diff options
Diffstat (limited to '41879-h/41879-h.html')
| -rw-r--r-- | 41879-h/41879-h.html | 10434 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 10434 deletions
diff --git a/41879-h/41879-h.html b/41879-h/41879-h.html deleted file mode 100644 index b54e7bd..0000000 --- a/41879-h/41879-h.html +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10434 +0,0 @@ -<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?> -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC '-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN' 'http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd'> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> -<meta name="generator" content="Docutils 0.8.1: http://docutils.sourceforge.net/" /> -<style type="text/css"> -/* -Project Gutenberg common docutils stylesheet. - -This stylesheet contains styles common to HTML and EPUB. Put styles -that are specific to HTML and EPUB into their relative stylesheets. - -:Author: Marcello Perathoner (webmaster@gutenberg.org) -:Copyright: This stylesheet has been placed in the public domain. - -This stylesheet is based on: - - :Author: David Goodger (goodger@python.org) - :Copyright: This stylesheet has been placed in the public domain. - - Default cascading style sheet for the HTML output of Docutils. - -*/ - -/* ADE 1.7.2 chokes on !important and throws all css out. */ - -/* FONTS */ - -.italics { font-style: italic } -.no-italics { font-style: normal } - -.bold { font-weight: bold } -.no-bold { font-weight: normal } - -.small-caps { } /* Epub needs italics */ -.gesperrt { } /* Epub needs italics */ -.antiqua { font-style: italic } /* what else can we do ? */ -.monospaced { font-family: monospace } - -.smaller { font-size: smaller } -.larger { font-size: larger } - -.xx-small { font-size: xx-small } -.x-small { font-size: x-small } -.small { font-size: small } -.medium { font-size: medium } -.large { font-size: large } -.x-large { font-size: x-large } -.xx-large { font-size: xx-large } - -.text-transform-uppercase { text-transform: uppercase } -.text-transform-lowercase { text-transform: lowercase } -.text-transform-none { text-transform: none } - -.red { color: red } -.green { color: green } -.blue { color: blue } -.yellow { color: yellow } -.white { color: white } -.gray { color: gray } -.black { color: black } - -/* ALIGN */ - -.left { text-align: left } -.justify { text-align: justify } -.center { text-align: center; text-indent: 0 } -.centerleft { text-align: center; text-indent: 0 } -.right { text-align: right; text-indent: 0 } - -/* LINE HEIGHT */ - -body { line-height: 1.5 } -p { margin: 0; - text-indent: 2em } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -.title, .subtitle { page-break-after: avoid } - -.container, .title, .subtitle, #pg-header - { page-break-inside: avoid } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { text-align: justify } - -p.pfirst, p.noindent { - text-indent: 0 -} - -.boxed { border: 1px solid black; padding: 1em } -.topic, .note { margin: 5% 0; border: 1px solid black; padding: 1em } -div.section { clear: both } - -div.line-block { margin: 1.5em 0 } /* same leading as p */ -div.line-block.inner { margin: 0 0 0 10% } -div.line { margin-left: 20%; text-indent: -20%; } -.line-block.noindent div.line { margin-left: 0; text-indent: 0; } - -hr.docutils { margin: 1.5em 40%; border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid black; } -div.transition { margin: 1.5em 0 } - -.vfill, .vspace { border: 0px solid white } - -.title { margin: 1.5em 0 } -.title.with-subtitle { margin-bottom: 0 } -.subtitle { margin: 1.5em 0 } - -/* header font style */ -/* http://dev.w3.org/csswg/css3-fonts/#propdef-font-size */ - -h1.title { font-size: 200%; } /* for book title only */ -h2.title, p.subtitle.level-1 { font-size: 150%; margin-top: 4.5em; margin-bottom: 2em } -h3.title, p.subtitle.level-2 { font-size: 120%; margin-top: 2.25em; margin-bottom: 1.25em } -h4.title, p.subtitle.level-3 { font-size: 100%; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; } -h5.title, p.subtitle.level-4 { font-size: 89%; margin-top: 1.87em; margin-bottom: 1.69em; font-style: italic; } -h6.title, p.subtitle.level-5 { font-size: 60%; margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 2.5em } - -/* title page */ - -h1.title, p.subtitle.level-1, -h2.title, p.subtitle.level-2 { text-align: center } - -#pg-header, -h1.document-title { margin: 10% 0 5% 0 } -p.document-subtitle { margin: 0 0 5% 0 } - -/* PG header and footer */ -#pg-machine-header { } -#pg-produced-by { } - -li.toc-entry { list-style-type: none } -ul.open li, ol.open li { margin-bottom: 1.5em } - -.attribution { margin-top: 1.5em } - -.example-rendered { - margin: 1em 5%; border: 1px dotted red; padding: 1em; background-color: #ffd } -.literal-block.example-source { - margin: 1em 5%; border: 1px dotted blue; padding: 1em; background-color: #eef } - -/* DROPCAPS */ - -/* BLOCKQUOTES */ - -blockquote { margin: 1.5em 10% } - -blockquote.epigraph { } - -blockquote.highlights { } - -div.local-contents { margin: 1.5em 10% } - -div.abstract { margin: 3em 10% } -div.image { margin: 1.5em 0 } -div.caption { margin: 1.5em 0 } -div.legend { margin: 1.5em 0 } - -.hidden { display: none } - -.invisible { visibility: hidden; color: white } /* white: mozilla print bug */ - -a.toc-backref { - text-decoration: none ; - color: black } - -dl.docutils dd { - margin-bottom: 0.5em } - -div.figure { margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 3em } - -img { max-width: 100% } - -div.footer, div.header { - clear: both; - font-size: smaller } - -div.sidebar { - margin: 0 0 0.5em 1em ; - border: medium outset ; - padding: 1em ; - background-color: #ffffee ; - width: 40% ; - float: right ; - clear: right } - -div.sidebar p.rubric { - font-family: sans-serif ; - font-size: medium } - -ol.simple, ul.simple { margin: 1.5em 0 } - -ol.toc-list, ul.toc-list { padding-left: 0 } -ol ol.toc-list, ul ul.toc-list { padding-left: 5% } - -ol.arabic { - list-style: decimal } - -ol.loweralpha { - list-style: lower-alpha } - -ol.upperalpha { - list-style: upper-alpha } - -ol.lowerroman { - list-style: lower-roman } - -ol.upperroman { - list-style: upper-roman } - -p.credits { - font-style: italic ; - font-size: smaller } - -p.label { - white-space: nowrap } - -p.rubric { - font-weight: bold ; - font-size: larger ; - color: maroon ; - text-align: center } - -p.sidebar-title { - font-family: sans-serif ; - font-weight: bold ; - font-size: larger } - -p.sidebar-subtitle { - font-family: sans-serif ; - font-weight: bold } - -p.topic-title, p.admonition-title { - font-weight: bold } - -pre.address { - margin-bottom: 0 ; - margin-top: 0 ; - font: inherit } - -.literal-block, .doctest-block { - margin-left: 2em ; - margin-right: 2em; } - -span.classifier { - font-family: sans-serif ; - font-style: oblique } - -span.classifier-delimiter { - font-family: sans-serif ; - font-weight: bold } - -span.interpreted { - font-family: sans-serif } - -span.option { - white-space: nowrap } - -span.pre { - white-space: pre } - -span.problematic { - color: red } - -span.section-subtitle { - /* font-size relative to parent (h1..h6 element) */ - font-size: 100% } - -table { margin-top: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; border-spacing: 0 } -table.align-left, table.align-right { margin-top: 0 } - -table.table { border-collapse: collapse; } - -table.table.hrules-table thead { border: 1px solid black; border-width: 2px 0 0 } -table.table.hrules-table tbody { border: 1px solid black; border-width: 2px 0 } -table.table.hrules-rows tr { border: 1px solid black; border-width: 0 0 1px } -table.table.hrules-rows tr.last { border-width: 0 } -table.table.hrules-rows td, -table.table.hrules-rows th { padding: 1ex 1em; vertical-align: middle } - -table.table tr { border-width: 0 } -table.table td, -table.table th { padding: 0.5ex 1em } -table.table tr.first td { padding-top: 1ex } -table.table tr.last td { padding-bottom: 1ex } -table.table tr.first th { padding-top: 1ex } -table.table tr.last th { padding-bottom: 1ex } - - -table.citation { - border-left: solid 1px gray; - margin-left: 1px } - -table.docinfo { - margin: 3em 4em } - -table.docutils { } - -div.footnote-group { margin: 1em 0 } -table.footnote td.label { width: 2em; text-align: right; padding-left: 0 } - -table.docutils td, table.docutils th, -table.docinfo td, table.docinfo th { - padding: 0 0.5em; - vertical-align: top } - -table.docutils th.field-name, table.docinfo th.docinfo-name { - font-weight: bold ; - text-align: left ; - white-space: nowrap ; - padding-left: 0 } - -/* used to remove borders from tables and images */ -.borderless, table.borderless td, table.borderless th { - border: 0 } - -table.borderless td, table.borderless th { - /* Override padding for "table.docutils td" with "!important". - The right padding separates the table cells. */ - padding: 0 0.5em 0 0 } /* FIXME: was !important */ - -h1 tt.docutils, h2 tt.docutils, h3 tt.docutils, -h4 tt.docutils, h5 tt.docutils, h6 tt.docutils { - font-size: 100% } - -ul.auto-toc { - list-style-type: none } -</style> -<style type="text/css"> -/* -Project Gutenberg HTML docutils stylesheet. - -This stylesheet contains styles specific to HTML. -*/ - -/* FONTS */ - -/* em { font-style: normal } -strong { font-weight: normal } */ - -.small-caps { font-variant: small-caps } -.gesperrt { letter-spacing: 0.1em } - -/* ALIGN */ - -.align-left { clear: left; - float: left; - margin-right: 1em } - -.align-right { clear: right; - float: right; - margin-left: 1em } - -.align-center { margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto } - -div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } - -/* compact list items containing just one p */ -li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } - -.first { margin-top: 0 !important; - text-indent: 0 !important } -.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } - -span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } -img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } -span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } - -.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -@media screen { - .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage - { margin: 10% 0; } - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -</style> -<title>DICK MERRIWELL’S PRANKS</title> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="Dick Merriwell’s Pranks" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Roger Frank" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Burt L. Standish" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1905" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="41879" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2013-01-19" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="Dick Merriwell’s Pranks" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta content="Dick Merriwell’s Pranks" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="pranks.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2013-01-19T21:50:51.456892+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> -<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> -<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> -<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41879" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta content="Burt L. Standish" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="2013-01-19" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.20a5 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> -<style type="text/css"> -.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.toc-pageref { float: right } -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } -</style> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="dick-merriwells-pranks"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">DICK MERRIWELL’S PRANKS</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="align-None container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>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 </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> -included with this eBook or online at -</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: Dick Merriwell’s Pranks -<br /> -<br />Author: Burt L. Standish -<br /> -<br />Release Date: January 19, 2013 [EBook #41879] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>DICK MERRIWELL’S PRANKS</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container titlepage"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>DICK MERRIWELL’S PRANKS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>OR,</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>LIVELY TIMES IN THE ORIENT</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>BY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>BURT L. STANDISH</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="center line"><span>Author of the celebrated “Merriwell” stories, which are</span></div> -<div class="center line"><span>the favorite reading of over half a million up-to-date</span></div> -<div class="center line"><span>American boys. Catalogue sent free</span></div> -<div class="center line"><span>upon request.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="center line"><span>STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS</span></div> -<div class="center line"><span>79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container"> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="center line"><span>Copyright, 1905</span></div> -<div class="center line"><span>By STREET & SMITH</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>Dick Merriwell’s Pranks</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="center line"><span>All rights reserved, including that of translation</span></div> -<div class="center line"><span>into foreign languages, including the Scandinavian.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="id1"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><span>Contents</span></h2> -<div class="container contents"> -<ul class="compact simple toc-list"> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-iin-the-bosporus" id="id2">CHAPTER I—IN THE BOSPORUS</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-iiin-persia" id="id3">CHAPTER II—IN PERSIA</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-iiithe-persistence-of-achmet" id="id4">CHAPTER III—THE PERSISTENCE OF ACHMET</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-ivthe-challenge" id="id5">CHAPTER IV—THE CHALLENGE</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-vin-the-cemetery" id="id6">CHAPTER V—IN THE CEMETERY</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-vithe-sights-of-stamboul" id="id7">CHAPTER VI—THE SIGHTS OF STAMBOUL</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-viilost-on-the-buried-lake" id="id8">CHAPTER VII—LOST ON THE BURIED LAKE</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-viiion-the-way-to-damascus" id="id9">CHAPTER VIII—ON THE WAY TO DAMASCUS</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-ixthe-struggle-at-the-station" id="id10">CHAPTER IX—THE STRUGGLE AT THE STATION</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xthe-green-eyed-monster" id="id11">CHAPTER X—THE GREEN-EYED MONSTER</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xia-man-of-command" id="id12">CHAPTER XI—A MAN OF COMMAND</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xiibetween-life-and-death" id="id13">CHAPTER XII—BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xiiiinward-torture" id="id14">CHAPTER XIII—INWARD TORTURE</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xivdick-disobeys" id="id15">CHAPTER XIV—DICK DISOBEYS</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xvpurchasing-a-human-being" id="id16">CHAPTER XV—PURCHASING A HUMAN BEING</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xvithe-sword-is-stained" id="id17">CHAPTER XVI—THE SWORD IS STAINED</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xviia-position-of-peril" id="id18">CHAPTER XVII—A POSITION OF PERIL</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xviiiin-a-deadly-trap" id="id19">CHAPTER XVIII—IN A DEADLY TRAP</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xixbrad-and-nadia" id="id20">CHAPTER XIX—BRAD AND NADIA</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xxthe-flight" id="id21">CHAPTER XX—THE FLIGHT</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xxisaved-by-prayer" id="id22">CHAPTER XXI—SAVED BY PRAYER</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xxiiin-the-desert" id="id23">CHAPTER XXII—IN THE DESERT</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xxiiithe-fount-of-fury" id="id24">CHAPTER XXIII—THE FOUNT OF FURY</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xxivthe-fate-of-a-foe" id="id25">CHAPTER XXIV—THE FATE OF A FOE</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xxvsunset-from-the-citadel" id="id26">CHAPTER XXV—SUNSET FROM THE CITADEL</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xxvisome-interesting-conversation" id="id27">CHAPTER XXVI—SOME INTERESTING CONVERSATION</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xxviithe-professors-game" id="id28">CHAPTER XXVII—THE PROFESSOR’S GAME</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xxviiiin-bunols-power" id="id29">CHAPTER XXVIII—IN BUNOL’S POWER</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xxixthe-pursuit-on-the-river" id="id30">CHAPTER XXIX—THE PURSUIT ON THE RIVER</a></p> -</li> -<li class="level-2 toc-entry"><p class="first pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chapter-xxxhis-just-deserts" id="id31">CHAPTER XXX—HIS JUST DESERTS</a></p> -</li> -</ul> -</div> -</div> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-iin-the-bosporus"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id2"><span>CHAPTER I—IN THE BOSPORUS</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The steamer had crossed the Sea of Marmora and -entered the Bosporus. It was approaching Constantinople. -On the right lay Asia, on the left Europe. -Either shore was lined with beautiful mosques and -palaces, the fairylike towers and minarets gleaming -in the sunshine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The deck was crowded with people eagerly gazing -on the bewitching scene. From that point of view it -was a land of enchantment, strange, mysterious, fascinating. -Shipping from all quarters of the globe lay -in the splendid harbor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Among the crowd on deck were two boys who were -making a European tour in charge of Professor Zenas -Gunn, of the Fardale Military Academy, from which -one of the students had been unjustly expelled. This -was Dick Merriwell, the younger brother of the former -great Yale athlete and scholar, Frank Merriwell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With Dick was his chum and former roommate at -Fardale, Bradley Buckhart, of Texas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What do you think of it, Brad?” asked Dick, -placing a hand on the shoulder of his comrade, who -was leaning on the rail and staring at the bewildering -panorama.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart drew a deep breath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Pard,” he answered, “she beats my dreams a whole -lot. I certain didn’t allow that the country of the ‘unspeakable -Turk’ could be half as beautiful.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Wait until we get on shore before you form an -opinion,” laughed Dick. “It certainly is beautiful from -here, but I have reasons to believe that things will not -seem so beautiful on closer inspection.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then I opine I don’t care to land!” exclaimed Brad. -“I’d like to remember her just as she looks now.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hum! ha!” broke in another voice. “I don’t blame -you, my boy. Isn’t she beautiful! Isn’t she wonderful! -Isn’t she ravishing!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All of that, professor,” agreed the Texan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn, who had joined them, readjusted -his spectacles and thrust his hand into the bosom of -his coat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have admired her for a long time,” he declared. -“In fact, ever since my eyes first beheld her intellectual -and classic countenance. Her hair is a golden halo.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Eh?” grunted Buckhart, in surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hair?” exclaimed Dick, puzzled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Her eyes are like limpid lakes,” continued Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Eyes?” gasped both boys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Her mouth is a well of wisdom.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What are you talking about?” demanded Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Her teeth,” went on the professor—“her teeth are -pearls beyond price.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Is he daffy?” muttered the Texan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And her form has all the grace of a gazelle. She -is a dream of enchantment. Every movement is a -poem. I could worship her! I could spend my life -at the feet of such a woman listening to the musical -murmur of her heavenly voice.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Look here, professor,” said Dick, “what is the matter -with you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m enthralled, enchanted, enraptured by that -woman.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What woman?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, the one we are talking about, Sarah Ann -Ketchum, president of the Foreign Humanitarian Society, -of Boston, Massachusetts. Who else could I be -talking about?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, murder!” exploded Brad. “Wouldn’t that -freeze you some!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both boys laughed heartily, much to the displeasure -of the professor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Such uncalled-for mirth is unseemly,” he declared. -“I don’t like it. It offends me very much. Besides, -she may see you laughing, and that would harrow her -sensitive soul.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Professor, I didn’t think it of you!” said Dick, trying -to check his merriment. “You are smashed on the -lady from Boston—and you’re married. Have you -forgotten that?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Alas, no! I can never forget it! But do not use -such vulgar and offensive language. ‘Smashed!’ -Shocking! You do not understand me. She is my -ideal, my affinity, the soul of my soul! Yet I must -worship her from afar; for, as you say, I am a married -man. I have talked with her; I have heard the -music of her voice; I have listened to the pearls of wisdom which dropped from her sweet lips. But I haven’t -told her I am married. It wasn’t necessary. Even -if I were to know her better, even if I were to become -her friend, being a man of honor, that friendship would -be purely platonic.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Rats!” said Brad. “You’re sure in a bad way, -professor. Why, that old lady with the hatchet face -would scare a dog into a fit.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bradley!” exclaimed Zenas indignantly. “How -dare you speak of Miss Ketchum in such a manner! -She is a lofty-minded, angelic girl.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Girl!” gasped Dick. “Oh, professor! Girl! Oh, -ha, ha, ha! She’s sixty if she’s a minute!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sixty-five!” asserted Brad, slapping his thigh and -joining in the merriment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Stop it!” spluttered the old pedagogue. “She’s -looking this way now! She’ll see you laughing. She’s -had trouble enough with that little, dried-up, old duffer -from Mississippi, who has followed her about like a -puppy dog.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You mean Major Mowbry Fitts?” said Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Fitts—that’s the man. They’re all majors or -colonels down in Mississippi. He’s no more a major -than I am a general.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But he’s a fire eater,” declared Dick. “He is a -very dangerous man, professor, and you want to be -careful. He’s fearfully jealous of Miss Ketchum, too. -Followed her all the way from the United States, they -say. I’ve seen him glaring at you in a manner that has -caused my blood to run cold.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Let him glare! Who’s afraid of that withered -runt! Why, I could take him over my knee and spank -him. I’d enjoy doing it, too! What is he thinking of? -How can he fancy such a superbly beautiful woman as -Miss Ketchum could fancy him, even for a moment! -Besides, he is a drinking man, and Miss Ketchum is a -prohibitionist. She told me so herself.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Be careful that she doesn’t smell your breath after -you take your medicine, professor,” advised Dick. -“But I suppose there is no danger of that now, for the -voyage is practically ended.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes,” sighed Zenas. “We soon must part, but -I shall always carry her image in my heart.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“This certain is the worst case I’ve struck in a long -while,” said Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“She comes!” breathed Zenas, in sudden excitement. -“She comes this way! Behave yourselves, boys! Be -young gentlemen. Don’t cause me to blush for your -manners.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Miss Sarah Ann Ketchum, tall, angular, and painfully -plain, came stalking along the deck, peering -through her gold-rimmed spectacles, which were -perched on the extreme elevation of her camel-back -nose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Steady, Brad!” warned Dick. “Keep your face -straight.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Miss Ketchum had her eye on the professor; he had -his eye on her. She smiled and bowed; he doffed his -hat and scraped. Like a prancing colt he advanced to -meet her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Does not this panoramic spectacle of the Orient -arouse within your innermost depths unspeakable emotions, -both ecstatic and execrable, Professor Gunn?” -asked the lady from Boston. “As you gaze on these -shores can you not feel your quivering inner self -writhing with the shocking realization of the innumerable -excruciating horrors which have stained the -shuddering years during which the power of the Turk -has been supreme in this sanguine land? Do you not -hear within the citadel of your soul a clarion call -to duty?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Are you not oppressed by an intense and all-controlling -yearning to do something for the poor, downtrodden -Armenians who have been mercilessly ground -beneath the iron heel of these heartless hordes of the -sultan? I know you do! I have seen it in your countenance, -molded by noble and lofty thoughts and towering -and exalted ambitions, which lift you to sublime -heights far above the swarming multitudes of common -earthy clay. Have I not stated your attitude on -this stupendous subject to the infinitesimal fraction -of a mathematical certainty, professor?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Indeed you have, Miss Ketchum!” exclaimed -Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, wow!” gasped Buckhart, leaning weakly on -the rail. “Did you hear that flow of hot air, Dick?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I did,” said Dick, concealing a smile behind his -hand. “That sort of Bostonese has carried the old boy -off his feet. Brad, the professor has lost his head over -the lady from Boston, and it is up to you and me to -rescue him from the peril that threatens him. He is -in danger, and we must not falter.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The steamer was swinging in to her mooring, but -Professor Gunn was now too absorbed in Miss Ketchum -and her talk to tell the boys anything about the -two cities, that of the “Infidel” and that of the “Faithful,” -which lay before them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A man with a decidedly Oriental cast of countenance, -but who wore English-made clothes, paused near the -professor and Miss Ketchum, seemingly watching the -boats which were swarming off to the steamer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Look, pard,” whispered Buckhart. “There’s the -inquisitive gent who has bothered us so much—the one -we found in our stateroom one day. He’s listening -now to the professor and the Boston woman. I’ll bet -my life on it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I see him,” said Dick, yet without turning his head. -“Brad, the man is spying on us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I certain reckon so, and I’m a whole lot sorry we -let him off without thumping him up when we found -him in our stateroom.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He protested that he got in there by accident.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And lied like the Turk that he is!” muttered the -Texan. “I’d give a whole bunch of steers to know -what his name is.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He’s up to something. I found his name on the -list of passengers.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What is it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Aziz Achmet.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I knew he was an onery full-blooded Turk. His -cognomen proves it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He’s a subject of the sultan, beyond question. -Something tells me we are going to have trouble with -that man.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, he wants to lay his trail clear of mine,” -growled Buckhart. “I’m getting a heap impatient -with him, and I’ll be liable to do him damage if he provokes -me further by his sneaking style.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A little man with a very fierce, gray mustache and -imperial came dodging hither and thither amid the passengers, -caught sight of Miss Ketchum, hastened forward, -doffed his military hat, and made a sweeping -bow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Madam,” he said, “it will affo’d me great pleasure -to see yo’ safely on shore.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My dear Major Fitts,” said Sarah Ann, “I am -truly grateful for your gallant thoughtfulness. Professor, -permit me to introduce you to Major Mowbry -Fitts, of Natchez, Mississippi. Major, this is Professor -Zenas Gunn, principal of Fardale Military -Academy, a very famous school.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Haw!” said Professor Gunn, bowing stiffly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ha!” said Major Fitts, in his most icy manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then they glared at each other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Your solicitude for Miss Ketchum was quite needless, -sir,” declared Zenas. “I am quite capable of looking -out for her.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Suh, yo’ may relieve yo’self of any trouble, suh,” -retorted the man from Natchez.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I couldn’t think of it, sir, not for a moment, sir,” -shot back the professor. “It might be trouble for -you, sir, but it is a pleasure for me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The old boy is there with the goods,” chuckled -Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Major Fitts was not to be rebuffed in such a -manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Considering your age and your physical infirmities, suh,” he said, “I think Miss Ketchum will excuse -yo’.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That was too much for Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My age, sir!” he rasped, lifting his cane. “Why, -you antiquated old fossil, I’m ten years younger than -you! My infirmities, sir! You rheumatic, malaria-sapped -back number, I’m the picture of robust, bounding -health beside you!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Gentlemen!” gasped Sarah Ann, in astonishment -and dismay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t yo’ dare threaten me with your cane, suh!” -fumed the major. “If yo’ do, suh, I’ll take it away -from yo’ and throw it overbo’d, and yo’ need it to -suppo’t your tottering footsteps, suh.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I dare you to touch it, sir!” challenged the irascible -old pedagogue, shaking the stick at the major’s nose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fitts made a grab, caught the cane, snatched it away, -and sent it spinning overboard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment later Zenas grappled with the man from -Natchez, doing it so suddenly that the major was -taken off his guard and sent flat upon his back on the -deck, his assailant coming down heavily upon him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Miss Ketchum screamed and fled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a moment Dick had the professor by the collar -on one side while Brad grasped him by the collar on -the other side. They dragged him off and stood him -on his feet, although he vigorously objected and tried -to maintain his hold on the other man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Here, here, professor!” exclaimed Merriwell; -“you are disgracing yourself by your behavior.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He threw my cane overboard, the insolent, old, pug-faced sinner!” raged Zenas. “I’ll take its value out -of his hide!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The other passengers in the vicinity were looking on -in mingled wonder and enjoyment, many of them being -aware of the cause of the encounter between the two -old chaps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“See the kind of a scrape your foolish infatuation -for the woman from Boston has led you into,” said -Dick, in the ear of the professor. “Brace up! The -passengers are laughing at you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad had assisted Major Fitts to rise. The little man -was pale, and his eyes glared. He stood on his toes -before Zenas, at whom he shook his fist, panting:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Suh, this is not the end of this affair, suh! Give -me your address in Constantinople, suh, that I may -have a friend wait on yo’. This outrage shall be -avenged in blood, suh!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was between them. He turned to the major.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You have both made yourselves ridiculous,” he -said. “It shall go no further. If you are not ashamed, -I am ashamed for you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I demand satisfaction!” palpitated Fitts. “I am -from Mississippi, and no man can give me an insult -and escape without meeting me in a duel.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The gentleman is quite right,” said the soft voice -of Aziz Achmet, as the Turk stepped forward. “Under -the circumstances the affair must be settled in a -manner that will satisfy his wounded honor. If he -needs a friend, I shall take pleasure in representing -him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Thank yo’, suh,” said the major. “I accept your -generous offer, suh, and appreciate it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Wants a duel, does he?” cried Zenas. “Well, he -can’t frighten me that way! I’ll go him!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And I shall take great pleasure, suh, in shooting yo’ -through the heart,” declared Fitts. “Yo’ will make the -eleventh to my credit, suh.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The mooring being completed, a great gang of men -swarmed on board and took the steamer by storm. -They were a struggling, snarling, shouting pack of -Greeks, Armenians, Turks, Jews, and Italians, who -literally fell on the bewildered passengers, as if seeking -to rend them limb from limb. They raged, and -shouted, and pushed, and in this confusion Dick and -Brad managed to hustle the professor away, Fitts and -Aziz Achmet being lost in the throng.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Come now,” said Dick, “let’s get on shore in a -hurry and see if we can’t keep clear of Major Mowbry -Fitts, unless you are anxious to get yourself -carved up or shot full of lead. He means business, -and he really wants to fight you in a duel. You were -in a nasty scrape, professor.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But my honor——” began Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Was satisfied when you floored him handsomely -before all the passengers. Let it go at that.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They found their baggage, and then Dick selected, -amid the howling mass of human sharks, a fellow with -a dirty red fez and a huge hooked nose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you speak English?” he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I spik all languages, Italian, Grek, Tergish, Yarman——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That will do,” said the boy. “Here is our luggage. -Look after it and get us into a boat.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In some marvelous manner it was accomplished. -They descended a ladder into a swaying boat, and their -luggage followed them like magic. Then came the -dragoman Merriwell had selected, and soon they were -on their way to the shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Thank fortune!” laughed Dick. “I hope we have -seen the last of Aziz Achmet, Major Fitts, and Miss -Sarah Ann Ketchum.”</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-iiin-persia"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id3"><span>CHAPTER II—IN PERSIA</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When they reached the pier they found themselves -confronted by several Turkish officers, who immediately -began questioning them. Their passports were -scrutinized doubtfully; and it began to appear that -there would be a long delay, during which all their luggage -would be overhauled and examined piece by -piece.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Mustapha, the dragoman, whispered a word in -Dick’s ear, and directly the boy slipped some money -into the hand of one of the officers, whose manner -toward them underwent a most surprising change, for -he politely assured them that their baggage would not -be opened and that there need not be the slightest delay. -They were at liberty to leave the custom house -at once and take their belongings with them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Barely had they passed from the custom house when -they suddenly found themselves surrounded, as it -seemed, by people from all the tribes of the earth. This -throng was made up of street venders who were peddling -all sorts of goods, sugared figs, sandals, grapes, -bread, clothes, and all of them shouting in a babel of -tongues that was deafening and bewildering.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whoop!” cried Brad. “Talk about an Indian pow-wow! -This beats it a mile! You hear me gurgle!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When these peddlers would have charged on the -Americans Mustapha warned them off and held them -at bay, shooting violent remarks at them in a dozen -different languages. With his aid they succeeded in -passing through the thick of the throng without suffering -physical violence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I certain thought I was due to lose my scalp -that go!” laughed the Texan. “Pard, you sure did a -right good thing when you engaged this gent to pilot -us. He knows his biz a plenty.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Richard,” said the professor, “I must compliment -you on your acumen and discernment. It has aroused -within my innermost depths unspeakable emotions of -profound admiration which I am incompetent to adequately -express——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hold on, professor!” cried Dick. “Leave that kind -of gas to the lady from Boston, and talk in your usual -sensible manner. Up to the present occasion you have -been running things, but your encounter with Major -Fitts left you in such a condition that I saw something -had to be done, and so I tried my hand.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“With flattering success, my boy—with flattering -success. Why, young as you are, I believe you could -get along anywhere—in any country or clime.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Thanks, professor. We’ll let it go at that.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What is that chap with the can and wooden mugs -selling?” questioned Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That is a water seller,” exclaimed Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Water? Wow! Is water so dear on this range -that they can peddle it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Water is the beverage of the Turk. He never -touches intoxicants. Unspeakable he may be, but he -has that virtue.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That may be true,” said Dick; “but he doesn’t -keep his streets clean.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In truth they had emerged into a labyrinth of dark, -narrow, and filthy streets, all the charm of the place -having disappeared as soon as they were fairly on land. -The mosques and towers had vanished, and their surroundings -were decidedly repellent. Everywhere was -mud, and garbage, and dogs. Of the latter there -seemed to be hundreds upon hundreds of every breed -and description.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“They are the street cleaners,” explained the professor. -“Here no one harms a dog, for if it were not -for them the city would become too filthy for human -beings to inhabit.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I certain am not as much stuck on Constantinople -as I was,” growled Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I must remind you,” said Zenas, “that there is -really no such place as Constantinople. The European -quarters of the city is called Pera, while the Moslem -quarter is Stamboul.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps Brad isn’t stuck on it,” said Dick; “but I -am. If this mud gets worse I shall be stuck on it -to such an extent that I can’t perambulate. Look here, -Mustapha, have we got to foot it all the way to our -hotel?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No, effendi; we tak’ tram car, we tak’ horse—you -choose.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even as he spoke they came to a street corner where -several saddled horses were waiting, after the manner -of cabs in an American city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Me to the broncho!” cried Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There is the tram car,” said Dick, with a motion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The car was seen a short distance away, and the -professor favored choosing that method of conveyance. -Mustapha, however, for all that he had invited them -make their choice, argued against it, explaining that -half the car was reserved for ladies and that the other -half was always crowded to suffocation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Therefore they decided on the horses. Soon they -were mounted and on their way up the long hill to -Pera.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although much of its beauty had vanished, the -strange sights and sounds of the city keenly interested -the American lads. They beheld people of many -nationalities, yellow-coated Jews, with corkscrew -curls, Bohemians, Nubians, Chinamen, Englishmen—all -hastening on their various ways.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Pera proved to be a city quite modern in appearance, -made up mostly of monotonous four-storied houses, -new hotels, and shops filled with machine-made Oriental -goods. The houses were flat-roofed and nearly -all of them had balconies with cast-iron railings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last they arrived at their hotel, where they settled -with Mustapha, who settled in turn with the -owner of the horses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“When I come next?” asked Mustapha. “You need -interpriter dat spik lanquages well. I tak’ you all ofer -efrywheres. You haf much troubles you try go ’thout -good dragoman.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time the professor had fully recovered, and -he made arrangements with the dragoman, who then -took his departure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the hotel they were turned over to a huge tattooed -Nubian, his midnight blackness made more pronounced -by the snow-white garments he wore. The Nubian -conducted them to their rooms in the upper story, -where their luggage was presently brought. Finding -the rooms fairly satisfactory, with windows overlooking -Pera, the Golden Horn, and giving them a view of -the Turkish city beyond, they prepared to settle down -and be satisfied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>First Dick took a long survey of the scene that could -be beheld from the most advantageous window. From -that point he could look away onto Galata and Stamboul, -and again he was enchanted by the spectacle. The -sun was shining on the palaces, mosques, and tall minarets, -it was lighting the ripples of the Golden Horn, -and over all was the superbly blue sky which defies the -skill of the greatest artist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick heaved a deep sigh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Strange that it all should seem so beautiful from a -distance and that the beauty should so quickly vanish -on close inspection,” he said. “In this case it is indeed -true that ‘familiarity breeds contempt.’”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That sure is right,” agreed Buckhart. “All the -same, we’ll proceed to get familiar with it, I reckon.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They next indulged in the luxury of a bath, taking -turns, and all felt decidedly refreshed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A call brought the Nubian, and they were informed -that they could be served with anything they wished in -their rooms, if they were willing to pay the extra -charge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After considerable discussion, they ordered a meal. -There was sufficient delay to whet their appetites, and -then the Nubian and an assistant reappeared, a table -was spread, and they sat down to eat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“A fried boot leg would taste good to me now,” declared the Texan. “That being the case, I reckon I’ll -manage to get along on the fodder they supply here.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But everything proved more than satisfactory. -There was enough, and it was good.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the meal the giant black man stood ready to -wait on them. When not serving them, he folded his -tattooed arms across his massive chest and regarded -them steadily with his eyes. When they had finished -the assistant reappeared, and the table and dishes were -removed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I sure would hate to have that gent place his paws -on me in violence,” observed Buckhart. “I opine he’s -some powerful.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He looks like a Hercules,” said Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He made me extremely nervous,” confessed the -professor. “I think I’ll inform the proprietor that we -would much prefer having some one else attend us -while we are here.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t!” exclaimed Merriwell. “I rather fancy the -Nubian.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They lounged about for a time after eating, but -finally the professor made an excuse to leave the boys, -saying he would return soon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Pard,” chuckled Buckhart, when Zenas was gone, -“the old boy did get a plenty smashed on the woman -from Boston.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m glad we got him away from her—and from -Major Fitts.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And I’m glad we won’t be bothered any more by -that sneaking Turk, Aziz Achmet, who seemed spying -on us. Wonder what Aziz took us for. I believe he -was some sort of Turkish confidence man. He was a -heap eager to act as Major Fitts’ second in a duel.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Think of Zenas Gunn in a duel!” exclaimed Dick, -and they laughed heartily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a while Merriwell became worried over the -professor’s protracted absence. Going to the door, he -stepped outside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He stepped into full view of two men, who were -whispering in the shadows of a draped alcove.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One was the giant Nubian.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The other was Aziz Achmet, the mysterious Turk!</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-iiithe-persistence-of-achmet"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id4"><span>CHAPTER III—THE PERSISTENCE OF ACHMET</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>There was something decidedly ominous and sinister -in the behavior of the coal-black giant and the silent, -secretive Turk, who were whispering there in the -shadows. In spite of himself, Dick felt a sudden faint -chill, like an icy breath, sweep over him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He stood quite still and regarded them steadily. -They saw him, and their whispering stopped. The -eyes of the tattooed black man seemed to gleam with -a baleful fire, but his dark face remained as unchangeable -as marble.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Slowly a strange smile overspread the countenance -of Achmet. With a quick, silent step, he advanced toward -the boy. He spoke in a low, soft tone:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“So you are safely here, my lad? I see no harm has -befallen you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His English was almost perfect.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What are you doing here?” demanded Dick. “This -is not a place in which one of your faith should choose -to linger, with the City of the Faithful so near. Indeed, -I have been told that the better men of your -religion never deign to contaminate themselves by setting -foot in this place, which is polluted by the infidel. -Your conduct is suspicious, to say the least.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is seldom one who may not be well suspected -is in such haste to suspect another,” retorted the Turk, -still with that strange, faint smile which was very -annoying to the boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Indignation swelled within Dick’s heart, for now he -was fully satisfied that they were being spied upon by -this man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Look here,” he said, “you’ll get into trouble if you -continue to follow us about.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Be careful that you do not get into far more serious -trouble.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There is no reason why we should get into trouble, -for we have a way of minding our own business.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then you are the first Americans I have seen who -have that excellent habit,” retorted Achmet, in a manner -that became more and more insulting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Had Dick not learned by example and practice to -control his temper, he might have lost his head. He -kept cool, however—outwardly, at least.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is plain you have been spying on us,” he said. -“We caught you in our stateroom on the steamer——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“An accident.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“An accident, perhaps, that we caught you. It was -no accident that you were there. What’s your game, -man? You are up to some rascally business.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I like not your lack of politeness, boy. I am not -the one to answer questions. It is you who should explain, -but I will talk with the man whom you call -professor.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t know whether you will or not.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I demand to see him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You will have to find him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Is he not in those rooms?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Let me see.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The manner of Achmet plainly denoted that he did -not believe Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We have engaged those rooms and paid in advance -for them,” said Merriwell, still holding himself -in check. “We are entitled to privacy in them, and -we have no intention of admitting strange and suspicious -visitors, especially a Turk of your questionable -behavior.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You refuse me admittance?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Decidedly.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Aziz Achmet made a quick sign to the black giant. -Instantly the Nubian strode forward. Dick made a -move to retreat, but the arm of the black man darted -out and one powerful hand seized the lad. Merriwell -had not overestimated the probable strength of the -tattooed man, for, with scarcely an effort, it seemed, -the boy was lifted from his feet and placed to one side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Achmet quickly advanced to the door, flung it open, -and entered the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad Buckhart had caught the hum of voices outside -and was crossing the room to investigate when he -found himself face to face with the Turk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Waugh!” exclaimed the Texan, in surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Pardon, boy,” said Achmet, still maintaining his -quiet manner and soft speech. “I would speak with -the professor.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Is that so?” said Brad. “Well, whoever invited -you to walk in all unceremonious and chirklike? It -strikes me that you are some forward in your deportment. -Where’s my pard?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Here!” cried Dick, who had been released by the -Nubian, and who now hastened into the room. “This -man forced an entrance. He has dogged us here, -Brad.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Dogged is a proper word for it, I reckon!” grated -the Texan, beginning to bridle. “Forced his way in, -did he? Well, I judge we’ll just shoot him out on his -neck and teach him a bit of common decency!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He proceeded to strip off his coat in a very businesslike -manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hold!” commanded Achmet. “You will regret it, -you infidel whelp, if you place your vile hands on me!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whoop!” roared the Westerner. “We’ll sure see -about that right away! Come on, partner!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But now the Nubian stalked into the room, apparently -ready to take a hand in the encounter, and -Achmet called attention to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“This man alone,” he declared, “is more than the -equal of twenty boys. He once slew a strong man with -a single blow of his fist. If you lift a finger against -me he will rend you. Be careful!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In spite of this warning Buckhart would have -pitched in; but Dick had better judgment and hastened -to restrain his friend.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The black man is dangerous, Brad,” he said, in a -low tone. “Unless we use deadly weapons, he can -master us alone. Besides that, we do not wish to kick -up an uproar unless forced to do so. Steady, old man!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whoop!” cried Brad. “This business is making me -sizzle a heap!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is an outrage, and we’ll enter a complaint.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You bet your boots!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That is your privilege,” smiled Achmet, in his half-sneering -way. “When I am through, you may complain as much as you like; but first bring forth the -professor, that I may question him. Why is he -hiding?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hiding? Do you think he would hide from you?” -exclaimed Dick. “I tell you he is not here. Look for -yourself.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And be right careful that none of our belongings -stick to your fingers,” growled the Texan. “We’ve -been robbed in various ways from London all the way -here; but this is the first time any one has tried the -game open and brazen, like this.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You are not in the least danger of being robbed,” -assured the Turk. “I invite you to watch me, in order -that you may see you have no complaint of that sort to -make.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He then looked into the adjoining room, and the -bath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, are you satisfied?” demanded Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Achmet showed a trace of annoyance and disappointment. -He stated that he had been told by the Nubian -that the professor was there, and further that he was -sure Zenas Gunn had not left the hotel since his -arrival.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Which makes it plain that he has played the spy -on us right along,” said Dick, addressing Brad, but -not lowering his voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sure!” rasped Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I will wait for his return,” said the Turk. “While -I am waiting, perhaps you will inform me what business -has brought you to this country.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Our business is none of your business,” declared -Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Of that I will judge when I am satisfied that I have -learned your business.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We are traveling.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“For what purpose?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“To see the world.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Two boys and an old man. In Italy your behavior -was suspicious. You disappeared from Naples in -great haste, without explaining why you left so suddenly -or whither you went.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great tarantulas!” muttered Brad. “He’s even got -track of us as far back as that.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“In Venice you were concerned in some singular and -unaccountable things, and in Greece you had dealings -with lawless characters. Had you remained in Athens, -you must have explained your actions to officials of the -city government. You left there, also, in haste.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick wondered that the man should know so much -of their movements.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It seems,” continued Achmet, “that in various -places the police have been warned against you; but -that in each instance they sought to find out about -you only to find you suddenly departed.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“This certain is a plenty interesting!” gasped Buckhart. -“What does it mean, pard? Can you tell?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had been thinking swiftly. His hand fell on -his friend’s arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Brad, it is the work of Bunol and Marsh, our bitter -enemies. They were sore because we fooled them by -getting the Budthornes out of their power. They have -lost track of Dunbar Budthorne and his sister, Nadia, -but have managed somehow to keep trace of us, and -have tried to cause us as much annoyance as possible.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I opine you’re right, Dick,” nodded Buckhart. -“That’s just it. I wouldn’t be surprised to see those -two onery varmints turn up any time. Well, they’ve -succeeded in making a lot of fool work for a lot of fool -people, and this is the first time we’ve been touched -by it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Achmet had listened to their words with a manner -of mingled interest and doubt. It was plain that he -did not understand, and he was on the point of questioning -them further when the sudden sound of excited -and angry voices reached their ears through the partly -open doorway.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The professor!” cried Dick. “Something is doing, -Brad! Come on!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Lay the trail, pard! I’m at your heels!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They rushed forth and ran toward the point from -which came the sound of those voices.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You’re a miserable, crawling worm! You’re a -whisky-soaked, dried-up, offensive squid! You have -annoyed the lady by your obnoxious attentions, and -they must cease!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the voice of Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yo’, suh, are a long-eared jackass, suh, and I demand -satisfaction fo’ your insults, suh!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Major Fitts!” exclaimed Dick, in dismay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Gentlemen, gentlemen!” shrilled another voice. -“This is scandalous! You must not quarrel over me! -It is shocking to my delicate sensibilities. I cannot -permit it!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And Sarah Ann, sure as shooting!” cried Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the head of the stairs were three persons. Zenas -Gunn was shaking his fist down at Major Fitts, while -the major was shaking his fist up at the professor. -Miss Ketchum had her hands clasped in an attitude of -despair, while she implored them to desist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick halted, folding his arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Now what do you think of that?” he muttered, in -disgust.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It certain is some annoying,” chuckled Buckhart, -pausing with his hands resting on his hips. “Shall we -pitch in, pard, and break it up?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m tempted to let those two old fools have it out,” -said Merriwell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Good idea! Mebbe it will cure them both.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Take your fist away!” snarled the professor, knocking -the hand of the little man aside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t yo’ strike at me, suh!” panted the major, -his face red as a boiled lobster, and his gray mustache -bristling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Strike at you!” retorted Zenas scornfully. “If I -ever struck at you, you human wart, there wouldn’t be -anything left of you but a grease spot!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, please, please stop!” sobbed Sarah Ann, trying -to get hold of them and force them apart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yo’ had better hide behind a lady’s petticoat!” -raged the man from Mississippi.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hide behind nothing!” retorted Gunn, giving Miss -Ketchum an embrace and looking over one shoulder, -while he reached over her other shoulder to again -shake his fist at Fitts. “She is trying to keep me from -annihilating you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finding herself in the professor’s embrace, Miss -Ketchum screamed and seemed on the point of -fainting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, Moses!” laughed Buckhart. “Look at that, -pard—just look!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I see,” said Dick, also convulsed. “The professor -isn’t losing the opportunity to hug Sarah Ann, and it -makes the major bloodthirsty.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fitts danced round in an endeavor to get hold of -Gunn, but the latter skillfully turned so that he kept -Miss Ketchum’s limp form between them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Unhand that lady!” rasped the man from Mississippi, -fairly frothing. “How dare yo’ behave in such -a manner!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, go back to your kennel!” advised Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The major caught hold of Sarah Ann and managed -to dance round until he could get his hands on the -professor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Release her!” he commanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Miss Ketchum straightened up a little.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Such a shocking scandal!” she sobbed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yo’ have compromised her, suh!” panted Fitts. -“Yo’ shall pay the penalty with your life, suh!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ve stood just as much of this as I can!” grated -Zenas. “I’ll just throw you downstairs!