -brigand. - -"Oh, I did not mean to do it!" she sobbed. "Believe me, I did not mean -it! I tried to wrest the weapon from Maro, and it was discharged." - -The face of Donatus, outcast and wretch that he was, lighted with a -great look of relief. With an effort, he lifted a hand and touched her -tangled hair. - -"I believe you, Flavia," he said. "You shall not be harmed. You shall -remain with the Englishman." - -Then he gave a few low-spoken orders, and Maro saw Flavia led away -toward the cave. - -"Where is Ruteni?" again demanded Donatus. "Am I to bleed to death for -need of a little care?" - -Soon the man called for came running from the darkness and dropped -beside the chief. He carried on his person a leather case, containing -some instruments and bandages, and he began at once to look after the -wound by the light of the camp fire. - -"What was the firing I heard, Ruteni?" asked the chief. - -"Some one succeeded in passing the guards at the entrance to the valley, -chief." - -"Succeeded?" said Donatus, as if he could not believe it. "How many of -them?" - -"Only one. He was crawling on his stomach like a serpent when they saw -him and fired. He sprang up and ran." - -"Into the valley?" - -"Into the valley, chief. But he is only one, and he cannot escape. They -will capture him." - -"Who could it be? Who would dare attempt such a thing? Ruteni, how badly -am I wounded?" - -"I fear it is serious," was the answer. - -Water had been brought, and a few of Donatus' band were watching the -work of Ruteni, seeming benumbed and dazed by what had happened. The -chief saw them and said: - -"Go! Help search for the one who entered the valley. Bring him hither, -dead or alive. I am still your chief, and shall be as long as I -breathe." - -The men obeyed at once, and besides Donatus and Ruteni only Maro and -Tyrus were left by the fire. - -The guard still paced before the dark mouth of the cave, in which Flavia -had once more been placed. - -"It is now our time!" whispered Maro, in the ear of Tyrus. "I have -recovered my pistol, and you are armed. Here are the saddled horses. -Donatus is helpless. If necessary, we can slay Ruteni and the guard, and -we can be away with Flavia before the others return." - -Tyrus grasped the wrist of his desperate companion. - -"I think too much of my life to try it," he declared. "If you attempt -that, you do it alone, and you will be slain. Do not be a fool!" - -Finally there was a great commotion in another portion of the valley. A -single shot was fired, but shouts of triumph came faintly through the -darkness. - -"They have captured the spy!" said the chief, with a smile of -satisfaction on his ashen face. "Are you done, Ruteni?" - -"I have done everything possible, chief. The wound is in your lung. If -you do not bleed internally----" - -"If I do--what?" - -"I fear you'll not see the rising of another sun," was the frank answer. - -"And to-day, for the first time, I gazed on the face of the maid of my -dreams. Do all dreams end in disappointment? Ruteni, roll me a -cigarette." - -The man had placed a robe, on which Donatus reclined. Ruteni rolled a -cigarette and placed it between the bearded lips. Then he struck a match -and lighted it. - -Donatus drew in a whiff of smoke and coughed. A fleck of blood appeared -on his lips. - -"Take it, Ruteni," he said sadly, surrendering the cigarette. "Throw it -away. I cannot smoke. To-day I found the one of my dreams. Am I to die -thus soon by her hand?" - -Some of the brigands came marching out of the darkness, bringing in -their midst a prisoner, his hands made fast behind his back. He was a -mere boy, with a tanned and rugged face and a fearless manner. - -"Is this the spy?" asked Donatus, in surprise, as the captive stood near -the fire. "Who is he?" - -"I know who he is!" cried Maro furiously. "Only for him and that other -American all this trouble would not have come, for we should have -captured Flavia this morning. I entreat the privilege of slaying him -with my own hand!" - -The captive was Brad Buckhart. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -IN THE CAVE. - - -As he spoke those fierce words, the young Greek drew a knife. His face -was convulsed with passion and hatred for this daring American boy who, -he believed, had caused him so much trouble. He longed to rush at Brad -and stab him to the heart. - -The manner of the Greek was enough to warn the Texan of his danger. - -"Whoop!" cried Brad. "If the gent is anxious to enter into a carving -contest, just give me a toadsticker and I'll show him my style. I opine -I can interest him some." - -Donatus weakly waved his hand. - -"I am wearied," he said. "I must rest. When I have rested I will say -what shall be done. Until that time, place the boy in the cave." - -"But, chief, he is----" - -The wounded brigand cut Maro short with a flashing look from his still -terrible eyes. - -"What I have said I have said," he declared. "Those who dare disobey me -invite destruction." - -Then, as directed by him, Buckhart was marched away to the cave, before -which the guard still paced to and fro. - -Maro sank down, his face wearing a look of bitter disappointment. Tyrus -squatted beside him, whispering in his ear: - -"Be content that your life is still spared, boy. It was in wrenching the -pistol from you that Flavia caused the accidental shooting of Donatus. I -feared you would be slain for that. The girl, the Englishman, and the -hated American boy are in the cave. They are guarded. Donatus is sorely -wounded and may die. Pray the gods that we may escape with our lives." - -"And is this Donatus the man you befriended?" exclaimed Maro bitterly. - -"Hush, you fool!" warned Tyrus; but the eyes of Donatus were closed and -he seemed to be sleeping. - -Brad Buckhart had looked around for Flavia and Cavendish. In the -blackness of the cave he could see nothing. The men who escorted him -left him, after warning him that he would be shot down the moment he -tried to step forth, unless given permission to do so. - -Then they departed. He saw their forms silhouetted for a moment against -the glow of the fire as they passed from the mouth of the cave. Then the -guard's dark figure paced slowly across the opening. - -"Well, here I am!" muttered the Texan. "I sure opine I'm in a right bad -scrape, and I'll have to depend hugely on my pard to pull me out." - -"It is indeed a bad scrape you are in," said the voice of a person near -at hand in the darkness of the place. "How in the world did you get -here?" - -"Hello!" cried the Texan, in surprise and satisfaction. "Is that your -gentle warble I hear, Cavendish?" - -"Yes, I am Charles Cavendish, a free-born Englishman, here held captive -by these dirty Greek brigands! Some one will pay dearly for it, too!" - -"Fighting mad, I see," half chuckled Buckhart. "Well, old man, this -comes of monkeying round the Maid of Athens." - -"The Maid of Athens? What are you doing, quoting Byron?" - -"I opine it was Byron that made me call her that, and I'll bet a bunch -of Texas longhorns that Byron's maid wasn't any prettier than Flavia." - -"Do you understand that, Flavia?" questioned the voice of Cavendish. -"Did you catch the compliment of this devil-may-care youngster who is in -the trap with us?" - -"I hear heem," was the answer, in a voice that made Brad start! "same -time the English is hard to comprehen'." - -The Texan whistled. - -"So Flavia is here with us, eh? And Maro outside! I don't quite -understand it." - -Cavendish explained as well as he could. - -"I fancy I came near being shot," he went on, "when I saw that Greek -ruffian catch Flavia in his arms. They warned me I'd be shot down the -moment I thrust my nose out of this cave, yet my blood boiled when he -clasped her. However, he kept her from Maro, and now he's in a bad way -himself. Boy, I fear you and I will not live to see the rising of -another sun. I fear these ruffians will cut our throats. As for Flavia, -my soul shudders when I think what may become of her." - -"It shudders some, does it?" said Buckhart, with a touch of unspeakable -scorn. "Well, I opine you see now, Mr. Cavendish, what a long-eared -jackass you made of yourself by fooling round an innocent girl in this -country. You sure brought it on yourself by trying to deceive her." - -In the gloom of the cave Cavendish stirred suddenly, and Brad fancied he -could see the figure of the man risen to a standing attitude. - -"Why do you say that?" hotly demanded the young Englishman. "Deceive -Flavia? How dare you accuse me of such a thing!" - -"Steady, you!" growled the Texan, not a bit abashed by the