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Which he attempted to do, while Sarah Ann again -tried to part them. On the top stair both lost their -balance. Wildly they grabbed at something as they -toppled. The right hand of Zenas caught Miss -Ketchum. The left hand of the major closed on her, -also. Then all three toppled, a shriek of terror escaped -the woman, and down they went.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bump, bump, bump-ety-bump!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tangled in a most astonishing manner, the three -seemed to bound like a huge rubber ball from stair -to stair. At intervals legs and arms shot out from -the mass and described half circles in the air. The -woman continued to scream, the professor yelled, while -the major grunted and gasped with every thump. It -sounded as if the entire hotel was falling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, say, pard, this is awful!” cried Buckhart, rushing -toward the stairs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m afraid the professor will be somewhat dented,” -said Dick, also losing no time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thud! crash!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The trio landed at the bottom of the stairs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sarah Ann struck in a sitting posture, with her -skirts outspread. She was minus a wig and a full set -of false teeth, and she presented a ludicrous spectacle of -wreck and despair. Both men were beneath her, and -having landed on them she did not seem to be seriously -harmed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick and Brad bounded down the stairs and reached -her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Are you hurt, madam?” questioned Merriwell, his -natural chivalry causing him to express anxiety for her -first.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She spoke, and strange were the mumbling sounds -which issued from her toothless mouth. -“I’ve sost my seesh in thish dishgrashful affairsh,” -she answered. “Be sho kindsh to reshtorsh my seesh, -pleash.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Here madam,” said Dick, picking up something, -“are part of them.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And here, madam,” said Brad, also picking something -up, “are the rest of them.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She hastily slipped them into her mouth, while -Mowbry Fitts began to kick and shout.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Let me get up!” he called, in a muffled voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Be quiet,” said Miss Ketchum, “until I have arranged -my toilet.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her head was almost entirely devoid of hair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps this may assist you,” said Dick, discovering -her wig and handing it to her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Help!” called the husky voice of Professor Gunn. -“I’m smothering! I can’t breathe!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You don’t deserve to breathe,” said Miss Ketchum, -calmly adjusting the wig. “You are two indecent -creatures, and I am sure you have disgraced me forever.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Major Fitts was becoming frantic.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m dying!” he groaned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m dead!” came faintly from Professor Gunn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time scores of guests had reached the spot -and stood asking questions. Others were coming. -The whole house had been aroused.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Dick,” said Brad, “I do believe the professor is -smothering! She’s sitting on his head, and his -struggles are growing weaker.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Lift her, Brad,” said Merriwell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They caught hold of her and stood her on her feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Water!” gasped the professor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whisky!” wheezed the major.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They lay on their backs, having managed to roll -over, gasping for breath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Miss Ketchum looked down at them with an air of -contempt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I hope,” she said, “that the proprietor has you both -locked up as lunatics! You are the worst old fools I -ever saw! So there!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then, declining assistance, she hurried up the stairs.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-ivthe-challenge"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id5"><span>CHAPTER IV—THE CHALLENGE</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The final words of Sarah Ann ere she pranced up -the stairs did much to revive the professor and the -major. They sat up and looked at each other. The -expression on their faces was comical in the extreme.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“She meant you, sir!” rasped Gunn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“She meant yo’, suh!” snapped Fitts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I think she plainly included both of you,” said Dick; -“and I fancy it is the opinion of all present that she -hit the nail on the head.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t know about the nail,” groaned Zenas; “but -I’m sure something hit me on the head. And that -woman—that heartless jade—sat on me! She nearly -finished me!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Had she completed the job,” declared the major, “it -would have been a blessing, suh. It would have -disposed of a pestiferous, weak-minded, addle-pated, -goggle-eyed——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hold on! Stop right there!” cried Zenas. “That -will do! You have reached the limit, sir—the limit!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yo’ may think so, suh; but yo’ll find this is far -from the limit. I am a man of honor, and I demand -satisfaction. I demand blood!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He’s a butcher!” chuckled Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You have it already,” said Zenas. “Your nose is -bleeding, sir.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You know what I mean. I demand that you meet -me in mortal combat. You escaped me once, but you -shall not escape again. I caught you sneaking around -the door of Miss Ketchum’s room and——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I caught you there, you fabricator!” flung back the -professor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this point the proprietor of the hotel appeared on -the scene and promptly announced that he would not -have such things in his house. He threatened to eject -them both, whereupon Dick hastened to assure the -angry man that he would take care of the professor -and see that there was no further disturbance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Dick and Brad lifted Zenas to his feet and -started him up the stairs, one on either side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You shall hear from me again!” cried the major, -in defiance of those who had raised him and were dragging -him away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bah, sir!” Zenas flung over his shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Boo, suh!” Fitts hurled back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Slowly, slowly, boys!” groaned the old pedagogue. -“I feel as if all my joints were dislocated and half -my bones were broken. It’s a wonder my head is not -mashed flat, for that woman—that creature—sat on -it! Then she called me an old fool!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But,” said Dick, “you know you could spend your -life at her feet, listening to the musical murmur of her -heavenly voice.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Her voice sounds like tearing a rag!” sneered -Zenas. “She’s all skin and bones, and——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, professor!” interrupted Brad. “I heard you -assert that her form had the grace of a gazelle.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Never—never said it! She’s a hatchet-faced -old——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Tut! tut!” chided Dick. “You know you admired -her the first time you beheld her intellectual and classic -countenance.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Now stop it, boys! Did you see her glare at me -with those fishy eyes?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Awful!” exclaimed Dick. “You called her eyes -limpid lakes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I deny it! I deny it! And she has false teeth, for -I heard her mumble that she lost them when she fell.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You distinctly stated,” reminded Buckhart, “that -her teeth were pearls beyond price.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I think they cost about eleven dollars a set,” estimated -Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And her golden halo of hair came off in the shuffle,” -said the Texan. “She’s as bald as a billiard -ball.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Say no more!” entreated Zenas. “Get me to my -room and spread me on the bed. Boys, if you ever tell -of this—if you ever even mention it again—I’ll send -you both back home!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time they had reached their rooms, and -they helped the old fellow to the bed, on which he -slowly sank, groaning as if in great distress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bring me my medicine, Richard,” he entreated. -“I must have a small dose. You will find it in my -medicine case. The leather-covered flask, Richard. -That’s it. Never mind pouring any. I’ll take it directly -from the flask. It is a harmless tonic, and I -need it greatly just now.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He took a long pull at the leather-covered flask. -After that he lay back and closed his eyes for a moment. -Suddenly they popped open and he exclaimed:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“To think that creature should call me an old fool!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But you know pearls of wisdom drop from her -sweet lips,” laughed Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And she is a lofty-minded, angelic girl,” added -Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Get out of here, you two rascals!” cried the old -man. “You’re laughing at me, you ungrateful scamps! -Do you want to drive me crazy? Leave me to meditate -on the frailty of human flesh.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The laughing lads retired to the adjoining room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, one good thing happened,” said Dick; “it -cured him of his foolishness over Sarah Ann.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He sure is well cured,” agreed Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There came a sharp knock on the door. Before they -could open it, it was flung wide by the giant Nubian, -and Aziz Achmet again entered the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“This is too much!” exclaimed Dick. “I’ll call the -proprietor and see if we are to be annoyed by this man -in this outrageous manner.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Wait a moment, boy,” advised the Turk, still -maintaining his cool and insolent manner. “I am -here on most important business. Professor Gunn has -been challenged to mortal combat by Major Fitts, and -I have come as the representative of the major to make -arrangements for the affair of honor.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well,” said Dick, “you may return and tell that -little blusterer to go to a warmer clime! Professor -Gunn is not a fighting man, and he will not meet Major -Fitts in a duel.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hold on—hold on, Richard!” called the professor, -who was beginning to feel the influence of the “medicine” -from the leather-covered flask. “Don’t be so -hasty! I want you to understand that I am no coward! -That withered old pippin can’t frighten me! No, sir! -If he wants to fight a duel, I’ll meet him, and I’ll give -him all he wants of it!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Professor, you——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Stop, Richard—stop right there! I know my own -business. If I were to let that mistake from Mississippi -drive me into my boots I’d never after have the -face to look at my own reflection in a mirror.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But a duel, professor—a real duel——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I know. It’s all right. I’ll show him the kind -of stuff I’m made of, I will! He thinks he’ll frighten -me, but he’ll find out he can’t jar me a bit. I’ll meet -him with weapons of any sort. I’ll meet him anywhere!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whoop!” cried Buckhart. “The old boy means -it, pard, and I reckon he’ll make good!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Mowbry Fitts will find out that I’ll make good,” -said Zenas. “He can’t send his representative here -and frighten Zenas Gunn, of Fardale. Fix it up, -Richard. You shall be my second. I leave it all to -you. That unfortunate fall shook me up, and I’m a -trifle dizzy. I’ll retire again. But this gentleman -had better tell old Fitts to prepare for his funeral. -That’s all he’ll be good for when I am through with -him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Zenas again retired to his room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Aziz Achmet waited. Dick Merriwell thought -swiftly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Where and when shall this duel take place?” he -asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There is an old cemetery a short distance up the -street,” said the Turk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It will be an excellent place for the meeting.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And the hour?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Daybreak to-morrow, if it suits you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s all right.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The weapons——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We have the choice of weapons,” interrupted Merriwell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And you choose swords—or pistols?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We will not only choose the weapons, we’ll provide -them,” said the boy. “I’ll have them on hand, Mr. -Achmet.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But it is customary to settle all these little details -in advance, boy.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You have forced this affair on Professor Gunn. -I guarantee that he will be on hand at the appointed -time to-morrow morning. I also guarantee that he will -have the weapons. If you’re not satisfied with that, get -out of these rooms and cease to annoy us further.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s business!” cried Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Achmet seemed to think a moment, but he finally -bowed, retreating gracefully toward the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is only a single point,” he said, “and I shall -advise my principal to concede it. But I wish you to -understand that we shall be on our guard for trickery, -and I’ll see that Major Fitts has a fair and even -chance.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he passed through the door, which the Nubian -closed.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-vin-the-cemetery"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id6"><span>CHAPTER V—IN THE CEMETERY</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When Pera was swept by fire but one thing in the -burned portion remained practically unchanged. It -was an old cemetery. It is there to-day, in the midst -of the city of modern buildings, and this cemetery was -the spot chosen by Aziz Achmet for the duel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To this old graveyard in the dusky light of morning -came three persons. One was an old man, haggard -and pallid; the others were boys. The boys each carried -a basket carefully covered by a cloth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn had scarcely closed his eyes in sleep -that night. He tried to sleep, but his “medicine” ran -out, and without its soothing influence he wooed slumber -in vain. During the greater part of the night he -had walked the floor of his room or sat writing at a -little table.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Beneath the dismal cypress trees which filled the -cemetery it was still quite dark.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Boys,” whispered the professor, as they paused -on the point of entering, “can you see anything of -them?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Can’t see much of anything,” answered Dick, “only -what looks like a lot of drunken ghosts.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In truth the graveyard seemed filled with reeling, -ghostly forms, but, on closer inspection, these were -found to be tombstones. The human appearance of -these lurching stones was explained on closer examination, -for it is the custom of the Turks to carve the -stone above the grave of every man so that its top -is crowned either with a turban or a fez. Seen in a -dim light, the tilted stones looked remarkably like staggering -human forms, robed in white.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Boo!” muttered Buckhart, shrugging his broad -shoulders. “This sure is a spooky old place.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both boys heard a sudden sound like rattling dice. -They discovered it came from the professor, whose -teeth were chattering loudly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Keep a stiff backbone, professor,” advised Dick. -“It will all be over in a short time.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ye-yes,” faltered Zenas, “it will all bub-bub-be over -fuf-fuf-for me. Richard, I fuf-fuf-feel that I am gug-gug-going -to fuf-fuf-fall.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Nonsense! Why, you were bold as a lion last night -when Achmet called.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bub-bub-but that was lul-lul-last nun-nun-night,” -chattered the shaking old fellow. “Besides, I had tut-tut-taken -some tut-tut-tonic. I wush I ha-ha-had sus-sus-some -nun-nun-now.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It sure is a shame you ran out of tonic,” said Brad. -“But you won’t be any good whatever unless you get -a brace on. You’ve got to fight Fitts now.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes, you’ll have to give him fits,” said Dick, making -a poor pun. “You can’t back out without being -branded as a coward, after which you’d never again -dare look at your own reflection in a mirror.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I know it,” sighed Zenas; “but I was a fool to be -so bub-brave last night! That woman is responsible -for it all! If I dud-dud-die, my blood will be on her -head!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But you’re not going to fall,” declared Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They finally succeeded in leading him into the gloom -of the cemetery, and he seemed greatly relieved when -they ascertained beyond doubt that Major Fitts and -his second had not arrived.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps they won’t come at all,” said the old pedagogue -eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps not,” agreed Dick; “but I wouldn’t count -on that, for I believe Achmet will bring the major.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the professor was hopeful as well as anxious. -He watched the gray light of morning sifting through -the cypress branches and bringing out the ghostly -tombstones with more and more distinctness. Then -he began to fear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I—I think there is no doubt about it,” he said, at -last. “He is not coming, boys. He’s a bluffer. He -tried to bluff me, but he failed.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having arrived at this conclusion, he rapidly grew -indignant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“This thing is outrageous!” he blustered—“outrageous, -I say! Why, the craven little whipper-snapper! -Just think of it, he hasn’t the courage to come -here like a man and meet me in mortal combat! He -is a coward—that’s what he is, a coward! A fire eater, -indeed! Bah! The next time I meet him, I shall -tweak his nose! Yes, sir, tweak it!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the dim, gray light Dick and Brad exchanged -glances. Neither laughed, but both felt like it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m tired of waiting,” declared Zenas. “The time -is past. He isn’t coming, and we may as well return -to the hotel.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I think we had better wait a little longer,” urged -Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But what’s the use. It’s morning now, and that -craven from Mississippi is not on hand. I’ll warrant -he is hiding beneath his bed this very minute.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I opine you’re mistaken, professor,” said Brad -dryly. “If I ain’t a heap mistaken, here he comes -now.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Where?” gasped Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There,” said the Texan, motioning toward three -dim figures which were entering the cemetery and approaching. -“I reckon it’s Major Fitts, accompanied -by two friends.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, Lordy!” groaned the professor, growing limp -and leaning on Dick’s shoulder, all the bluster taken -out of him in a second.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more Merriwell urged the old pedagogue to -brace up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t let him see you’re afraid,” he urged. “Do -stiffen up, professor!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Richard,” groaned Zenas, “I had a premonition -that my time had come. Here, Richard, take these -papers. One is my last will and testament. The other -is a fond adieu to my wife. Poor Nancy! how I -pity her! She’ll never see me again! Tell her how -I perished, Richard. Perhaps some time—when I’m -gone—you may think—of me. It is a fearful thing—to -perish—in a foreign land—far from—the loved -ones—at home.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old man choked and could speak no more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The three persons were now quite near, and by the -dim light the boys could recognize the short figure -of Major Fitts. Aziz Achmet had the major by the -arm and seemed talking to him earnestly in low tones. -The third man carried a small hand case, and seemed -like a surgeon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fitts and the surgeon stopped a short distance away, -while Achmet advanced swiftly, with his usual soft -step.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I see you are here, gentlemen,” he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We are,” returned Dick; “but we began to think -you were not coming. Professor Gunn is anxious -to have this affair over in order that he may take a -bath before breakfast.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“A bath!” said the Turk. “Before breakfast?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes; he always has his morning shower or sponge.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But he may not need one this morning.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I reckon he will,” muttered Buckhart, to himself. -“If Fitts’ aim is any good, the professor sure will need -one a heap.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Major Fitts,” said Achmet, “is inclined to be magnanimous.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Indeed?” said Dick questioningly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes; he wishes me to say that he has no real desire -to slay one of his own countrymen.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Kind of him!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And, therefore, if Professor Gunn will apologize, -he will overlook the insult and spare him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I—I think I had better do it, Richard!” whispered -Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Mr. Achmet,” said Dick stiffly, “you will kindly -inform Major Fitts that he has quite misunderstood -the situation. Tell him that unless he immediately -apologizes in the most humble manner Professor Gunn -insists that the affair be carried through to the bitter -end.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“To the bitter end!” put in Buckhart. “That’s the -stuff!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Turk bowed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then there is nothing else to be done but to arrange -the preliminaries. I will speak to the major a -moment.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as Achmet’s back was turned the professor -seized Dick and almost sobbed in his ear:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Richard, Richard, why did you do it? My blood -will be on your head!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hush!” returned Dick. “Don’t you see the major -is frightened worse than you are? Achmet has -dragged him here, and he’s ready to take to his heels -and run for his life.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Wh-what?” gasped Zenas, straightening up as if -electrified. “Are you sure?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No question about it. Achmet is having a difficult -time to hold him now.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a fact that Mowbry Fitts was very much disturbed. -He protested that there might be a mutual -understanding through which the affair could be -dropped. All the way to the cemetery he had hoped -that the professor would not be there and would fail -to appear. He now declared that Achmet was responsible -for the whole wretched affair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is a shame that two highly intelligent men, two -eminently respectable citizens of a great and glorious -country, should meet here, suh, in this wretched old -cemetery, suh, and slaughter each other in cold blood,” -he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Achmet shrugged his shoulders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am quite surprised in you,” he declared. “I -thought you a brave man. The other American is -waiting and anxious. If you show the white feather -now, you will be branded the rest of your life as a -coward.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last the major seemed to brace up. He announced -that he was ready for the worst.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time it had grown quite light outside, although -there were still deep shadows in the cemetery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Achmet turned to the professor and the boys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We are ready,” he said. “Where are the -weapons?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The surgeon was kneeling on the ground, having -opened his case. He was laying out his instruments on -a white cloth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If you are ready, we are,” said Dick. “The weapons -are in these baskets. You may select either basket -you choose. Let the major remove his coat in order -that his arms may be free and unhampered. Professor, -strip.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Smothering a groan, Zenas permitted Brad to assist -him in removing his coat. Major Fitts also took -his coat off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Achmet hesitated when invited to choose one of the -baskets. He feared a trick and inquired if the weapons -in one basket were identical with those in the other. -Dick assured him that there was not the slightest -difference.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I selected them myself with the greatest care,” asserted -the boy. “They are good and strong.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And rank,” muttered Buckhart softly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Let the major and the professor stand ten paces -apart,” said Dick. “At that distance, they should be -able to hit each other once in three shots, at least. Let -them begin firing at the word and continue until one -or the other falls, cries enough, or the ammunition is -exhausted. Brad, pace the distance.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart did so promptly, but his paces were very -short. He made a mark with his heel for Zenas and -another to indicate the position of the major.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the meantime Achmet had selected one of the -baskets and carried it to the point where his principal -was to stand. Dick placed the other near the -spot marked for the professor. Neither of the duelists -knew the sort of weapons decided on, and both -watched with great anxiety the uncovering of the -baskets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Taking note of Achmet’s movements, Dick removed -the cloth from the professor’s basket at the same moment -that the Turk lifted the covering of the other -basket.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both baskets were filled with eggs!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Eggs?” gasped Fitts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Eggs?” breathed Gunn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Eggs-actly,” chuckled Brad Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, I—I don’t understand!” faltered the professor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What does this mean, gentlemen?” demanded the -major. “Will yo’ kindly explain it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Having the choice of weapons,” said Dick, “I decided -on eggs, good and rank. Here they are. Only -fools fight duels over trivial things with deadly -weapons. With these eggs you cannot kill each other, -but you can soak each other to your hearts’ content and -thus satisfy your wounded honor.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But, suh, I never heard of such a thing, suh!” exploded -Fitts. “It is ridiculous!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All right,” returned Dick. “If you object, I have -brought these.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He produced two huge pistols.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“One,” continued Dick, “is loaded. The other is -not. You shall toss for choice. Then you shall stand -at arm’s length, place the pistols against each other’s -breast, and pull the triggers at the word. A moment -later one of you will be a dead man, while the other -will be unharmed. Does that suit you better, major?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s unusual—decidedly unusual, suh! No, suh, it -does not suit me at all, suh! I prefer the eggs.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Good!” whispered Zenas. “So do I!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then take your positions, gentlemen,” ordered Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Aziz Achmet threw up his hands, shaking his head -in a baffled manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, these Americans, these Americans!” he muttered, -retreating. “I had hoped they might destroy -each other, which would save me further trouble with -them. Now they are going to fight a duel with rotten -eggs! Pah!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The surgeon hastily threw his instruments into the -case, which he closed and picked up, also retreating -to get out of probable danger of being hit by one of -those eggs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The professor and the major got ready for action. -Each picked up as many eggs as he could hold in his -left hand and took one in his right.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Are you ready, gentlemen?” asked Dick, also backing -off a little, an example followed by Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ready!” answered both.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then—fire!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Whizz! Spat!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The major missed, but the professor’s aim was accurate, -and he struck Fitts fairly in the centre of his -white shirt bosom. The man from Mississippi staggered -and clapped his hand to his nose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, whew! Oh, murder!” he gasped. “That was -not an egg! If it was it was laid two thousand years -ago!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Whizz!—another one flew past the major’s ear. -This aroused him, and he got into action once more. -Eggs flew through the air with increasing rapidity. -While stooping to get a fresh supply of ammunition -from his basket, Zenas was struck fairly on top of his -bald head. The yellow mass spattered in all directions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A strong odor filled the air, reaching the nostrils of -both Dick and Brad, who were laughing heartily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great horn spoon!” gurgled the Texan. “For a -duel this sure beats! Look at ’em, pard! The professor -got it in the neck that time! There—he hit -the major! They’ll be sights in a minute!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was laughing in his old, rollicking way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, ha, ha, ha! Go it, professor! Soak him! -That’s the way! Ha, ha, ha!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Never had that grim and gloomy cemetery resounded -with such shouts of merriment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, I’ll fix him!” cried Zenas. “I’ll teach him a -lesson! I’ll teach him to challenge me! I’ll—— Murder! -I’m blinded!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In truth he had been struck fairly between the eyes, -and the mass that spattered over his face completely -blinded him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Teach me, will yo’, suh?” triumphantly shouted the -major. “Oh, I don’t know!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was gasping for breath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Brad, it’s t-too much!” he laughed, holding onto -his sides. “Ha, ha, ha! It’s too much!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn wiped his sleeve across his eyes. -Then he tried the other sleeve and succeeded in clearing -them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Have yo’ got enough, suh?” demanded the major. -“Cry quits, suh, if yo’ have.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Never—never while I live!” grated Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then I’ll have to finish yo’, suh. I offered -yo’——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He said no more, for at that instant an egg thrown -with all the force Zenas Gunn could command struck -him full and fair in the mouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The little man went down as if shot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whee!” shrilled the professor. “Got him then!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fitts kicked and floundered and then rolled over on -his stomach, lifting himself to his hands and knees. -The sounds he emitted were trying on those who heard -him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this juncture two ladies suddenly appeared on -the scene, having approached during the excitement -without being observed. They were Sarah Ann -Ketchum and an Englishwoman whom she had found -in the hotel and induced to accompany her to the scene -of the duel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Major Fitts had written her a passionate note of -farewell, telling her about the duel, where it was to -be fought and when. This he had intrusted to a servant -to be delivered that morning. The servant had -not waited for Miss Ketchum to rise, but had rapped -at her door until she got up and received the message. -When she comprehended its contents she lost not a -moment in dressing and getting the other woman to -accompany her to the scene of the “deadly” meeting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When she saw Major Fitts on his hands and knees, -giving utterance to those distressing and terrible -sounds, she shrieked and ran forward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, heavens!” she cried. “He is slain! He is -wounded unto death! He is dying! Hear him gurgle, -and groan, and gasp for breath! It is a horrible -tragedy!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great horn spoon!” exclaimed Buckhart. “Sarah -Ann is on deck, pard.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“She has arrived too late to prevent the fearful -deed,” said Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lady from Boston saw Professor Gunn. She -shook her clenched hands at him and screamed:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You murderer! You have killed the poor major! -You have slain the idol of my heart!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great Cæsar!” gasped Zenas. “So she acknowledged -that human wart as the idol of her heart! Well, -she may take her idol, eggs and all!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sarah Ann fell on her knees beside the major, clasping -him in her arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Poor, poor hero!” she sobbed. “Tell me where you -are wounded.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Fo’ the love of goodness, go ’way!” gurgled Fitts -thickly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What is this horrid odor?” she exclaimed chokingly. -“It is frightful!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Turkish cemeteries always smell that way, madam,” -huskily declared the major. “Please go ’way! Please -let me die in peace!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Never! I will remain by you until the last! I -will—— But I can’t endure this terrible odor! I’m -growing faint! And what is this sticky substance all -over your clothes?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s blood—pure blood.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She held up her hands. The light was now sufficient -for her to see.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But it’s not red—it’s yellow!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s the color of my blood, madam. I’ve had -yellow fever. Do go ’way!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But it smells—it smells—— Why, it’s everywhere! -It’s on the ground!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ve shed gallons of it already. I beg yo’ to leave -me!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And those brutes are permitting you to bleed to -death! What monsters!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She began to grow hysterical. The language she -applied to the professor made him wince. It also -aroused his resentment. When she repeatedly called -him a murderer he finally decided that the limit had -been reached. Prancing over to her, he shrilly cried:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Madam, you are needlessly wasting your sympathy -on that little runt. He’s not seriously harmed, I assure -you. We did fight a duel, and I am the victor; but we -did not engage with deadly weapons, and Major Fitts -is not dying.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not dying? Did not use deadly weapons? Why—why, -what did you use?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Eggs, madam—rotten eggs; and I am proud to -say that I pasted him with them in a most scientific -manner.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Eggs?” screamed Miss Ketchum, springing up and -looking at her besmeared hands. “Rotten eggs? Then -this is not his blood!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hardly,” assured Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, horrible! Disgusting! It is perfectly shameful -and outrageous! Look at my hands! Look -at my waist! And the smell! I’m going to faint! -Catch me!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not on your life!” exclaimed Gunn, backing off. -“I’ve learned my little book.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She did not faint. Instead, she stiffened up like a -ramrod and denounced both the duelists in scathing -and scornful terms. Once more she declared that both -were fools, and finally she fled, accompanied by the -Englishwoman.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-vithe-sights-of-stamboul"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id7"><span>CHAPTER VI—THE SIGHTS OF STAMBOUL</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>“Well, boys,” said Professor Gunn, some days later, -as the trio were lounging in their rooms after the midday -meal, “what do you think of Constantinople? Have -you seen about enough of it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, we have seen a great deal,” confessed Dick. -“It is a fascinating and bewildering place, with its -narrow, dirty streets, its swarms of people of many -races, its veiled women, its dogs, its palaces and watch -towers—in short, its thousands of strange sights.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is a whole lot queer,” nodded Buckhart. “It -gives me a right odd feeling to stand beside a mosque -and see a muezzin come out on the balcony of a minaret -and utter the call to prayer. The way he chants it kind -of stirs something inside of me: ‘God is great; there -is but one God; Mohammed is the prophet of God; -prayer is better than sleep; come to prayer!’ Oh, I’ve -got her all down fine, and I’ll never forget the words -nor how they sound.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I suppose there are lots of places we have not seen, -together with plenty of interesting things,” said Dick. -“The thing that I’ll remember longest is the dance of -the howling dervishes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You bet that was a corker!” exclaimed the Texan, -sitting up. “I opine I’ve got good nerves, but it certain -came near driving me crazy to see them, a full -dozen, just whirling and whirling like tops.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then when they began to chant and howl!” said -Dick. “The way they wailed, and groaned, and cried, -‘Allah, hough! Allah, hough!’ was enough to disturb -nerves of steel.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But the finish was the worst, when all the whirlers -had their eyes set and their lips covered with foam. -No more howling-dervish shows for me!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Nor me, pard!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, when you youngsters get tired of Constantinople -we’ll move on,” said Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I sure would like to know whatever became of -Major Fitts and Miss Ketchum,” said Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Never mind them!” exclaimed the professor -hastily. “It was a great relief when they both took -themselves out of this hotel after that—after that -encounter in the cemetery.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“After your bloody duel, professor,” laughed Dick. -“That was a fearful encounter, from which you came -forth the victor.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But somewhat damaged myself,” confessed Zenas. -“Boys, you want to remember what will happen to you -if you ever relate that affair to any one.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart grinned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Miss Ketchum was some excited when she arrived -on the scene of action. She thought the major was -dying. I don’t wonder, for the sounds he emitted after -being struck in the mouth by that egg sure sounded -like he was coughing up the ghost.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“She certainly was disgusted when she found the -major’s yellow blood was smashed rotten eggs,” said -Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“She had the stuff all over her hands after putting -her arms about him. Partner, that was a great -racket!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hum! haw!” coughed the professor. “Of course, -on the major’s account I was willing to carry out the -programme and use eggs, but it was beneath my dignity, -and I should have preferred a regular duel with pistols -or swords.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Professor!” exclaimed Dick. “Why, you know -you were somewhat timid over the result before you -learned what sort of weapons were to be used.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Because I did not wish to have human blood on my -hands. It was entirely for Major Fitts that I was worried.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I opine,” said Brad, “that old Aziz Achmet was -just about as disgusted as any one. It is my judgment -that the old pirate wanted to see the professor and -the major carve each other up, though just what his -reason for it was I can’t say.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He disappeared at the same time when Sarah and -the major vanished,” said Dick. “He was becoming -a nuisance, and I thought we might have no end of -trouble with him while in this place. However, I -fancy he found out he was wasting his time spying -on us. I’m still confident that Bunol and Marsh caused -us to be placed under surveillance by the Turkish -secret police.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The Turkish secret police?” exclaimed Zenas. -“You don’t mean to say——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There is such a body, and Aziz Achmet belonged -to it. We were suspicious characters, and he watched -us. But I have an idea that he finally decided that we -were exactly what we represented ourselves to be, ordinary -travelers. Miss Ketchum, however, belongs -to a society that is seeking to investigate and correct -the wrongs of the Armenians in Turkey, and, therefore, -Achmet transferred his attention wholly to her.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Good gracious!” spluttered the professor. “Although -she turned out to be a hatchet-faced old maid, -I hope no harm has come to her in this heathen land.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t you worry,” laughed Dick. “Major Fitts -will look out for her. All I ask is that he keeps her -away from us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t think the major wants to see us again,” -chuckled Brad. “I’m sure he wouldn’t fancy having -the story of that duel get back to Natchez, Mississippi.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, boys, shall we spend the afternoon in talk, -or shall we go out and see something?” asked the -professor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They quickly decided that they were ready to go -out, and once more rose the question of what they -should see.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have it!” cried the old pedagogue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Name it,” urged Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The Underground Palace.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What’s that?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You haven’t heard of it? Good! It’s the very -place for us to visit this day. Wait; I’ll send for -Mustapha. Hope he’s not engaged, for we must go -over into Stamboul, and I do not fancy visiting that -place without a good guide and interpreter.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I should say not!” exclaimed Dick. “If ever there -was a place just made to get lost in it’s Stamboul, with -its maze of narrow, crooked, unnamed streets and unnumbered -houses.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Correct, pard,” agreed Brad. “I can get lost -quicker and a heap sight worse in Stamboul than on a -trackless desert. We sure must take a dragoman if -we’re going to amble over there.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the black Nubian, who seemed always waiting -for a call, was summoned and instructed to send out -for the dragoman engaged by Dick on their arrival, to -pilot them from the steamer to their hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In less than thirty minutes Mustapha appeared, -salaming in true Turkish fashion, the tassel of his fez -sweeping the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I here, effendi,” he said, addressing the professor. -“What you haf of me?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We want to visit Stamboul.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I good dragoman. I guide you, effendi.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Our purpose is to see the great underground cistern -sometimes called the Underground Palace.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Effendi, go not! Keep from there!” Mustapha -showed great concern.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why should we not go there?” questioned the professor. -“It is one of the great sights.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You haf for your life some valuement?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Certainly; but what can there be dangerous about -a visit to the Underground Palace?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Maybe you haf not hear it, effendi?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Have not heard what?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“One time some Engleeshman go there. They nefer -come back.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What happened to them?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mustapha made a gesture with his hands indicative -of vanishing into the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Who answer it the question?” he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, well!” muttered Zenas. “What do you think -about this matter, boys?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My interest is aroused now,” answered Dick. “I -want to see this mysterious place.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s right, pard. I’m sure some wrought up -to see it myself. Of course we’ll go.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Too young to haf wisdom,” said Mustapha, with a -gesture toward the boys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Come on, professor!” cried Dick. “If this dragoman -will not act as guide for us, we can easily secure -another.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Instantly Mustapha hastened to assure them that he -would be only too glad to act as their guide; but that -they should pay him before visiting the Underground -Palace, as they might never return, in which case he -would lose his honestly earned due by neglecting to -collect ahead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They agreed to pay him in advance, and soon they -set out from the hotel in Pera, eager to see the mysterious -place that was said to hold so much of mystery -and danger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the afternoon sunshine Stamboul was magnificent -when seen from a distance. But when they had -crossed the Golden Horn and plunged into the city -all its impressiveness vanished. At intervals they came -upon some splendid mosques, but mosques were far -more impressive when seen from the proper distance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mustapha knew his business, and he conducted -them to the place where they could descend and inspect -the Underground Palace, but he declined to enter -with them. For that purpose he called another man, -with close-set, shifty eyes and a thin-lipped mouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“This dragoman, Bayazid,” he said. “He tak’ you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Is he trustworthy?” asked the professor, with a -slight show of nervousness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You not find one more so, effendi.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Bayazid, or “Pigeon,” as he was called in English, -was engaged to show them the Underground -Palace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I haf very good boat, effendi,” he declared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whatever is that?” asked Buckhart. “Do we have -to take a boat?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You will see,” answered Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The entrance was somewhat like that of a sewer, but -there were stone steps leading down into the darkness -of the place. The guide found and lighted two torches, -which it seemed were kept for the use of those who -wished to visit the Palace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Say, this is some boogerish!” said Brad, as they -found themselves in a dark and damp cemented passage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The old city was built above a huge system of cisterns,” -explained the professor. “Their purpose was -to guard against a famine of water in time of war. -Some of the old cisterns are dry now and are used by -silk spinners. We shall visit one that still contains -water.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But I thought we were going to see a palace,” -said Dick, in disappointment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You shall see one—so called.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The passage echoed to their tread, while their voices -came back hollowly, as if hidden imps were mocking -them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the boys were quite unprepared for the spectacle -that suddenly met their gaze. They came from the -passage into a mighty vaulted chamber, stretching -away into an unknown distance and filled with a -shadowy maze of marble columns, row on row. The -floor of this wonderful place was smooth as a mirror -and seemed black as ebony, save where the light of the -torches fell on it. There it glittered, and gleamed, -and shimmered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Exclamations of astonishment and wonder broke -from the lips of the two lads. The professor grasped -them, one with either hand, and stopped them abruptly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We can’t go farther on foot,” he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Eh? Why not?” asked the Texan, in surprise. -“Look at that floor! Wouldn’t it be great to dance -on! It’s smooth as glass and——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You would get your feet wet if you attempted to -dance on that,” declared Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What? Why—why, it’s water!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Exactly.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But—but it looks black everywhere except where -the light strikes directly on it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Because no other ray of light reaches this place.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick stooped and dipped his hand in the water, -which reached to their very feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, this is worth seeing!” he declared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“This was constructed by Constantine more than -fifteen hundred years ago,” explained the professor. -“Think, boys, what you now behold is the work of -man, yet it remains practically the same as when constructed -fifteen centuries ago.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It looks like a partly submerged cathedral,” murmured -Dick. “One can fancy all its worshipers and -priests as drowned in that flood of black water. In -fancy I seem to see their restless spirits floating above -the surface of the lake, away, away yonder in the unknown -distance. How large is it, professor?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There are three hundred and thirty-six of those -marble columns, arranged in twenty-eight rows. I -fancy the real reason why Mustapha refused to enter -here is because of the many legends and tales told concerning -the place. It is said that these vaults often -echo to hollow laughter, and that the place is haunted -by the ghosts of murdered sultans of past ages, whose -places were usurped by the very monsters who intrigued -to bring about the murders. Some claim that -the spirits of the beautiful women destroyed by jealous -sultans are doomed to float forever here above the surface -of this buried lake, and that occasionally one of -them is seen by a visitor for a single fleeting instant, -then goes wailing and sobbing into the black distance.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, by the great horn spoon, I don’t know that I -blame Mustapha for not coming here!” exclaimed -Brad. “It’s the most spooky old hole I ever struck.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this juncture Bayazid inquired if they wished to -take a boat and venture out a short distance on the -water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Certainly,” answered Dick, at once. “I think it will -be a novel experience, and I want to go. If Brad does -not——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hold on, pard!” cried the Texan. “Wherever you -go I go, you bet your boots! Mebbe I don’t like it a -heap, but I’m with you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bayazid left them and moved a short distance to the -right. They watched him and saw the light of his -torch fall on a black boat that lay motionless at the -edge of the black lake. He stepped into the boat and -soon brought it to the shore at their feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick and Brad followed the professor into the boat, -which was large enough to accommodate two more -persons, if the party had included them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bayazid had placed his torch in a socket that seemed -arranged for it. He suggested that the others should -extinguish theirs, as too much light close at hand would -blind them, instead of making it possible for them to -see better.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They accepted his suggestion, and slowly the boat -slipped out upon the bosom of the soundless lake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly there was a whirring rush through the air, -and something brushed past the head of the professor, -who uttered a squawk of alarm, struck out wildly with -both hands and fell over backward off his seat to -flounder in the bottom of the boat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Howling tornadoes!” gasped Buckhart. “Whatever -was that?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“A bat, effendi,” answered Bayazid.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Goodness!” palpitated the professor, as he finally -struggled up to his seat. “I confess it did frighten -me, boys. Made me think of those restless ghosts -which are said to wander forever above the bosom of -this lake. Hadn’t we better go back?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Which way shall we go?” asked Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They looked around. On every hand they saw nothing -but marble pillars, shadows, and grim darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Waugh!” muttered the Texan. “I confess I -couldn’t follow the back trail.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But Bayazid knows the way, don’t you, Bayazid?” -anxiously asked the professor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I know it, effendi,” was the assurance. “Trust me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I—I’m very glad you do!” breathed Zenas. “I -think we will return at once.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Dick urged that they should go on a little -farther, as Bayazid was thoroughly familiar with the -place and there was no danger that they would become -lost.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad always stuck by Dick, and the two overruled -the old pedagogue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Therefore Bayazid paddled slowly on. Had they -seen his face they might have become suspicious and -alarmed, but the shadows hid the crafty and treacherous -look his countenance wore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally they paused again, amid the labyrinth of pillars. -Without the guide, not one of them could have -told which course to follow in order to return to the -point from which they started.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly Bayazid uttered an exclamation and stood -up in the boat, staring into the darkness beyond his -passengers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Involuntarily the trio turned their heads to look, -wondering what it could be that the guide saw.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Barely were their heads turned in that manner when -the treacherous guide snatched the torch from its -socket and plunged it into the water. There was a -hissing sound and instant darkness.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-viilost-on-the-buried-lake"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id8"><span>CHAPTER VII—LOST ON THE BURIED LAKE</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Dick Merriwell had brought along a revolver. He -drew it in a moment and held it ready for use, expecting -something to happen in the Stygian darkness of -that terrible place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn cried out to Bayazid, demanding to -know the meaning of his act.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Get hold of the onery varmint!” advised Buckhart. -“Let me put my paws on him!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Texan floundered about, rocking the boat somewhat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Be careful, Brad!” warned Dick. “You don’t -know what he will do! It may be intended for a joke, -just to frighten us, and it may be intended for something -else. I have a pistol. Keep away from him and -let me do the business.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Pup-pup-perhaps it’s pup-pup-part of the regular -pup-pup-programme,” chattered Professor Gunn. -“Pup-pup-perhaps they always pup-pup-put out the tut-tut-torch -when they have pup-pup-passengers on this -old underground pup-pup-pond.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Be quiet,” directed Dick. “Bayazid.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He called to the guide, but there was no answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bayazid!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again he called. His voice echoed hollowly in the -unseen arches above their heads.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why doesn’t the blame fool answer?” growled -Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Strike a match, Brad,” directed Dick. “I’m holding -my revolver ready for use, and I’ll shoot, if necessary, -the moment I can see what to shoot at.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Texan lost little time in producing a match, but -when he attempted to strike it he failed, the brimstone -breaking off. Three matches were used before one -burned. The light flared up, Buckhart holding it above -his head. Its glow fell on the old professor and the -two boys, and simultaneously they made an amazing -discovery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were alone in the boat!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bayazid, the guide, had disappeared!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had his revolver ready for action, and he was -standing in a half-crouching position, peering over the -head of Buckhart at the place in the boat lately occupied -by the guide.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He’s gug-gone!” gasped Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad dropped the match, and again they were buried -in darkness which seemed to oppress them like an -awful weight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great catamounts!” said a voice that sounded -strange and husky, but which Dick recognized as that -of the Texan. “Where has he gone? What does it -mean, partner?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It means that we are the victims of trickery of -some sort,” answered Dick, speaking in a low tone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It means that we are deserted to perish on the -bosom of this awful buried lake!” came from the professor, -in something like a moan. “I am to blame! -I brought you here!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But whatever could be the object?” questioned -Brad, in a puzzled tone. “If it’s robbery——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s a plot—a plot, boys! We are objects of suspicion. -That agent of the secret police suspected us of -something. In this awful city to be suspected is to be -doomed.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I can’t realize it yet,” muttered Dick. “How could -the guide get out of the boat?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll strike another match, pard,” said the Texan. -“Keep your gun ready for use.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There are other torches,” reminded Dick. “We -placed them in the bottom of the boat. Find them, -Brad, and light one.