evident rage -of the other. "I want you to know that my pard and myself have seen and -talked with that blear-eyed old reprobate, Sir Augustus Camberwell. We -found him in the midst of the wreckage after the brigands jumped you on -the trail. He was so nervous he was ready to shoot at his own shadow. We -chinned him some, and he gave it to us straight that the whole affair -was brought about because you met the girl by accident and took a fancy -to fool her some. He allowed you never had the least idea of marrying -her." - -Flavia had listened to all this and understood it. Now she uttered a cry -and clutched at the young Englishman. - -"Charlee!" she gasped; "Charlee, it is not true?" - -Cavendish placed his arm about her waist and drew her close to him. - -"It is not true, sweetheart!" he declared, with deep earnestness. "I -must confess that Sir Augustus thought so, for he could not understand -that I, a son of the house of Cavendish, could possibly mean to treat in -an honorable manner a poor Greek girl of no family whatever. I tried to -tell him that I was in earnest, but I found that he would turn against -me the moment he believed it, and do everything in his power to separate -us. The only way to obtain his assistance, which I needed very much, was -to let him believe I was playing the scoundrel in this manner. That is -why I permitted him to think so." - -Needless to say Brad Buckhart had listened with deep interest to these -words. He now stepped forward and his hand found Cavendish's shoulder. - -"How about that forged letter?" he asked. - -"I confess it was forged," was the instant answer. "I met Flavia by -accident and fell in love with her at first sight. She tells me that she -loved me the moment her eyes met mine. We met several times, and she -told me of Maro, and how her uncle was trying to force her into a -hateful union with the fellow. We knew Tyrus Helorus would be enraged if -I simply presented myself and stated that I wanted Flavia for my wife, -so we concocted a scheme we fancied might work. Flavia told me all about -her father, where he was in India and all that. I secured the service of -an expert with the pen, and the rascal forged a letter purporting to be -from Flavia's father. The letter introduced me to Tyrus, who was -directed to deliver Flavia into my care, as I would take her to her -father in India." - -"That was some slick," commented Brad. - -"But it didn't work with Tyrus," said Cavendish. "The old man smelled a -rat, you know. He pretended to think it all right, and he promised that -Flavia should prepare for the journey. But he whisked her away and hid -her from me. I found her, and then he had me arrested on some sort of a -complaint. I was locked up, you understand, and I'd be there now only -for Sir Augustus, who used his influence to get me out. That's how I -became tangled up with him, don't you know. And now here we are. What -the deuce are we going to do?" - -Brad found Cavendish's hand in the darkness and gave it a hearty grip. - -"Even if I am in a right tight predicament myself," he said, "I'm sure -glad my pard and I concluded, after leaving Sir Augustus, to try to find -out what had happened to Flavia and you. Cavendish, we may all go over -the range into the unknown country beyond, but the jig's not up, by a -long shot." - -The Texan lowered his voice to a whisper. - -"Listen: My pard and I both got into this valley, though I was the only -one seen. If those cutthroats hadn't been miserable bad shots, I'd been -peppered full of holes. They shot all round me. Then something tripped -me as I was scooting, and they had me before I could recover. Here I am; -but Dick Merriwell is somewhere out in the valley, and I'll wager every -hoof on the Bar Z that we hear from him before morning. You want to hold -yourself ready to move a whole lot lively when he takes a hand in the -game, for he plays his cards to win and makes no false moves. You hear -me chirp!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -OUT OF THE TOILS. - - -The mists of early night had dissolved in the valleys. Above the hills -the pale stars glittered as the night wore on. Donatus, the Suliote, -still reclined by the fire, his head pillowed on the saddle. Over him a -faithful follower had spread a blanket to protect him from the cool -night air. - -The fire sank lower. Even Maro, with his heart of fire, had at last -fallen into slumber. - -The guard who had passed before the mouth of the cave, now unreached by -the firelight, seemed grown weary, for he made his beat with less -frequence and regularity. Once he disappeared for such a length of time -that Buckhart was tempted, for all of the danger of being shot, to peer -forth. But before the Texan brought himself to the point of risking the -peril the guard reappeared, a blanket wrapped about him, pacing with -slow step across the opening. - -Flavia slept, her head pillowed on Cavendish's lap. The Englishman had -removed his coat and spread it over her. - -"Poor girl!" he muttered, as he did so. "It's a beastly shame! She'll -get her death in this blooming hole!" - -"Death isn't the worst thing that can happen to her," said the Texan, in -a whisper. "But we'll hope for better luck. Cavendish, I'm sure afraid -something has happened to my pard. I'm afraid to wait longer for him to -move. Are you in for taking a chance?" - -"What sort of a chance?" - -"A desperate one. The band is asleep, though they're all sleeping with -weapons in their hands. The guard seems to be the only one awake, and I -judge he's half asleep." - -"Go on." - -"We'll creep close to the mouth of the cave. The fire is down so it no -longer shines in at the opening, and we can get right close without -being seen. When the guard passes, we'll jump him. I'll try to get him -by the woozle and shut off his wind so he can't peep. We'll have to move -a whole lot hasty, and if he raises any sort of a racket to awaken the -others, it will be a run for our lives, with bullets chasing us. But -remember that the gang shoot mighty bad. What do you say?" - -"Flavia?" - -"Of course we'll take her. You'll have to explain it to her." - -"She may be killed when they begin to shoot?" - -"Better that than for her to be carried off by these cutthroats." - -Cavendish shuddered. The thought of placing the beautiful girl in such -peril of instant death was horrible to him. He bent in the darkness and -gently kissed her parted lips. - -"Charlee!" she murmured. - -"With my life I'll protect you!" he whispered. - -"Wake her," urged Brad impatiently. He had resolved on action, and every -moment seemed precious now. - -Cavendish kissed her again and then gently aroused her. She was -frightened at first, but he succeeded in soothing her. - -"You are with me, Flavia," he said. - -"My Charlee!" - -"Yes." - -"Oh, I dream such terrible thing!" - -"Tell her our plan," directed Brad. - -Cavendish did so. - -"You may be kill, Charlee!" she whispered, in terror. - -"It is the only chance. We must try it. Remain here, Flavia, while we -creep close to the mouth of the cave and attempt to overpower the guard. -If we fail and he raises an outcry, we will knock him down at least, and -try to secure his weapons. If you see us do that, come quickly and be -prepared to run with us into the darkness. Are you brave, Flavia?" - -"You make me brafe, Charlee. You brafest, bes' man in whole world!" - -Even as he closed her loving lips with another kiss a surprising thing -happened. Brad saw the guard halt at the mouth of the cave and look -intently toward the dying fire and the dimly seen sleepers about it. -Then the fellow stepped into the cave! - -The Texan gathered himself panther-like for the spring. - -"Hist!" - -The guard had paused, and from his lips came a sibilant sound. - -"Englishman here? American boy here?" he asked, in a whisper. - -"Whatever does this mean?" thought Buckhart, hesitating. - -"Other American boy send me," declared the guard. "He have horses ready. -He pay me to help. I am sic' being outlaw. He gif me drachma 'nough to -make me rich. I leaf this countree, lif hones' some other countree. I -help you 'scape. You come now! Quick!" - -"Great horn spoon!" breathed the Texan. "My pard has made a move! I knew -he would! Oh, he's a bird, you bet your boots! But I don't see how he -worked the trick of bribing the guard." - -"Don't be fool!" hissed the man. "No time for waste! Come now!" - -He found Brad and thrust a weapon into his hand. - -"Perhap' have fight," he said. - -The Texan doubted no longer, for his fingers gripped the butt of a -pistol. - -"Come, Cavendish!" he