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the interval that followed the Texan was -heard feeling about the bottom of the boat. After a -time he confessed:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I can’t seem to get my paws on them. I’ll have to -use another match. The light will show us where they -are.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another match was lighted, but, though it was held -and moved about to illumine the bottom of the boat, not -a torch was discovered. When they realized that the -extinguished torches were gone they sat up and looked -into one another’s eyes by the last gleams of the exhausted -match, which Buckhart held until the blaze -scorched his fingers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For some moments silence followed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Floating there on the motionless bosom of that black -lake, no sound came down to them from the great city -overhead. The stillness was appalling, yet all feared -to speak, dreading the sound of their own voices.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally Dick asked:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How many matches have you, Brad?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not over four or five more.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And I have none. How about you, professor—have -you any?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not one,” was the despairing answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly Buckhart grated:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’d like to get my paws on the treacherous dog who -deserted us in this fix! I’d certain fit him for a -funeral! You hear me affirm!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m still unable to account for his action,” said -Dick. “If his object is robbery, surely he has taken a -strange way to go about it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps he’s counting on frightening us good and -plenty,” observed Brad. “Mebbe when he thinks we’re -so frightened that we’ll be glad to cough up liberal he -will appear and offer to conduct us back to the outer -world.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Let’s call to him,” eagerly suggested the professor. -Then he lifted his voice and called loudly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When he had repeated the cry three times, they -listened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Didn’t you hear a distant answer?” asked Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I judge whatever we heard was an echo,” said -Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a time they lifted their voices in a united shout, -and then listened to the mocking echoes which fled -from pillar to pillar and died in the unknown distance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No use!” moaned Professor Gunn. “I am satisfied -that we are doomed! We’ll never leave this place -alive, and our fate will forever remain a mystery!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m sure that was no echo!” exclaimed Dick, as -far away in the darkness they seemed to hear an answer -to their repeated shouts. “Be still and let me -shout.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When he had lifted his strong, clear voice all hushed -their breathing and listened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a short interval, and then out of the black -distance came a faint, far-away answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Some one did shout, pard!” exclaimed the Texan. -“It’s a dead-sure thing!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Excitedly they all joined in the hail that followed. -The answer was more distinct.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had found an oar, and he slowly propelled the -boat in the direction from which the answering cries -seemed to come. Occasionally they bumped against -the marble pillars, but these collisions did no damage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Soon they could hear the answers to their cries and -knew they were drawing nearer to the unknown person -or persons who were thus responding.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly a tiny gleam of light showed amid the -pillars at some distance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Looks like that’s a match, pard,” observed Buckhart. -“I reckon I’ll strike one, too.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He did so, but the other light disappeared even as -he held his own above his head. Apparently his match -was seen, for the voice of a man reached them, urging -them to come in that direction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By answering call for call they continued to draw -nearer to the strangers, for they soon heard enough -to satisfy them that at least two persons besides themselves -were afloat on the bosom of that buried lake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“One is a woman!” asserted Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Lifting his voice, he asked:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Who are you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We are Americans. Who are yo’?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We are Americans, too.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What are yo’ doing here?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We are lost—deserted by our guide.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“So are we. How many of yo’ are there?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Three. How many of you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Two; and somebody shall suffer fo’ this outrage! -Somebody shall pay the penalty fo’ it! I’ll have satisfaction -as sho’ ’s my name is——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Major Mowbry Fitts, of Natchez, Mississippi,” -finished Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s my name, suh! But yo’, suh—why, is it -possible that yo’ are——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Professor Zenas Gunn, accompanied by Dick Merriwell -and Brad Buckhart. Is Miss Ketchum, of Boston, -with you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am here,” answered the well-known voice of -Sarah Ann. “We have passed through a most awful -and excruciating experience, the faintest remembrance -of which will forever seem like a fearful nightmare. I -am glad you have found us, for now you can assist -us in getting out of this frightful place.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am sure we would like to do so,” said Dick; -“but, unfortunately, like yourselves, we do not know -which way to turn. How did you get here?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The major explained as the two boats bumped together, -and floated thus. Like the professor and the -boys, he and Miss Ketchum had visited the lake in -company with a guide, who had vanished in a mysterious -and unaccountable manner. They fancied they -had been afloat for days on the bosom of the lake, and -they were in a pitiful condition of collapse and fright, -although the major had braced up wonderfully for a -time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“This seems to be the usual manner of treating visitors,” -said Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’ve used our last match,” said the major. “I -lighted it a few minutes ago. We had been saving it. -I am afraid we will never be able to escape. I have -about given up hope.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is the work of that terrible Turk who urged you -into the duel with Professor Gunn, major,” said the -woman from Boston. “He warned us to leave Constantinople, -but we refused to go, and he told us we -would disappear mysteriously.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Are you speaking of Aziz Achmet?” asked Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That is what he calls himself.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then you have seen him since the morning of the -duel?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Seen him!” indignantly exclaimed the major. “We -have seen him everywhere, suh. He has followed us -and watched us wherever we went. We couldn’t make -a move that he wouldn’t turn up. Twice he told us that -we must leave the city and the country.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I wish now,” confessed Miss Ketchum, “that we -had obeyed him. Don’t you, major?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well,” answered the little man, with a touch of -reluctance in his voice, “I must confess, madam, that -I believe it would have been much better fo’ us if we -had obeyed.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Barely were these words spoken when, in the pall of -darkness near by, a voice demanded:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Are you ready to depart now? Will you depart -at once? Do you, one and all, swear by your God that -you will lose no time about going?”.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Needless to say, the sound of that voice affected -them all much like a sudden clap of thunder on a clear -and sunny day. The woman gave a little scream, the -major uttered a smothered oath, the professor gasped -for breath, while both Dick and Brad sat bolt upright, -their nerves tense.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Answer at once!” commanded the unseen speaker. -“It is your only hope of escaping. Among the Armenians -we have enough so-called missionaries, and, -therefore, the woman from Boston is not wanted. In -the other boat are the old man and the boys against -whom the secret police have been warned. It will be -easy to cause all of you to vanish from the face of the -earth; yet if you pledge yourselves to leave Turkey, -you shall be spared.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I tell you one thing,” spluttered Zenas Gunn -eagerly, “I’ve seen all of Turkey I care to see, and I’ll -give you my pledge to leave within twenty-four hours, -taking the boys with me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll go—oh, I’ll go!” promised Miss Ketchum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And if she goes,” said Major Fitts, “I shall accompany -her.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Swear it!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The trio were willing enough to do so.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few moments later a light gleamed a short distance -away, and then three torches were lighted. -Within twenty feet of them was another and larger -boat, containing four persons, three of whom were -guides. The fourth was Aziz Achmet. One of the -guides was Bayazid, who grinned at the professor and -the boys, as if he thought the whole thing a fine joke. -Another was the guide who had accompanied the -major and the woman from Boston.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Achmet did not touch an oar. He sat in dignified -silence as his companions slowly brought the boat -close to the others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Mr. Achmet,” said Dick, “although we dislike to -leave Constantinople under compulsion, Professor -Gunn has given his pledge, and we shall stand by it. -There is one thing, however, that we would like to -have explained. How did our guide disappear in such -a mysterious manner?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Achmet shrugged his shoulders a bit. At first he -seemed disinclined to answer, but apparently he suddenly -decided to do so.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It was very simple, boy,” he said. “Your guide -stepped from your boat into this one, which he had -seen floating in the shadow of a pillar. I was in this -boat, with these other guides, and I gave him a signal -that he understood. Immediately he extinguished the -torch. That threw you into confusion. This boat -silently approached, and Bayazid stepped into it. In -the same manner Yapouly left the other boat.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Thank you,” said Dick. “It was altogether too -easy!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“A heap!” growled Buckhart.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-viiion-the-way-to-damascus"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id9"><span>CHAPTER VIII—ON THE WAY TO DAMASCUS</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>They succeeded in securing passage on a steamer -that left the port the following day. Major Fitts and -Miss Ketchum left by the same steamer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I hope yo’ will congratulate me, professor,” said -the major, as proud as a peacock. “Miss Ketchum has -consented to become Mrs. Fitts as soon as we reach the -United States. I’m sorry fo’ yo’, suh; but yo’ never -really had a show, suh.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s right, major,” smiled Dick. “He didn’t -have a show, because he is already——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t you dare tell I’m married!” hissed Zenas, -in the boy’s ear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He is all ready to carry out his plan to penetrate -the wilds of Africa, where it would be impossible for -him to take a bride, and he could not bear to be parted -from one so young and charming as Miss Ketchum, -were he to have the good fortune to capture her.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Saved your life, you rascal!” whispered Zenas, and -then hastened to bow low to the coy and confused lady -from Boston.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At Beirut the party split up, the professor and the -boys going to Damascus, a distance of ninety-one -miles, which was covered by an excellent narrow-gauge -railroad, built by Swiss engineers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’re off, boys!” cheerfully exclaimed the professor, -as the train finally started. “We’ll soon be in -the oldest city in the world.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you mean Damascus, professor?” inquired -Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Of course I mean Damascus! We’re not bound for -any other place, are we? Did you think I meant New -York? Did you fancy I was speaking of Hoboken? -Hum! Haw!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But there is no absolute proof that Damascus is the -oldest city in the world. There may be older cities -in China or India.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There may be,” admitted the old pedagogue; “but -we do not know about them. At least, Damascus is -the oldest city we know anything about.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That is quite true. If you had said that——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Now look here, Richard, you are inclined to be -altogether too wise. You keep yourself too well posted -about the countries and places we visit, and thus you -deprive me of the privilege of imparting information -to you. It isn’t right. You make me feel that I am -not earning my stipend as your guardian and tutor -during this trip round the world. You place me in an -embarrassing position. I wish you would feign ignorance, -if you cannot do anything else.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All right, professor; I’ll try to reform. But it was -your advice to us that we should post ourselves in advance -on each place we visited, and I’ve been obeying -instructions, that’s all.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Haw! Hum! You’re inclined to be too obedient—altogether -too obedient. Now here is Bradley—I -haven’t observed that he has wasted much time reading -up about different countries and cities.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sure not,” admitted the Texan. “It’s a heap too -much trouble, for I know I’ll hear about the places -from you and Dick when we hit ’em. This yere country -sort of looks familiar.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It does,” nodded Dick. “To me it looks like Southern -Colorado or Northern New Mexico. It’s a land of -irrigation. The mountains, the plains, the foliage, the -mud houses, everything but the people, remind me of -that portion of our own country.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Quite true,” agreed Zenas Gunn; “although the -fertile spots here have all been taken up and cultivated. -For instance, look there, boys—look at that mountainside.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gazing from the window as the train sped along, -they could see the side of a mountain walled up in terraces -like gigantic stairways, to prevent the soil from -being washed away by the rainfalls. These terraces -were planted with grapes, figs, olive and mulberry -trees. On many of these terraces laborers were at -work propping up strange-looking trunks, which were -six or seven feet high. In places these trunks could -be seen reclining in rows on the ground, looking -strangely like sleeping soldiers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Those are grapevines,” exclaimed the professor. -“In the fall they cut them down to that height and -lay them flat on the ground, as you see them. They -are now beginning to prop them up. They will be irrigated -and dressed, and then new branches will shoot -out in all directions and cover the soil and bear fruit.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the train wound in and out of the gorges, clinging -to the mountainsides, they beheld many strange -and interesting things. Laborers were setting out -mulberry trees in long trenches. Other laborers were -digging the trenches, three men working a single -shovel. One of the men manipulated the shovel, holding -the handle and driving it down into the soil. Two -others lifted it out with its load, doing so by pulling -at ropes attached to the shovel just above the blade. -They all worked together with astonishing ease and -skill. Great hedges of cactus stretched along the railroad -in many places. They gazed with interest at the -old-fashioned irrigating canals. They beheld men plowing -with the same sort of crooked stick that was used -for that purpose in Bible times. But there were no -farmhouses scattered over the country, for the people -still lived in villages, as they did in former days, when -it was necessary for neighbors to band together for -protection.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a great portion of the way the railroad followed -the old caravan trail, and all along this trail were scattered -trains of camels and donkeys, loaded with all -kinds of goods, such as silk, cotton, grain, machinery, -poplar trees, fuel, and other things. Petroleum, however, -seemed to form the greater portion of many a -cargo.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sun shone from a cloudless sky.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad Buckhart was strangely silent. He gazed out -of the window in an abstracted manner, paying very -little attention to what the professor and Dick were -saying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally Dick began to joke him about his unusual -manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t worry, Brad,” he laughed. “We’ll overtake -her soon. We may find her in Damascus.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Her?” grunted the Texan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, who——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Nadia Budthorne, of course. Her last letter told -you she would visit Damascus and then proceed to -Jerusalem, in company with her brother. You can’t -fool me, old man. You have been counting on overtaking -her somewhere in the Holy Land. Don’t -deny it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All right,” said Buckhart, his face flushed, but his -manner a bit defiant; “I won’t deny it, Mr. Smarty. -You sure have hit it all right. I——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment the whistle of the locomotive -shrieked a wild alarm and the brakes were applied violently. -Something was wrong. The train came to a -stop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And just outside the window of the compartment -occupied by the old professor and two boys a dead -camel lay stretched on the ground, blood flowing from -several horrible wounds. The animal’s pack was -broken open and the goods scattered in all directions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not ten feet from the camel lay a gorgeously -dressed, black-bearded Arab, likewise apparently dead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whoop!” cried Buckhart. “There certain have -been some doings here! I opine the camel tried to butt -the train off the track, somewhat to the grief of Mr. -Camel.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Men now came running toward the spot, all greatly -excited. They were principally camel drivers and like -men from a caravan. They gathered about the prostrate -Arab and made a great demonstration. Their -gestures toward the train were very threatening.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the guards flung open the door of the compartment -occupied by our friends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Is there a doctor here?” he asked anxiously. “A -serious accident has happened.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a moment Dick Merriwell sprang out, followed -by Brad. They did not wait to enter into conversation -with the guard, but started toward the dead camel and -the motionless Arab.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Others from the train were doing the same thing, -and the boys learned from fragments of conversation -that the Arab had been struck by the engine while -endeavoring to drive from the track the camel that -had strayed onto the railroad and obstinately refused -to budge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At that point the train came round a sharp curve, -and the engineer was unable to see either camel or man -until right upon them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Later the boys learned that the camel was loaded -with certain articles of great importance, which had -led the Arab to imperil his life in the effort to drive -the beast from the track.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He seems to be some sort of high mogul in his -tribe,” observed Buckhart, as he and Dick paused and -surveyed the injured man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He is a sheik of great power and influence,” explained -a man standing near. “That is why the railroad -people are so concerned. If he were an ordinary -camel driver or donkey man, they wouldn’t stop a minute -to bother over him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I wonder if he is really dead?” muttered Dick, stepping -forward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a moment he was kneeling beside the unconscious -man. Deftly he began to make an examination, seeking -for broken bones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A number of Arabs were about, their heads tied up -and their feet and legs bare, as is their custom in all -sorts of weather. One of these objected when Dick began -the examination, but a husky fellow prevented the -chap from attacking the American boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t believe he is dead,” declared Dick. -“Doesn’t seem to have any broken bones. He’s stunned—just -has the breath knocked out of him. Give me -a hand, Brad; let’s see if we can’t revive him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Texan responded promptly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What do you want me to do, pard?” he inquired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’ll try artificial respiration,” said Merriwell. -“You work his lungs while I work his arms.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What followed caused the wildest excitement among -the watching Arabs, for Buckhart knelt astride the -body of the old sheik and began a regular and steady -pumplike movement on the lower part of his breast, -while Dick seized the man’s arms, pulled them at full -length above the Arab’s head, then bent them back -suddenly and pressed them to his sides. The two boys -worked together in perfect unison.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Some of the Arabs cried out that the infidels were -defiling the dead. Two or three of them drew weapons -and would have rushed on the boys; but the same -husky fellow, who had checked them before now, produced -a pistol and averred that he would “blow daylight” -through the whole of them if they did not keep -still.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In this manner they were temporarily checked, and -that brief check gave Merriwell time enough to accomplish -his purpose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A low moan and a convulsive gasp came from the -lips of the man over which the boys were working. -Signs of returning consciousness were pronounced. -His breast heaved. The boys ceased their work. For he -breathed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An Englishman held out a flask of whisky.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Give him a swallow of this,” he advised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick pushed it away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Water,” he called. “That will be better for him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Allah! Allah!” cried the astounded Arabs. “The -infidels are magicians! They have restored the dead -to life! Ras al Had lives again!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Some of them prostrated themselves in the dust. -Others hastened to bring water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick took a canteen and turned a little of the liquid -between the lips of the injured man. He swallowed it -greedily, coughed a little, and then lay gazing in a -puzzled manner at the face of the American boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally, in very good English, he asked what had -happened. His voice was weak and husky, yet his -words were plain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You were struck by the train,” explained Merriwell. -“Your camel was killed, and you seemed to be -dead; but I think you are all right now.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“For which you may thank this boy and his friend -here,” said the husky chap, who had protected the -boys. “To all appearances, you were as dead as old -Mohammed; but they pumped the breath back into you -in a hurry.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Several of the Arabs now brought cushions, which -were placed beneath the head and shoulders of the -sheik. One of them spoke to him hurriedly in a low -tone, and seemed telling him all about what had taken -place. When this man had finished speaking the sheik -made a gesture with his hand and bade him retire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He then called for Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Be careful, Richard,” cautioned Professor Gunn. -“These men are treacherous. There’s no telling what -he means to do.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick laughed and stepped nearer to the sheik.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Boy,” said the old Arab, “they tell me that I was -dead, and by your infidel magic you brought life back -into my body.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You were unconscious, that was all. The shock -had driven the breath from your body, and we simply -revived the action of your lungs.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Had you not done so——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You sure would have croaked for fair,” put in -Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What you ask of me, if it is in my power, I will -give,” declared the sheik. “That is the word of Ras al -Had, and, though no pledge to an infidel is binding, -may the wrath of Allah fall on me if I break this one. -Speak.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If you think I did it for pay of any sort, you are -mistaken,” said the young American, with a touch of -resentment. “You can’t reward me for a thing like -that.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then if ever you are in need or in danger, and I -can be of service, the sword and the life of Ras al Had -shall be at your command. I swear this by the beard -of the Prophet!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All aboard!” shouted a voice. “Train’s going to -start.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a general rush for the cars.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-ixthe-struggle-at-the-station"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id10"><span>CHAPTER IX—THE STRUGGLE AT THE STATION</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>“Well, that certain was an adventure, all right,” -laughed Brad, when they were again seated in their -compartment and the train was moving.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t know what I’ll do with you boys!” exclaimed -Professor Gunn, with an air of exasperation. -“You keep me on pins and needles all the time. I -surely thought those Arabs would slice you up when -they saw you go after the old sheik. They thought -you were defiling the dead.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But the old boy was grateful when he learned that -we had pumped the breath back into him,” said Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He pretended to be,” nodded the professor; “but -that is no sign.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why not?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He’s a Mohammedan, and they think it no harm to -do anything to an infidel. They may deceive him, lie -to him, steal from him, even kill him, without committing -a sin. Richard, do not take any stock in the words -of that old rascal.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t have to,” said young Merriwell; “for it -is not likely I’ll ever see him again. All the same, I -seemed to feel that he was sincere when he expressed -his gratitude.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s evident he’s a gent of some authority in his -tribe,” put in Brad. “All the rest of his particular -bunch seemed to stand in awe of him a plenty.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their interest in the strange country, together with -their recent adventure, gave them food enough for conversation, -and the journey was not nearly as long as -they had expected it would seem.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last, as the train approached Damascus, they -found themselves in a narrow valley that was almost -a gorge. Through this valley a clear stream rushed -and roared over an exceedingly rocky bed. This -stream drove a number of mills, the entrances to which -were always surrounded by donkeys and camels, these -animals having brought little loads of grain to the -mills to be ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the outskirts of the city they passed a group of -Turkish villas, which looked very picturesque and attractive. -These, they were told, were occupied by exiled -officers of the Turkish government, who had committed -offenses of some sort or had excited the distrust -of the sultan. Instead of ordering them beheaded, -their imperial master had sent them to Damascus, -where they could be closely guarded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally the train drew into the station at Damascus.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Say, just have a look!” cried Brad. “I opine the -whole town has turned out to meet us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a great crowd at the station—Arabs, Assyrians, -Armenians, Turks, Jews, Greeks, Egyptians, -and people from many desert tribes. They were all in -a great tumult and uproar. A fence prevented them -from crowding close to the track, but behind this fence -they were packed thick as sardines in a box, staring, -talking, pushing, gesticulating, and making a great -hubbub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I wonder if this is the usual thing,” said Dick. -“Perhaps some noted person is on this train.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not likely that has brought them here,” declared -the professor. “The arrival of a train is an event, and -probably all the idle men in town rush to the station -to see it come in.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their compartment door was flung open.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With alacrity the two boys descended to the platform.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There they are!” cried a familiar voice that gave -Buckhart a thrill.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, Dick! Hey, Brad!” called another voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick located the person who called to him. He -grasped Buckhart’s arm and pointed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There they are—Budthorne and his sister!” he exclaimed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the midst of the crowd beyond the fence, being -jostled about by the swaying mob, were Dunbar Budthorne -and Nadia, whom they had last seen in Italy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn was calling to the boys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hold on, you kittenish young rascals!” he croaked. -“Don’t be in such a hurry. Help look after this baggage.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the professor was forgotten in the excitement -of what followed. Dick saw the wild crowd separate -Dunbar Budthorne and his sister. He saw the two -forced apart. Nadia was whirled aside. Then two -men grasped her, one placing a dusky hand over her -mouth to prevent her from shouting, while she was -swept off her feet and literally borne away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick shouted to Brad. He made a rush for the -fence. Up into the air he sailed in a great leap that -carried him over the obstruction and into the midst of -the crowd.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The American boy seemed like an infuriated animal, -for he hurled people to the right and left like one possessing -the strength of a giant. He ripped a pathway -through that crowd in a most amazing manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia Budthorne was struggling vainly with her -captors, who were on the point of lifting her into a -carriage, when the American boy reached them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick struck one man a blow that caused him to release -the girl instantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But another swarthy fellow appeared and sought to -seize the boy, while still one held fast to the girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia, however, managed to get her mouth clear of -the smothering hand that had been pressed over it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She uttered a scream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That cry was answered by a roar in the voice of -Brad Buckhart, who was fighting his way through -the crowd.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the second ruffian reached for him, Dick managed -by an agile twist and dodge to escape the fellow’s -hand. Then he tripped the man and went at the one -who was seeking to force Nadia into the carriage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Drop her, you cur!” he palpitated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This fellow, who was the biggest one of the trio, -flung the girl into the arms of yet another, then whirled -on Dick, whipping out a knife.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The giant made a quick, forward, ripping stroke -with the knife.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Merriwell’s quickness on his feet saved him, -for he squirmed aside so that the blade of the knife -simply pierced the loose part of his coat that swung -from him when he made that rapid movement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next instant Dick seized the dark man’s hand -with his left hand, held it firm, struck sharply with the -lower edge of his right hand, which landed on the -other’s wrist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That man’s wrist was broken as if it had been a -pipestem, and the knife fell to the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had broken it by a trick, knowing just exactly -how to accomplish the feat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A howl rose from the wretch, but the boy gave him -no further attention.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He turned to look for Nadia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fortunately Brad Buckhart had reached the girl and -in an encounter of this sort the Texan was second only -to Dick Merriwell. In fact, Brad fought with more -slashing fury than did Dick, but not with the same -quick wit and instant decision on the right course to -pursue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Texan had proved assistance enough, however, -for he had rescued Nadia and knocked down the man -who was seeking to force her into the carriage. The -latter fell under the feet of the horses. The animals -reared and trampled on him. He screamed, and the -horses plunged away, the black driver apparently letting -them go, instead of seeking to stop them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The moment the carriage was gone the men who had -attacked Nadia seemed to be swallowed by the crowd -that surged round. The one with the broken wrist -vanished, and even the fellow who had been trampled -by the horse could not be found. It was easy for -the other two to disappear in the crowd, for any one -of a hundred men there might have been taken for -either of them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dunbar Budthorne, pale and shaking with excitement, finally reached his sister, finding her clinging to -Brad, who was supporting her with one arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was on the other side of Nadia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sister!” exclaimed Dunbar huskily; “have those -brutes——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m all right, brother,” she hastened to declare. -“They did handle me roughly, but——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The brutes!” he grated. “Is there no protection -for respectable travelers in this wretched city? This -is the third offense, and this was more outrageous than -the others. I couldn’t do a thing. Before I realized -it the crowd had forced us apart.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s fortunate Dick and Brad were able to reach -me,” she declared. “I was helpless in the hands of -those black ruffians. I believe they would have forced -me into that carriage and carried me off before all this -crowd only for the boys.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Budthorne now shook hands with the boys, expressing -his thanks and gratitude.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart was highly indignant over what had occurred, -and he wanted to know why Dunbar had not -appealed to the authorities for protection. Budthorne -explained that he had appealed, but that foreigners -were liable to insult anywhere in Damascus, and that -often they were roughly treated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was true. The Moslems of that city are proud, -but illiterate. They have come to know of the advancement -of other peoples whom they regard as inferior, -and they resent it. For four thousand years -Damascus occupied an important position in the world, -but now it is a place of very little importance, much -to the indignation of its citizens.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Budthorne knew the treatment accorded himself -and his sister did not arise wholly from the fact that -they were foreigners. There was another reason, -which he explained later.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn came fluttering through the crowd, -in a great state of agitation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bless my soul! bless my soul!” he stammered. -“This is dreadful! Is this thing going to continue -wherever we go? If so, I’ll just have to take these -boys back home. It’s scandalous! My nerves are -completely upset!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Where is our baggage?” asked Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I had to leave it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Unguarded?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, we’ll be lucky if we ever see it again. Brad, -stay with Nadia and Dunbar, while I go with the professor -to look after that baggage.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fortunately not a piece of the baggage had been -stolen. Dick was clear-headed, and he soon learned -what to do with it, although Zenas rendered absolutely -no assistance. There was a German hotel in the city, -and a representative of the house took charge of all the -luggage after it was pointed out, assuring them that -it would be taken to the hotel without delay. Another -man escorted our friends through the crowd to a carriage -that ran to the hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once in the carriage they breathed easier. Away -they were whirled through the narrow streets of the -strange, old city, leaving the station and the motley -crowd behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The houses of Damascus are mainly of sun-dried -clay with flat roofs, surrounded by low copings. This -roof serves for many purposes. Often it is used as a -dining room, while during the hot summer months it -serves as a bedroom at night. On warm evenings people -sit on the housetops to enjoy the air. When the -muezzin appears on the balcony of a minaret hundreds -upon hundreds of faithful Moslems mount to their -housetops and go through the gymnastic contortions -of Mohammedan worship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But not all the buildings of Damascus are low and -flat-roofed. There are some towers, and temples, and -minarets, besides a few modern buildings, with roofs -of bright corrugated iron, which glisten in the sunshine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Compared with most American cities, Damascus -lacks trees and foliage. Compared with the desert surrounding -it, however, it is a perfect bower of shade -and rest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A look of disappointment crept over the face of -Brad Buckhart as he gazed around him on the way -from the station to the hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I opine this is the worst part of Damascus?” he -observed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“On the contrary,” said Dunbar Budthorne, “it is far -from being the worst part. This is quite respectable—almost -swell, to use a vulgar word.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I certain am a plenty disappointed,” muttered -the Texan. “She isn’t just as I expected her -to be.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick questioned Dunbar about the annoyance to -which he and Nadia had been subjected since arriving -in the city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I may as well tell the cause of it,” said Budthorne, -although Nadia showed confusion and shook her head -warningly. “It’s all right, sister. You were not to -blame.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad wondered at her confusion and detected her in -the act of casting a glance of apprehension toward -him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“On the steamer coming from Smyrna to Beirut,” -said Dunbar, “we chanced to meet a very handsome -and distinguished-appearing Turkish gentleman, who -was called Hafsa Pasha. Although scarcely more than -thirty years of age, he had traveled a great deal and -had spent two years in the United States. He was -educated, cultured, refined in manner, and a splendid -traveling companion. Both Nadia and myself enjoyed -his company very much. He told us he was bound for -Damascus on business that concerned the Turkish -government. He had been here before, and, therefore, -he was able to give us much information of value -and save us many petty annoyances.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I confess that we both became exceedingly interested -in this man. He was a scholar and could quote -Shakespeare and Burns—even Longfellow! I think -he had read Byron, but he confessed a natural prejudice -for the great English poet who became the idol of -Greece.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“At first neither Nadia nor I saw anything offensive -in his manners. True, he was inclined to quote Burns -to Nadia whenever he could find the opportunity, but -she thought nothing of that until he made love to her -pointblank.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart gurgled a little deep down in his throat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then,” continued Budthorne, “Nadia began to -grow alarmed. She tried to avoid him, but every way -she turned he seemed to bob up before her. She tried -to keep him at a distance without offending him. Before -we reached Beirut he proposed outright.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Buckhart gurgled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He would not take no for an answer. In every -way possible he sought to induce her to consider his -proposal. At last he seemed to lose control of himself. -In an hour we would be in Beirut. He found -her alone on the after deck. I came up just in time to -see him catch her in his arms and try to kiss her. We -had an encounter, and I confess that he got rather the -best of it, although I hit him in the face. That blow -seemed to arouse a sleeping savage in him, for he -cursed me and called me a dog of an infidel, swearing -he would make me weep drops of blood for that insult.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, we hastened out of Beirut and away to -Damascus; but the day after we reached this city -Hafsa Pasha appeared. His manner seemed again altered, -and he was very polite and humble. He entreated -pardon and begged to have an interview with -Nadia. She declined to see him. Before he left, he -laughingly told me that she would have to see him before -she could get out of this city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That was our first annoyance in Damascus. The -following day we were shopping in the bazaars when -suddenly Hafsa Pasha and a number of men surrounded -us. I was jostled aside. Hafsa Pasha talked -to Nadia like a man deranged. He tried to plead with -her, he offered her wealth and position, and then he -threatened. I don’t know what might have happened, -but a party of English tourists came along and I appealed -to them. There came near being a free fight -in that bazaar, but the Turk and his followers finally -retired and the Englishmen escorted us back to the -hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then came the letter that stated you would arrive -in a day or two. We have been watching the trains -since then, and that is how we happened to be at the -station to-day. You know what happened. I am satisfied -that Hafsa Pasha was the instigator of this assault -upon us. It seems now that he actually contemplates -carrying Nadia off by force. We must get out -of Damascus right away, or I fear he will find a way to -accomplish his evil purpose.”</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xthe-green-eyed-monster"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id11"><span>CHAPTER X—THE GREEN-EYED MONSTER</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Brad Buckhart was striding savagely up and down -the room, taken by himself and Dick, at the hotel. -There was a black look on his strong face and his -square jaw was set.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I suppose you’ll have to walk it off old man,” said -Dick; “but it seems to me you are permitting yourself -to become altogether too wrought up.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Texan stopped, his feet wide apart and his -hands on his hips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I certain can’t help being some wrought up, partner,” -he said. “I reckon you would be in my place.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Without doubt. But we are here now, and we’ll -look after Nadia. Hafsa Pasha’s little scheme of abduction -won’t go.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sure not; but it wasn’t that I was thinking of.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It wasn’t?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, then——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Budthorne let the cat out of the bag.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t understand.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He didn’t make a clean breast of it when he first -told the story. I’ve been talking with him since we -arrived here at the hotel. I trapped him by asking -questions.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, what do you mean by saying you trapped -him?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Exactly that, pard. You know a funny thing has -been running in my head ever since I trapped him. It’s -a toast I heard once. This is it:</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>“‘Here is to the love that lies</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>In a woman’s eyes.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Yes, it lies and lies,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And keeps on lying.’”</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Dick rose instantly and placed a hand on his chum’s -shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, Brad!” he exclaimed, “I never knew you to -talk so queerly. What did Budthorne tell you that set -you into such a mood?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You’re my friend. I wouldn’t talk of it to any one -else. You know I was smitten on Nadia Budthorne.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Of course I was a chump to care for her.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, I don’t know.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes, I was. I’m a plain sort of chap, although I’m -not half as wild and woolly as I pretend to be.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You don’t have to tell me that, old man. I’ve been -able to see under the surface all along. I think I understand -you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You do, Dick, and you’re the only one. That’s -why I swear by you. That’s why I’m ready to back -you up in anything you do. There is a bond of sympathy -between us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Texan had dropped his swagger and his Western -style of speech. For the time being his mannerisms -fell from him like a discarded garment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Go ahead and tell me what it was that Budthorne -said.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, he let it slip that both he and Nadia were -greatly interested in this fine Turkish gentleman and -that he encouraged her interest in him. In short, she -carried on a mild flirtation with Hafsa Pasha, who -rather dazzled her. Of course, I have no claim on her, -and I’m too young to think of such a thing seriously. -But she’s seventeen, and lots of girls get married at -that age. In this country they marry at ten and -eleven.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great Scott! You don’t fancy she actually seriously -considered marrying the Turk?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, he’s a very cultured gentleman. Budthorne -said so. He is educated, and he has traveled extensively. -Besides that, he is in the very prime of life. -Such a man might dazzle the eyes of a young girl. -There would be something romantic in a flirtation with -him. She would be likely to dream of the splendor -and power that would come to her as the wife of such -a man. Don’t call me a fool, Dick! I know! I -know!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If you’re not foolish, then you are crazy!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Only jealous, Dick. I confess it—I’m jealous! -Never felt this way before. I have an awful feeling -down here inside of me. I’d like to kill somebody!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But she threw Hafsa Pasha down, old man.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“After Budthorne was told by the captain of the -ship that Hafsa Pasha had a harem in Damascus.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Merriwell gave a great start.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Is that true?” he demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Budthorne confessed it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Budthorne’s a fool!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, we both knew all the time that he was weak. -I think he encouraged Nadia in her flirtation with the -Turk until he obtained that information from the captain. -Then he got his eyes open and forbade her to -have anything to do with the man.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Nadia is young, Brad. Her ideas are not formed -yet. You mustn’t be too hard on her. Even if she did -flirt with the Turk a little, perhaps she was never -serious.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps not, but still I can’t help thinking she was. -Of course you may say she had a right to flirt mildly -with the man. Perhaps she did. Still I had exalted -her in my own mind. I regarded her as staunch and -true. I thought her far superior to the foolish, frivolous -modern girl. She knew how much I thought of -her, and she pretended to care for me. But, like all of -her sex, out of sight, out of mind. I was far away. -Hafsa Pasha, the handsome Turk, was near. He -quoted poetry to her. She listened and was enchanted. -She forgot me. They all do. Dick, you’re the only -human being I ever knew who was staunch as the rock-ribbed -hills. You never change, no matter what happens. -All others are weak and vacillating. My confidence -in human nature is pretty well shattered.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, rats!” cried Dick. “Don’t get cynical, Brad! -It doesn’t become you at all. You’re naturally the -most optimistical chap in the world.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What do you think I’m going to do?” harshly demanded -the Texan. “Think I can ever feel the same -toward that girl? Not much! If she hadn’t learned -that her old Turk was married, I’d be in the soup -now. He’s married, and so I’m good enough for her -until she finds some chap she likes better. I tell you -it’s all off, Dick! I throw up the sponge! I quit!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I think this climate has got your liver out of condition,” -said Merriwell. “What you need is a tonic. -You’ll feel differently about this to-morrow.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not to-morrow, nor the next day, nor ever!” declared -Brad. “Miss Budthorne will find that I’m no -chump to play second fiddle. Don’t you dare laugh at -me, Richard Merriwell! I’m in deadly earnest!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick did not laugh then, but he found an opportunity -when Buckhart was not present.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>However, Buckhart was far more serious than his -comrade imagined.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the remainder of that day Brad wore a heavy -grouch. He kept much by himself and avoided Nadia, -much to her perplexity. Finally her pride was -touched, and she made no further effort to speak with -him or to see him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Never had Dick seen his friend in such a mood. In -vain he tried to jolly the Texan and cheer him up. A -profound cloud of gloom overhung the sturdy chap -from the Rio Pecos country.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All were more or less weary, and so they willingly -rested through the day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When evening came Dunbar Budthorne proposed -that they should attend the one theatre of the city, -which was located on the principal square, within a -short distance of the hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What sort of a performance is given there?” questioned -Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, vaudeville, tumbling, fencing, juggling, acrobatic stunts, and so forth. It’s rather dull as a performance, -but it will serve to pass the time away.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Is it a suitable place for your sister to visit?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I don’t know about that. I hear the men -smoke until you may cut the atmosphere into chunks -with a knife. The theatre is a rickety old shanty, and -none too clean. We might leave Nadia here in the -hotel.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t do that!” she entreated. “Don’t leave me -alone in this city. I’m afraid to be left alone, after -what has happened.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hum! ha!” coughed Professor Gunn. “I think we -will omit the theatre. Evidently it is a low resort. I -decline to permit the boys to visit it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And, although they chaffed him about it, the old -man was rigid in his decision, which finally settled it, -and they did not attend the theatre in Damascus.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The following morning, however, they prepared to -start out to look the city over. When they were ready -to leave the hotel it was found that Buckhart had -vanished.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On inquiry they learned that he had set out by himself, -leaving word for them not to bother about him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia pouted and looked greatly disappointed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What is the matter with him?” she asked. “I think he’s -just as mean as can be! What makes him act -so queer?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She pinned Dick down and put the question to him, -not a little to his dismay. He could not tell the truth, -and he would not lie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll have to let him explain his own actions,” he -said, seeking to find a loophole of escape.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But you know why he is so peculiar—I know you -do! You can’t deny it!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I won’t try.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then you must tell me. I insist on it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Please don’t, Nadia! It will be all right in time, -but I prefer to let him explain.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a while he induced her to drop the subject -temporarily although he knew she would return to it -at the first opportunity and seek, with all the intensity -of her feminine curiosity, than which there is nothing -more acute and prying, to compel him to divulge the -truth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Arouse the curiosity of a girl and she will strain -every nerve to learn a secret, even though she knows -the knowledge will make her most miserable. The -only way to keep a secret from a girl is not to let -her suspect a secret exists.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They left the hotel and proceeded to the public -square, which is located near the centre of the city. -This square proved to be a large, open place, where -at that hour throngs of people of all nationalities and -colors were assembling. The square was a sort of -public market. In the centre was a fountain and monument.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All around the sides of the square were the little -booths and stands of itinerant merchants, the most of -them with their goods spread out on the ground before -them, and arranged in the most inviting manner their -ingenuity could devise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were many professional letter writers, each -one sitting at a desk under awnings of canvas or straw. -They did not sit on chairs, but flat on the ground, with -their legs crossed. They were supplied with wooden -or reed pens. Their ink they carried in inkhorns.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Many of these letter writers were busy. Some were -writing business communications, some were drawing -up contracts or making out legal papers, while one, -with a veiled woman sitting near him, was writing a -love letter, recording the words whispered to him by -the lips hidden behind the veil.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Within the square were carts, camels, saddle horses, -carriages, and donkeys, all there to be hired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Men were wandering about, sometimes in pairs and -holding hands. This, Budthorne explained, was a -common sight, it being an evidence of affection that -was thought quite natural in Damascus.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Adjoining the square were several coffee shops, -where Turkish men could be seen sitting round, smoking -hookahs, sipping coffee, and playing checkers, -chess, dominoes, and so forth. They wore long, calico -gowns, and their heads were swathed in turbans.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Look here,” said Dick, motioning toward some -passing camels. “See how oddly their owners decorate -the beasts. They have strings of blue beads round -their necks.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You’ll see that everywhere, on camels, horses, and -donkeys,” declared Budthorne. “Those strings of -beads are charms to ward off the influence of the evil -eye.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A strange sound smote their ears. It came from -the open door of a little shop, and it made them shiver, -for it was a sort of doleful wail and chant combined.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Some one must be dying in there!” exclaimed Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They looked in at the door. A young man was sitting cross-legged on the floor, busy at some sort of -work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was singing!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Despite the distressing sounds he was emitting, this -young man was very happy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was singing a love song!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sound of clanging, clanking, and banging, as of -many persons pounding tin pans and washboilers, came -to their ears. A few moments later they found themselves -at the beginning of the bazaars of the city. The -sounds they had heard came from the coppersmith’s -street, where hundreds of skillful laborers were at work -on brass, beating and molding it in to all sorts of -shapes. They were making bowls, trays, and dishes, -such as may be seen on sale in any genuine Oriental -store.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was very interesting to watch these laborers, and -their skill was something to marvel at.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They wandered on through bazaar after bazaar, -their interest and wonderment increasing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One bazaar was filled with pipes and smoking paraphernalia -of every description. There were pipes -mounted with gold and silver, and some were decorated -with precious stones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then came the leather shops, the cloth store, the -curio shops, the place of odd and ancient weapons, the -goldsmith’s bazaar, and, most fascinating of all, the -Street of the Greeks. In the latter place were to -be seen all sorts of Oriental articles and ornaments, embroideries, -rugs, carpets, silks, clothing, armors, weapons, -pipes, gems, coins, fezzes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were besieged by Armenians, Greeks, and Jews, -all anxious and eager to sell them goods. Only the -Turks sat back in dignified silence and declined to -solicit trade. Some of the dealers were offensive in -their insistence. They pulled Nadia and held articles -before her for inspection, dilating on the merits of the -goods. They named prices and then asked for offers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Budthorne became confused and Professor Gunn -grew angry. Dick was compelled to look after Nadia. -She clung to his arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In this manner they came face to face with Brad -Buckhart, who was wandering through the bazaars -alone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia gave a little cry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There’s Brad!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He turned like a flash and disappeared amid a mass -of people who were crowding before one of the booths.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, Brad!” called Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, what made him do that?” exclaimed the girl, -in dismay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Merriwell was provoked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Come!” he urged. “He can’t get away. We’ll -find him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They hurried after the Texan. Dick caught a -glimpse of him leaving the bazaars. Nadia was still -clinging to Dick’s arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the beginning of a narrow street Buckhart paused -and glanced back, then he turned and disappeared -down the street.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Never had Dick known his friend to behave in such -a perplexing manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll shake some of the foolishness out of him if I -ever get my hands on him,” Merriwell mentally vowed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thinking they would have no trouble in returning to -the bazaars and finding the professor and Dunbar, they -hastened down the narrow street.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Turning a corner, they came against a caravan of -loaded camels in a most sudden and startling manner. -It was necessary to hug the wall in order to let the -animals and their drivers pass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were many dogs in the streets. These animals -prowled about or slept serenely beneath the feet of -pedestrians, who were careful to step over them or to -turn out and go round without disturbing them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As in Constantinople, the dogs were the street cleaners, -and no one harmed them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After following the crooked street some distance and -failing to again catch a glimpse of Buckhart, Dick decided -they had better turn back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t know how we could have missed him,” he -said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He may have turned onto another street.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I saw no other street.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I did.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Retracing their steps, they came upon a street that -was like a choked alley. Nadia believed they could -return to the bazaars more quickly by taking it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But when they had followed it into still another -street, and turned from this into yet another, she confessed -that she was bewildered and knew not which -course should be pursued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Dick set out to make his way back as quickly -as possible, the girl relying wholly on his judgment. -They seemed entangled in a network of very crooked -and very bewildering streets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again they were suddenly confronted by a number -of loaded camels. The one in advance was heavily -loaded, his pack being so broad that it nearly touched -the walls on either side. The beast came swinging on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia uttered a cry of alarm and turned to run. She -fled up some steps and disappeared within an open -doorway.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick gave a gasp of dismay as he followed her, for -he saw she had entered a Moslem temple, and he knew -such an intrusion might produce an uproar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He sprang up the steps. Even as he did so, he heard -sudden shouts of alarm and anger coming from within -the temple.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Nadia reappeared, looking rather startled and -agitated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Goodness!” she gasped. “I almost ran right onto -a lot of monks at their devotions!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The camels were swinging past.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We must get away from here in a hurry!” exclaimed -Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even as he uttered the words several priests came -hurrying to the open door of the temple. They saw -Nadia. One of them pointed at her and shouted to -his companions. Then the whole of them moved -again, as if eager to lay hands on her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Here’s trouble!” muttered Dick, feeling for his -pistol.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t let them touch me!” gasped Nadia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The head priest called to some of the men of the -train that was passing. Several of these men, swarthy -and villainous in appearance, halted in answer to this -call. The words of the priest seemed to arouse them. -They glared at the girl and started to mount the steps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Out flashed Merriwell’s pistol.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hold on, you dogs!” he commanded, displaying the -weapon. “Stop where you are! Back up, or I’ll have -to damage some of you!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sight of that pistol caused the foremost among -them to retreat precipitately.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Dick and Nadia were caught between two fires, -as it were. The angry priests were behind them, while -a number of savage men were in front.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The American boy knew he must lose not a moment -in changing his position.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Grasping Nadia’s wrist, he hurried down the steps -and attempted to flee along the street.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another shout from the priests caused several of -the fierce-looking men to place themselves before Dick -and the girl. Although Merriwell threatened to shoot, -they would not let him pass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Merriwell looked round for some place where he -could hold off the fanatical Moslems. He was forced -to retreat against the nearest wall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Supporting Nadia with one arm, he lifted his pistol -and fearlessly faced the howling crowd, which now -began to close about them in a half circle, urged on by -the priests.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Death to the infidels!” howled the crowd.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They shook their fists at the boy and girl. Those -behind tried to urge on those in advance. One old -Turk spat at Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Young Merriwell realized the seriousness of his -position. He was pale, but his nerves remained steady -and unshaken.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Come on!” he cried clearly. “I’ll fill some of you -with lead!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the crowd parted. A man forced his way -through, pushing other men to the right and left. As -he advanced he drew a gleaming sword, the hilt of -which was set with jewels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The crowd seemed to think this man, who was an -Arab of rank and distinction, judging by his dress, -meant to attack the boy, and they uttered shouts of approval, -urging him to run the “infidel dog” through.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had turned his pistol on the man with the -sword, but he hesitated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is Ras al Had!” he exclaimed, in surprise.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xia-man-of-command"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id12"><span>CHAPTER XI—A MAN OF COMMAND</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was in truth the sheik who had been struck by -the train the previous day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Arab turned and faced the howling mob, -flourishing his shining sword.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Destroy the infidel who has defiled the holy temple -of the Prophet!” snarled one of the infuriated Mohammedans.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“By the grave of my father,” cried the sheik, “I -swear to slay the first who tries to touch her!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were astounded, and as he swept his sword -with a hissing sound beneath their noses they involuntarily -fell back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the priests called to the sheik, demanding to -know why he defended the infidels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The aged Arab retorted that he had a most excellent -reason, and that he would lay down his life rather -than see either the girl or boy harmed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He did more than that, for he called several of the -mob by name, commanding them to move on and give -the strangers permission to depart in peace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the priests attempted to expostulate, explaining -that the girl had entered the temple, thus committing -an offense that could be atoned for by blood alone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Ras al Had retorted that the girl had been -alarmed by the camels of his train and had fled into the -temple to escape from them. He further added that infidels were sometimes permitted to visit the temple, escorted -by a military guard. In conclusion he stated -that he was indebted for his very life to the boy who -stood ready to defend the maiden, and, therefore, he -was willing to surrender his life in behalf of the lad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They realized that he was in earnest, and those -whom he had called by name and ordered to depart -began to slip away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He then singled out three or four of his own camel -drivers, who had dropped back to see what all the uproar -was about, and called them to his side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Boy,” he said, addressing Dick, “I will see that no -harm comes to you or to the girl. Trust me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Thank you,” said Dick gratefully. “I think you -took a hand just in time to prevent those wolves from -tearing us to pieces.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Without doubt you would have met serious injury -at their hands. These men are my paid servants. We -will escort you and protect you. Fear not.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The camel drivers gathered about Dick and Nadia. -Ras al Had placed himself at their head and ordered -them to march.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Flinging his hands in the air, one of the priests stood -firmly in the path, refusing to move.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The eyes of Ras al Had shone strangely. He -stepped close to the priest, called him by name, and -spoke in a low tone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It was thy brother whom I delivered from slavery -in Nubia,” he said. “Then thou didst fall on my neck -and weep and swear by the Prophet that whatever I -should ask of thee at any time thou wouldst grant. -Hast forgotten?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is true, noble sheik,” confessed the priest; “but -tell me hast thou forgotten thy religion that thou -canst defend an infidel who has defiled the temple of -Mohammed?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ras al Had never forgets. These infidels are -mighty and powerful, and should harm come to them -through thee, then thou wilt be forced to make reparation -in the dust. For thy own good, stand aside and -let them pass.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There seemed to be great command in the dark eyes -of the swarthy man, and those eyes were fixed on -the priest with burning insistence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The priest hesitated a moment longer, and then, -bowing low with dismay and regret he could not utter, -he stood aside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ras al Had marched on, his servants following, still -with Dick and Nadia in their midst.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They reached the camel train. Behind them the -mob had melted away. The danger was past.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Dick,” said Nadia, pressing Merriwell’s arm, “I -think that old man is just splendid! I never dreamed -a black man could be so fine!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ras al Had turned to them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Boy,” he spoke, “it has been truly said that Ras al -Had is one who never forgets a debt. Yet when I -gave you my word to defend you with my sword and -life should the time ever come that I found you in peril, -I little thought to what it would bring me. Still I -have canceled the debt, and I feel that I owe you -nothing.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You’re all right, sheik!” exclaimed the boy enthusiastically. “I don’t know how we are going to thank -you for——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ras al Had checked him with a gesture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I want no thanks. Let me caution you against -wandering about Damascus without escort or protection. -It is a great folly. Where are your friends?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick explained how it happened that he and Nadia -had been caught in such a predicament.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sheik gazed attentively at the girl and then -shook his head soberly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“A maid so beautiful is in great danger here, unless -she be well protected. She might disappear suddenly, -and years of searching might not disclose her fate. -There are men in Damascus who could not look on her -without coveting possession of her. How simple it -would be for one of these buildings to swallow you -both! You, boy, would meet a swift death, and your -body would be so completely destroyed that no trace -of it could ever be found. There are prisons in the -city where dwell beautiful maidens like her, given -every luxury save liberty. Once they have passed -within the prison doors they may never again come -forth.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia shuddered and clung to Dick’s arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have heard of such things,” she said; “but I supposed -the custom had been abolished.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“This day,” said Ras al Had, “a friend of mine from -the interior has arrived with many beautiful girls, the -most of them Circassians. I spoke with him as I was -entering the city. He will take them to a certain -house, the location of which I know, and there they -will be attended by hairdressers and dressmakers, who -will do everything possible to add to their attractiveness. -When they are prepared for inspection, certain -rich men will visit them and choose from among -them, paying the price demanded, after which no other -man save their masters will ever look on their faces.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perfectly dreadful!” gasped Nadia. “It makes me -shiver to think what would have happened had Hafsa -Pasha been able to hoodwink me and my brother.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sheik gave her a swift, keen look.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hafsa Pasha?” he said, a strange intonation in his -voice. “How know you that man?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I met him on the steamer from Smyrna to Beirut.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What happened?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia was confused.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, he—he——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He made love to her,” Dick explained. “He asked -her to marry him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You knew him to be a Moslem?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I knew nothing at the time save what he told me -of himself,” answered the girl. “The captain of the -vessel told me that he had been banished to Damascus -by the sultan on account of some political intrigue, and -that he had a harem.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ras al Had bowed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is true. I know that man—I know him well! -He takes good care to avoid me. I was told by my -friend, who had brought the girls from the interior, -that there was among them one very beautiful maiden -whom he hoped to sell to Hafsa Pasha for a handsome -price.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia shivered again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“To think that I could even talk with a monster -who buys human beings like cattle!” she exclaimed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have contemplated seeking the opportunity to -meet Hafsa Pasha when he comes for the Circassian -maiden,” said the sheik. “It is possible that I may -be there.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It seems to me,” observed Dick, “that you have no -particularly friendly feeling toward Mr. Hafsa.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have no reason to feel kindly toward him,” confessed -the Arab, in a tone of much bitterness. “He -once did my younger brother a great wrong. It has -been truly said that Ras al Had never forgets, and this -wrong he remembers. Some day Hafsa Pasha shall -suffer for it, even as he caused my brother to suffer.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t like to be inquisitive,” said Dick; “but my -curiosity is aroused, and I wonder how he wronged -your brother.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My brother sold him a cargo of fine rugs, silks, and -many precious stones. Hafsa Pasha is no true Mohammedan. -He has lived much in the Western countries. -Otherwise he would not have denied the price -he owed for the goods he had received. He was -powerful in a way, and my brother disappeared. I demanded -of Hafsa Pasha what had become of my -brother, but he swore he knew not. More than a year -later I found my brother, a slave and dying far beyond -Bagdad, even near to Yezd, which is in the Great Salt -Desert. With his last words my brother declared that -he believed he was carried into slavery through the -plotting and command of Hafsa Pasha, who sought -thus to get him out of the way. Thus, you see, Hafsa -Pasha escaped payment of the just debt he owed. -There was no real proof, but I am satisfied that my -brother was right. I have sought diligently to obtain -the proof, that I might bring Hafsa Pasha to justice. -Even though I have failed in my efforts, never once -have I faltered in my resolve to bring punishment on -the evildoer.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a sort of grim earnestness and intensity -in the quiet words of the old sheik, and Dick felt that -Hafsa Pasha had made a very bitter and dangerous -enemy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I hope you corner the old rascal in the end,” -said the boy. “But we must get back to the bazaars. -Dunbar and the professor will be tearing the city up in -search of us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I will send an escort with you,” said Ras al Had. -“Remember my words of warning and be cautious. -We may never meet again, but I feel that I have canceled -my debt to you, even as I shall some day make -settlement with Hafsa Pasha.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ras al Had called four sturdy black men and bade -them escort the boy and girl back to the bazaars and -from thence to their hotel, in case they wished it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he bade Dick and Nadia a dignified farewell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The escort were four villainous-looking black rascals, -and Nadia was afraid of them; but Dick tried to -reassure her, declaring that the servants of Ras al Had -were to be trusted, no matter how untrustworthy they -looked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here and there through the crooked, winding streets -they made their way. To Dick it seemed that they -had covered a far greater distance than was necessary -in order to return directly to the bazaars; but he -fancied the black men were taking them by a round-about -course in order to avoid the vicinity of the -temple where the trouble had taken place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they proceeded they were joined by a crooked, -wizened old Turk, who seemed to know the black men. -He spoke to them one by one, but not a word that he -said reached the ears of the boy and girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia shrank close to Dick, and the hand that clung -to his arm trembled a little.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t like that man,” she whispered. “Did you -see how he looked at me? I wish we were by ourselves. -We do not need an escort.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Merriwell tried to reassure her, but he was not entirely -easy in his mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally he spoke to one of the black men, asking -why it took so long to reach the bazaars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The fellow made some sort of an explanation in -broken English, but scarcely a word of it could Dick -understand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time they were in a quarter of the city that -added to the apprehension of the American boy. The -people they passed stared at them in a manner that -was decidedly disagreeable, to say the least, and many -made remarks that were plainly of an insulting nature.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally Dick stopped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Look here,” he said; “we will go it alone the rest -of the way. We are much obliged for your kindness, -but we don’t need you any more.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the old Turk approached him and mildly but -firmly insisted that it would be quite suicidal to dismiss -the escort in such a manner and in such a quarter -of the city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“When did you get into this game?” demanded the -boy, somewhat warmly. “It doesn’t strike me that -you have anything to say about it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the crooked old fellow protested that he was a -friend to Ras al Had and was working entirely in the -interest of the sheik.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick’s suspicions were redoubled, instead of allayed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That may be true,” he said; “but we don’t propose -to trouble Ras al Had’s friends any more. Take the -whole bunch and go.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And never again have the courage to look the great -sheik in the face?” said the Turk. “No; not until I -know you are safe with your friends will I abandon -you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick turned to one of the black men, who seemed to -be something of a leader.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Say, you,” he exclaimed, “I want you to shake -yourself and get out of this right away! Understand? -Take this befezzed old relic with you, too. Git!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man shook his head and held up his hands as -if he did not understand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia’s alarm had increased. She saw that Dick -was rapidly becoming very angry, and she urged him -to hold his temper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll travel no farther with these men!” declared the -determined boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Turk said something to the black men, and -they began to crowd about Dick and the girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Seeing this, the boy reached for his pistol.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before he could draw the weapon, however, he was -seized by the throat by a huge pair of hands, the owner -of which was behind him. Another of the black rascals clutched his arm and prevented him from producing -the weapon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The hands which clasped the boy’s neck were very -powerful, and the massive fingers shut off his wind -in a moment. The pressure thus exerted seemed crushing -flesh and bone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He exerted all his strength in the effort to break -away, but realized that he had very little chance to -succeed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through a haze he saw Nadia struggling weakly -in the grip of the crooked Turk and one of the black -men. There was a sudden roaring in his ears, but -through it came a sharp sound that he knew was a -scream from the lips of the unfortunate girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A feeling of desperate fury shot through his heart. -The very fact that he felt himself impotent to aid -Nadia thrilled him with a horrible madness. He remembered -the warning words of Ras al Had.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But had the old sheik been sincere? Many a time -he had heard that no Moslem ever felt himself bound -in honor to an infidel. In fact, to deceive and betray -an infidel was regarded as a commendable and praiseworthy -proceeding.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Had not Ras al Had played a crafty game from -the start? It was truly surprising that the sheik had -dared array himself against the priests before the temple. -Had he not done so in order to deceive and betray -the infidels more completely? Was it not possible -the old scoundrel had realized that any harm befalling -the boy and girl in the vicinity of the bazaars might -bring swift retribution on the offenders, for which reason -he had entered into the affair, held the mob in -check for the time being, finally to decoy the victims -into a part of the city where they could be murdered -with very little chance that the crime would ever be -punished?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This hazy thought caused young Merriwell to twist -and squirm in the clutch of those iron hands, making -a last deranged effort to free himself that he might -fight for her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His senses reeled and a black cloud, riven by flashes -of lightning, descended upon him. He knew he was -losing consciousness. Heavy bells rang in his ears. -Somewhere in the distance cannon boomed. Then -these sounds died away. The harsh bells and booming -cannon were silenced by an organ peal. The music -thrilled through him. It sank to a soft, throbbing -strain and then receded into the distance, growing -fainter and fainter. Peace fell on him. He struggled -no more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Was it death?</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xiibetween-life-and-death"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id13"><span>CHAPTER XII—BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Dick’s next sensation was that of an acute pain that -shot through every limb and every part of his body. -On his chest there seemed a terrible weight that was -smothering him, while his head was being crushed by -an iron band. He was choking; his neck gave him -the most exquisite agony. Far away he seemed to -hear the babble of mocking voices. Some one was -laughing at him; there were many of them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In spite of the terrible pains he felt, every limb -seemed numb and helpless. He had not strength nor -power of will. A husky groan came from his lips, -which were purple and tinged with blood. That sound -called forth another burst of mocking laughter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He opened his eyes. At first he could see nothing, -for the bright sun of the Orient was shining full upon -him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He knew not what had happened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a bit he began to realize that he was lying flat -on his back in a narrow street, while around him at a -little distance were standing many strange men. They -were gazing at him in contempt and laughing at his -misery. To him in his agony their faces seemed the -faces of fiends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A feeling of resentment and anger lay hold upon -him. It infuriated him because they could stand about -and mock him in his wretchedness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You dog!” he tried to cry; but the hissing gasp -that came from his lips was inarticulate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the crowd stepped out and poked the boy -with his foot. Then he lifted his hand to his mouth -and threw back his head, as if drinking, after which -he made a few staggering steps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The crowd roared with laughter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For all of his condition, Dick understood that pantomime. -The crowd thought him drunk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But what had happened to him? Why was he lying -there in that wretched street, with the fierce sun beating -on him?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He closed his eyes and tried to remember what had -taken place. His effort carried him back to Fardale. -For the time being he fancied he had been engaged -in a desperate game of football, and in the fearful -line-bucking clash he had been injured. That was it. -He was lying on the football field. The narrow street, -the queer, gray houses, and the mocking fiends who -laughed at his misery were the hallucinations of his -shocked brain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What were the boys doing? Had they checked the -charge of the enemy? Perhaps they had the ball! -Possibly some one of them had carried it over the -enemy’s line for a touchdown, and so, in the excitement -of victory, their injured captain had been -forgotten.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Rah! rah! rah! Fardale!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He tried to cheer. It was the duty of a true son -of old Fardale to cheer as long as the breath of life -remained in his body.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more that sound of mocking laughter reached -him. Again he opened his eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He saw no comrades in red and black. He saw no -stand packed with cheering cadets. Again he beheld -the gray buildings of the dirty street. Again he saw -those leering faces and grinning mouths all around -him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s a nightmare!” he whispered. “I must break -the spell! I must move!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He made a mighty effort, and, in spite of the pain, -rolled over on his side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old man came up and kicked him back into his -former position.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Wait!” thought the boy—“wait till I get up, you -dirty wretch! You’ll not wipe your feet on me after -that!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the crowd spat at him and called him a -filthy infidel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll try to remember you, also!” said Dick to himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Weakly he lifted his hands to his neck. It was paining -him frightfully, and he seemed to feel marks upon -it, as if something had left indelible prints in the -flesh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m not in Fardale,” he thought. “I’m somewhere—somewhere—somewhere -far away. Where -am I? and how did I get here?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pressure on his head prevented him from -thinking. He felt to see if an iron band were truly -crushing his skull.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He could find nothing of the sort.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I must get up! I must! I will!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They laughed and called to him as he lifted himself -little by little to his elbow. At last, with his hands -on the ground and his body lurched to one side, like -a man wounded unto death, he paused, breathing with -a horrible, whistling sound.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Strength—I must have strength!” he thought. “If -I give up the least bit, I’ll drop back here and never -rise again.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So he waited until a little more strength came to -him. He seemed to summon it by his indomitable and -unyielding will.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He heard the rabble chattering about him, but he no -longer heeded them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The ocean liner—England—Italy—Constantinople!” -He was beginning to remember.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Where is Brad? Where is the professor?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He straightened up, in spite of all the pain it cost -him. He shifted until he was on his hands and knees.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old man, grinning maliciously, again hastened -forward and lifted his foot, intending to kick the boy -over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Stay!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a single word of command, but it was spoken -in a tone that caused the man to pause.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through the crowd strode a man with a dark face -and a black beard that was threaded with gray. He -was dressed in garments that seemed to proclaim him -a person of more than common rank. He advanced -and bent over the lad, whom he lifted to a standing -position, supporting him with one arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Boy,” he demanded, “what does it mean? Tell me -what has happened to thee and to the beautiful -maiden.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The—the beautiful maiden?” muttered Dick. -“You mean—you mean—Nadia?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he remembered, and the shock caused him to -straighten up stiffly. He turned and looked into the -face of Ras al Had.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You—you treacherous snake!” he panted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With all the strength he could summon, he struck -the old sheik in the face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The mob gasped, and then it howled. It pressed -forward, seeking to lay hands on the tottering boy -who had dared strike one of the true faith.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Ras al Had drew his sword. Some of them -expected to see him run the infidel through the body. -Instead of that, he drove them back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Keep thy hands off him!” commanded the sheik. -“Leave him to me!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more he clutched the lad, who was swaying -and apparently ready to fall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t touch me, you traitor!” gasped Merriwell. -“I wish I had left you to die beside the railroad, instead -of pumping the breath of life back into your -miserable, old carcass!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You are mad, boy.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s right, I am!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Tell me what happened?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You know!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“By the beard of the Prophet, I swear I do not -know.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is no sin to lie to an infidel!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ras al Had never lied to any man.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You do not know what happened? Well, we were -betrayed by those black dogs you sent to escort us. -We were led here. I was choked into unconsciousness. -What has become of Nadia I cannot tell.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A strange and terrible look came to the face of the -old Arab. His eyes glittered with a deadly light.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you swear that my men did this?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then to you I swear that each and every one of -them shall pay the penalty of their treachery with his -life! That is the oath of Ras al Had! Do you hear -me!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I hear, but——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You shall see that I keep it. Trust me again. -With a word I might have set these men upon you -to beat the life from your weak body. Why did I not -speak that word?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t know,” confessed Dick, “unless it was in -order that you might have the satisfaction of deceiving -me and betraying me again.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If I leave you now, they will fall on you. I will -remain by you and take you to a place of safety. I -will prove to you that I am honest. More than that, -I will find the maiden and restore her to you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Can—can you do it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have given my pledge. Lean on my arm. No -one will place the weight of a finger on you while you -are with me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They walked away, the old sheik supporting the -boy and questioning him. Dick related everything -that had taken place. As well as possible he described -the appearance of the old Turk who had joined the -escort sent by Ras al Had to conduct the boy and girl -back to their friends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I think I know the man,” nodded the sheik. “I -am sure I know him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But your servants—you can force the truth from -them.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I doubt if I behold any one of them for many days -to come. Without doubt they were well paid for -what they did, and they will endeavor to keep beyond -my reach, for they know the meaning of my wrath. -Yet they shall not escape me in the end.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But it is the girl—it is poor Nadia I am thinking -of!” groaned Dick. “She may be dragged into a -harem.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Has she friends of influence in your country?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes. She——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You must appeal to the American consul. In the -meantime I will be at work. Hast forgotten that she -fell beneath the covetous eye of Hafsa Pasha?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No! I believe that wretch is behind this dirty -piece of work! If so, I’ll have his life!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is not likely she will be taken into a harem until -the man who caused her capture learns what is going -to be done about it. She will be kept somewhere for -the time being. If you have influence enough to -create a great disturbance about it, some day she will -be set free in some remote part of the city. It will be -claimed that she was captured and held for ransom -by brigands. You know such a thing has happened -to some of your American missionaries. If her disappearance -causes no great disturbance, then the man -into whose power she has fallen may add her to his -harem. For a few days, however, I believe she is -safe. For her captors will not dare injure her.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To a slight degree these words relieved Dick. Of -course he was still greatly distressed over what had -happened to Nadia; but if she was not immediately -dragged into a harem, there might be plenty of opportunity -to frustrate any designs upon her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick’s brain was growing clearer and his body -stronger. He no longer believed that Ras al Had was -concerned in bringing about the misfortune that had -befallen Nadia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Forgive me, sheik, for striking you as I did,” he -entreated. “I ask your pardon in all humbleness. I -was infuriated with the conviction that you had betrayed -us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Say no more of that. I should have accompanied -you, for then no harm would have befallen you. I -feel that I am responsible; and, feeling thus, I shall -leave no stone unturned to aid you. This way, we -will find a conveyance at the corner. When you have -reached your friends, lose no time in laying the case -before your consul. He will know the best course -to pursue; but meanwhile Ras al Had will be working -faithfully for you.”</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xiiiinward-torture"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id14"><span>CHAPTER XIII—INWARD TORTURE</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Alone, Brad Buckhart returned to the hotel. He -realized that he had acted in a ridiculous manner in -avoiding his friends and running away from Dick and -Nadia on the streets, but his feeling of shame for such -folly was smothered by one of resentment and jealousy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I thought her different from other girls,” he muttered, -as he paced the floor of his room; “but she’s -just like them all—false, fickle, and giddy. She pretended -to like me, but out of sight is out of mind with -her. She flirted with that confounded Turk—yes, -she did! That’s what got her into trouble. Her -brother is just as foolish as she is. He encouraged -her. I suppose they think me nothing but a rough -Texan, good enough to fight for them and get them -out of their troubles, but not good for anything else. -Well, if I take a fancy, I can show them I’m not half -as rough as they think.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I imagine I can make a respectable appearance in -refined society if I choose to try. Perhaps my family -is just as good as the Budthornes. I’d rather confess -to hailing from Texas than to admit that I was from -Chicago. Chicago! Why, a decent white man will -turn to a smoked ham in that town in less than three -days! As for wild and woolly places, I declare Chicago -lays way over Texas. A man is liable to be held up -anywhere in Chicago in broad daylight. If he’s sandbagged -and robbed, and makes a complaint to the police, -he stands a fine prospect of being locked up as a vagrant. -No one from Chicago can get chesty with me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was perfectly serious, little realizing the humor -of his observations and attitude. Although naturally -broad-minded and manly, he had been “rubbed the -wrong way of the fur” by Nadia’s action, and, for the -time, at least, he was almost childish in his resentment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The fact that he had this weakness, however, made -his other manly qualities stand out even more clearly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll show her how much I care!” he continued. “I’ll -just hold my head up and keep out of her way. Let -her go it! Let her flirt with Turks! If she does, -she’ll be sorry!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He paused. The picture of Nadia making eyes at -a handsome Turkish gentleman rose before him. He -fancied he was willing she should do anything she -wished, but now, all at once, he realized that she could -hurt him very much in case she disdained him and -turned her attention in other directions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had been bluffing when he ran away from her, -and he knew it now. As a rule he was able and willing -to back up any bluff he made, but now his reason -told him he would weaken immediately in case this -bluff was called.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What if Nadia became offended by his ungentlemanly -behavior in running away from her when she -called to him and tried to overtake him? What if that -one bad break of his should cause her in future to -regard him with indifference or aversion?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, ginger!” he exclaimed. “I couldn’t stand -that! It would drive me to suicide! I’m a chump, -and I can’t help it! Dick is with her. Perhaps she’ll -get smitten on him!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This thought added to his agitation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How can she help it?” he muttered, again fiercely -pacing the floor. “Dick is the sort of fellow all the -girls care for. He’s far superior to me, and I don’t -see how she came to be interested the least bit in me -in the first place. Of course, there is June Arlington -and Doris Templeton—but they’re on the other side -of the Atlantic, and I don’t believe there ever yet was -a pretty girl who did not believe she could cut out -another girl if she really tried.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps that’s what Nadia is trying to do! Perhaps -she’s playing a clever game by pretending to -have any interest in me and seeming indifferent to -Dick. A girl best attracts a fellow by seeming indifferent -to him. The girl who pursues a chap is -bound to lose him, nine times out of ten. It’s the -fellow who wants to do the pursuing. He loves the -chase and the zest of it. Some girls know this, and -they play the timid deer to perfection. Nadia Budthorne -is right clever, and I’ll wager something this -little game is no secret to her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ve hit it at last! I’ve known all along that she -really cared for Dick, and now I’ve been fool enough -to help her in her play. Say, I ought to be shot! I -know Dick is on the level, but how is he going to -resist a clever girl like her? He might, if June Arlington -were near; but June is far away, and, in my -estimation, Nadia lays away over June any old time. -Oh, you poor fool!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He clenched his fist and struck himself on the side -of the head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus it happened that Professor Gunn and Dunbar -Budthorne found the Texan in anything but a happy -frame of mind when they returned to the hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were agitated over the disappearance of Dick -and Nadia, for whom they had searched and inquired -ere leaving the bazaars. When they did return to the -hotel it was with the expectation and hope that they -might find the boy and girl there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“They will turn up all right,” declared Brad. “Dick -will take care of her, never fear.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now for the first time in his life he grew violently -jealous of his bosom comrade.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If he plays me double I’ll never again have the -least confidence in human nature!” he mentally cried.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But when an hour passed and the missing boy and -girl failed to return to the hotel Buckhart began to -share the alarm of the professor and Budthorne.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If anything happens to that boy I’ll never forgive -myself!” said the old pedagogue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We must look for them,” said Dunbar. “You -know what took place at the railway station. What -if some of Hafsa Pasha’s tools found Dick and Nadia -alone and unprotected?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly Brad Buckhart reassumed his Western -manners.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whoop!” he cried. “Let’s amble forth on the -warpath! Let’s take to the trail and go out for scalps! -I’m ready, and you know I can scrap some, if I don’t -shine resplendent at a soirée. I’m in right good humor -for a scrimmage.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Together they left the hotel and started to return -to the bazaar; but they had not proceeded far when -they were stopped by the appearance of an open carriage, -in which were Dick and Ras al Had.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick called to them, and the carriage stopped. -Young Merriwell sprang down.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Budthorne, pale and shaking with apprehension, -rushed forward and clutched him, demanding to -know what had become of Nadia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick told the whole story in as few words as possible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he listened Brad Buckhart grew ashen. He -realized that Dick and Nadia had become separated -from the professor and Budthorne through their efforts -to follow and overtake him. By running away -in such a childish manner he had led them into all -that trouble, the end of which had been the disappearance -of the girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Fool! fool!” he groaned. “I am to blame for it -all!”</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xivdick-disobeys"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id15"><span>CHAPTER XIV—DICK DISOBEYS</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Late that day, as the grateful shadows of approaching -night were settling over Damascus, Ras al Had -came quietly to the hotel, and was highly satisfied to -find Dick Merriwell there. He drew the boy aside, -saying he wished to speak with him in private.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have found one of the dogs who betrayed me,” -said the old sheik. “Would you behold him? Would -you hear what he has to say?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes, yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you trust me now?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Of course I do!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you trust me completely?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then tell your friends not to worry about you, -even though you leave them and do not return with -the passing of another day. If you ask questions now -I shall know you do not trust me, even though you -say so.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick asked no questions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus far everything possible had been done for -Nadia. Her disappearance had been reported, and -they had received the assurance that an earnest effort -would be made to find her and return her in -safety to her friends. Dick had made a formal complaint -of the assault, and was informed that the whole -matter should be investigated and the guilty parties -punished.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They all knew, however, that they were not liable -to receive anything more than promises from the -Turkish authorities. This being the case, they were -compelled to rely mainly on the American consul and -the promise of Ras al Had, the sheik.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It is probable that Dick Merriwell was the only one -who really placed any confidence in the old Arab.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad Buckhart was immovable in his conviction -that the sheik was concerned in the dastardly work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Knowing Brad would raise a disturbance, Dick told -the professor that he might be gone for twenty-four -hours. Immediately Zenas made an effort to exercise -his authority over the boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You shall not go, Richard!” he exclaimed. “I -forbid it!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am sorry you forbid it, professor, for you know -I dislike to disobey you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Eh? Hum! haw! Why, why, you don’t mean -to tell me to my face that you will defy me?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No, sir; I do not defy you. Circumstances make -it necessary for me to disobey you, and so——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You shall not do it! I won’t have it! Your -brother looks to me to bring you back safely to him, -and I——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Were my brother here he would approve of what -I am doing.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, what are you doing? Where are you -going?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I can’t tell you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Haw! hum! I positively decline to let you leave -this hotel!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I can’t help that. Look after Budthorne. He’s -nearly distracted. Tell him to brace up. Somehow -I have confidence that we’ll be able to find Nadia. -You’ll have your hands full taking care of Brad.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I need you to help me. The boy is crazy.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He blames himself for what happened, and he always -will blame himself unless Nadia is found.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I can’t do anything with him. He’s like a mad -bull. Richard, you are the only one who can handle -him. Don’t leave me!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I must.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, I thought you an obedient boy! I never -fancied you would set yourself up in defiance of me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You do not understand, professor; I am doing -what I firmly believe is for the best.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Zenas wrung his hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If we ever get out of this mess,” he declared, “I’m -going to take you back home just as fast as possible.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All right; but that is something to be considered -later.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You should be there. You should be in school at -Fardale this day.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You forget that I was expelled, professor.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“By that old dunkhead, Gooch! Wait till we get -home. I’m going to have a little session with Barnaby -Gooch, and also with Chester Arlington. Your -turn is coming, Richard—that is if you do not throw -your life away in some reckless folly. Do be cautious, -Richard! Listen to me!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick did his best to reassure the old man, but Zenas -clutched his arm and attempted to cling to him, still -urging and entreating.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Swiftly the boy released the fingers of the old pedagogue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll come back all right in time,” he said, and then -hastened away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gunn hurried after him out of the hotel. He saw -Dick spring upon the back of a horse. Another horse, -with a dark, silent man on its back, stood near. Both -animals were off in a moment, disappearing with their -riders into the dusky shadows of a street leading to -the north.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Zenas Gunn stood trembling in front of the hotel. -His heart was heavy with dread.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, Richard!” he murmured pathetically; “Heaven -guard you! You are brave unto recklessness, and I -fear that some day your recklessness will bring ruin -upon you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the side of Ras al Had Dick Merriwell rode -through Damascus. They were on the outskirts of -the city when the aged sheik drew rein.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We stop here,” he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Immediately two men appeared to take the horses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They dismounted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Follow, boy,” commanded the sheik.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick did not hesitate about obeying. He kept at -the heels of the Arab, who entered some straw-thatched -sheds. It was very dark under the shed, not -even the light of the stars penetrating there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ras al Had uttered a call, and soon a man came -hurrying with a fluttering light. He was black as -midnight, with thick lips, and huge gold rings in his -ears. He salaamed before the sheik.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hold the light, Assouan,” directed Ras al Had. -“Let us behold the dog who betrayed me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he touched the arm of the American boy and -made a gesture toward the ground not far from their -feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assouan held the light as commanded, and it fell -on a spectacle that caused Dick to recoil and utter a -cry of horror.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Face downward on the ground, his arms and legs -outspread, with his wrists and ankles bound to stout -stakes, was a black man, stripped of clothing. His -back was covered with blood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You see what happens to curs who betray Ras al -Had,” said the sheik, in a harsh voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Heavens!” gasped Dick. “The miserable wretch -has been beaten until his back is all cut up!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He was lashed until the pain loosened his tongue -and he confessed,” said the sheik. “This man was -one of the four I sent to escort you and the maiden.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You—you compelled him to tell what has become -of her?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I wrung it from his lips.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What did he tell?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You shall hear.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ras al Had touched the wretched victim with a -staff which he took from one corner of the shed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man did not stir.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Look, thou dog!” said the sheik; “art longing for -further punishment? Then speak promptly, or I -swear by the beard of the Prophet that thou shalt be -cut into a thousand pieces! Who paid thee to choke -the infidel lad?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, it’s the fellow who nearly murdered me!” -exclaimed Dick, for he had not recognized the mutilated -wretch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The same,” said the sheik. “Why doesn’t he speak? -Assouan, bring the whip.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The black man with the light hastened to obey. -The whip, a long, wicked-looking affair, with a rawhide -lash into which were knotted many pieces of -lead, was quickly produced.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ras al Had took the spluttering light from Assouan’s -hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Stand ready,” he directed. “When I bid you -strike have no mercy.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick’s blood was cold in his body. The situation -was one to fill him with horror. He was alone in that -wretched shed, his companions a merciless Arab, a -black man of the desert, and the helpless wretch bound -outspread on the bare ground. It was night, and the -moon had not yet risen. Beneath the shed the darkness -was dispelled only by the flaring light, which -cast many grotesque shadows dancing on the walls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Ras al Had bade the man speak. In return -there was neither sound nor movement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Strike, Assouan—strike!” said the sheik coldly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assouan lifted the whip.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick could stand no more of it, and he stepped in -front of the black man, crying:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hold! This is too much! Tell me, Ras al Had, -what he confessed, but do not carry this thing further!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A strange look of mingled surprise and rage at this -interference settled on the face of the old Arab. He -opened his lips to speak, but at this moment the man -on the ground groaned and mumbled a few broken -words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Instantly Ras al Had bent over the wretch, holding -the light so it fell on the man’s face. The traitor’s -head had dropped over to one side, his lips were open, -showing his gleaming teeth, while his eyes glittered -glassily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sheik poked a finger at those wide-open, glittering -eyes. They did not blink. Then Ras al Had -rose and said very quietly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is too late. He will speak no more. He is -dead.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick felt ill, and hurried out of the shed into the -open air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old sheik followed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Although he is dead,” he said, “I can tell you what -he confessed. The name of the crooked old Turk -who paid them to attack you and carry the maiden -away is Abu Hammed. Hammed is in the employ -of Hafsa Pasha. The girl is to be kept somewhere -until the excitement dies down, and then she will be -added to Hafsa Pasha’s harem. He thinks that by -that time he can win her over so she will be willing -and glad to live a life of ease in the harem.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If you had only learned where they took her——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Wait. I told you of my friend who just arrived -in Damascus with many beautiful girls, one of which -he has brought for Hafsa Pasha.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hafsa Pasha will visit the house where those girls -are to-night. I have not forgotten the fate of my -brother far away in Persia. Some day my sword -shall drink the blood of Hafsa Pasha; but first I would -find a way to compel him to tell where the maid you -seek is hidden.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Wait!” cried Dick, struck by a sudden idea. “It -might be done! I believe it can be! It’s worth -trying!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Of what do you speak?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have a plan.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Unfold it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Can’t you get me into the house where those girls -are?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Of what good would that be?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll go disguised as a girl.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“A girl?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It will not be the first time I have made up as a -girl, and they say I make a pretty girl, too. If you -know where I can get the outfit, I’ll make up as a -girl and go there. Can’t you arrange it so I’ll fall beneath -the notice of Hafsa Pasha? If his attention is -called to me I’ll do my part.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What will you do?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll fool him. I’ll get him to buy me and take me -to his harem. I’ll win his confidence and find out -where Nadia is hidden.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is a desperate venture.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But I’ll play my part, depend on it. Wait until -you see me made up as a girl. If you are not satisfied -then you may refuse to go on with the scheme.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old Arab seemed to catch some of the boy’s -enthusiasm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Very well,” he said. “If it costs you your life, I -cannot feel that I am to bear the blame. It is your -plan. I’ll take you without delay to a place where -you may dress and prepare for the deception. But -you shall have assistants, hairdressers, dressmakers, -anything you need to make your disguise perfect.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ras al Had then spoke to Assouan, giving him some -directions in regard to the dead man in the shed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick followed his strange companion through a -number of crooked streets. Finally they reached the -door of a house, to which they were admitted on -knocking.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sheik conferred with a gnarled and crooked old -Jew, explaining that he wished the boy to be dressed -and made up like a girl. The old Jew seemed puzzled -and surprised, but agreed, for a price, to attempt -the transformation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Time was passing, and the sheik did not haggle. -He simply insisted that the job should be thoroughly -done, and the boy should be made up as carefully and -tastily as if he were in truth a girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he left Dick in the old Jew’s hands, saying he -would hasten to complete the necessary arrangements -and then return for the transformed boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Less than an hour later the aged sheik again knocked -at the Jew’s door and was admitted. He was informed -that the boy would soon be ready to accompany -him, but that he would have to wait a few -minutes while the finishing touches of the disguise -were being put on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Jew asked him if he had any objections to waiting -in a room with a young lady customer, and Ras -al Had soon found himself in a small apartment, in -a corner of which sat a girl in street costume. Apparently -she was a foreigner, for her flesh was dazzlingly -fair, and her clothes, from the beautiful hat on -her head to the high-heeled boots on her feet, had a -distinct Parisian touch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sheik remained standing, quite aware that the -girl was surveying him with evident interest or curiosity. -His one glance had shown him that she was -unusually handsome, with dark hair and eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally she heaved a sigh and moved impatiently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Dear me!” she said, in perfect English. “This is -very tiresome. I’ve waited nearly an hour. Won’t -you sit down, sir?