palpitated. "Here is where we prance forth and -trust to fortune and the sagacity of Dick Merriwell, the cleverest chap -on two legs. You hear me gurgle!" - -They followed the stooping, muffled guard. The moment they were outside -the mouth of the cave he turned sharply to the right and hastened into -the enfolding gloom. They kept at his heels. - -They had not gone far when Buckhart espied a prostrate figure on the -ground. It seemed like a dead man, and the Texan paused, not a little -startled. - -"What's this?" he whispered. - -"He tied, gagged, make no trouble," explained the guard. "I take care of -that. Horses ready this way." - -A loud cry rose behind them. They turned in alarm, but saw in the dim -firelight a man bending over the prostrate figure of the chief, who had -seemed to be sleeping. - -That cry brought the brigands to their feet. The fire was stirred up. -They saw Ruteni kneeling beside Donatus. - -"He is dead!" declared Ruteni sorrowfully. "While we thought him -sleeping, he died!" - -Maro and Tyrus were looking on. They saw the brigands gather sorrowfully -about their dead leader. A look of great satisfaction rested on the face -of the young Greek, and, seeing this, Tyrus hastily advised him to -conceal his feelings. - -After a little, Maro asked that the captives should be brought from the -cave. - -Two of the brigands hastened to bring them forth, but quickly they -reappeared, declaring that the captives were not there. - -Snarling forth his fury, Maro caught a brand from the replenished fire -and dashed into the cave. He was gone but a few moments when he -reappeared, almost frothing in his madness. - -"I have been deceived!" he cried. "While I slept you dogs stole Flavia -away. Miserable, crawling things, where is she? Bring her to me without -delay, or I swear I'll see that you all are delivered over to justice!" - -One of the brigands swiftly approached him. - -"You threaten us!" he said--"you, whose pistol slew our chief! I saw it -all! But for your weapon Donatus would be living now. This for Donatus!" - -Like a stroke of lightning he drove his knife into Maro's bosom. - - * * * * * - -The valley was left far behind. The stars were beginning to pale. Still -that muffled figure astride the horse in advance led them on. - -They had trusted him. He had led them to the waiting and saddled horses, -and he had led them from the valley, near the entrance to which another -dark figure lay prone, but squirmed and rolled to get away from the -hoofs of the passing horses. - -But Brad Buckhart could stand it no longer. He urged his horse to the -side of the mysterious figure, about whose shoulders the robe flapped in -the wind. - -"Hold on here, you!" cried the Texan. "You told us my pard had bribed -you, but we reckoned we would combine with him a heap soon after leaving -that cave. Where is he?" - -"When we leave cave you see man on ground, tied, gagged, still?" - -"Sure thing." - -"That not him. You see 'nother man when we ride out from vallee?" - -"Yes." - -"That not him. First man guard cave; other one guard vallee. American -boy say him lif with Injun in America. Him creep on both. Jump on backs. -Fix them. Tie fast and gag. Old Joe Crowfoot teach American boy trick. -Him take clothes from both men all he need. Brigands see him then in -dark think him one of them. You want see American boy? Ha! ha! ha!" - -"May I be shot!" growled the disgusted Texan. "I'm the biggest fool -outside the bughouse, you hear me!" - -Then, with a swift movement, he reached out, caught at the muffling robe -and jerked it away, flinging it aside. - -The gray light of dawn was in the eastern sky toward which the face of -the supposed guard was turned. It was a laughing face, that of a daring -American boy--Dick Merriwell! - -"Brad, you're easy," he cried. - -"Dead easy!" admitted Buckhart. "But you're a wonder!" - -They looked back. Cavendish and Flavia had permitted their horses to -slow down. Their figures could be seen against the pearl gray of the -sky. He leaned toward her--she leaned toward him--their lips met. - -Dick and Brad were too far away to hear her whisper: - -"My Charlee!" - -THE END. - - - - -HAND BOOKS - -We have a line of the best and cleanest hand books ever published. 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