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ras al Had bowed very low and took a seat upon -the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How funny!” laughed the girl, with a fetching -little shrug of her shoulders. “All you dark gentlemen -decline to sit on chairs. You always sit on the -floor or the ground, and cross your legs.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again he bowed, without speaking.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t you understand English?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Very well, madam.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m no madam; I’m a miss. I’m looking for a -husband. I don’t suppose you know where I can find -a man with plenty of rocks? I’m out for the coin.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Arab glanced at her keenly, wondering if she -could be in earnest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She fluttered her fan and smiled over the top of it -with a bewitching look.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You’re not much of a talker, are you?” she went -on. “Well, never mind. American girls can speak -for themselves, and the men, too.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Are you from America, miss?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sure thing. I’m from Cleveland, Ohio. Really, -I started out to travel round the world, writing newspaper -letters for the home papers; but all the papers -have cut me off, and I’m stranded. I don’t care about -going back home, for I made up my mind to catch -a rich husband on the trip. Now, if you could put -me next with some old gazabo who has lots of the -needful, and I succeeded in raking him in, I’d willingly -make it worth your while.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ras al Had drew a deep breath of wonderment. Although -he did not fully understand her, he comprehended -that this was one of the free-and-easy young -ladies of the Western world of whom he had heard. -She was young and bewitching in appearance, but her -manner of talk seemed to betray a knowledge of the -world one would not suspect her to possess.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sheik shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I can give you no assistance,” he declared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She laughed and sprang up, crossing the floor toward -him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He rose hastily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t believe you know me,” said the girl. “We -have met before, and I am sure, as a special favor, -you will aid me in capturing a rich husband.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He retreated before her, but she followed him up, -and actually pinned him in a corner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Come, now!” she cried, with a dazzling smile that -showed her perfect teeth; “you can’t get out of it. -I’m not particular, and I’ll marry almost anybody with -the dust. I’d even marry Hafsa Pasha, and you can -fix that up for me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He protested that it was impossible, and his manner -caused the girl to laugh still more heartily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How do I look?” she asked. “Is this get-up all -right?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Indeed, you should have no trouble in getting a -rich husband,” said the sheik.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then take me to the house of your friend, where I -am to meet Hafsa Pasha.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You—you——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am the boy you brought here to be changed into -a girl.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Allah have mercy! Impossible!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The “girl” was in truth Dick Merriwell, and he -laughed heartily over the amazement of the old Arab. -Even then Ras al Had seemed to doubt his senses; but -the Jew came in, grinning and rubbing his hands together, -and stood waiting for his price.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Wonderful!” murmured the sheik. “Why, you -play the part so well that any man might be deceived. -It is worth the money, Abraham. Now I believe you -will succeed, boy, in your daring scheme. But I shall -try to be near you, for you may suddenly need the aid -of my arm and my sword.”</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xvpurchasing-a-human-being"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id16"><span>CHAPTER XV—PURCHASING A HUMAN BEING</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In a large room of many mirrors with frescoed ceilings -of bright colors, the floors covered with Turkish -rugs, and the place lavishly furnished in Oriental style, -were gathered seventeen girls of various races and -still more varying beauty. The cheeks of some were -dusky, while others were wonderfully fair. All were -attired in such fine clothes as seemed best to enhance -their good looks. They were taking their ease on -divans and couches, some of them smoking cigarettes, -some conversing, some remaining proudly apart from -the others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These were the girls brought to Damascus by the -trader, and all were for sale, like so many cattle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To this house came various wealthy men, who inspected -the girls critically, surveying them and taking -note of their charms, much after the manner of men -who purchase horses in open market. The old trader -was on hand to dilate on the attractions of each girl -and to listen to such offers as the gentlemen chose to -make.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In Damascus, as in many other parts of the Orient, -this was regarded as a legitimate business. To the -would-be purchasers and the old trader there was -nothing of a shameful nature in connection with it. -The girls thus sold would be taken to the various -homes of their purchasers, there to become legitimate -wives, after the custom of the country.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One girl, dressed in unusual taste, sat apart from -the others, seeming too proud to attempt to enter into -conversation with them. She was very pretty, and -many were the envious glances cast toward her by the -others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She had lately been added to their number, and already -they were gossiping that she was an English -girl who found herself penniless in the country, and -was willing to become the wife of some rich man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old trader seemed to know he had secured a -prize in this girl, for the price he demanded for her -was so high that several visitors who had been attracted -by her and were willing to pay unusually well -to secure her, were compelled to content themselves -with others, although they all relinquished the hope -of purchasing her with expressions of regret.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally a man of dignified bearing and polished appearance -came sauntering into the room and paused, -glancing around in a careless manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The moment the old trader saw this man he hastened -to him, rubbing his hands and bowing very low.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Welcome, most noble Pasha!” he exclaimed. “I -am sure I shall this night have the pleasure of beholding -thy pleasure. Never before has any man brought -to Damascus such a collection of feminine loveliness. -Verily they are pearls beyond price.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“So I have heard, Bilmah,” was the answer. “Already -I have met two who have looked on your pearls, -and they informed me that you had here one that was -almost priceless in your estimation. My curiosity has -been greatly aroused. I would look on this English -maiden.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, there are others equally beautiful,” the trader -hastened to declare—“many others. Look, yonder is -a fair Circassian. I bought her from her father, and -paid him——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Never mind her. I am not looking for a Circassian. -They weary me. I have traveled in the West, -and the women of those lands interest me. I would -see the English maiden.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But first thou shouldst see——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not another one, old man! Show me the one I -wish to see.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But, great Pasha, it was understood between us -that I should bring thither for thee the fairest Circassian -I could discover——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The visitor cut the old man short.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You are wasting my time, old man. Unless you -show me at once the English maiden I will depart.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The trader made a gesture of resignation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Come!” he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The visitor followed him until they paused before -the divan on which sat the girl who had attracted so -much attention and admiration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Behold her!” said Bilmah.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl glanced up shyly over her outspread fan, -giving the Turk a sidelong glance from her fine, -black eyes, in the depths of which there was a strange -light that fascinated him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hafsa Pasha bowed very low, his hand on his -heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“So this is the one whose charms I heard extolled -ere I crossed the threshold of this house?” he said. -“You are English, they tell me. It is most astonishing -to find an English girl here.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I suppose it is,” she answered, in a very low voice -that was full of strange music and gave him a decided -thrill.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He sat on the floor at her feet, rolling a cigarette.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Tell me how it happens that you are here,” he -urged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I cannot,” she answered, in apparent great confusion. -“It is a tale of misfortune. Speak of something -else.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Are you aware what you are doing?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Fully.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you know that once you have entered the -harem of any man who may purchase you there can -be no backing out—no escape?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have thought of it all.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And you will not be the only wife of the husband -who secures you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I know.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Still, I cannot understand you. It is utterly unlike -one of your blood to do such a thing. There must be -a reason for it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Of course there is. Perhaps I have a brother or a -friend who is in deep distress and needs money at -once. Perhaps I have arranged with the trader that -a certain portion of the price paid for me shall be sent -at once to this person. Does that not offer an explanation?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hafsa Pasha lighted his cigarette and eyed her attentively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have been told that the price Bilmah demands is -exorbitant. Still, under certain circumstances you -might be worth it to me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What are the circumstances?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He shrugged his shoulders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If I purchase you you will be mine to do as I -command.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Of course.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Possibly I have somewhere another English-speaking -maiden who rebels against my authority and refuses -to bow unto me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Another?” laughed the girl behind her fan. “You -must be fond of the English.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Were I to purchase you, I should expect you to -become without delay the companion of this other -girl. I should expect you to exert your influence upon -her to lead her to submit to her lot.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I see nothing very hard in that.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But she might tell you a woeful tale of an imaginary -wrong. She might seek to arouse your sympathy. -She might claim that she had been captured -and imprisoned against her will.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am growing interested. If you can afford to -pay the price demanded for me, you must be a very -rich man.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am far from poor.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You are kind to your wives?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am gentleness itself.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“They have every comfort and luxury in the home -you provide for them?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No woman can ask for more.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then this girl should soon learn to be contented -and happy. She has some peculiar ideas in her head -just now, but she will get over them. If you purchase -me, I shall do everything in my power for her.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You Western women are remarkable. No woman -of the East would talk to me like this. I almost fear -you. I seem to feel that you possess a strange power -that our women know nothing of.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again she laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You’ll get used to me in time,” she said. “That -is, you will if you are not bluffing.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bluffing? Perhaps I know what you mean, and -still——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I mean about paying the price Bilmah demands. I -have seen men who pretended they were ready and -willing to spend money when they had no thought of -doing so.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You shall see what I mean to do. Of course I -have a right to make the best bargain possible with -old Bilmah.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No; you must pay the price he demands. Whatever -you induce him to take off you keep from the -one to whom he is to send the money.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you trust him to forward it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That is fixed. The one who got me in here will -see that Bilmah does not cheat.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Very well. Although as yet I have seen scarcely -more of your face than your eyes and forehead, yet -I am going to pay the price. Be ready to leave this -place directly. I shall have a carriage at the door in -less than ten minutes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Hafsa Pasha arose and sought the old trader.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xvithe-sword-is-stained"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id17"><span>CHAPTER XVI—THE SWORD IS STAINED</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Nadia Budthorne had wept until the fount of tears -seemed dry. She had beaten with her hands against -the heavy door of her prison room until her knuckles -streamed blood. She had shouted and screamed until -she sank exhausted to the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>How much time had passed she knew not. When -a tray of food was slipped into the room she had no -knowledge of the occurrence. She first saw it on the -floor near the door, but not a morsel did she touch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She lay prone and helpless and despairing when a -rustling sound startled and aroused her. She rose -swiftly on one hand, and then a cry of astonishment -escaped her pale lips, for before her stood a beautiful -girl. Behind the stranger the door was silently -closing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Who—who—are—you?” asked Nadia hoarsely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Your friend,” was the answer, in a softly sympathetic -voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Friend? You are a stranger.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Still I am your friend. Let me help you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Your voice!” muttered Nadia. “It seems familiar, -somehow, and yet—I’ve never seen you before.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The strange girl assisted Nadia to rise, and led her -to a couch. She was much larger than Nadia, and -seemed somewhat older.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My poor child!” she murmured. “How you have -suffered!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, how I have suffered!” moaned Nadia. “But -why are you here? I do not understand it. You—you -are English or American. You cannot be——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hush! Do not speak so loud.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No one can hear us. I have screamed until I lost -my voice. These terrible walls smother all sounds.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The strange girl was looking around searchingly. -Leaving Nadia, she made a quick circuit of the room, -searching the walls with her eyes. She paused to try -the door and then returned to the couch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Listen,” she whispered, lifting her finger warningly. -“Keep your nerve now. Do not utter a cry. -I am here to save you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia showed her incredulity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“To save me?” she whispered back. “How can that -be? Who are you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“One of your best friends.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I will not believe it! It is another trick!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is no trick, as far as you are concerned. It may -be a trick on Hafsa Pasha.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then he——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You are his captive.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I knew it! The monster! If my brother—if Brad -and Dick find this out he shall suffer!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If you promise to do just as I direct I will save -you from that man.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How can you? You are only a woman.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s what I appear to be.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You cannot be more than nineteen.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Younger than that,” was the reply. “Still I will -save you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s impossible! They brought you here to deceive -me!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s correct. Old Hafsa did it himself, but he is -the one deceived. To-night he paid a handsome price -for me, with the idea of adding me to his harem. Oh, -I must laugh! I must! Where’s my handkerchief! -Let me smother the sound!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The strange girl stuffed her handkerchief into her -mouth and laughed until her face was fairly purple. -Her whole body shook with merriment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia’s bewilderment increased.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t know why you laugh. It’s a fearful thing -to be imprisoned in a harem. Hafsa Pasha has bought -you, and you must submit to him. You must be a -faithful wife, imprisoned within a harem.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, a fine old wife I’ll make!” chuckled the other. -“Oh, dear! It’s a mighty dangerous lark, but it’s -awful funny, just the same.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly Nadia clutched her companion’s shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Tell me who you are!” she commanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All right. Keep your nerve. Don’t utter a sound. -Are you ready?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia nodded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am Dick Merriwell.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl almost fainted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Dick?” she gasped—“Dick? Impossible! Yet—yet -I believe you—you are! Why, how——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Can’t explain in full. Fooled old Hafsa. If Ras al -Had does not fail me we’ll have you out of this before -morning. If Hafsa only knew——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A sound behind him caused Dick to turn and spring -up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The door had opened to admit Hafsa Pasha himself, -and his face was contorted with rage. He glared at -Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“So you did fool me, did you?” he snarled. “You -thought I could not hear your words, but there is a -place in this wall where a person listening outside -may hear and understand the softest whisper spoken -here. You deceived me, but it will cost you your -life!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He drew a knife.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From some part of his clothes Dick Merriwell -whipped forth a heavy revolver, which he leveled at -the Turk’s heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Halt right where you are!” he commanded clearly. -“Another step and I’ll drill a hole through your dastardly -heart! I came prepared for any emergency.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hafsa Pasha uttered a cry. It was answered somewhere -outside the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But at that moment there came from a distant portion -of the house the sound of heavy, crashing blows.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Turk turned pale.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What’s that?” he gasped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have an idea it is Ras al Had,” said Dick. “Stop! -Stand in your tracks! Try to leave the room and I’ll -drop you!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The noise ended in one great crash. Then came -the soft shuffle of many unbooted feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hither, sheik!” cried Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a struggle outside, smothered cries, a fall. -Then Ras al Had, backed by several black men, together -with Brad Buckhart and Dunbar Budthorne, -appeared at the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Still safe, boy?” said the old Arab. “I dared not -wait. I had located the maiden’s prison, and I sent -one of my servants to bring her friends from the hotel. -Then the carriage came, and I saw you enter, accompanied -by him. I feared longer delay would be -fatal for you. We broke down the door. It seems -that we entered just in time.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hafsa Pasha was yellow with rage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You old scum of the desert!” he cried. “You are -behind it all! It is your trick!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have not forgotten the fate of my brother, Pasha. -His blood still cries aloud for vengeance.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll send you to join him!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Turk had held the drawn knife hidden at his -side. Now he made a pantherish leap toward the -sheik and struck with the weapon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ras al Had threw up his arm. The blade was -driven through the muscles of the forearm, but with a -sweep the Arab sent Hafsa Pasha reeling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same time he unsheathed his sword.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the Turk recovered and sprang forward -again he was met by the sheik, who drove the keen -sword straight through Hafsa Pasha’s body.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad Buckhart had reached Nadia, and she fainted -in his arms.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xviia-position-of-peril"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id18"><span>CHAPTER XVII—A POSITION OF PERIL</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>There was a great uproar in Damascus. Hafsa -Pasha, an exiled Turk, once a prime favorite of the -sultan, had been slain in a house within the city limits.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rumors were flying thick. There were many wild -stories passing from lip to lip. It was said that some -foreigners had been concerned in the murder of the -Pasha.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Moslems were aroused, and they cried out for -vengeance on the murderers. Some said that a young -and beautiful girl was connected with the affair. It -was said that she had tried to delude the Pasha and -rob him, and that in the end her friends, aided by a -number of Arabs, had slain him in the house to which -the girl decoyed him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These stories aroused the followers of “the true -faith” to a high pitch of resentment against all “infidels” -in the city at that time. Foreign visitors were -warned against appearing on the streets, as they were -almost certain to be insulted, roughly treated, and possibly -slain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The foreigners stopping at the German hotel were -greatly alarmed. Many of them were planning to get -out of the city as soon as possible. Some had heard -the early mutterings of the storm and departed on the -train for Beirut that day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Z. Gunn was in a state of great distress. -He found Dick Merriwell and Brad Buckhart in earnest -consultation in their room and seized each by an -arm, exclaiming:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“This is what it has come to! You can see! We’re -still in the sultan’s domain. There will be an uprising. -These fanatical Mohammedans will massacre -every Christian and foreigner they can find in the -place! I feel it coming. The streets of Damascus -will flow with blood before night!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You’re excited, professor,” said Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Excited!” squawked the old man, nearly losing -his false teeth and clapping his hand over his mouth -to keep them from popping out. “Ugh! Oogah-um! -Cluck! Who wouldn’t be excited? There is something -to get excited over. We’re almost certain to be -murdered!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I hardly think,” said Merriwell, “that the Turks -will carry it that far. We are citizens of the United -States, with passports in our pockets, and the sultan -would have trouble on his hands with Yankee Doodle -Land if his subjects were to murder us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You bet your boots!” put in Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But the sultan isn’t here to stop it,” spluttered -Zenas. “The Turks are infuriated over the death of -Hafsa Pasha. They are urging on all Moslemites in -the city. None of them are counting on the consequences. -They’ll do the killing first and consider the -consequences afterward.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No one has been killed yet,” said Dick. “The -authorities are doing their best to hold the fanatics in -check.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“By promising to apprehend and bring to justice -the murderers of Hafsa Pasha. Mind, they say murderers. -That means every one who was present when -the man was killed. I was right here last night when -Brad and Budthorne went away with those Arabs. -I’m not the only one who knows about that. You were -present, Richard, when Hafsa Pasha’s enemy slew -him. Brad was there, Budthorne was there. You’re -all concerned. You’re every one wanted as participants -in the crime.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It was vengeance,” said Dick. “Ras al Had, the -old sheik, slew Hafsa Pasha, and Hafsa Pasha years -ago sold Ras al Had’s brother into slavery. The sheik -found his brother dying in the desert, and he swore to -have vengeance on the treacherous Pasha when the -time came. Last night he carried out his oath and -then fled from the city.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That won’t clear you, boys,” asserted Professor -Gunn. “You were concerned in breaking into the -house where the Pasha was killed.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sure we were,” nodded Brad Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I didn’t have to break in,” said Dick, with a twinkle -in his dark eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, Richard,” said the professor, “that was a scandalous -thing! Hafsa Pasha was fooled into paying a -large sum for you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart grinned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He was going to add you to his harem, pard. Oh, -say! that was the richest thing ever! The boys will -die of laughter back at school when I tell them about -it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hem! haw! Haw! hem!” coughed the professor. -“It looks just now as if you’ll never get back to Fardale to tell anything. Drat it, boys, you don’t seem -to comprehend the terrible peril we’re in!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We comprehend it, all right,” asserted Dick; “but -we can’t see any sense in getting ratty over it. Hafsa -Pasha got exactly what was coming to him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You bet he did!” nodded the Texan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The right or wrong of it makes no difference to -these fanatics,” said Zenas. “They won’t stop to ask -who was right and who was wrong. They’ll just go -ahead and chop up the foreigners. This hotel is -watched. The people in it have been warned against -leaving it. A few got away on the train, but the rest -of the people in the place are panic-stricken. They -realize the danger. The trouble with you two reckless -young rascals is that you do not realize the peril. -Somebody is going to confess that two persons left -this hotel in the night. They’ll trace the two. It -will be found out that you were present when the -Pasha was killed, and your lives will not be worth a -penny. Oh, it’s a—— Hark! What’s that?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the street outside came a peculiar, blood-chilling -sound. It was like the low snarling of many -voices, and it grew louder and louder until it became -a sullen, muttering roar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The three rushed to the window and looked out. -What they saw caused the old professor to turn pale -and faint.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A great mob had gathered in front of the hotel, all -Turks or people of the Moslem faith, and others were -coming rapidly from many directions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The crowd was armed with clubs, sticks, stones, and -so forth. A few flourished swords or other deadly -weapons.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They are crying out in their indignation against -the foreigners. A crooked, befezzed Turk was their -leader. At sight of him Dick Merriwell uttered an -exclamation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“See that man?” he cried—“the one who is urging -the mob on?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I sure see the varmint,” nodded Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, he’s the old wretch who bribed Ras al Had’s -black men to betray Nadia and myself.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That dog, eh?” growled the Texan, taking something -from his pocket. “Well, I reckon I can just -about shoot a couple of holes through his big ears at -this distance.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn uttered a squawk of terror and -clutched the wrist of the grim-faced boy from the -Panhandle country.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You’re crazy, Bradley!” he gasped. “You’re -mad!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I admit the accusation,” said Buckhart. “I am -mad—a heap mad.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If you were to fire at that man it would precipitate -the destruction of this hotel and the murder of -every inmate!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The professor is right, Brad,” said Dick quietly. -“Put up your gun.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’d certain like to——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Never mind that. Put up the weapon and bide -your time. You may be compelled to use it in self-defense before this day is over. Hear those creatures!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The mob was howling:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Death to the foreigners!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Kill the infidels!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Burn their hotel!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Destroy them! Destroy them!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Death to the unbelievers!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Wildly waving his arms, the crooked old Turk -shrilly yelled:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“They have defiled our city and our temples! They -have basely murdered one of the true faith!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ah-yah!” snarled the mob.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then some one hurled a stone. There was a crash -of glass in the lower part of the hotel. A volley of -stones followed, smashing glass and raining against -the building in a shower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It begins to look pretty bad,” confessed Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dunbar Budthorne, followed by Nadia, came hurrying -into the room. Budthorne was agitated and his -sister was very pale.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What is happening?” asked Dunbar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Take a look out of this window and you will see,” -answered Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia pressed forward to look, but drew back, shuddering.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad sought to reassure her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s only a lot of crazy fools,” he said. “Don’t be -frightened, Nadia.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But they are mad! They mean to destroy the -hotel and murder us all!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t reckon the governor will permit that.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Can we do nothing?” asked Budthorne. “Can’t -we apply to the American consul?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We tried that yesterday when Nadia disappeared,” -reminded Dick, “and the American consul was out of -the city.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then there is the British consul. Surely he will -act if we call on him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I doubt if he has the power,” said Professor -Gunn. “We are in a terrible predicament. I fear the -horror of 1860 is about to be repeated.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What happened in 1860?” asked Dunbar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Six thousand unarmed and unoffending Christians -and foreigners were massacred in Damascus, and -nearly twice as many more outside the city, in -Syria.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, dreadful!” gasped Nadia, growing faint and -being assisted to a chair by Buckhart. “What if it -happens again? Oh, I believe it is going to happen!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this juncture a fiercer outburst of noise rose -from the street, and again Dick Merriwell looked out -of the window, the others pressing close behind him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It seemed that some one from the hotel had ventured -to step outside to address the crowd. Instantly -his words were drowned by howls, and shrieks, and -curses, while a shower of missiles drove him back to -shelter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then some one espied the little group in the upper -window and called attention to it. Instantly the crowd -began shouting insults at our friends and shaking -their fists at them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Take Nadia back from the window, Brad,” advised -Dick, in a low tone. “Keep her mind distracted as -much as possible from this.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Buckhart conducted the girl to a chair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Better all get back,” said Professor Gunn. “We’re -just adding to their fury by standing in the window -and watching them.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They moved back a little, but the mob continued to -rage and snarl, like a pack of infuriated wild animals.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Was no one punished for the other massacre?” -asked Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The powers of Europe finally interfered,” answered -the professor. “The Turkish government was -compelled to punish some one, so Ahmad Pasha, the -governor, lost his head. That was about the extent -of the punishing.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well the present governor ought to remember -Ahmad Pasha. If he isn’t careful he may lose his -head.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The whole hotel was in a state of great excitement, -as Dick learned by stepping outside the room, and listening. -Women were weeping and wailing, while -white-faced men hurried hither and thither, up and -down, without seeming able to decide on anything. -He heard two men talking, and one was telling the -other that already the mob had murdered a man in -the open street.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s pretty serious,” Dick decided. “Once let a -mob like that get a taste of blood, and there is no -telling where the affair will end. I fear this will be a -bloody day for Damascus. If they begin killing, the -odds are against any one of us escaping with his life.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the men below was speaking again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“They say this thing started over the unwarranted -murder of an exiled Pasha.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s the report, and I was told a few minutes -ago that the mob declares the murderers of the Pasha -are in this very hotel. That is why it has been singled -out as the first point of attack.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ve heard more than that,” declared the first -speaker. “I understand that the real cause of all this -trouble is an American girl, stopping here. She must -be an adventuress, for they say she got gay with the -Pasha who was murdered, and decoyed him to the -place where he was assassinated. I’ve seen the girl, -too.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You have?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes. She’s here in company with her brother. -Has been here several days. Day before yesterday -two boys and an old man joined them.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, I’ve noticed that party. And they say this -girl caused all the trouble?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes. Some of the rest of the party were concerned -in the murder of the Pasha. The crowd outside is demanding -that this girl and her friends be given up. If -the proprietor will surrender them it is possible the rest -of us may escape with our lives.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then we had better unite in urging him to give -that party up. It’s a case of self-preservation, -and——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I favor it myself.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had slipped quietly down the stairs, and now he -suddenly confronted the two men. His face was pale, -but his dark eyes flashed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have a few words to say to you,” he said, his -voice low but clear and steady. “I don’t know where -you hail from, but I do know that you are two of the -most contemptible cowards it has ever been my bad -fortune to chance upon. No one but cowards would -think of surrendering an innocent and helpless girl -into the hands of a maddened and murderous mob, -like the one outside this hotel.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having expressed himself in this manner, the fearless -American lad stood squarely facing them both.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a hush.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Outside the mob was heard muttering sullenly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two men gazed at Dick in surprise. One was -a tall man, the other decidedly below medium height.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why—why——” gasped the short man, and then -choked, as if unable to find further words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The tall man shook himself together.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Look here, you insolent young puppy,” he exclaimed, -“how dare you come here and use such language -to us?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes,” put in the short man, with an attempt at -bluster, “how dare you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I do not think there is much to fear from two -men who would deliberately talk of surrendering an -innocent girl into the hands of a murderous mob,” retorted -Merriwell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Innocent girl!” sneered the tall man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes, innocent! Be careful, sir! I’m only a boy, -but I know the girl, and another insulting slur from -your lips will be resented in a manner you will not -like.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both men were astonished.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, I believe he would tackle us both!” muttered -the short man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You know the girl, do you?” said the tall one, overlooking -Dick’s threat, as if he did not consider it -worth noticing further. “And you claim she is innocent?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I happen to know.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Didn’t she decoy the Pasha to the house where -he was murdered?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick’s lips curled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Instead of that, sir, she was seized while walking -on the street, her escort assaulted and knocked down, -and the ruffians imprisoned her in a house. Where -were you yesterday that you heard nothing of this?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We made a trip into the country outside the city,” -explained the little man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It happens that I was the one accompanying her -when she was seized and carried off,” added Dick. -“By chance this girl, who is perfectly innocent of -wrongdoing, fell beneath the notice of Hafsa Pasha, -a bad man, who resolved to add her to his harem. He -was baffled, and he deserved the fate he met. However, -none of our party had anything to do with that. -He was killed by an old enemy, whom he had bitterly -wronged. These are the facts, gentlemen. Now, in -order to save your fine necks you talk about turning -her over to that snarling pack of wolves at the door! -I am ashamed of you both!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In spite of his youth he made them feel ashamed -of themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, well, oh, well,” said the little man apologetically; “we didn’t understand, you know. If we -had——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But I don’t fancy being talked to in this manner -by a mere boy,” growled the other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I didn’t expect you would fancy it,” said Dick, with -continued boldness. “Lots of people do not fancy -being told the plain truth. Often it cuts to the quick. -If you wish to do what you can to save yourselves, be -prepared to fight for your lives if the mob breaks -in here, but do not talk of surrendering a girl to be -murdered by that pack of maddened beasts. On the -contrary, you should be ready to defend her with your -last drop of blood.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having scorched them in this manner, Dick turned -and remounted the stairs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The tall man made a move as if to stop him, but -checked himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Barely had Dick disappeared when a figure advanced -quickly from the shadows at the rear of the hall and -spoke in a low tone to the two men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I beg your pardon,” said a soft voice, with a pronounced -accent that seemed to proclaim him either a -Spaniard or an Italian. “I happened to overhear a -part of your conversation with that boy. I know -him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The stranger was slim and dark, with a slight mustache, -which curled upward at the ends. He had coal-black -eyes, which were very restless and very piercing. -His hands were small and slim, almost womanish.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two men looked at him in some surprise. As -they did not speak at once he went on hurriedly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It seems that I arrived in Damascus just in time to -get into this unfortunate trap, from which not one of -us may escape with our lives. I am just here. I would -I were elsewhere. I know that boy—know him most -exceedingly well. He is a thorough rascal. He was -compelled to leave England in a hurry to escape imprisonment -for robbery. He is a card sharp, although, -on account of his years, he does not, to strangers, seem -to be such. That is why he deceives the great number -of people with such perfect ease. In Italy he was -concerned with a very dangerous and desperate band -of criminals, and from that country he hurried with -much haste to avoid punishment. Since then he has -been wandering about in various lands, accompanied -by another boy and an old man, who are his accomplices. -They tell that the old man is the tutor and -guardian of the boys, but this I do assure you is a fabrication.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well!” gasped the little man, in astonishment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well!” exclaimed the tall man, bewildered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Gentlemen,” said the stranger, “I assure you that -I know perfectly well the complete truth of all I have -said. They are traveling under false names, having -somehow secured the passports of the parties they pretend -to be. The only thing of truth that I heard fall -from that boy’s lips as I listened was his statement -that the girl is innocent. She, however, with her -brother, who is not strong and may be easily influenced, -has fallen into the clutches of these three rascals. -Without doubt they sought to use the girl as a -tool to trap the Pasha who was murdered. I doubt not -that they led the Pasha to believe there would be no -trouble in case he seized the girl and made her an inmate of his harem. I believe it probable that they -secured a large sum of money from the Pasha—and -then they murdered him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Now, gentlemen, if, instead of giving up the girl -to the mob, you will get together, seize the real culprits, -tell the maddened people the truth, and surrender -them, you will be doing your duty, and nothing more.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The listeners gasped again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Most amazing!” said the little man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Quite so,” agreed the tall man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Who are you?” questioned the first.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Your name,” demanded the second.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The stranger made a graceful gesture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My name matters little to you. I will not speak it -at present. Those rascals are wholly unaware that I -am here. I do not care to have them discover it just -now. Listen! The mob clamors again. The doors -will be beaten down soon, and then nothing can save -us. If you know these people here, lose no time in informing -them of the real cause of this riot. Tell them -that the guilty ones are sheltered beneath this roof. -Propose to them that the three scoundrels be surrendered, -for it is better that three such common wretches -should be slain than that a whole hotel full of innocent -people should die.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Quite right!” exclaimed the small man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perfectly right,” agreed the tall man.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xviiiin-a-deadly-trap"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id19"><span>CHAPTER XVIII—IN A DEADLY TRAP</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Dick returned to his friends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Where have you been, pard?” asked Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Just outside,” was the answer. “Wanted to see -what was going on in the hotel.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I opine the whole bunch is some frightened.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Without doubt. They have good reason to be—— Something -doing!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This final exclamation was caused by the clear, ringing -sound of a bugle, coming from the streets below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick rushed to the window, followed by the others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Looking out, they saw a body of mounted soldiers -coming swiftly down a street leading to the front of -the hotel. They were riding at a gallop, the hoofs of -their horses clattering rhythmically. An officer with -drawn sword was leading them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The sultan’s soldiers!” exclaimed Dick. “At last -the governor has awakened. Without doubt he remembers -Ahmad Pasha, and he does not care about -losing his own head.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, the soldiers are coming to drive the mob -away!” exclaimed Nadia, in relief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps so,” muttered Brad. “I sure hope so.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, is there any other reason why they should -come?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t know.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deep down in his heart, however, the Texan feared -the troops were coming for quite another purpose. He -feared the ruling Pasha had ordered them to proceed -to the hotel and take possession of the ones suspected -as having had a hand in the killing of Hafsa Pasha. -If this were true, although the troops might keep them -from the vengeance of the mob, it was likely that in -the end they would be punished with death, or in some -other manner, as accomplices of the murderer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Entertaining these thoughts, Brad watched with -the greatest anxiety the movements of the troop of soldiers. -He was relieved to some extent when the soldiers -charged into the mob, the officer in command -ordering the gathering to disperse.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn literally capered for joy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’re saved! we’re saved!” he cried. “The governor -doesn’t dare permit another riot!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the old man seemed to realize that he was -losing his dignity, whereupon he stopped dancing, -straightened up, threw out his thin chest, and thrust -one hand into the bosom of his coat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“To tell you the truth, my friends,” he said, “I -have not been genuinely alarmed at any stage of the -affair, for my judgment told me the governor would -see fit to interfere before anything really serious happened.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My dear professor,” he said, “it is not possible you -fancy any of us thought you alarmed in the slightest. -We knew better than that. You are a man of iron -nerves.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hum! haw!” coughed Zenas. “Perhaps not exactly -iron-nerved, but I flatter myself that I have unusal acumen and judgment, and therefore I knew the -affair would be checked in case the governor had time -to act before the mob succeeded in doing any real -damage.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the street below the soldiers were charging up -and down, scattering the crowd. The mob dispersed -with great reluctance, for it resembled a pack of hungry -wolves that had scented a feast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The crooked old Turk even dared stand and defy -the cavalrymen, but finally the officer in charge chased -him off, belaboring him across the back with the flat -of his sword.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You deserve something worse than that, you old -wolf!” muttered Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia was greatly relieved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the window they watched until the soldiers -had quite succeeded in dispersing the mob, and it began -to seem that the danger was over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then they discovered that the mounted men were -being divided into squads, and soon these squads began -to patrol the neighboring streets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick again left the room, was gone fifteen or twenty -minutes, and returned with the information that the -officer had given orders that no one was to enter or -leave the hotel until further notice. The guests were -practically prisoners, and this seemed to indicate that -the danger was not over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia’s nerves were in a sad condition from the -strain and the relapse. Her brother conducted her to -her room. He then returned and, accompanied by the -professor, proceeded to interview the German proprietor -of the hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick and Brad were left alone. The door was -standing slightly ajar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“This business had been a plenty exciting, partner,” -said the Texan; “but I opine she’s practically over -now.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t know about that,” said Dick, shaking his -head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart was astonished by the grave manner of -his companion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t know?” he cried. “Why, the mob has been -scattered and the soldiers are guarding the house.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes, the soldiers are guarding the house, and orders -have been given that no one shall leave it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That is so none of the inmates shall fall into the -hands of the mob.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Is it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Isn’t it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m not sure. I would feel easier if I knew that -was the real reason why no one will be permitted to -leave.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then you have an idea that there may be another -reason?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t opine I just understand.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m afraid we are prisoners here, held until agents -of the governor can make an investigation and find -out who was present last night, when Hafsa Pasha -met his end.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Texan sprang up and stood in an attitude of -mingled surprise and consternation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great tarantulas!” he exclaimed. “There may be -something in that!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick nodded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There may be,” he said. “If there is——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You and I may be arrested and thrown into prison -any time.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Nadia, also.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Thunder! Dick, I’m afraid you’ve hit the truth. -What will happen if you are right?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’ll find ourselves in a very nasty scrape; but it -will be hardest on Nadia. Think of the poor girl -thrown into——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I can’t think of it! I decline! Pard, we must -find a way to get her out of this scrape. If the -governor really sends officers here to investigate, we’ll -be pointed out, and then it will be too late. What can -we do?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We seem to be caught like rats in a trap,” admitted -Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A low laugh sounded outside the door, which was -pushed open, and into the room softly stepped the dark -stranger who had spoken with the tall man and the -short man in the hall below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes, Dick Merriwell,” this fellow said, with malignant -satisfaction, “you are caught, and there is no way -for you to escape. When the officers come I shall take -great pleasure in pointing you out to them. The time -of my revenge and triumph has come at last.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Miguel Bunol!” cried Dick, in astonishment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was, in truth, the young Spaniard who had once -attended school at Fardale—the fellow who had caused -the Budthornes so much trouble in England and Scotland.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Since leaving Italy Dunbar and his sister had taken -precautions to throw Bunol off their trail, in case the -venomous rascal persisted in seeking to follow them. -Their success had led them to believe they would see -no more of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But in some manner Bunol had traced them to Damascus -and overtaken them there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick’s eyes glittered as they fell on the fellow, while -every muscle in Buckhart’s body seemed to become -taut, and the Texan crouched a little, like a person -ready to make a leap.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol closed the door and placed his back against -it, facing the two boys he hated. He stood there, surveying -them insolently, deep satisfaction in his face -and bearing. His manner seemed to say: “I am master -of the situation at last, and now I propose to crush -you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Woof!” finally burst from Buckhart, like the snort -of a startled wild beast. “It sure is that same onery -coyote, partner!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It would be well for you if you restrained your -tongues and called no hard names,” said Bunol.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The varmint is plenty bold, Dick,” said Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Merriwell recovered command of himself, and he -seemed quite calm and undisturbed, although inwardly -a tempest was raging.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“So you have followed us here, Mig Bunol?” he -said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“As you see,” retorted the Spaniard, “I am here. -You thought yourselves very clever, but you could not -fool me for long.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We certain fooled you a plenty for a while,” muttered -Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What do you think you can accomplish by chasing -us round the world?” questioned Dick. “Thus far -you have met with nothing but failure.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My time of triumph has now come. Up to this -day fortune has favored you. Now it has turned -against you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol showed his white teeth in a pantherish grin, -that caused the sharp ends of his tiny, pointed mustache -to curl upward more than usual.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you think so?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I know it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How do you know it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You are in a trap from which there is no escape.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You mean——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You were concerned in the murder of Hafsa -Pasha.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We were not!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You were present when he was killed, and that is -enough. Oh, I knew it before I stood outside this -door and listened to your talk just now.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Eavesdropper!” snarled Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Rage and growl!” laughed the Spaniard. “Little -good it will do you! You are like the wolf that snaps -with its teeth at the steel trap into which it has -stepped. I heard you talking, but it told me nothing -new. I will tell you something. You have made the -right guess about the soldiers. They are guarding -this house in order that you may not escape until the -Pasha causes your arrest. That will not be long. The -proper officers will come very soon. Then I shall -point you out to them. Once you have been arrested -for that crime no power on earth can save you from -being beheaded. How like you the prospect, my insolent -American friends?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“So you propose to help the Turks in taking us?” -questioned Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I shall help them by pointing you out. In return, -I hope I may secure the privilege of being present -when you are beheaded. It will give me great joy to -stand near and watch the executioner shave off your -heads. Ha, ha, ha!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart’s strong fingers closed in an intense grip -that made his fists like two knobby iron balls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Mebbe you won’t be in condition to do any talking -when the officers come,” muttered the Texan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, I am watching you,” declared Bunol. “I have -a pistol ready for use. If you force me, no hesitation -will I have in using it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why did you come here?” asked Dick. “Why -didn’t you hasten to send information to the governor?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Because that was not necessary, and I came here to -enjoy the pleasure of witnessing your disturbance in -the face of certain death.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You came to gloat over us?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Have it so, if it pleases you. Why shouldn’t I? -Many times you have gloated over me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Never! Never yet have I gloated over a fallen -enemy.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But you have been triumphant, and I have suffered -defeat.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Which you deserved, for you are a scheming snake -in the grass!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You say so, but you are not my judge. Many -times have you brought disgrace and shame upon me, -until I have come to hate you with a burning hatred. -But for you, Nadia Budthorne would now be my wife.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And such a fate would be more terrible than death -for any refined girl. When the officers come, you will -denounce her if you denounce us. You cannot help -it, for it is said that a girl was concerned in the affair -that ended with the death of Hafsa Pasha. Are you -wretch enough to send Nadia to her death?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol shrugged his shoulders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps if she were to swear to marry me——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Which she’ll never do, you dog!” panted Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, is it you who think you will secure her, you -uncouth creature from a land of savages!” cried Bunol. -“Bah! It’s a pity you cannot see yourself as you are, -hulking, awkward, dull-faced, slow-witted, unpolished, -swaggering, conceited—a worthy product of that raw -portion of your miserable country called the West. -You Americans of the East are more than enough bad; -but those who come from the West are sickening to -one of culture and refinement.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart took a step toward the insulting speaker, -but Bunol whipped out a pistol.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Stay!” he hissed. “One more step will be the last -you will ever make!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At Dick’s elbow was a writing desk, on which lay a -heavy metal paper weight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Bunol’s attention was given almost wholly -to Brad, Merriwell’s fingers closed quickly on the -paper weight. Suddenly, with a motion that was amazingly -rapid, he lifted his hand and launched the paper -weight at the Spaniard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol attempted to dodge, having seen the sudden -jerking movement of Merriwell’s arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was a second too slow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The paper weight struck him squarely between the -eyes, and he dropped unconscious to the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Like a panther, Dick crossed the floor in one great -bound and fell on Bunol, his fingers closing on the fellow’s -windpipe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Breathing hoarsely, Buckhart was on hand to render -assistance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great work, pard!” complimented the excited -Texan. “He had me under his gun, and I couldn’t -do a thing.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He picked up Bunol’s pistol, which had dropped -from the fellow’s fingers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“This may add to our armament,” he observed. -“We’re likely to need all the guns we can handle pretty -soon.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had discovered by this time that there was no -need to choke the Spaniard, for the paper weight had -fixed the fellow so he would offer no resistance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bring me the rope we found in the wardrobe yonder, -Brad,” directed Merriwell, “and bring it quickly. -We must tie this fellow up good and solid before he -recovers.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The other boy hastened to bring the rope.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Looks like somebody used this for a trunk strap,” -he observed. “Lucky they left it in the wardrobe.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick directed Brad to cut the rope into pieces of certain -length, and with these pieces he proceeded to tie -Bunol in such a manner that it would be difficult for -the fellow to do much more than wiggle a toe on recovering -consciousness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He’ll be liable to howl some when he comes round,” -observed Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not when I have finished with him,” asserted Dick. -“Hand me that clothes brush.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart did so.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick took the brush across his knee and broke off -the handle in a twinkling. Then, with the aid of his -comrade’s knife, he soon fixed the handle so it would -serve as a gag, and this he fastened between the teeth -of the Spaniard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he was completing this task, Dick saw that -Bunol was coming round. The fellow’s breast heaved, -he opened his eyes, and for the time being he seemed -completely bewildered and at a loss to understand what -had happened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Now, what will we do with him, pard?” questioned -Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’ll chuck him into that closet,” decided Dick, at -once.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A step sounded outside the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Instantly Brad leaped to the door and set his -shoulder against it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Go on, Dick!” he palpitated. “Get Mig out of the -way somehow, while I hold the door.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Merriwell stooped to lift his enemy. As he did so -his eyes met those of Bunol, and in the dark orbs of -the helpless Spaniard he saw a murderous look of -hatred.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On Bunol’s forehead there was a swelling, but otherwise -he seemed unharmed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had been compelled to jerk the paper weight at -the fellow with a quick, snapping movement. Had he -thrown the thing with all his strength the rascal’s skull -might have been fractured.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unheeding the venom in Bunol’s glance, Dick lifted -the fellow’s limp body and carried him quickly across -the room, thrusting him into the small closet. He -placed the helpless wretch in a sitting position on the -floor, with his knees curled up to his chin, and then -closed the closet door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Some one was rapping on the door Brad was holding.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Let them in,” directed Dick coolly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart stepped away from the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn entered, followed by a huge black -man, wearing immense brass rings in his ears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“This man wants to speak with you, Richard,” said -the old pedagogue. “He has a message for you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was very much surprised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“A message for me?” he said. “Who from?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You should know,” said the black man, in astonishingly -good English. “Look at me. We have met.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, it’s Assouan!” cried Merriwell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am Assouan,” bowed the black man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But here—what are you doing here? How did -you get here?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I came from my master, the great sheik.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But he is in flight. He——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He sent me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I bring a message from him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What is it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He fears greatly that you will find yourself in great -peril here in Damascus, and that you may be slain.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“His fears seem to be well-founded. Is that all the -message?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He commanded me to return to the city, seek you -and learn if you were indeed in danger.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I certainly appreciate the sheik’s thoughtful concern. -We are indeed in danger, and by the time you -can return, and so inform him, it will be too late for -him to render any assistance, should he be so inclined.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The noble sheik gave me instructions, in case I -should find you in peril. He bade me suggest that -you should attempt to escape from the city in disguise, -at which you are exceeding clever.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“A great idea!” Merriwell exclaimed. “It might -be done.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then his face fell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But I am not the only one in danger, and I have no -disguise save that which I used last night. I might -make myself up like an English or American girl, but -little good it would do, for the mob is aroused against -foreigners, and a girl could not pass unmolested -through the streets. Besides that, how could I get out -of this hotel? The place is guarded.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“As to that,” said Assouan, “I can show the way -to leave the hotel unobserved, even as I entered it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You did have to come in, that’s a fact. How did -you pass the soldiers on guard?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There is a way. I know it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And you can show us how to leave this place without -being stopped by the soldiers?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I can.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s a plenty interesting!” muttered Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn was greatly excited.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then show us—show us!” he fluttered. “We’ll be -glad enough to get out.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It would do you no good as you now are, for you -would be compelled to appear on the open streets, and -the people of the city are greatly aroused against foreigners. -You would be attacked on the street. Better -the mercy of the soldiers than that of the mob.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then you cannot help us, after all!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My instructions were to aid only the boy who restored -life to the noble sheik when he was struck by -the iron chariot of the infidels.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well,” said Dick, “if Ras al Had fancied I would -desert my friends in order to save myself, he made a -mistake.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If you remain, you may be beheaded.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Unless there is some way for the whole of us to get -out, I shall remain and take my chances.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assouan regarded Dick with evident surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is better that one should escape than that all -should be slain,” he declared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“In order to escape, I would have to obtain some -complete disguise that would enable me to pass along -the streets of the city without molestation. How could -I thus disguise myself?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Abraham, the Jew, who did so once before, could -attend to that.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Abraham? But I could not go to his place of -business.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I could bring him here.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick’s eyes began to shine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Can you do that, Assouan?” he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“So I have said.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Wait a moment; let me consult with my friend.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He drew Buckhart aside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Brad,” he said, “I have an idea.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Fire her at me, partner,” invited the Texan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If old Abraham can do the trick—if he can bring -disguises enough—why should not we all make up and -endeavor to get away before we are apprehended by -order of the governing Pasha? Old Abraham will -do almost anything for money. Let him bring disguises -for us, for the professor, and for Budthorne -and Nadia. He ought to know how to rig us up so we -can pass through the streets without bringing the -fanatics down on us. I’ll instruct Assouan to bring -the old Jew here in a hurry.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s worth trying, Dick. Anything to save Nadia!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Merriwell turned to the black messenger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Is Abraham a man of education?” he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He has traveled,” was the answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you know if he can read English?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I do not know, but it may be that he can.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Wait.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick strode to the desk, seized a pad of paper and -a pencil and wrote rapidly. In a few moments he had -finished.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What are you trying to do, Richard?” asked the -old professor, who had been nervously walking about -the room. “You have not sought my advice.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There is no time for that now, professor,” declared -the boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He thrust the folded paper into one of Assouan’s -huge hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Carry that to Abraham without delay if you wish -to aid me,” he directed. “Let no other person see it. -Time is precious.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The black man bowed low and hurried from the -room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is possible that the preservation of our lives depends -on the success of this scheme,” said Dick. “I -wrote urging Abraham to come and bring disguises -for five of us, including one woman, explaining briefly -that we desired to escape by passing through the streets -of the city in open day.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No use! no use!” exclaimed Zenas hopelessly. “It -is the wild project of harebrained youth. We cannot -escape that way. If we try it, we’ll simply fall into -the hands of the enraged populace and be torn to -pieces.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, we’ll make the attempt if Abraham comes -and rigs us out for it,” said Dick decisively. “I hope -he’ll come. I know a message from Ras al Had will -influence him some, and on top of that I have promised -to pay him a liberal sum. If he disappoints us, -our fate will lie in the hands of the American consul, -and it’s likely he may be unable to do a thing for us.”</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xixbrad-and-nadia"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id20"><span>CHAPTER XIX—BRAD AND NADIA</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In an astonishingly brief time Assouan returned, -with the old Jew at his heels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Abraham was carrying a heavy bundle. He looked -rather pale and frightened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My tear poy,” he said, “vy haf you got yourself -indo such a pad scrape? If I hat known last nighdt -vat you vas intending to do, I would nefer hat anyt’ing -to do vit id. So helup me, I vos in dancher to -pe murtered vor id. If id vos voundt oudt I had somedings -to do vid disguisin’ you as a girl, and that you -dit vool der Pasha that vay, dey vould tear mine shop -down un drag me t’rough der streets. I haf peen in -terror off my life efer since I heardt vot had habbened. -I vould gif somedings handsome if you vos a t’ousandt -miles vrom Damascus this minute. Id vos to helup -you get avay that I came ven Assouan toldt me an’ -gafe me your writings. I haf peen to Enklandt and -America, and I read your writings vell.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then don’t lose time in talk,” said Dick; “but get -about the job of rigging us up. Fix us so we can -escape, and you will be in no danger of exposure.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy realized that it was fear, more than anything -else, that had brought Abraham to them in this -time of trouble. The Jew believed that Dick, should -he be seized by the officers of the city, as an accomplice -in the murder of Hafsa Pasha, would then tell -how, disguised as a girl, he had deceived the Pasha. -He would be compelled to state where he obtained the -disguise, and that would turn the wrath of the enraged -Moslems against old Abraham.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You said dere vas fife peoples to be disguised,” said -the Jew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I see only t’ree.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Brad, call Budthorne and his sister.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dunbar and Nadia appeared in a few minutes, and -Dick explained his plan of escaping in disguise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you think it necessary?” asked Dunbar. “It -seems to me that we are safe now, for the soldiers are -guarding the hotel, and the mob is held in check.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Dick was compelled to tell that the soldiers -were guarding the hotel while waiting for the governing -Pasha’s order to arrest the foreigners supposed to -be concerned in the murder of Hafsa Pasha.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is Nadia we must get out of here, first,” said -Dick. “You should be ready to take any risk to get -her away.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Budthorne was satisfied that Merriwell was -not mistaken he immediately urged his sister to permit -herself to be disguised and to follow the advice of the -clear-headed American lad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Realizing her own frightful peril at last, the girl -willingly consented.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It will pe easy to disguise her,” declared Abraham.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then,” said Dick, “lose no time in making her up. -Disguise Budthorne, also, and let Assouan conduct -them from the hotel while you are rigging the rest of -us up. He should be able to conduct them to some -place of safety and then return for us. Can you do -so, Assouan?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The black man declared that he could.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old Jew opened his pack and spread out his supply -of costumes. He swiftly prepared for work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In truth, it was an easy matter to disguise Nadia. -Over her regular clothes he hastily fastened a loose -dress, like that worn by a Turkish woman of middle -class, placed a high fezlike cap on her head, and arranged -a heavy veil over her face below the eyes, the -brows and lashes of which he had touched up with -pencils, giving them the peculiar cast seen in those of -Moslem women.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All this was done so swiftly and so completely -changed Nadia that the watchers were astounded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Abraham lost no time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Nexdt,” he called.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick pushed Budthorne forward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart improved the opportunity to take charge -of the girl. They stepped outside the room, while -Abraham went to work on Dunbar without delay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Excited people were still moving about in the hotel. -The sound of many voices came to the boy and girl. -Some one was at the foot of the stairs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad urged Nadia into her own room, the door of -which was standing ajar. She grasped his hand and -drew him after her, whispering:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am terribly frightened now, Brad. Don’t leave -me alone.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All right,” said the Texan. “Don’t you be frightened. -We’re going to get you out of this scrape all -right. My pard has a long head on his shoulders.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Dick is a wonderful boy,” declared the girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Buckhart felt a thrill of jealousy, but he resolutely -thrust such a feeling from his heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He’s a corker!” he exclaimed enthusiastically. -“See how quick he caught onto the plan of old Ras al -Had and turned it to the benefit of us all.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were in the room, but the door was still left -ajar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I know I’m a big blunderer beside Dick,” Buckhart -went on. “Of course you’re not to blame for liking -him best, Nadia. It’s only natural you should, -and——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But I don’t like him best,” she hastily cut in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You can’t help it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You’re mistaken, Brad. I admire him for his -courage, his resourcefulness, his loyalty and all that; -but you are just as brave and just as loyal, and I—I -like you—even better.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He caught her hand again and gave it a squeeze.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t see how that can be,” he muttered huskily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s true. You don’t think I would deceive you, do -you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No, but——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But what?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m going to confess,” he said, almost defiantly. -“I know I made a fool of myself after we joined you -here in Damascus. I never felt that way before, and -I hope I never shall again. It’s an awful mean feeling. -I was jealous.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Jealous, Brad?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes, I was. First I was jealous because I thought -you had taken too much interest in Hafsa Pasha. -Then I was jealous of my pard, as I couldn’t see any -reason why you should care more for him than for -me. And through my fool actions I brought all this -trouble on us. If I had not gone off by myself, kind of -eating my heart out, and then ran away when you and -Dick saw me and tried to overtake me, you would -not have been lost in the streets, would not have enraged -the Moslems by entering one of their temples, -and would not have given Hafsa Pasha’s tools a -chance to seize and imprison you. Oh, I was all to -blame, and I know it. I’m a big——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She placed a soft hand over his mouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I won’t listen to such a defamation of the character -of my dearest friend!” she whispered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He kissed her fingers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But it’s the truth,” he asserted. “I hope you’ll -forgive me and forget it, Nadia.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, you dear fellow, you talk as if you had -committed a crime!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I feel that way. If we get out of this scrape alive, -Nadia, I’ll try to prove to you that I’m not such a -fool as I seem. You see!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, hush!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You see!” he repeated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But we may none of us escape. Isn’t it terrible! I -don’t like Dick’s plan for Dunbar and I to leave first. -I think we had better wait and all go together. If -we——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She stopped, checked by a dull, muffled, murmuring -roar that seemed to come from the streets not far -away. The sound made her tremble.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The mob has not dispersed!” she whispered. “It -has been driven away, but it is returning! I fear we’re -lost!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He did his best to cheer her and give her courage. -Somehow she was overcome by a great weakness, and -suddenly he found her in his arms. The situation -thrilled him, and he held her tight, while he continued -to speak earnest words of reassurance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A sound behind them startled them. Brad turned -his head, still holding Nadia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A befezzed Turk had quietly entered the room. His -eyes seemed to glitter triumphantly. Lifting a hand -and pointing at them, he exclaimed:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have found you! I have come to take that girl -away!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia uttered a low cry of terror.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Swinging her onto his left arm, Buckhart suddenly -whipped out a pistol and covered the Turk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Stand back!” he growled. “Advance a step and -I’ll blow a hole through you!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man was startled and alarmed by this quick action -on the part of the Texan. He fell back, -exclaiming:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t shoot!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I certain shall,” said Buckhart, “if you move another -inch. Stand there and lift your dirty paws above -your head!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The threatened man hastily put up his hands, at the -same time spluttering:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great Scott! You’re altogether too handy with -your pistol! Put it up, Brad! Don’t you know me? -I’m Budthorne!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia gave a start, straightened up a little, and -stared at the speaker.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Dunbar,” she gasped; “Dunbar, is it you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Of course it is,” was the answer. “I wanted to see -if my disguise was any good; but I didn’t care to -have Buckhart jab a pistol at me so promptly.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great horn spoon!” muttered the Texan, recognizing -Budthorne’s voice and manner of speaking. “I -sure was fooled all right. Say, you certain look an -Allah worshiper to the life. If you ever get outside -of the hotel in that rig, you’ll be all right.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assouan now appeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We should lose no time,” he said. “Abraham is -disguising the others. I must lead you to a place of -safety and return for them. The mob is again trying -to approach the hotel, and the soldiers do not seem -strong enough to hold them back much longer.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It doesn’t seem right for us to go until all are -ready,” said the girl. “I think we should not.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick appeared now.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You must go at once,” he insisted. “It is better -so. Were we all to attempt to pass through the streets -together it would add to the danger of being detected. -Abraham is disguising Professor Gunn. Assouan can -conduct Nadia. She will seem to be a Turkish woman -with an escort. Budthorne can follow at a little distance, -keeping them in sight. Assouan will return for -us the moment he has placed you where you will be -safe. By the time he gets back, we’ll be ready to -start. Do not hesitate, Nadia—go!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is best, sister,” said her brother.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She grasped Brad’s hand once more and gave it a -pressure, looking into his eyes, which smiled at her -reassuringly, although his heart was heavy with dread.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Come quickly, Brad,” she whispered. “I shall be -in mortal terror for you until I see you again.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assouan led the way downstairs, the brother and -sister following.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From a distance again came an outburst of sullen -muttering, like the growling of wild animals held in -check. The Moslem mob was growing impatient. The -streets in the vicinity of the hotel were choked. At -any moment the crowd might break from the control -of the soldiers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It certain puzzles me up a plenty to know how -Assouan is going to get them out of this building and -away from here,” said Brad, following Dick back into -the room where the old Jew was at work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Already Abraham had transformed Professor Gunn -into an apparently dirty and ragged old Armenian. He -was putting on the finishing touches when the boys -entered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Waugh!” grunted Brad. “Is that Professor Zenas -Gunn, of Fardale Academy? Why, I feel a whole lot -like kicking that old beggar.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I know I’m a shameful sight,” moaned Gunn; “but -to save my life I have permitted myself to be changed -into a scarecrow.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ven you get der street indo,” said the old Jew, -“it will pe vell vor you to keep your mouth still and -haf nothing to say. If you talk you vill betray yourseluf. -Now you vos done. I vill attend to der poys.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick pushed Brad forward, and Abraham began on -him. With marvelous rapidity he turned the boy into -a young Greek. The work of the Jew was of the most -skillful sort, yet it was performed so rapidly that it -actually seemed careless and slipshod. The results -attained, however, spoke for themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick’s trousers were turned up, his shoes stripped -off, coarse and dirty socks pulled on over those he -wore. He was given a pair of trousers which came to -his ankles, a long, loose, dirty blouse that fell to the -knees, a coarse, heavy pair of slipper-like shoes, and -finally a battered and soiled fez, with a tassle that hung -down over one ear. His face was bedaubed and -rubbed with grease paint until his complexion changed -to dirty yellow. The Jew touched his features here -and there with a pencil, and last the contour of his -nose was altered by a bit of nose putty. This seemed -to be an afterthought on the part of Abraham, but -it finished the effect and altered a handsome boy into -a slouching, disreputable-appearing young rascal, such -as Merriwell had noticed occasionally on the streets of -Damascus.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Outside the hotel there was a sudden great -shouting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Some one has arrived,” announced Brad, who had -ventured to peep from the window.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The tall form of Assouan appeared in the doorway.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hasten!” he exclaimed. “The Pasha’s officer has -come to take you! He is at the door.”</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xxthe-flight"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id21"><span>CHAPTER XX—THE FLIGHT</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>“Too late!” groaned the professor, almost collapsing. -“I feared it!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Thank goodness Nadia got out of the trap!” muttered -Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If you do nod escape now id vas der death of -Abraham!” groaned the frightened Jew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick sprang past Assouan and reached the door. -He looked out and then turned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What do you mean?” he demanded. “There is -no one here.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He is below,” said the black man. “Be quick! -There is still a small chance for you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Come on, then!” exclaimed Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Dick saw the old professor had sunk down -weakly on the couch, and he leaped to the side of -Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Come, professor!” he breathed, grasping the hand -of the unnerved man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Go!” gasped the old pedagogue weakly. “Save -yourself, if you can. Leave me. My strength is gone. -God bless you, Richard! If I am beheaded by these -fanatics, tell my wife—tell the boys——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In spite of Professor Gunn’s lack of nerve, in spite -of the spells of trepidation which seized him, in spite -of his many weaknesses, the old man had won a warm -corner in Dick Merriwell’s heart, and Dick was not the -boy to desert in time of peril any one for whom he had -the slightest regard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll not tell them anything!” he said grimly. “If -you do not brace up and attempt to escape, I’ll remain -here with you, and you know what that means. You -may not be harmed, for you were not present when -Hafsa Pasha was slain; but as surely as I fall into the -hands of the sultan’s officers, there will be very little -show for me. Unless you brace up now, you may -destroy me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick spoke in this manner thinking it might be the -best way to arouse the old man, and he made no mistake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I—I—I——” stammered the professor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad urged them to hasten.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly Dick picked the professor up by main -strength and placed him on his feet. Supporting the -old man, he hurried him toward the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assouan had grown impatient and seemed ready to -dart away. His eyes were rolling, showing the whites -in a manner that betokened the man’s nervousness and -increasing fear. He urged them not to waste another -moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Abraham was left praying in the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Lead on,” said Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly Professor Gunn displayed an astonishing -burst of energy. He broke from Dick and ran to -Assouan, imploring the messenger of the sheik to make -all haste.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Down the stairs sprang Assouan, and what seemed -to be a trembling old beggar kept close at his heels. -Buckhart came next, with Dick bringing up the rear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the foot of the stairs suddenly appeared a Turkish -officer with a drawn sword. He did not attempt -to stop Assouan, but lifted his sword and placed the -point against the breast of the disguised professor, -commanding him to halt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same instant, it seemed, a human figure -fairly shot over the head and shoulders of Buckhart, -over the professor, and landed with full force on the -officer, hurling the latter to the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was Dick Merriwell, who had acted with lightning-like -swiftness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Turk was knocked senseless, and lay stretched -on the floor at the foot of the stairs, his sword beneath -him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick leaped up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Come on, professor!” he hissed. “Come on, Brad!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He caught hold of Gunn once more, and away they -went, finding it no simple matter to keep track of the -black man, who was now fleeing for his own life.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Other inmates of the hotel, all in great alarm, got -in their way, but were thrust aside. They rushed -through several rooms. Twice some one tried to stop -them. They stumbled down some dark steps. Doors -were flung open before them and slammed behind -them. Some curtains were thrust aside, disclosing -a dark passage. Into this they plunged. It brought -them quickly to other rooms and other doors that -yielded to the hand of the black leader. They were -bewildered, for none save Assouan knew whither they -were going. Their wild rush hither and thither seemed -aimless. At last, in a storeroom, where there were -boxes and bales and casks, the sheik’s messenger -thrust a bale aside and seized an iron ring that seemed -set in the floor. With a surge, he lifted a trapdoor, -beneath which was a place of utter darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Down!” he sibilated, pointing into the darkness. -“Down, and wait for me to follow!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad dropped through recklessly and disappeared. -The professor followed, breathing a prayer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Behind them there were cries and the sound of -many feet. Their flight had attracted attention. Several -persons were coming, and they might be Turkish -officers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick slipped through the trap and dropped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He fell on his hands and knees, and instantly realized -that, were he to stand erect, his head and shoulders -would protrude through the square opening -above.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He felt one of his companions at his side. He -looked up and saw the muscular black man again moving -the bale. Assouan sat with his legs dangling -through the opening. The trapdoor was leaning -against his shoulder. He reached over, grasped the -bale and pulled it against the door. Then, swiftly, yet -with deliberation, he slid down through the trap, permitting -the door to close, with the tipped bale settling -over it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the darkness, beneath, the four fugitives crouched -on the bare ground, hearing above their heads the -feet of their pursuers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a time the tread of feet and murmur of voices -ceased. Evidently their pursuers had departed baffled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Assouan whispered directions to them, and, -one after the other, the black man leading, they crawled -many feet along what seemed to be a trenchlike passage -beneath the building.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally Assouan paused. He rose, and they saw a -gleam of light that came faintly through another square -opening. This dim light revealed their conductor opening -another trapdoor by lifting it. He stood erect, and -then sprang lightly up through the opening.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, Richard!” whispered Professor Gunn; “this is -a terrible experience! If we escape with our lives, I -shall always think of this day with unspeakable horror.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assouan was stooping over the opening, with his -hands outstretched. He directed them to rise and permit -him to assist them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick urged the professor onward. The black man -grasped the hands of the old pedagogue and lifted him -through the trap.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart needed no assistance, nor did Dick, who -swiftly followed him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assouan closed the trapdoor behind him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Wherever are we?” inquired the Texan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The black man explained that they were in a building -that stood on the opposite side of a narrow street -at the back of the German hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They had actually crept through a passage that led -beneath this street.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This passage had been made years before, by the -former owner of the hotel, who feared a repetition of -the massacre of 1860, and wished a means of escaping -from the building in case it should be assailed by a -mob. It was doubtful if the present proprietor knew -of the existence of the passage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old sheik, Ras al Had, had chanced by accident -to discover the passage while storing goods in the -building into which it led from the hotel. At the -present time this building was used as a storehouse. -The room in which they found themselves was poorly -lighted. They were again amid boxes and bales of -goods.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Outside, between them and the hotel, they heard -the sound of many voices. The mob was there, but -the soldiers were still holding the crowd in check.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My goodness!” murmured Professor Gunn. “It -seems to me that we’re still in a nasty scrape. We -haven’t escaped.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without a word, the black man led the way to another -part of the building. A heavy door faced them -in one dim corner. This door Assouan knew how to -open, but he paused and listened some moments before -unfastening it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“When the door is opened,” he finally said, “step -quickly across and into a doorway directly opposite.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were ready. The door was opened, and, without -loss of time, they crossed a space of about three -feet between the two buildings and entered the doorway -spoken of by Assouan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The black man followed them as soon as he had -closed the door after leaving the storehouse. They -found they had stepped into a room where, sitting -cross-legged on the floor, an old sandal maker was at -work. To their surprise, this old man, after looking -at them curiously, kept on about his labor without -speaking a word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assouan explained that the man was a mute.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The black man made some signs, which were answered by a single signal from the sandal maker. Then -Assouan again instructed his disguised companions to -follow him, pushed aside a curtain from a low doorway, -stooped and passed into an adjoining room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This room was on the front of the house. The door -to the street stood wide open. A middle-aged Syrian -woman was working at a rude loom, weaving some sort -of goods. Two girls, one about thirteen and the other -eight or nine, were sorting and preparing the strands -used by the woman in her work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The woman glanced at Assouan, but seemed to give -none of the others a look. Dick fancied an expression -of alarm swept over her face, but she continued stolidly -and steadily about her work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The children stared at them until the woman spoke -in a low tone of command, seeming to rebuke them -for their rudeness, after which they resumed the work -of sorting and preparing the strands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assouan tossed a piece of silver before the woman, -but she kept at her work, without seeming to notice it. -Dick would have dropped more money, but the black -man restrained him with a gesture and a shake of the -head. They passed out upon the street, one at a time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assouan strode in advance. Professor Gunn, looking -like a ragged old Armenian, doddered along behind -him. Buckhart, as a respectable young Greek, kept -by himself, taking the opposite side of the street. -Dick imitated the shiftless, shuffling walk of the young -vagabonds of the city, thus making his assumed character -seem real, and followed them all at a little distance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The street was well filled—almost crowded—with -excited people, who were talking of the murder of the -Pasha and the belief that those concerned in the murder -were trapped in the German hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although the people were speaking in various languages, -Dick understood something of what was being -said, and he realized that he was surrounded by Moslems.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although Abraham had performed his work well, -he had made a mistake in disguising the old professor -as an Armenian. The Turks were aroused. Although -they were stirred up against foreigners, their hatred -for the Armenians was liable to burst forth any moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus it happened that a group of young men suddenly -stopped the disguised professor and began hustling -him about.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old man said not a word, for he knew he would -betray himself if he opened his mouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad Buckhart paused and watched proceedings, -his hands clenched and his aspect indicating that he -was on the verge of pitching in and assisting Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick made a warning gesture, which Brad saw. He -also paused, but he looked on as if quite indifferent -to what was taking place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assouan had disappeared. Fully understanding the -terrible peril his companions were in, he had no desire -to become involved, and, therefore, he had hastened on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Our friends were left to their fate in the streets of -Damascus.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xxisaved-by-prayer"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id22"><span>CHAPTER XXI—SAVED BY PRAYER</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>One of the mob struck the old professor in the face. -Instantly Dick started forward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then a most fortunate thing happened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the balcony of a near-by minaret a muezzin -sent forth the call to prayer:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“God is great. There is but one God. Mohammed -is the prophet of God. Prayer is better than sleep. -Come to prayer.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Immediately a wonderful change came over the -crowd on the street. As one man, they lifted their -hands to their ears, the lobes of which they touched -with their thumbs, keeping their hands outspread, at -the same time beginning to repeat certain passages -from the Koran. This was the beginning of the Mohammedan -prayer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The professor seemed forgotten. Dick realized instantly -that this was a time to be improved, for the -shortest prayer would require several minutes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The call to prayer had come at a moment most fortunate -for Professor Gunn. Instantly Dick hurried -past the confused and trembling old man, hissing in -his ear:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Follow me!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All around them were the praying Mussulmans, but -not one of them put out a hand to stop the disguised -foreigners.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad followed after Dick and the professor, thus -acting as a sort of rear guard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once or twice Dick looked back to see if Zenas was -following. Terror had given the old man strength, and -he was not far from the boy’s heels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even when the devotees of Mohammed fell on their -knees and began beating their heads on the ground, the -fugitives continued to thread their way amid the half-prostrate -figures.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick did not know which way Assouan had gone, -but he did know it was best for them to get as far as -possible from the vicinity of the German hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of course, he hoped the black servant of Ras al Had -would again appear, but he did not linger to look -around for him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were fortunate in getting out of the thickest -of the crowd before the devotees had finished praying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That sure was a close call,” muttered Buckhart. -“I reckoned we were all goners.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why didn’t you leave me, boys?” asked the professor. -“I was keeping silent to give you time to -escape.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What are you talking about?” demanded Dick resentfully. -“I hope you don’t think we’re that sort!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I hope so some myself!” growled the Texan. -“Where is that thundering nig—I mean colored gent?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He’s skipped,” said Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hiked and left us to go it alone, eh?” nodded -the Texan. “Well, that’s a plenty fine!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We may find him,” suggested Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not likely,” said Dick. “I fancy he thought the -jig was up when he saw the crowd fall on you, as he -shook the dust of that locality off his feet.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That will leave us in a beautiful scrape; but we’re -outside that hotel,” said Brad. “It was a close call -there, for we barely succeeded in slipping through the -fingers of the Turks. How are we going to get out -of this dirty old city, Dick?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I can’t say,” confessed Merriwell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Talk about the wild and woolly West!” growled -Brad. “Why, since the days of Sam Houston and -Davy Crockett there never were such doings in Texas -as we’ve struck right here in this dried-up, outlandish -country. If I ever get back home to tell about these -doings, I won’t dare to tell, for they sure would lynch -me as a liar.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’re talking too much,” said Dick. “We’re attracting -attention. Stop talking and keep moving.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He led the way and they followed blindly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly, as they turned from one street into another, -the most appalling medley of horrible sounds -burst upon their ears. It seemed that a hundred human -beings were being tortured in the most excruciating -manner, and were howling forth their dying agonies. -There were yells, screams, roars, and, amid it -all, a sort of muffled music, as of drums and other instruments.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great catamounts!” gasped Buckhart. “We’re up -against a whole tribe of Injuns at a scalp dance, or I’m -mistaken!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was startled and filled with wonderment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Listen!” he urged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hu, ya Hu! Hu, ya Hu! Hu, ya Hu!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These were the only words they could distinguish -amid that terrible howling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The professor had been agitated, but now he was the -first to recover.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That cry, ‘Hu, ya Hu,’ means ‘God, oh God,’” he -explained. “It is the cry of the howling dervishes. -Look—there is the open door of a temple, and the -sounds come from within. It is shortly after midday -prayer on Friday, which is the time for the howlers to -do their work.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, of all howling I ever heard, that sure is about -the most hair lifting,” declared Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were compelled to pass the open door of the -temple or turn back, and they decided to keep on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they slipped past, they obtained a peep within the -place. They saw a number of dancing, whirling, twisting, -writhing men within, apparently in a perfect frenzy—stamping -their feet on the floor and yelling madly, -their lips covered with foam and their eyes closed. -Others were stretched prone on the floor. Some were -sitting about beating on drums and playing queer instruments.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That was all they saw, for they dared not linger to -look into the place, had they so desired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They had not proceeded much farther when Buckhart -stopped, a look of gloom in his eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whatever are we going to do?” he inquired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We must get out of the city just as fast as we -can,” declared Gunn. “By this time it must be known -that we escaped from the hotel and how we escaped.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s a fact,” nodded Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But we can’t leave the city without Nadia and her -brother,” protested Brad. “We can’t leave them here -in this nest of crazy fools, to be butchered!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We must leave them to Assouan,” said Merriwell. -“I believe he will get them out of Damascus.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t know about that—I doubt it! He skipped -in a hurry to save his own black head.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“For which we cannot blame him greatly. What -have we done that he should risk his life as far as he -did for us?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, we sort of resuscitated his old master when -the whole bunch thought him killed.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And for that Ras al Had sent Assouan back into -Damascus, with instructions to aid us in escaping from -the city, if possible. Assouan stuck by us longer than -I thought he would. But after he left us it is probable -he hurried to Nadia and Budthorne and guided them -out of the city.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Mebbe so,” muttered Brad; “but I doubt it. I -shan’t be for hiking out until I feel sure Nadia’s not -waiting for us somewhere.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Unless we make all haste in escaping,” said the -professor, “we shall not escape at all.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why not?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“As I said before, by this time it must be known that -we escaped from the hotel in disguise.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Have you forgotten Miguel Bunol?” asked Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Thunder! I had forgotten him!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We left him in that closet.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sure.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He must have been found ere this.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s right.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Although he was bound and gagged, he could hear -what was going on in that room.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, you see, he knows how we were disguised.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Straight goods.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And he hates us with an undying and deadly hatred. -He will lose no time in telling the Turkish officers how -we escaped. The city will be scoured for us. Every -avenue of escape will be closed. Our disguise will be -worse than useless as soon as Bunol talks. We shall -be captured. Our heads will be chopped off as soon -as the Turks can attend to the job.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Pretty bad,” admitted Buckhart grimly; “but, all -the same, I hate to run for it, thinking all the while -that we may be leaving Nadia and Budthorne to be -murdered. Can’t we find them? Is there no way -to——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What show have we to find them by searching aimlessly -through the streets, Brad?” said Dick. “Assouan -hid them somewhere with a friend. Even the Turks -might not find them, but they could have no trouble in -finding us wandering about in the open streets. Be -sensible, old man.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Texan surrendered at last.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All right, pard,” he said; “we’ll get out of the city, -but I’ll never forgive myself if any harm comes to -Nadia.”</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xxiiin-the-desert"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id23"><span>CHAPTER XXII—IN THE DESERT</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Three days have passed, and it is morning on the -desert. The huge, golden sun rose over the edge of the -barren world, and its rays fell on a lonely camel train -that was already on the move.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The camels were loaded with merchandise from the -interior and bound for the port of Akka.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A noted Syrian merchant was in charge of the train. -There were other Syrians, but most of the camel drivers -were Arabs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mounted on one of the many camels were Dick -Merriwell and Brad Buckhart, minus their disguises -and wearing their own clothes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn was swaying and rocking miserably -on the back of another camel, his companion being one -of the Syrians.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad Buckhart looked no less disconsolate than the -professor, while the expression on Dick Merriwell’s -face was not one of absolute satisfaction and contentment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad was grumbling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Pard, I sure am a heap sore.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“So am I,” admitted Dick. “Camel riding isn’t what -it’s cracked up to be. It is enough to make any one -sore.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I didn’t mean that I was sore in that way.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Didn’t you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No. I’m thinking that we were fooled a plenty.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How do you mean?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“By that old black wretch, Assouan.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Go on.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Haven’t you thought the same thing?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps so; but go ahead and tell me just what -you have thought.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, you know how Assouan met us at the city’s -gate just as we were escaping from Damascus.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I know.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He told us he had hustled Nadia and Budthorne -out of the town and sent them off on fleet horses, -guided by Gumar, to join Ras al Had’s train.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Correct.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And having but one good horse, which he was riding, -he could not provide for us and help us overtake -them.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“So he said.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Having given us that game of talk, he induced us -to follow him and got us into this merchant train, -bound for Akka and the coast.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Which seems lucky for us——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then,” cut in the Texan. “Now——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, at least, we escaped being seized and beheaded. -It is plain Assouan kept his promise when he -said he would try to put the Turks on a false scent, -and so give us a chance for our lives.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Mebbe he did. Anyhow, he didn’t tell these people -who we were, and you happened to have money enough -on you to induce the old rascal at the head of the train -to take us along. He knew there was trouble in Damascus, -and that foreigners were in danger, but he -didn’t know the full truth. Had he, I opine he would -have dodged us a heap. I judge he’s getting some suspicious -of us now, and he wishes he hadn’t bothered -any with us, for all of the money.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He did act queerly last night,” admitted Dick. -“He tried to question me. I think he has been talking -with the professor and the professor has talked too -much. But, then, we are now some distance from -Damascus.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All the same, Dick, you know we won’t be safe until -we get out of this infernal country. But I don’t propose -to leave until I know what has become of Nadia.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Assouan promised to bring us together.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And I am beginning to believe he lied!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m afraid the black rascal fooled us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why should he?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why shouldn’t he? They’re none of them to be -trusted. Nadia is a beautiful girl.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“In this country very beautiful girls are worth as -much as five thousand dollars each.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was startled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, you’re wrong, Brad, in thinking Assouan -would play such a trick! He wouldn’t dare.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why not?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ras al Had is his master——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And Ras al Had is a fugitive himself. If caught, -he will lose his head for killing Hafsa Pasha. Assouan -may have feared the sheik before that happened, but -fear cannot keep Assouan loyal to Ras al Had now.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick realized that this was true.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And do you fancy Assouan would carry Nadia off -with the intention of selling her?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I fear it, partner, and that’s what’s disturbing me -a plenty.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick thought for some moments on what had taken -place. Finally he shook his head decisively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am not willing to believe that,” he declared. -“Somehow, I am confident that Assouan is faithful -as a dog to Ras al Had. He put himself to altogether -too much trouble about us, in case he were otherwise. -Even after getting Nadia and her brother out of Damascus, -he turned back to look for us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But he deserted us in the street at a critical moment.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Because, as he frankly stated, he believed we were -lost, and he could do nothing to save us. Had he attempted -to do anything, he would have sacrificed himself -and left Nadia and Dunbar still helpless in the -trap.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, it may be he’s on the square; but it certain -seems to me he’s had time to keep his word and show -up with Nadia before this.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment there were signs of confusion in the -train. The camel drivers in advance halted and uttered -strange cries. Others took it up. Those cries produced -still greater confusion, which seemed like consternation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What is it?” asked Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick shaded his eyes and peered away across the -broken waste of desert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Horsemen!” he exclaimed. “There is a large body -of mounted men coming toward us from the north.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sure thing,” said the Texan, discerning them. “I -wonder if Assouan is going to make good at last!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The horsemen came on rapidly, a tiny cloud of -dust rising behind them. Soon they were near enough -to enable the men of the camel train to discover an -interesting thing concerning them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bedouins!” was the cry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both of the American boys had heard of those desert -wanderers and marauders, but now, for the first time, -they beheld genuine wild Bedouins at home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Syrians and Arabs of the train seemed in great -fear and consternation, for they saw the approaching -body of men outnumbered them, and it was impossible -to know the purpose of the wild horsemen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Bedouins wore loose, flowing garments and -hoods on their heads. They were all armed to the -teeth, as is the habit of the desert Bedouin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was thrilled by the picturesque spectacle. He -had seen pictures of Bedouin riders, and he was forced -to confess that he was not disappointed in the real -article.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The merchants huddled their loaded camels together -and waited in helpless suspense for what was to take -place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without waiting for his camel to kneel, Zenas Gunn -slid down to the ground, risking both neck and limb, -and fell sprawling. He gathered himself up and -rushed forward to Dick and Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’re all going to be murdered!” he spluttered. -“Those wretches are going to kill us and plunder the -train!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick forced the camel to kneel, after the manner -of camel drivers, a trick he had learned by observation. -Down went one end of the beast, flinging the -boys forward and forcing them to hold fast with all -their strength; then down went the other end, hurling -them back and snapping their teeth together.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After that they stepped off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is useless to resist!” moaned the professor. “We -have no chance against those wretches! Oh, boys, this -is the end—the awful end!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You’ve lost your nerve again, professor,” said Dick. -“Brace up. Let’s not die until we have to.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Bedouins had halted at some distance. For a -moment they huddled together, and then out from the -mass of horsemen rode one, whose bearing was that of -a leader.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alone and unattended, this man fearlessly rode toward -the train. Grasping his gun in the middle, he -lifted it high above his head with one hand, a signal -which the merchant at the head of the train seemed to -understand, for he slowly advanced to meet the wild -chief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief was a handsome man at a distance, being -of unusual size and wearing the barbaric garments -and decorations of his people. He had a jet-black -beard, and there was something uncommon about his -features. The horse he bestrode was a clean-limbed, -fiery animal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If I had my camera now!” exclaimed Dick; “but -that camera by this time is in Alexandria, with the rest -of our baggage, which we sent on ahead of us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I wonder what’s up,” muttered Brad. “The Syrians -are mightily disturbed.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps the Bedouins are going to demand tribute, -and the merchants do not wish to pay.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Is that a custom?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t know; but it seems that those armed wanderers -could hold up a train like this and get everything -they asked.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief was seen speaking with the merchant. In -a few moments the latter turned, saw Dick and his -friends, and called:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Mr. Merriwell is wanted.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What’s that?” gasped Buckhart, in the greatest -amazement. “Did you hear it, pard? Did he say you -were wanted?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s what he said,” nodded Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn began to shake and choke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Richard, oh, Richard!” he exclaimed huskily. -“These wild men have been sent to search the desert -for you and take you back to Damascus! You are -lost!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great grizzlies!” burst from the Texan. “Is it possible -that can be correct?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It may be,” said Dick quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, don’t you surrender!” panted the Texan. -“I’ll back you up, pard. We’ll die with our boots on, -fighting to the last ditch! We’re both armed.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Alone, the two of us would stand no show against -those warriors of the desert,” said Dick. “However, -let’s not borrow trouble. Let’s find out if there really -is any trouble coming.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Saying which, he boldly walked out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Bedouin chief gazed in silence at the advancing -boy, while the Syrian merchant hastened to say:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Here is the lad for whom thou hast called, Ali -Beha. Take him and do thy will.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad had followed Dick, while the old professor -timidly brought up the rear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The men of the train watched in anxious silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart heard the words of the Syrians, and immediately -he plunged a hand into a pocket where his -revolver lay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There you have it, Dick!” he half snarled. “Now -you know what’s coming! Ready for business!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Merriwell made a calm, restraining gesture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Steady, old man,” he flung over his shoulder. -“Let’s talk to Ali Beha and find out what he’s going -to do. That is the best plan. Then possibly we’ll raise -an objection. Better not be too hasty.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Experience and the example of his brother Frank -had taught Dick to keep his head in times of peril.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As usual, Buckhart was ready to fight. For all of -the apparent peril, he was undaunted. Beyond question, -he was rash and reckless; but to his credit it must -be said that he was ready to surrender his life in defense -of his rights and his friend.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was not one drop of cowardly blood in Brad’s -body. If, on account of his assumed bluster and -swagger, any one took him for a chap who would show -the white feather in a pinch, that person was certain -to be surprised and quite upset.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At school a few of the boys had fancied the Texan -to be a bluffer, but when they had attempted to “call -him,” he had given them, one and all, a setback by -“making good.” Physical injury in a fist fight had -never daunted him, and now, in the face of possible -death, he was just as nervy and indifferent to the -result.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once on a time Dick Merriwell had been impulsive, -reckless and thoughtless, but he had learned to govern -himself and to consider the consequences of any act. -This had changed him greatly. Not that he had lost a -whit of courage, but courage is not mere reckless -thoughtlessness. The really brave man is the one who -considers the consequences, realizes the full extent of -the peril, and then calmly faces it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It is possible that association with Brad, whom he -often found it necessary to restrain, had tended to make -Dick more conservative and careful, for he realized that -two reckless persons who spur each other on are certain -to commit many follies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Merriwell warned his chum against haste and -then turned to the chief of the Bedouins to talk the -matter over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You have called for me,” he said. “I am here. -What do you want?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ali Beha was still surveying the calm, clear-eyed -American lad with deep interest. He took his time -about answering Dick’s question.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Thou art very young,” he finally observed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Which is not an answer to my question,” retorted -Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Thou art a mere boy.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Bedouin seemed disappointed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Acknowledged,” nodded Dick. “What does Ali -Beha want of a mere boy and a stranger in this land?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Thou hast friends near?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Two of them are with me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But there are others?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Possibly.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“They assisted thee in leaving Damascus?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But they are not with thee now?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you come from them?” asked Dick quickly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is even so,” declared the chief. “Thy friend -sent me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You mean—— Name him!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I can speak no names. I am directed to bring thee -and thy companions.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick turned to Brad, speaking in a low tone:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He must be from Ras al Had. The old sheik sent -him for us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I reckon you’re right, pard,” nodded the Texan, the -cloud having left his face. “At last we have heard -from Ras.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn placed a still quivering hand on -Dick’s arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Be cautious, Richard,” he warned. “I am afraid -of these wild men. It is said that they are very treacherous. -Better ask him openly if he comes from the -sheik.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He has said that he can call no names. It is evident -that Ras al Had has taken precautions. In case -he is captured and condemned for slaying Hafsa Pasha, -he does not wish to associate us with him in that business, -and so his name is not to be mentioned before -these Syrians.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You have figured it out, partner,” put in Buckhart. -“I opine we’ve had our little scare for nothing. The -sheik has sent for us in his own way, and we’ll be -liable to find Nadia and Budthorne by accompanying -the Bedouins.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ali Beha remained passive and apparently indifferent -while they were talking this matter over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick turned once more to the chief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How far away are our friends?” he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Beyond the horizon,” was the answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You will take us to them?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Bedouin bowed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have come to do so,” he declared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That settles it,” laughed Buckhart. “I judge we’re -ready and willing to go.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The prospect of soon joining Nadia filled the Texan -with enthusiasm and relief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All right,” said Dick. “We’ll soon be ready.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He then turned to the Syrian merchant, whom he -thanked for such favors as they had received.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The merchant made a deprecatory gesture and declared -that it was nothing, which he well might have -done, considering the fact that he had been well paid -for those favors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It did not take our friends long to make arrangements -for accompanying the waiting Bedouins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The people of the train were greatly relieved, and -they lost no time in preparing to move onward once -more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Dick, Brad, and the professor followed Ali Beha, -they looked back and saw the head of the train already -in motion, with the camel drivers and their loaded -“ships of the desert” falling into line in regular order.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I certain am plenty glad to abandon camel riding,” -grinned Brad. “I’d rather ride a pitching cayuse than -a hump-backed camel, for a bucker won’t buck forever, -while a camel does keep up that rocking, swaying, -back-breaking movement just as long as he travels. -I suppose one might get used to it in time, but I’d rather -be excused some.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they drew near the Bedouins they discovered that -the men who had seemed so picturesque at a distance -were unkempt and dirty, although none the less fierce -on close inspection.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These wild men regarded our friends with an air of -curious contempt. There was nothing of friendliness -in their manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Arrangements were quickly made for the boys and -the professor to mount behind three of the Bedouins. -Zenas was assisted to his seat behind a thin, dirty chap, -and told to cling fast to the man by clasping him -around the body. This the old pedagogue did, although -he made a wry face over it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick could not wonder at Gunn’s repulsion, for he, -also, found himself mounted behind an unkempt rascal, -whose matted hair and beard looked as if it might -be infested, and who gave forth anything but an agreeable -odor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When all were ready, the Bedouins uttered a yell, -and, with their chief in advance, went tearing across -the barren country.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That was a ride long to be remembered. Mile after -mile was covered at high speed by the spirited horses. -When the animals bearing double burdens showed signs -of flagging, the Bedouins halted and our friends -changed to other horses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sun grew hot and beat upon them with baking -fierceness. The air was dry and their throats parched. -The country became wilder and wilder. Once they saw -another camel train in the distance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last they entered a hilly region, where there was -more vegetation. Finally, from an elevation, they saw -before them a group of black tents, not far from -which, in a valley, were some herds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Straight toward the square black tents rode the Bedouins. -As they approached a number of their own -people were seen waiting for them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart was craning his neck and peering over the -shoulder of his companion on horseback, hoping to -obtain a glimpse of Nadia; but no female was to be -seen about the encampment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a yell the desert Nomads swept down to the -camp and leaped from their horses, which they immediately -turned over to the care of other men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn was exhausted, and he reeled like an -intoxicated man as soon as he stood upon his feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick looked around searchingly. Ali Beha appeared -before him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Where are our friends?” impatiently asked the -boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Peace,” said the chief. “Thou should not be impatient. -Before thou canst see them it is necessary that -thou shouldst be searched for hidden weapons.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Merriwell took a step forward, assailed by sudden -forebodings and suspicions. He saw the fierce-looking men gathered close about them, each with -weapons ready for use.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart, also, was startled and aroused. He -pressed to Dick’s side, hissing:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Something crooked, pard! I’m afraid we’re -trapped!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why should we be disarmed?” demanded Dick. -“We are harmless and——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is the rule,” said Ali Beha grimly. “No one -not of our people shall be permitted to carry arms while -among us. There can be no exception for thee.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It sure is a trap!” whispered the Texan. “If we -give up our arms, we’re goners!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick thought swiftly, and he decided at once that -resistance was folly. Were they to attempt it, they -would be crushed, perhaps murdered, in a twinkling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’re in your hands, Ali Beha,” he said. “We -have trusted you, and we must continue to do so.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Immediately our friends were searched by the Bedouins -and deprived of their weapons.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ali Beha stood with folded arms and watched.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The professor made no remonstrance, but on his face -there was a look of helpless despair that was pitiful to -see.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart was pale, his lips pressed together and his -jaw squared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick’s dark eyes flashed and his nostrils dilated. -Although he submitted without another word of protest, -there were resentment and anger in his pose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is well,” said the chief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Now, where are our friends?” cried Merriwell suddenly. -“We wish to see them. Have you deceived -us?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Thou shalt see that I have not. The friend who -sent for thee is in yonder tent. He is waiting to greet -thee. Enter.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief made a sweeping gesture toward one of -the larger tents.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both Dick and Brad started toward this tent, but -immediately the Texan was stopped, while the chief informed -him that he was not to enter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If there’s any trouble, pard,” said Buckhart, “just -raise the war cry. I’ll try to join you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick nodded and walked into the tent, the flap of -which he was compelled to lift.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A single person occupied the tent. He was sitting -on a mat at the rear, smoking a cigarette. His garments -were Turkish and there was a fez on his head. -About him there was something familiar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A muttered exclamation of surprise rose to Dick’s -lips. Dropping the tent flap behind him, he stepped -quickly forward. As he did so the cigarette smoker -lifted his head, and young Merriwell was face to face -with Miguel Bunol!</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xxiiithe-fount-of-fury"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id24"><span>CHAPTER XXIII—THE FOUNT OF FURY</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>“You?” exclaimed Dick, in astonishment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol inhaled a deep whiff of smoke, permitted it to -escape in a thin, blue cloud, and smiled triumphantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“As you see,” he said insolently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Here?” gasped the American boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Here,” nodded the Spaniard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t understand it!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I didn’t think you would.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick’s hands were clenched and his breast heaving. -He stood staring at his malignant and persistent enemy, -his heart overflowing with anger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol was languidly triumphant, his contemptuous -glance an irritating insult, his triumphant smile like a -stinging blur in the face of the duped lad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Fooled!” muttered Dick bitterly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Completely,” nodded Bunol.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was enjoying his triumph to the fullest. He felt -that this was his hour, and he meant to make the most -of it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a moment when a weak boy in Dick’s place -would have collapsed. Dick did not. Although astonished -and dismayed for the moment, he showed no sign -of weakness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol laughed harshly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You have pretty good nerves,” he admitted; “but -I think you do not yet understand the situation. Look, -Merriwell, you are in my power!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Where do you obtain the power?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have it. You left me tied and gagged in -Damascus, while you made good your escape. Only -for the uproar in the hotel you would not have escaped. -I beat against that closet door, but no one heard me -for a very long time. I was in there hours. It seemed -days. I suffered. My jaws ached, I was suffocated, I -nearly perished. When they did find me and pull me -out the exhaustion so overcame me that I could not -talk. I tried to tell them how you had escaped, but -my senses fled. Not until the following morning could -I tell. Then it was too late.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Which was our good luck,” said Dick quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I had heard enough while in that closet to know -something of the course you might pursue. I resolved -to follow you. I found a Bedouin chief, Ali Beha, who -knew the country about for hundreds of miles. I paid -him well to aid me in finding you. He is chief over -many men, and all the country was scoured in search -of you. Finally we learned that you were with a camel -train bound to the south. Then we located the train. -Ali Beha went for you, while I waited here until he -should bring you to me. I knew you expected to hear -from the friends from whom you had become separated, -so I told him to say a friend had sent for you, -but to mention no names. You were fooled with ease -the greatest, and now I have you—I have you!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Bunol laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You are surely the most persistent rascal in the -world,” said Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps so. Many times you have thought me -crushed, but each time I rose again.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You are sure to come to some bad end in time.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But you will not live to know about that.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I presume you mean to murder us?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, not with my own hands! I would not take so -much trouble. But I shall see you suffer—I shall hear -you whimper and beg!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You think you will.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I know. I have bought these dirty Arabs, and they -are ready to do my bidding. I shall take great pleasure -in having you stripped and whipped until your back is -cut into ribbons. This before I bid you a last farewell -and return to look for Nadia Budthorne, who shall -become mine.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“So that is the revenge you have planned. I -thought——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You thought—what? That I meant to have you -carried back to Damascus?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I fancied you might.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ha, ha! You do not know me. I shall take no -chances that my revenge may miscarry. Were you -taken back to Damascus, you would appeal to the -American consul, and he might save you, for, though -you were present when Hafsa Pasha was slain, I know -you well enough to know you took no part in that. You -haven’t the blood in you to kill a man outright!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Spaniard uttered these final words with a sneer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you think so?” said Dick, and Bunol failed to -note the deadly gleam in the dark eyes of the trapped -boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I know it,” nodded Miguel. “So I shall give you -no chance to escape. You shall meet a fate worse than -death. After I have seen you cut up with whips, I shall -leave you to that fate. Do you not suspect what it is?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then I will tell you. These Bedouins are men who -deal in slaves. You will be taken from Syria into -Arabia and sold as a slave to black men. There can -be no escape. You will become a beast of burden. All -day long you will labor like a camel beneath the scorching -sun of Arabia, driven by black men, who will beat -you when you falter. Your soft and tender hands will -become hardened and calloused. Your fine shoulders -will become stooped and your back bent. Your -rounded, muscular body will grow thin and emaciated. -But the distress of body that must suffer will not -compare with your distress of mind. Think of it!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Think of yourself, a wretched and hopeless slave, -lost in the desert, weary and footsore, trying to sleep -at night, but haunted with dreams of your home far -across the ocean. You will dream of those days when -you were a leader at school; when you were triumphant -on the football field or the diamond; when you -were lifted on the shoulders of your shouting companions -and carried aloft in triumph. Then you will -’wake to realize your pitiful state and know that never -again can you look on the faces of those comrades and -friends, but that you must go on through the wretched -days of your wretched life, a thing to be beaten, scoffed -at, spit on, and perhaps finally cut to death with whips. -How like you the revenge I have planned? Isn’t it a -fine thing, indeed?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had grown gray and rigid as the venomous -Spaniard painted the picture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was silence in the tent when Bunol finished. -That silence was broken by Merriwell, who spoke in -a low, intense tone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You human fiend!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol’s thin lips curled back and exposed his pointed, -white teeth. He was smiling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a long time Dick Merriwell had controlled himself -in a masterful manner, but now the aroused passions -of his fiery nature burst beyond suppression. -Suddenly, and without the least warning, he flung himself -on his enemy, whom he clutched by the throat before -an outcry could be made.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol was hurled flat on his back. Dick’s thumbs -bored into the Spaniard’s throat. The knee of the -American boy was planted on the breast of his foe, pinning -the fellow to the mat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You devil!” hissed Dick in Bunol’s ear. “You have -said I have not the blood to kill any one, but when my -hands leave your neck you will be dead!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol had goaded the boy to a point of fury that -was close allied to madness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Spaniard was able to make no more than feeble -resistance. Although he knew his peril and understood -that Merriwell meant to kill him on the spot, he found -himself nailed to the ground as if a stake had been -driven through his body. His jaws opened, his tongue -protruded, his eyes bulged from his head and his face -turned purple.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Die!” hissed Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A black cloud fell on Bunol, and in his ears there was -a thundering like the roar of Niagara.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the flap of the tent behind Dick was lifted. A -man peered in. He uttered a shout. A moment later -the tent was filled with men who seized Merriwell and -tried to tear him from his enemy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick’s hands clung fast to Bunol’s throat. The expression -on his face was awful in its deadly determination. -The men cried out that he would kill the Spaniard -before their eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Some one struck the American boy in the face several -times, but still his grip did not loosen in the least.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the tent door there was further commotion. Brad -Buckhart was fighting to get in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Pard!” he cried—“pard, what’s doing?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick made no answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last Bunol was wrenched from Dick’s grip, one -of the men having loosened the boy’s fingers a bit. In -tearing the Spaniard free, however, they did not prevent -Merriwell’s fingers from lacerating the fellow’s -neck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was carried out of the tent. He offered no resistance -after his hold on his enemy was broken. They -bound him, and flung him on the ground not far from -where Buckhart lay, tied in a similar manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Texan squirmed over toward Dick and tried to -find out what had happened. Although he plied Merriwell -with questions, not a word in reply could he get. -Dick lay staring straight up at the sky, and the expression -on his face awed and frightened Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old professor was likewise bound.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a long time the flap of the tent was lifted and -two Bedouins appeared, supporting between them the -limp form of Miguel Bunol. The Spaniard was deathly -pale, and one of his hands kept wandering to his lacerated and swollen throat. When his eyes fell on Dick -Merriwell they shone like the eyes of a venomous -serpent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol was led over to Dick, at whom he glared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You came—near—finishing me,” he said, in a -husky whisper, as if every word gave him great distress; -“but—but you—failed. Now it is—my turn.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He made a weak motion. Immediately several of -the Bedouins seized Merriwell, unbound his hands, -stripped off his clothing to the waist, and then tied him -fast with his face to a heavy post set in the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two men with rawhide whips, each having many -lashes, and the lashes being knotted full of bits of iron -and lead, approached at a call from Ali Beha, who sat -beneath an awning not far away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still supported, Bunol stepped before Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The revenge I promised you begins now!” he said. -“But it shall be even worse than I intended. I care not -if they whip you to death! I shall laugh at your shrieks -and groans. Let them begin.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the men was speaking to Ali Beha. The chief -rose and followed this man a little apart, where he -stood gazing toward a distant ridge, over which horsemen -were riding. These horsemen were coming -straight toward the Bedouin camp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Quickly the Bedouins gathered with their arms, -ready to repel an attack, if necessary. They set up a -shout, which was answered by the approaching horsemen. -This answer seemed to relieve the Bedouins, for, -instead of preparing for battle, they uttered cries of -welcome.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For the time attention was turned from the captive -at the post. Dick was hopeless, and he paid little heed -to the strange horsemen. He was watching Bunol.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Spaniard was impatient over the delay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“More of the dirty Arabs,” he muttered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The leader of the strangers seemed to be a man of -some distinction, for Ali Beha hastened to bow low before -him, his manner most humble. This leader was an -old man, yet he dismounted from his horse with some -sprightliness and looked around. His eyes fell on the -white youth, who was tied to the post, his bare body -shining in the sun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What is this, Ali Beha?” he demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Only a dog of a foreigner whom we are about to -flog.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The stranger stepped quickly forward and obtained -a look at Dick’s face. Instantly his manner underwent -a change. He straightened to his full height, lifted his -hand, and cried:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Release him at once! He is my friend!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ras al Had!” shouted Dick, in a burst of joy. “Oh, -sheik, you came just in time!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I reached the camel train shortly after these men -took you away,” said the old Arab. “They told me -you had been carried off by Ali Beha, and I made haste -to look for him here, knowing this to be one of his -favorite camping places. But why were they about to -flog you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“None of your business, you meddling old fool!” -snarled Bunol, giving Ras al Had a thrust.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Instantly several of the sheik’s followers sprang on -the Spaniard and bore him to the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bind him,” commanded Ras al Had.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They obeyed, in spite of Bunol’s struggles and curses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was set free at the sheik’s command, as also -were Brad and the old professor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ras al Had listened to Merriwell’s story, and a -strange expression came to his wrinkled face as the boy -told of his enemy’s plan to have him flogged and then -carried into slavery in Arabia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Turning toward the Spaniard, the sheik grimly said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Strip him as this boy was stripped, bind him to the -post and flog him, even as he ordered you to flog this -boy, who is the bosom friend of Ras al Had.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Crying and begging like a frightened child, Miguel -Bunol was stripped and tied to the post. Then the -men with the rawhide whips began their work. The -whips whistled through the air and fell on the Spaniard’s -bare back, bringing the blood with the first blow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A shriek of pain came from Bunol’s lips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick could not endure much of this. After a little he -implored the sheik to stop it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But this is merely a taste,” said Ras al Had grimly. -“Do you think he would have stopped so soon with you -at the post?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It makes no difference,” returned Merriwell. “I -can’t see any human being beaten up that way.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If I stop them now, you must promise me not to interfere -further in his behalf.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You will punish him in some other manner?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But not with the whip.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All right; I promise.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Immediately Ras al Had checked the men who were -wielding the whips. He spoke a few words to Ali -Beha, who nodded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the sheik turned to Dick and his companions -and bade them prepare to leave the Bedouin camp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Before the sun sinks to rest,” he said, “you shall -be with your friends, both of whom are safe and well.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not necessary for our friends to spend any -time in preparing to depart. They were ready and -eager to go.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What of Bunol?” asked Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We will leave him here with the friends he has -chosen,” said Ras al Had.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An hour later, when they were miles away, the old -sheik turned to Dick, a grim smile on his lips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Your enemy will trouble you no more,” he declared. -“You will never again behold his face.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why not?” questioned Dick. “Do you mean that -he will be slain?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No; but the fate he chose for you shall be his. He -condemned you to be carried a slave into Arabia. That -is to be his doom. It is the command of Ras al Had, -which Ali Beha must obey.”</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xxivthe-fate-of-a-foe"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id25"><span>CHAPTER XXIV—THE FATE OF A FOE</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Dick and Brad were lounging in their room in the -Shepherd’s Hotel, Cairo, when Professor Gunn came -sauntering in, with an unusually springy step, humming -a tune.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ah, ha!” he cried, striking a pose. “You two rascals -have your heads together, I see. What are you -planning? What new trouble are you hatching up? -Can’t you rest easy for a brief time? I have enjoyed -the last two weeks. Since our escape from Damascus, -we have seen Alexandria, Cairo, the Pyramids, and so -forth, and nothing unusual has happened. We have not -once been in peril of losing our lives, and so now, I -suppose, you are seeking to devise some method of getting -us into danger. Desist—I bid you desist! Already -my nerves have been shattered and my constitution -ruined by what we have passed through. It -was pretty bad in England. It was worse in Italy. -It became still worse in Greece. We had to hasten out -of Constantinople to escape with our heads. But the -grand climax was reached in Syria. I tell you, boys, -life was becoming too strenuous for a man of my -years. A few more hairbreadth escapes would have -brought about my utter collapse. I should have had -heart failure. But you seemed to enjoy it. And now I -suppose you are seeking to devise some means of getting -us all into more trouble of the same sort. I order -you to stop it!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It happened that we were just speaking of Miguel -Bunol and his fate,” smiled Dick. “I can’t help feeling -pity for the unfortunate fellow, but Brad insists that he -received nothing worse than he deserved.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s what I do,” put in the Texan, rising. “Bunol -was thoroughly bad and vicious. His crookedness was -certain to get him hanged in the end, unless some -equally severe punishment fell upon him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“His fate seems to be even worse than death on the -gallows,” said Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, pard, have you forgotten that he first condemned -you to that fate?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No, but——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t try to make any excuses for that dog!” exploded -the Texan. “He was the very limit when he attended -school at Fardale. You know it, partner—you -know about all the dirty, low-down things he did there. -He was born a crook and a sneak. What was he doing -when we ran across him in London?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Fleecing Dunbar Budthorne at cards.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Worse than that. He was ruining Budthorne by -keeping him full of booze. He had found that Budthorne -had a weakness for drink. But, in order to complete -the unfortunate fellow’s destruction, Bunol had -doped the man with a drug that made him crave liquor -constantly. A cur that would do a thing like that deserves -anything that comes to him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m not going to put up an argument,” said Merriwell; -“but it seems to me that one of his worst tricks -was the attempt to ensnare Nadia Budthorne and force -her into marriage with him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You bet!” roared Brad. “It makes my blood boil -to think of that!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But we fooled Bunol very handsomely and rescued -both Budthorne and his sister from the rascal’s grip.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Which was no easy job. Professor, considering -everything, I leave it to you if Bunol received punishment -worse than he merited, when Ras al Had turned -the tables on him, and commanded the Bedouins to take -him into Arabia and sell him into slavery?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hum! ha!” coughed Zenas. “Well, well, it may -sound harsh and cruel, but I must confess that his punishment -and fate has never given me a single moment -of uneasiness and pity. He was bad—about the worst -scoundrel I ever saw. He brought it on himself. I -agree with Brad that he merited just what he got.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps he did,” admitted Dick; “but think of the -awful life he will be compelled to endure as a slave to -black men in the Arabian desert! It makes me shiver.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I opine it will make him hot,” said Brad, with a -faint grin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There is no escape for him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, yes, there is.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What is it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Death! A fellow can always find some way to kill -himself.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was thinking of the horrible word picture of -slavery in Arabia that Miguel Bunol had painted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t like to think about it!” muttered Merriwell, -his face rather pale. “Let’s do something.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There is only one thing more left for us to do in -Egypt, boys,” said the professor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What’s that?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, you might take an excursion up the Nile.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We might?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How about you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I hardly think I’ll try it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why not?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well—er—ahem!—I prefer to remain here in -Cairo. I am quite contented. I have visited the Pyramids, -seen the Castle of the Nile, wandered through -the Alabaster Mosque, viewed the Tombs of the Caliphs, -and peered into the Haunted House of the Afrit. -I am satisfied. I’m willing to be quiet and rest. I’ll -stay right here while you take an excursion up the -river.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick winked at Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What’s the attraction that interests you so much in -Cairo?” he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, no—no attraction,” Zenas hastened to declare. -“Nothing at all. I’m contented, that’s all.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Merriwell was puzzled, for he felt that there was -something behind the old man’s strange contentment in -that foreign city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I don’t think Brad and I will go off on any -excursion by ourselves.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why not take Budthorne and Nadia along? That’s -a good idea. They’ll enjoy it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I believe you are anxious to get rid of us. There’s -something doing, Brad.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sure thing, pard,” agreed the Texan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the old man protested that they were quite -wrong.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I wish you to see all of the world that you can on -this trip, that’s all. You’ll be quite comfortable on the -excursion boat.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not if the blamed boat carries as large a cargo of -fleas and biting and stinging things as we struck on -the boat from Yafa to Alexandria,” growled the -Texan. “I was all chawed up by the time I landed -from that old craft. My hide looked like a map of -Asia pricked out in red splotches, and lines, and bumps, -and scratches. The fleas and other varmints of this -yere part of the world sure do love the taste of a foreigner.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t think there will be such pests on the excursion -boat,” said Zenas quickly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I fancy we can get along without making -that excursion,” observed Dick. “I’m for getting out -of Cairo and continuing on our journey.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“So am I,” seconded Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, but I’m not ready,” protested the professor. -“My dear boys, this is the most interesting country in -the world. You don’t seem to appreciate it. You don’t -seem to understand that investigation and science have -established the fact that more than six thousand years -ago the people of this country had acquired a high degree -of civilization and culture, and that in those distant -ages there flourished right here in the valley of the -Nile an educated priesthood, cultured society, an -elaborate system of theology and a splendid and powerful -form of government. The people were then far -advanced in religion, architecture, painting, sculpture, -philosophy, and astronomy. Oh, my dear boys, I must -remain here a while longer to study and to investigate -these matters.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick winked at Brad once more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We haven’t observed you studying or investigating -a great deal, professor,” he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, I study far more than you suppose. I investigate -by observation.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, if you wish to investigate the records of -former civilization, it seems to me you cannot do better -than to take a trip up the Nile, along which you will -see the ruins of ancient cities and temples. You should -visit the ruins of Thebes, see the temple of Rameses -and behold the wonders of Karnak.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll have to forego that pleasure,” said Zenas; “but -I will not deprive you of it. You must go, boys—you -shall go! I’ll make arrangements for it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But both lads positively declined, much to the vexation -of the old man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hum! haw!” he coughed. “I did have a vague idea -that I was your guardian during this trip; but it seems -that I am not.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Would you send us away into peril?” asked Dick, -with pretended resentment. “We admire you, professor—we -love you, and we propose to stick by you. -You can’t shake us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not on your life,” chuckled Brad. “We’re going -to find out whatever your little game in Cairo is. Better -tell us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No game at all! It’s ridiculous—simply ridiculous! -All right. If you won’t go, I can’t help it; but I may -find it impossible to be with you constantly while in -Cairo. Private matters may call me away from you -for some days. I have met a gentleman from the -United States here—a very interesting man. His -name is Stringer—Colonel Erastus Stringer. He is a -very fine gentleman, and I——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ve seen the colonel,” said Merriwell. “He seems -to me like a rather gay old bird. Better take care that -he doesn’t get you into a scrape.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I think I am fully competent to take care of myself,” -said the old pedagogue, with dignity. “The -colonel is a very quiet and retiring person. I do not -approve of the disparaging manner in which you speak -of him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I think the colonel is inclined to look too often on -the jag pot,” said Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Tut, tut, tut!” exclaimed Zenas. “Such vulgarity! -Jag pot! Such slang! Bradley, you often make me -blush with shame for you. I fear your travels are not -doing you much good. I did hope to take you back to -America quite changed and altered. I hoped to polish -off your rough ways and eliminate the slang from your -vocabulary. But, alas! I fear my efforts will be -fruitless.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old man then launched into a lecture, to which -the boys listened weariedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have given you a few things to serve as food for -contemplation,” Zenas concluded. “I will now retire -and let you think them over.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When he was gone Dick turned to his friend, a puzzled -expression on his face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What do you suppose the old boy is up to?” he -asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hanged if I know,” admitted the Texan; “but I’ll -be shot if I don’t think there’s something in the wind.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We must find out what it is. Colonel Stringer is -something of a lusher, as well as a practical joker. I -hear he was put out of the Hotel Abbat, in Alexandria, -on account of some sort of practical joke in which he -was concerned.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a tap on their door and Dunbar Budthorne -entered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What do you say, boys, to a trip to Citadel Hill to -witness the sunset?” he asked. “Nadia wants to go.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then I’m ready,” declared Buckhart, in a twinkling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll go along, too,” said Dick, rising.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xxvsunset-from-the-citadel"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id26"><span>CHAPTER XXV—SUNSET FROM THE CITADEL</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Directly across the street from the hotel were gathered -forty or more Egyptian donkeys, saddled, bridled -and ready for riders. These donkeys were guarded by -boys, who acted both as guides and drivers when the -little animals were engaged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The moment Dick, Brad, Dunbar, and Nadia appeared -on the steps of the hotel it seemed that all the -boys made a rush across the street, yelling wildly and -beckoning with their dusky hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I got good donkey; tak’ him!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Mine fine donkey, Teddy Rosefelt!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Mine best, Cha’ncey Depoo!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Tak’ mine, G’orge Wash’ton!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Tak’ mine, Carry Nation!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, say!” exclaimed Brad; “I’m getting some -tired of being called Cha’ncey Depoo!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And I’m not Carry Nation,” she said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“They are not calling us names like that,” smiled -Dick. “Haven’t you discovered that those are the -names other travelers have applied to the donkeys?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, is that it?” said Buckhart, with apparent relief. -“Why, I’ve happened to take the same donkey -both times before, when I’ve not walked, and the driver -kept shouting Cha’ncey Depoo, so I thought he meant -me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He was talking to the donkey.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Shall we take the donkeys to the hill?” asked -Nadia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Of course we will,” nodded Dunbar. “Pick your -beast.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I like the looks of this boy,” said the girl; -“so I’ll choose him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Girl-like,” chuckled her brother, “she chooses by -the looks of the boy, instead of the donkey.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Amid the confusion a man dressed in English -clothes, yet with a decidedly Turkish face, came out of -the hotel and stood on the steps, watching them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad was assisting Nadia to mount when she saw -the watching man and gasped:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There he is again!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Who?” asked the surprised Texan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The man who has been watching me lately.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There on the steps?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Has he been annoying you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I feel sure he has been following me and watching -me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy from the Pan Handle country flushed and -showed that he was angry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Wait a minute,” he urged. “I’ll just saunter up -and inquire of the gent whatever he means.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia caught his sleeve.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t do that!” she whispered nervously. “Don’t -do it, Brad!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why not?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t wish him to know that I have noticed him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, if the galoot keeps up his little game, he’ll -find out somebody has noticed him!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She restrained the impulsive chap.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time all were ready. The boy drivers seized -the chosen donkeys each by the tail, which they gave -a twist, crying:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ah-ye, Reglay!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Away went the little beasts, bearing their human -burdens easily, while the boy drivers ran behind, clinging -to the tails of the donkeys, which they seemed to -manipulate for the purpose of guiding the animals.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The manner in which the tough little donkeys bore -their burdens was really wonderful. Nadia was sympathetic -toward the sprightly little beasts and kept asking -her driver not to make the animal go so fast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They turned from street to street. Some of the -streets were very narrow, with picturesque overhanging -balconies and latticed windows. They passed several -mosques, which were adorned with slender and -graceful minarets. They encountered Arabs, Egyptians -and Turks. They passed handsome carriages and -gayly caparisoned camels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly they came upon two barefooted, running -black men, who were dressed in flowing garments and -carried wands in their hands. These runners shouted -out something, and waved their wands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Immediately each donkey driver gave a twist to the -tail of his animal, and the faithful little beasts turned -aside to permit a handsome landau to pass. The landau -contained a very dignified and very pompous Pasha, -who did not even deign to waste a glance on the common -infidels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were glared at by a number of officers, wearing -handsome uniforms and displaying silver-mounted -weapons. They were scowled at by an Arab soldier -with a musket, mounted on the back of a dromedary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But their travels in the East had made them accustomed -to strange sights, and no expressions of wonderment -escaped them. Instead, they laughed and -joked among themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last they came to the hill of the citadel, where -they dismounted. The donkeys and their dusky boy -drivers waited at the foot of the hill, while our friends -climbed toward the huge fortress which towered above -the city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This fortress was most imposing in appearance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The professor was not there to explain how the citadel -came to be built, but Dick had posted himself about -it and was able to answer all of Nadia’s questions. He -told her how it was constructed in the seventh century -by the victorious followers of the Prophet, headed by -Saladin, the chivalrous foe of Richard the Lion -Hearted. Saladin’s architect did not hesitate to bring -thither blocks of stone from the palaces and temples of -old Memphis, and to raze several smaller pyramids, -besides removing the polished outer stones from the -larger pyramids.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Only for that,” said Dick, “it is not likely we would -be able to climb the pyramids now. It robbed them -of their greatest beauty.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That was a shame!” exclaimed Nadia. “What -good did the old citadel do after all?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It was a fine place for one of the successors to -Saladin, the crafty old viceroy, Mehemet Ali, to -butcher the Mamelukes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, I’ve heard something about that. How did it -happen?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It didn’t happen. It was one of the most crafty -and cold-blooded butcheries known in history. You -know the name Mameluke signifies White Slave. The -founders of the Mamelukes were originally Circassians, -who had been brought into slavery in this country. -They gradually became favorites, but finally -turned to tyrants. They had helped Mehemet Ali to -secure his position of power, but he feared and distrusted -them. He finally decided it was expedient to -get rid of them. So he invited them to a great banquet, -to be held in the citadel. They came without -suspecting his bloody and treacherous purpose. There -were nearly five hundred of them, magnificently -dressed and mounted. When the great gate had -closed behind them, and they could not retreat, the -viceroy’s troops appeared on the walls and poured a -withering fire on the entrapped Mamelukes. They -were mowed down, men and horses, in a most horrible -manner. Of all the Mamelukes only one escaped. He -forced his horse to mount the heaped-up bodies of his -bleeding comrades and their dying horses, and leaped -the parapet, followed by a volley of bullets. In some -manner he escaped untouched, although his horse fell -beneath him. He fled into the desert.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia gazed at the grim walls of the citadel and -shuddered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It seems that every historic spot is stained with -crime,” she said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They soon reached the top of the hill and found -they were just in time to witness the glories of an -Egyptian sunset.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The view from that elevation was most impressive. -Below them, and near at hand, rose a great mass of -delicate and graceful minarets, glittering in the last -rays of the sun. The strange Oriental city huddled beyond, -and then, as far as the eye could reach, wound -the silver Nile, its shores on either side green with -verdure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Away to the west the sun was sinking into a violet -sea of light. There lay the mighty desert, brown, barren, -desolate—the desert with its dreaded sand storms -and simooms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the edge of this desert they could see three -mighty shapes, silhouetted against the sky—the Pyramids. -They knew that for at least five thousand years -those mysterious and marvelous monuments had been -standing thus, casting their lengthening shadows across -the eastern waste, as the sun sank to its nightly rest -in the bosom of the desert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Silence fell on them. They watched the sun go -down, and it seemed that the orb of day had sunk in -hopeless despair to rise no more. They were impressed -by the mightiness of the universe, and they felt themselves -mere ants amid the marvels of creation. It was -a place and time to give them a just understanding of -their own insignificance.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xxvisome-interesting-conversation"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id27"><span>CHAPTER XXVI—SOME INTERESTING CONVERSATION</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The sun was gone, blue shadows gathered, and -night came stalking up from Syria and Arabia beyond -the isthmus. So absorbed had our friends been by -the splendid spectacle, that they had failed to give heed -to their immediate surroundings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia was at Brad’s side. Suddenly she clutched -his arm with a nervous movement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What is it?” he asked, seeming to awaken from a -trance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That man! Look there!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She made a gesture, and he looked in the direction -indicated. Standing at an angle of the wall, where -the shadows were upon him, was the same man to -whom she had called his attention on the steps of the -hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He has followed me here!” she declared nervously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, he has, has he?” growled the Texan, his face -flushing with anger. “Well, I sure am going to interview -him some, right away.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He brushed off her hand and started toward the -mysterious stranger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Immediately the unknown turned and disappeared -beyond the corner of the wall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had seen the stranger, also, and he joined -Buckhart at once, saying:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Come ahead, Brad. It’s time to find out if he’s -following us round.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Budthorne had hastened to his sister’s side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys ran to the point of the wall. When they -reached the spot, they could see nothing of the man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He can’t be far away,” said Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few moments later they discovered the man walking -hastily down the hill. Unless they chose to run -after him, there was no prospect of overtaking him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Better let him go this time,” advised Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All right,” muttered the Texan; “but he is causing -me to wax wroth some, and I’ll give him a game of -talk the next time I find him dogging us. Who do you -reckon he is, pard?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am unable to answer the question,” admitted -Dick; “but, by his appearance, he seems to be a Turk.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s right. I don’t fancy being spied on by a -Turk, just at present. We’re not far enough away -from Damascus. He may be one of the sultan’s secret -police, sent after us for that little affair in which we -were recently involved.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I thought of that myself. I’m not anxious to be -arrested and carried back to Damascus.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I should say not! That would be mighty bad business. -Still, I don’t think——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick checked his companion with an exclamation. -Another man had joined the one who was rapidly descending -the hill. Both boys obtained a glimpse of this -second person before both disappeared into the shadows -below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Did you see him, Brad?” asked Dick. “Did you -get a fair view of him?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Just a look, partner, but I swear there was something a heap familiar about him. The way he carried -his head—his walk—— I’ve seen that galoot before.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And so have I. Shall we attempt to overtake them? -I’d give something to get a look at his face.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But they decided it was too late, as there was little -chance of overtaking those men in the narrow and -gloomy streets of Cairo. Besides, in order to pursue -the mysterious ones, they would be compelled to abandon -Nadia and her brother.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So they returned and found Dunbar and Nadia -waiting, and a trifle nervous.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s all right,” declared Dick diplomatically. “Of -course, the man had a right to come up here and view -the sunset. He’s gone.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m glad,” said the girl. “But it is growing dark. -Let’s return to the hotel right away. I do not fancy -being out in the streets of Cairo after dark.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They descended the hill and found the donkeys and -the boy drivers waiting for them. Two of the boys -were asleep, their hands pillowed on the bodies of their -reclining donkeys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Poor little fellows!” murmured Nadia, sympathetically. -“They should be home now. It’s a shame to -keep them out so late.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys woke up promptly on hearing the voices of -their companions. Our friends mounted, and away -they went, through the dim streets of the queer, old -city, the boys running after the trotting donkeys and -giving an occasional twist at the tails of the little -beasts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both Dick and Brad kept a sharp lookout for possible trouble, but the return to the hotel was made -without incident.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad lingered to talk with Dunbar and Nadia, in -Budthorne’s room. Not that the pleasures of a chat -with Budthorne attracted him so much, but there was -again a complete understanding between himself and -Nadia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick sought Professor Gunn, but failed to discover -the old man. He then descended to look for him -below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the way down, the sound of laughter coming -from a suite of rooms, the outer door of which was -slightly ajar, attracted his attention. He had heard -Zenas laugh that way before, and he knew the old pedagogue -was in there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick stepped to the door, lifting his hand to knock. -He paused, his hand uplifted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He! he! he!” again sounded that well-known laugh. -“A harem containing a dozen pretty girls! My! my! -But you must have been a gay boy in those days, -colonel.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, suh,” said a mellow, yet somewhat husky -voice, “yo’ see, suh, a man had to have some enjoyment -in this infernal country. I was young, suh, and it was -just after the Civil War in America. Scores of officers -from the South entered the Egyptian service. Some -swore nevah again to set foot on American soil. We -felt that we were exiles. But we made the khedive’s -army spruce up wonderfully. The pay was good, and -all that; but the cursed heat, the monotony, the homesickness, -made us all reckless, and set us to longing -fo’ diversion. I’ll guarantee, suh, that the most of us -found our only diversions in gathering wives fo’ our -harems. Those boys were connoisseurs in female -beauty, and the wives of many of them would have -created a sensation, suh, in New York, London or -Paris.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He! he! he!” again laughed Zenas. “Oh, you rascal! -Oh, you sly dog! But it must have been pleasant. -What did you do with your harem when you got tired -and decided to leave the Egyptian service and the -country?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, I sold it, of course.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sold it? Sold your wives, colonel?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Certainly, suh. That was the proper course to pursue, -professah. There were plenty of others who were -ready to buy, in case you had a bargain to offah, and—as -I was anxious to sell—a new recruit in the army -obtained my harem fo’ a mere song. Of course, I regretted -to part with my beautiful wives, and especially -with Fatima, my favorite; but I could not take them -with me, on account of the laws of the United States, -and so, suh, I kissed Fatima good-by and turned the -whole lot ovah to my successor.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Er—er—ahem! Colonel, does the custom of selling -harems still continue in this country, can you say?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, certainly, suh, to a certain extent, suh. Are -yo’ thinking of making a purchase, suh?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I—er—ahem!—I don’t know, exactly. You -see, I—I’m likely to investigate. I wouldn’t mind looking -a few harems over. If I found a bargain—er—ahem!—I -might—— Well, you understand, colonel.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The old reprobate!” exclaimed Dick, in a whisper. -“So this is what he’s up to! This is why he wants -to take an excursion trip up the Nile! I think I’ll have -to find a way to teach him a lesson.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes, suh,” said the voice of the professor’s companion; -“I think I understand, suh. But it is possible, -professah, that you do not understand yo’self, suh. -When yo’ were a boy, did yo’ evah trade jackknives or -anything of that sort, ‘unsight, unseen,’ suh?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, yes, I——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, suh, that’s the rule in purchasing a harem. -It is the law of the country, professah, that no one save -the ownah of a harem shall evah see the uncovered -faces of its inmates. If yo’ make a purchase, yo’ have -to take a chance on it. Yo’ may see the ladies in advance, -but yo’ll not be permitted to see their faces.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He! he!” again laughed Gunn. “That will make -the game all the more fascinating. It adds an element -of mystery and suspense. It piques me. If you don’t -mind, colonel, I’ll have another nip from the decanter. -I take it as a tonic, you know—merely as a tonic.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Certainly, suh; help yo’self, suh.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you think, colonel, that you might assist me in -investigating a few harems?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, yes, suh, it is quite likely I might. Having -an extensive acquaintance in Cairo, it will be easy fo’ -me to help yo’. I’ll find out what harems are on the -market, suh. Drink hearty, professah.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, here is luck and hoping I’ll strike a good -bargain.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick did not linger longer. He returned to his -room and was just in time to find Brad coming in -from Budthorne’s room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The old salamander!” cried the Texan, after listening -to Dick’s story. “The old Mormon! Why, he’s -married! He has a wife in the United States.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Exactly.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What does he think he’s doing, anyhow?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He thinks he’s going to have a gay time in Cairo, -evidently.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’ll have to stop it, pard.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, no!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“On the contrary, we’ll have to help it along.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hey?” shouted Buckhart, aghast. “Whatever do -you mean?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Just what I said.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But it’s a crime! It’s scandalous! I’m astonished -at you!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s not a crime in this country to be the proprietor -of a harem.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’re in Egypt, and the law of the land——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Look here, Dick Merriwell,” blazed Brad, in sudden -indignation. “I’ve generally backed you up in -anything you’ve said or done; but, by the everlasting -Rockies, if you’ve become so depraved and degenerate -that you can regard an affair like this as anything but -a crime, I want you to understand that I think you’ve -lost your senses!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick dropped on a chair and laughed heartily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I mean it!” roared the Texan. “It’s shameful! -You hear me chirp! That doddering old chump has a -wife in America! Now he wants to buy a harem in -Egypt! And you’re willing to aid him in his polygamous -design! Waugh! Laugh! laugh! But you’re -not the sort of pard I took you for! This is my first -disappointment in you! I’ll block the old roué’s game, -I will! I’ll spoil his scheme, or I’m not the Unbranded -Maverick of the Rio Pecos!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Texan was greatly wrought up. He stamped -up and down the room in a tempest, while Merriwell -continued to laugh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t see where the joke comes in!” snarled Buckhart. -“Ha, ha! Isn’t it funny? I suppose you’ll be -in for buying a harem next? That’s a fine idea! Perhaps -you’ll take a half interest in old Gunn’s bunch of -beauties? Wow! I sure am a heap disgusted!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Cool down a little, Brad,” said Dick, still smiling. -“I hardly think I’ll invest in a harem. Why, you excitable -longhorn, don’t you know harems are not sold -that way here?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hey?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“A man may purchase wives for his harem, but he -can’t sell the whole outfit when he gets tired of it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Can’t?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Of course not.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then what—what——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The whole thing is some kind of a game.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But you—you said you were going to help the -business along.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“So I am. I want to teach the professor a lesson.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t think I catch on, Dick.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Let me tell you something.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Fire away.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“To begin with, I don’t believe Colonel Stringer ever -was in the Egyptian service.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No. He’s a great bluffer. He likes to make people -believe he has done wonderful things and been a gay -old rascal in his day. I am satisfied that his story -about having a harem once was pure fabrication.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Mebbe you’re right.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m confident of it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What’s his graft?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps it’s graft, perhaps it’s joking. It may be -that he simply enjoys leading the professor on. But I -have a scheme. If we can carry it out, we’ll teach -Zenas Gunn a lesson and have some fun on our own -hook. He’ll never contemplate buying another harem.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Texan was keenly interested now.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What’s the scheme, pard?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If we can rig up a job with Colonel Stringer, we’ll -furnish a harem for the professor to purchase, and -we’ll give him the shock of his life.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad’s face began to glow and his eyes to gleam. -His mouth expanded in a smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Mebbe that’s a good idea,” he nodded. “Just tell -me how it can be done.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He drew up a chair and sat down near Dick. For -fully thirty minutes the boys had their heads close -together, talking in low tones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At intervals Buckhart laughed heartily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The professor came in and found them thus.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What are you up to now, boys?” he asked. “What -are you whispering about?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You will find out in time, professor,” answered -Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And both lads laughed.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xxviithe-professors-game"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id28"><span>CHAPTER XXVII—THE PROFESSOR’S GAME</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Early in the afternoon of the following day, Professor -Gunn informed Dick and Brad that he was going -out with a friend to inspect some ancient Egyptian -relics.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Take us with you,” urged Merriwell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do take us,” implored Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’re interested in relics,” said Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Mightily interested,” affirmed Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No, no, boys,” said the old man, holding up his -hands; “I can’t take you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why not?” they both demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well—er—hem!—because you have not been invited, -you see. These relics are a private collection, -in a private house, and it is not the privilege of the -general public to view them. I have obtained the privilege -of looking them over only by great effort. It is -a great concession to me on account of my standing -as an educator in my own country. What I shall behold -to-day will add greatly to my knowledge. I am -sure I shall return, after examining the relics, a much -wiser man. Hum! ha!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I hope you do, professor,” said Dick significantly, -although the old pedagogue failed to note any underlying -meaning in his words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes, I hope so,” put in Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From their window, they watched until they saw the -professor, accompanied by a small, quick-stepping man -in brown, leave the hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There he goes with the colonel, pard,” said Buckhart. -“We’ve got to move lively to get there ahead of -them.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Colonel Stringer will look out for that. He’ll take -plenty of time in conducting the professor by a roundabout -course. Come on.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They paused a moment to speak to Budthorne and -Nadia, who were to remain at the hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Near the hotel a close carriage of English make was -waiting. They sprang in and were off. Here and -there through the streets of Cairo they went, coming -at last to a house in a quiet quarter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The door of this house, set low and deep in the wall, -opened for them as soon as they left the carriage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A ruddy-faced Englishman, John Coddington by -name, the Eastern agent of a London house, welcomed -them as soon as they entered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You see I was expecting you, boys,” he said. “My -friend, Stringer, told me when you would be likely to -arrive.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Is everything ready?” asked Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes, indeed. I have a lot of prize beauties all -ready for the game. Oh, they are fine ones!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But you must make us the champion beauties of -them all,” said Merriwell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s whatever,” chuckled Brad. “We must be -the peaches of your harem.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll do my best. I have a customer waiting. Follow -me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They passed through winding ways and came finally -into a room where a little Frenchman waited, amid a -collection of feminine garments.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Here they are, Louis,” said Coddington. “Make -them into handsome girls. Show your skill.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Make us handsome, with the exception of our -faces,” said Dick “Those must be as hideous as possible.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But ze faces will be covaired by ze veils,” protested -Louis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not all the time,” smiled Dick. “Some one is going -to get a peep beneath my veil.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Mine, too,” nodded Brad. “I want a mug on me -that would scare a dog into a fit.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Vera well; eet s’all be. Get redee.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“In the meantime, boys,” said Coddington, “I will -be on the watch for the guest who is on the outlook -for a harem.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Some time later Colonel Stringer and Professor -Gunn rapped at the door of the house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were not admitted by Coddington himself, but -by a black man in flowing garments, who bowed obsequiously -before the colonel and bade them follow -him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were ushered into a large, luxuriously furnished -room, with many divans and Turkish rugs, a -fountain playing in the centre of the apartment, and a -man in Eastern garments propped up amid some cushions, -lazily smoking a hookah.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My deah Coddington,” said Stringer, hastening toward -the smoker and bowing low, “delighted! Permit -me to present my friend, Professor Gunn, of -America.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The professor bowed after the fashion of Stringer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Deuced glad to know you, don’t you know,” -drawled Coddington. “Is this the gentleman, colonel, -who is looking for a harem?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The same, suh,” nodded Stringer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, by Jove! I believe I’ve got the very thing -he wants. I have the finest harem in the East, you -know. Fourteen wives, in all, and every one a pearl. -Ya-as.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But why do you wish to sell out, sir?” questioned -Gunn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s become a deuced bore, don’t you understand. -Besides that, I must return to England soon, and I -can’t take my beauties with me. It would be quite -scandalous there. I’d find myself arrested, don’t you -know. So I have to dispose of my dear little doves. -It breaks my heart, but I can’t do anything different. -If you want a harem, professor, that outrivals anything -in the East, you’ll get it right here, and get it -for a song, too.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now, it is best to confess the actual truth right -here. Professor Gunn had no intention of buying a -harem. What the old boy wanted was to get inside a -harem—to see it and get a peep at the “Eastern -houris,” as he had heard them called. And he took -this method of getting in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The professor was congratulating himself on his -cleverness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Eh, eh, ahem!” coughed the old pedagogue. -“I’ve always been somewhat shy of bargains that can -be obtained for a mere song. I always favor inspecting -whatever I purchase.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then be seated,” invited Coddington, motioning -toward the heaped-up cushions at his side. “Sit here, -professor, and you shall see some of the sights of the -harem.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The professor hastened to deposit himself amid the -cushions, chuckling inwardly over his success.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Colonel Stringer accepted a seat on the opposite side -of the professed owner of the harem.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Coddington clapped his hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Immediately a huge black man, dressed in gaudy, -barbaric clothes, his head turbaned, his feet bare, appeared -from somewhere and bowed low before the -Englishman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bring hookahs for my visitors,” said Coddington, -“and bid my dancing girls appear and dance for me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The black man bowed sweepingly again, and hastily -disappeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Almost immediately two boys, clothed in purple, -entered, bearing hookahs, which they placed before the -professor and the colonel. When the visitors were -ready to smoke, the boys lighted the hookahs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He! he!” laughed Zenas, as he puffed away. -“Makes one feel decidedly kinky and chipper. I’m not -much of a smoker, but I—ough! ugah! ugah! agoo-ugah!—hah! -Whew!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had taken some of the smoke into his lungs, and -it nearly strangled him. He continued to cough for -some time, but suddenly stopped and rubbed the water -from his eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Out upon the tiled floor before them glided a number -of graceful figures, girls in diaphanous draperies, -which fluttered in the air, light as azure. These girls -were swaying, bending, dancing, their arms waving in -the air, their feet moving swiftly to the sound of tiny, -tinkling bells and the throb of a strange, unnatural -music. The music was produced by a number of musicians -who mysteriously appeared, seated on the floor -at one side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The faces of the girls were hidden by veils, which -were bound down lightly, to keep them from fluttering -aside with their swaying movements and exposing their -features.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Zenas gazed and gasped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great Cæsar!” he muttered. “This being the proprietor -of a harem is great!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girls continued their dance, and to the old pedagogue -every movement was full of poetry. They advanced, -retreated, pirouetted, their arms waving from -side to side above their heads, their heads swaying, -their garments fluttering, their veils hiding their features, -yet seeming to show glimpses of dark, flashing -eyes beyond.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The professor forgot to smoke; he forgot to breathe; -he forgot to do anything but stare.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>How long the dance continued, he was unable to -say, but finally Coddington clapped his hands, and -away glided the girls, as graceful as phantoms, and -like phantoms they vanished.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The musicians vanished in the same silent manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A great sigh of regret came from Gunn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, professor,” said Coddington, “how did that -hit you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Great!” was the enthusiastic answer. “How often -do they perform?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whenever I bid them. I keep them to amuse me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Shade of Absalom! If I owned this harem, I’d -tire them out dancing. What’s next on the program?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I will call in some of my wives.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Were there any in that bevy?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, no; those are nothing but dancing girls. The -ladies of the harem are more select and beautiful.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Call them! You can’t hurry them too much to suit -me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But there are certain rules to which I must conform, -else I forfeit my rights. You know, the ladies -of the harem never enter this room when more than -one man is present. If I call them, it will be necessary -for the colonel and myself to retire.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And leave me alone with them?” gasped Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes. I will send you my two favorites, the greatest -beauties of the harem. I have taught them both to -speak English, although they do so somewhat imperfectly, -and they have picked up several expressions -of which I do not approve. No matter what they say, -you must understand that they are complimenting -you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All right,” said the professor, a bit doubtfully. -“But are there only two?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Only two? How many do you want? There are -plenty of them, but you understand that the two I -shall send are the reigning belles of the harem. They -are marvelously beautiful.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I—I don’t know about being left alone,” muttered -the old fellow nervously. “Can’t it be arranged -some other way?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why, I thought you might wish to be alone with -them. As I have said, the colonel and I must leave -the room, as no man save yourself may be present; -but I can send in the dancing girls again and let them -dance while you are chatting with my favorites.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do so, do so,” urged Zenas, in relief. “That is a -good idea.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Very well. I hope you may be pleased; and do -not forget that I am willing and ready to dispose of -my harem at a most reasonable price. By Jove! I’ll -almost give the whole outfit away!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Coddington and Stringer retired, having seen the -professor take the seat of honor in the midst of the -cushions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old man was rather nervous, but he endeavored -to remain calm and dignified.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally a low burst of musical laughter came to his -ears, causing him to brace up. A moment later, hand -in hand, two persons entered the room and advanced -swiftly, bowing low before the professor, their foreheads -touching the tiling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ah, these are the favorites!” murmured Zenas, his -eyes shining. “Arise, my dears, and come here. Be -seated beside me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They needed no second invitation to sit beside the -professor, however. Cooing in a coy manner, they -plumped themselves down amid the cushions on either -hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He nice!” said one.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Him fine!” murmured the other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then both giggled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He! he!” laughed the professor nervously, as the -one on his right leaned against his shoulder. “What’s -your name, my dear?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Fraud,” was the answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Fraud? Well, that’s an odd name! How do you -happen to have such a name as that?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Effendi, him give it. Effendi, him husband. Him -call me Little Fraud.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ah, I see; sort of a pet name.” Then he turned -to the other one, on his right. “And what is your -name, darling?” he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Fake.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hey? Fake?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sure. Effendi, him call me Big Fake.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, surely he has peculiar names for his wives. -Do you love Effendi?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, so, so. Him better no husband. Much tired -now. Like change.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, you’re frank about it, to say the least. How -many times have you changed husbands?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sev’teen time.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What’s that? Great Scott! Seventeen times?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Maybe more.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Christopher! You’ve had seventeen different husbands—or -more? Goodness, but that’s a record!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this juncture, Fake threw her arms round the -professor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You be next one?” she asked. “Like you much. -You be old Lobster.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What’s that? Old Lobster?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Pretty name,” cooed Fraud, from the other side, -cuddling on his shoulder. “We like old Lobster, Fake.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You bet your back teeth!” elegantly retorted Fake. -“We like him lot. Pull his leg.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, you’re frank in proclaiming your intentions, -at least!” gasped Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment the strange music began again, and -the dancing girls reappeared, posing and pirouetting, -the tiny bells on their bare ankles tinkling in a lively -manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Zenas tried to untangle himself from the twining -arms of the two favorites, but they declined to be -thrust aside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No! no!” they cried. “Keep so. Like it, old Lobster.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Old Lobster!” grated Gunn. “Say, my dears, -you’ll please me if you call me something else. I don’t -like the name you have selected for me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No like it?” questioned Fake, in apparent surprise. -“Pretty name.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sweet name,” gurgled Fraud. “We like it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But I object! You’ll have to call me something -else. I won’t stand for it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All right,” said Fraud, in apparent disappointment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then she tried to get a strangle hold on Zenas, who -was beginning to perspire and wish himself a thousand -miles away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, you have a mighty queer notion about pretty -names!” snapped the old man. “Don’t choke me! -Those dancing girls are laughing—I know they are! -I can see them laughing behind their veils!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But they clung to him more closely than ever, and all -his squirming was useless.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Where’s the boss of this house?” he spluttered. -“Be careful, both of you! I’m a respectable married -man!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Nobody ever think it,” snickered Fraud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You be married lots more when you get us,” observed -Fake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Christopher! I should say so! I’d be too much -married.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We not all you have,” said Fraud. “You get lots -more like us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Only not so nice—not so pretty,” declared Fake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I’ll have to think this thing over before I -close the bargain. I’m beginning to think that one -wife is enough for any man—too much in some cases.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How silly!” commented Fake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Awful chump,” said Fraud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But we love him,” purred Fake. “Him old. Him -not last long. Then we have ’nother husband.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That fun,” giggled Fraud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Say, you’re beginning to make me sick!” snapped -the distressed victim. “Call the boss of the house—call -him! He can keep his harem!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You nervous,” said Fake. “See girls dance. Be -still.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I see them,” groaned Gunn, “and they see us. -They’re making sport of us! I didn’t come here to be -laughed at! I won’t stand it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No stand—sit still,” advised Fraud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He gave over his efforts and fell to watching the -dancers. They were very graceful, but he remembered -that Coddington had spoken carelessly of them, declaring -that the favorites of the harem were far more beautiful. -To Zenas it seemed that the so-called favorites -were big, husky ladies, while their free-and-easy manners, -and their slang, filled him with aversion. He -had fancied the beauties of a harem to be something -entirely different from the ones who were boldly embracing -him. And one of them had confessed that she -had changed husbands sixteen times—or more! This -in a land where he had supposed a man could have a -number of wives, but that no wife ever had more than -one husband.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The glamour of the harem was fast wearing off, as -far as Zenas Gunn, of Fardale, was concerned. Already -he was beginning to think he had seen quite -enough of it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fake and Fraud were not inclined to keep still long. -The former began to dally with the professor’s whiskers, -running her fingers through them and pulling -them playfully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Pretty! pretty!” she cooed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ba-a-a-a!” bleated Fraud, like a goat. “Wind go -z-z-z-z-z.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Quit your fooling!” half snarled the fretted old -fellow, pushing Fake’s hand away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her gloved fingers seemed to catch in his whiskers -and give them a fearful yank, as he thrust her hand -aside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He howled with pain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Nice hair,” commented Fraud, giving a pull at the -professor’s wig and jerking it off. “Oh, see! Hair -all loose! He look funny now!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Gimme that!” panted the professor, snatching at -the wig; but Fraud thrust it back of her, laughing -mockingly behind her heavy veil.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was strong, astonishingly strong. He found he -could not recover the wig by force, so he gave over -the attempt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That nice,” said Fake. “Behave, old Lobster. -Pretty teeth. Bite Fake’s little finger.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before he even suspected her purpose she thrust her -finger into his mouth. In some manner she caught -hold of his upper set of false teeth and jerked them -out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then both favorites uttered exclamations of seeming -surprise and merriment, while the triumphant Fake -held the extracted set of teeth above her head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Him fine!” she cried. “Hair come off! Teeth come -out! Old Lobster lots funny!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We take old Lobster all to pieces,” said Fraud. -“Come on, Fake. Take him eyes out next.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hold on, both of you!” frothed Zenas. “Don’t -you dare carry thish thing any farsher! Gimme my -wig! Gimme me my teesh! Hand ’em over, or -shomebody going to get hurt!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time he was greatly enraged, but he found -himself almost helpless in the hands of the favorites.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The dancing girls were continuing their gyrations, -but he knew they were laughing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He felt that he had been robbed of his dignity and -humiliated, and he was eager to take flight from the -harem. Again and again he sought to struggle up, but -Fake and Fraud pulled him back and held him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, good old Lobster!” they cooed. “We love old -Lobster. Him great joke.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I demand to be released!” gasped the professor. -“If you hang onto me you’ll regret it! I’m a desperate -man! I’m dangerous!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had managed to recover his teeth and thrust -them back into his mouth, and now Fraud sought to -mollify him by restoring his wig, which she placed -on his head, hind side foremost.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If this is what the owner of a harem has to endure, -I’m thankful I don’t own one,” declared Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then they patted his cheeks and sought in various -ways to pacify him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We like you,” they protested.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, you both have hanged queer ways of showing -your affection, that’s all I’ve got to say!” he retorted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Maybe old Lobster like to kiss me?” questioned -Fraud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No; old Lobster like to kiss me,” declared Fake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Who told you so much?” sneered Gunn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We say so, old Lobster have to kiss us,” asserted -Fake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Have to?” gasped the perspiring pedagogue. -“Why should I?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That rule,” explained Fraud. “We want it, no -man get away less he do so.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A groan of genuine distress escaped the lips of -Zenas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m sure you don’t want it,” he hastened to say. -“Just call Mr. Coddington. I’m very ill! I must see a -physician at once! Please let me off!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But they were obdurate, both insisting on receiving -a kiss from him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s foolishness,” he declared. “You have veils -on.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, we move um,” Fake hastened to say.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We move um,” echoed Fraud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And then will you call the boss of the house?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We have him called then,” they promised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If this ever gets out, my reputation is blasted,” -sighed the professor; “but I see no other way to escape -from these creatures. I’ll have to submit.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He signified his willingness, whereupon both favorites -again clasped him about the neck with an arm, -while they prepared to lift their veils with their free -hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Here goes!” he muttered, turning to Fraud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She lifted her veil.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A squawk of astonishment and horror burst from -Professor Gunn, for Fraud was black as midnight, -with huge red lips, which were parted in a horrible -grin. Brass rings dangled from her ears and her nose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Heavens and earth deliver me!” panted the professor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he turned and saw the face of Fake. It was -that of an old, haglike creature, wrinkled and hideous, -while her mouth was filled with horrible black teeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A shriek escaped the old man. Like a maniac he -tore himself free from their clutches.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Help! Murder!” he yelled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Come back, old Lobster!” they implored.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But he scrambled to his feet and fled from the room, -yelling for assistance at every step, and pursued by a -burst of laughter from the dancing girls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The professor rushed from the room and into the -arms of John Coddington and Colonel Stringer. They -grasped him and held fast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Let go!” he shouted. “Don’t let those creatures -catch me! Let go!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, by Jove!” drawled Coddington. “The man -is crazy, don’t you know!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What’s the matter with yo’, professah?” asked the -colonel, in apparent amazement. “Have yo’ lost your -senses, suh?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How dare you insult the favorites of the harem by -running away from them in such a manner?” sternly -demanded the Englishman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Insult them!” snarled Zenas, glaring at Coddington -as if he longed to throttle the man. “How dare you -insult me by putting such hideous hags onto me?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hideous hags? Sir, those are the most beautiful -ladies in all Cairo, by Jove!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Beautiful! They would frighten a mummy into a -fit! They would give a dog hydrophobia.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Suh,” said Colonel Stringer, “I am astonished, -suh! My friend Coddington is a fine judge of feminine -beauty.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bah!” sneered Zenas. “Bah! bah! I’ve seen his -beauties, and they are horrible things! Let me get out -of this house! I wish never to see the interior of another -harem! A man who would have more than one -wife is insane. And a man who thinks such creatures -as those beautiful ought to be locked fast in a home for -incurable imbeciles! You’re an imbecile, Coddington—that’s -my opinion of you! Don’t talk back! Don’t -open your mouth! Want to sell your harem, do you? -I don’t wonder! You ought to pay somebody about -ten million dollars to take it—and then he’d get stuck! -Good day, sir! I tell you not to attempt to detain me -a moment! I am going now!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And go he did, hurrying forth from the house with -trembling steps and almost running until he was far -from that vicinity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Barely had the professor left the front door when -the two “favorites” appeared, both convulsed with -laughter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were Dick Merriwell and Brad Buckhart, the -former having posed as Fraud, while the latter had -given his name as Fake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, great horn spoon!” gasped Buckhart, “I certain -won’t get over this in a year!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I think the professor has been taught a splendid -lesson,” laughed Dick. “The game worked like a -charm.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I should say it did!” agreed Coddington, who was -also laughing. “We watched it all. We were behind -some curtains, and we dodged out just in time to get -ahead of the professor when he took flight. It was -deucedly funny, don’t you know. You boys did your -parts very cleverly.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Did you see Dick remove the professor’s wig?” -laughed the Texan. “I thought I’d blow up then, but -it gave me an idea, and I managed to get my digits into -his mouth and yank out the upper layer of his store -teeth.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And then I was on the point of blowing up,” confessed Dick. “But the professor was so excited he -didn’t notice it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The climax came when yo’ invited him to kiss -yo’,” grinned Colonel Stringer. “He’ll be ready to -shoot me now.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Don’t you think it,” said Dick. “He’ll be round -begging you to keep still about it. He’ll be humble -enough.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’re very much obliged to you, Mr. Coddington, -for your assistance,” said Dick. “If you’ll give us a -bill of expenses, I’ll settle it. If Colonel Stringer -hadn’t known you, I fear we could not have carried -out the plan after we formed it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, the expense was nothing compared with the -sport I’ve had,” asserted the Englishman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But you had to engage the dancing girls.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“They are professionals, and their services cost a -mere nothing. It’s not worth mentioning.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, yes it is. Then there was the costumer. You -had to pay him. I insist on settling the bill.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Coddington did his best to get out of taking anything, -but Dick was obdurate and finally compelled the -Englishman to state the full expense of the affair, -which he paid.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was nearly an hour later when the boys reappeared -at the Shepherd’s Hotel, having washed off -their make-ups and donned their usual attire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They found the professor, looking pale and wan, -pacing the floor of his room, which adjoined theirs. -The old man noted their entrance, and paused to peer -at them suspiciously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Where have you been, boys?” he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, out for a little airing,” answered Dick, carelessly. -“Did you enjoy the afternoon, professor?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well—er—ah—I can’t truthfully say that I did,” -confessed the old pedagogue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That was too bad. Why didn’t you enjoy it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ahem! I can’t explain, boys. Don’t ask foolish -questions.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But didn’t you see that collection of old relics?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I did—I saw it!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And you were disappointed in it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Very much so.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Were not the relics very ancient?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, two of them were, beyond question.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And did the inspection of them add greatly to your -fund of knowledge?” persisted Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Greatly,” declared Zenas. “I know much more than -I did when I left this hotel.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then I fail to understand why you seem so terribly -disappointed. You said you expected to return here -a much wiser man.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And if I’m not wiser,” said the professor, “I ought -to be shot, that’s all! I have this day learned something -I’ll never forget. Don’t ask another question! I -decline to discuss the matter further. But I will say -that no man is too old to learn, and sometimes a man -who thinks himself very wise discovers that he’s a big -fool. I’m going to lie down and rest now, for I need -it. I am quite exhausted.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He closed the door between the two rooms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I must tell Dunbar and Nadia about it,” chuckled -Buckhart. “Come on, Dick; let’s go see them.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You go ahead,” nodded Merriwell. “I have a letter -to write, and I think I’ll do it now.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart was not gone long, and there was something -of a worried look on his face when he returned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, did they appreciate the joke?” questioned -Dick, without looking up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I didn’ tell them.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Didn’t?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why not?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“They’re not in.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, that’s it! Where have they gone?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t know. I inquired and found they left the -hotel about two hours ago. They did not take a carriage, -or even engage donkeys. They walked out, -without stating whither they intended to go.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, it’s likely they’ll return soon.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I hope so.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart’s tone caused Dick to look up quickly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What’s the matter, Brad?” he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m worried, pard,” confessed the Texan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“About them? Oh, nonsense; they’re all right.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“They may be; but you know Budthorne is a mighty -poor protector for a girl, and Nadia has been watched -by that strange man we observed.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That is, she thought that man was watching her; -but she was not sure of it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“She was pretty sure. He was a Turk, and you -know what happened to her in Damascus.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Which, therefore, will not happen again. Don’t be -foolish, old man.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You remember that other man—the one we saw -join the Turk on Citadel Hill?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I dreamed about him last night, Dick.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Did you?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Sure; and it was a bad dream. I thought you and -I were walking along a dark street, in a strange city, -when that other man came up behind us suddenly. I -turned just in time to see him drive a knife into your -back, but not in time to check him. You fell! Then -I sprang on your murderer and flung him to the -ground. I had him by the throat and I dragged him -to a corner, where there was a light. When I had -pulled him into the light I discovered that he was Chester -Arlington.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, you see how foolish dreams are, Brad. Chet -Arlington is at Fardale, thousands of miles away.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s all right. I don’t opine the chap we saw -was Arlington; but somehow I have the idea that he’s -an enemy to you, and just as dangerous an enemy as -Chet Arlington.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If you take stock in dreams, you’ll be calling on -fortune tellers, next.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, you laugh! You wait and see! That dream -meant something.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad relapsed into silence, and Dick went on with -his writing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ten minutes later they heard the sound of running -feet on the stairs and outside their door. The door -was burst open, and Dunbar Budthorne, ghastly white -and shaking in every limb, reeled in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart made a great leap and seized the fellow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“For Heaven’s sake, Budthorne, what has happened?” -he hoarsely demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Nadia!” gasped the agitated young man, seeming -barely able to utter the word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Nadia!” grated Brad. “Something has happened -to her? Speak, man!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We were walking——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Go on!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Suddenly several men sprang out on us. They -tried to seize Nadia. I—I did my best. I sought to -protect her. One fellow snatched her from me. Another -hit me on the head and knocked me down. But -I saw the one who seized her—saw him face to face! -I knew him. It was Miguel Bunol!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad fell back as if struck in the face. Dick uttered -an exclamation of incredulity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You’re crazy, Budthorne!” he palpitated. “Your -eyes deceived you! Bunol cannot be here, for the Bedouins -carried him away to sell him into slavery in -Arabia.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t care about that,” declared Budthorne, positively; -“Bunol was with those men who attacked us—he -seized Nadia. I know him! I cannot be deceived!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But Nadia,” questioned Brad; “what became of -her?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I was stunned for the time,” said Dunbar. “When -I recovered the men were gone and she had disappeared. -I ran about aimlessly, but something guided -me to the river. I saw them in a boat that was rowing -off to a small yacht. I saw them lift my sister from -the boat over the rail into the yacht. Steam was up. -The yacht hoisted anchor and away it went up the -river. All this time I was running up and down the -bank, trying to hire some one to take me off to the -yacht in a boat. No one would. And when the yacht -was far up the river I turned and came back here as -fast as I could. Oh, Nadia—poor Nadia! How can -we save her?”</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xxviiiin-bunols-power"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id29"><span>CHAPTER XXVIII—IN BUNOL’S POWER</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A small but handsome private yacht, under full head -of steam, was making its swift course up the Nile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the tiny, Orientally furnished cabin of this yacht, -Miguel Bunol stood with his feet wide apart, his hands -in his pockets, puffing at a cigarette and triumphantly -regarding a cowering, pale-faced, red-eyed girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol’s manner was insolent and self-satisfied in -the extreme. He felt that he was master of the situation -at last and his heart beat high with exultation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia glanced at him in terror. She had crept as -far from him as possible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am greatly sorry to cause you such vast distress,” -said the young Spaniard, with pretended regret.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her lips curled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You, sorry!” she exclaimed chokingly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No doubt you do not believe me, but it is true, my -dear—I swear it is true.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her eyes began to flash.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You know you are lying, you monster!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“At least,” he retorted, with a dark smile, “your -spirit is not broken, and I like that. You made such a -terrible disturbance, and you did weep so much that -I feared you would not have any spirit left. I admire -the girl of spirit, and for the one who cows and whimpers, -like a whipped puppy, I have but little regard.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was silent, but scorn and loathing continued to -gleam in her eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I regret to the exceeding limit that we felt it necessary -to pursue the course we did, but we dared not -wait longer.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We? You mean yourself.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There is another concerned.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What other?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My friend, Medjid Bey. He is the owner of this -yacht.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“A Turk! A worthy comrade!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Medjid Bey is a Turkish gentleman of high rank. -He stands high in the regard of the sultan.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am glad to know the name of your accomplice in -this dastardly piece of business.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, you will know him far better before this affair -is over. He is a splendid fellow. Only for that, at -this moment you might be under arrest, and on your -way back to Damascus, or to Constantinople.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She betrayed her total disbelief in the words of -Bunol.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I give you the assurance of a gentleman that I -speak the truth,” he bowed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The assurance of a gentleman!” she exclaimed. “A -fine gentleman! A gambler, a scheming scoundrel!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You misjudge me greatly, Nadia. You have never -understood me. From the first I took a friendly interest -in your brother. I knew his weaknesses, and I -tried——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You tried to ruin him! You got him into your -power by drugging him. The drug you gave him made -him the slave of drink, and you did not permit its -effect to wear off. When it seemed about to wear off, -you gave him more of the drug. Friendly interest! -You were making him a drunkard!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is useless to argue with a girl. Women do not -reason. What they believe they believe, without sense -or judgment.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I believe what I know. You had Dunbar in your -grip, in London. Since then he has never been himself. -His spirit is broken and his courage gone.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Surely he lacks courage, else he would not have deserted -you to-day. He ran away in the most cowardly -manner when we appeared. It was our intention to -take him along with you. I thought you would feel -better about it if you had him for company.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia felt a twinge of shame for her brother, who -had displayed the white feather in the most pitiful -manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The account of the affair, as given by Budthorne to -Merriwell and Buckhart, was true with the single exception -of Dunbar’s statement that he had defended -Nadia until struck down. This part of the story he -had founded on Dick’s experience in defense of the -girl in Damascus. His befuddled and unimaginable -brain had been incapable of devising a different yarn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No wonder he fears you, Miguel Bunol!” panted -the girl. “He has every reason to fear you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That is no excuse for his cowardly conduct. No -brave man ever deserts a lady in time of peril.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps you think yourself competent to judge a -brave man?” she sneered. “Perhaps you really believe -yourself brave?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I know what I am! but, with your brother concerned, -I wish to make no unpleasant comparisons.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How kind of you! You are such a gallant gentleman!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her scorn was scorching, but he declined to be -touched by it. Coolly he lighted a fresh cigarette.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Where is the master of this boat?” she suddenly -demanded, half starting up. “I demand to see him!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“All in good time, my dear. You shall see him -soon.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Now! He must listen to me! He must explain his -conduct! You have deceived him! You have lied to -him! He cannot realize what he is doing!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You are wholly mistaken, I assure you. Medjid -Bey understands quite perfectly what he is doing.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It is unlawful! It is a crime!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He has learned of a certain crime that was lately -committed in Damascus.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You mean——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I speak of the murder of Hafsa Pasha, a countryman -of Medjid Bey.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How does that concern me?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You know you are concerned. In Damascus it is -said an American adventuress ensnared Hafsa Pasha, -and her friends killed him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Which is a wretched story to hide the truth that -Hafsa Pasha brutally seized and imprisoned an American -girl. The story is told to shield the Pasha in case -the affair should be too closely investigated.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps so; but you know by experience that the -people of Damascus believe it, for you were compelled -to flee from the city in disguise to escape the enraged -Moslems. Had you fallen into the hands of that -mob you would have been torn limb from limb.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Still you—fine gentleman that you are—threatened -to deliver me over, and, to prevent you, Dick Merriwell -and Brad Buckhart seized, bound and gagged you -and fastened you in a closet of the German hotel!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My dear Nadia, I had no thought of permitting you -to fall into the hands of the mob; but I did wish to -bring those fool boys to terms by frightening them.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You found them boys you could not frighten.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“They are young idiots! They do not know enough -to be afraid!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You followed us after we escaped from the city.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And overtook you, too, aided by the Bedouins I -engaged.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You did not overtake Dunbar and me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But I did overtake Merriwell, Buckhart and that -old fool professor.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes. Then you had Dick Merriwell stripped and -were on the point of having him cruelly whipped. You -threatened to have him sold into slavery in Arabia.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Which would have been his fate only for the unlucky -appearance of that old devil of a sheik, Ras al -Had. He turned up with his followers at the wrong -moment.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“At the right moment!” cried Nadia. “The whipping -you intended for Merriwell you received yourself.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol’s face flushed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes,” he said, in a low, fierce tone. “The scars -are on my back, and I shall bear them to the grave.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Retribution!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The end is not yet. I have sworn to make Merriwell -suffer, even as I suffered!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That shows your true nature and the blackness of -your heart, for it was not Dick Merriwell that caused -you to be whipped. Ras al Had was the one. Dick -interfered, or you would have been lashed until you -fainted.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Why did he interfere? I know! It was because -he feared I would be so weakened by the punishment -that I would not be able to stand the journey to Arabia. -He left me with those Bedouins, who were commanded -to take me out of Syria and sell me into slavery in -Arabia. He intended that I should perish a wretched -slave of black men.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Which was the fate you had chosen for him and -would have forced on him, only for the fortunate coming -of the sheik. Do you never think that there is such -a thing as retributive justice? I shuddered and was -sorry for you when I learned what had happened. But -now—now my only regret is that you escaped!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I did escape, and I am here—to wreak -vengeance on Merriwell!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And it was Ras al Had who commanded the Bedouins -to carry you into captivity, not Merriwell. -Merriwell did not know of the sheik’s order until he -was far away and it was impossible for him to do anything.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He has told you that, but he lied! He urged old -Ras al Had to do it! I know him, for did he not try -to murder me in the tent of the Bedouin chief?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“When you had goaded him beyond endurance by -your taunts and your threats of whipping and slavery. -You thought he would not touch you, because he has -wonderful command of his temper; but you found out -your mistake when he fastened his hands on your -throat.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He told you of that? He boasted of it?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Never a word of it have I received from him. Brad -Buckhart told me.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That fellow? Well, what I have in store for him -is only second to what shall befall Merriwell. I was -not carried into captivity. I am here, and I have -struck a blow. The end will come soon.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How you escaped I do not know, but——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I will tell you. I know many Turks of influence. -I have had dealings with the Turkish secret police, -and——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Through your lies the secret police compelled Dick, -Brad and Professor Gunn to leave Constantinople,” interrupted -Nadia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Spaniard smiled in a satisfied manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I think the information I furnished led to their -being warned to leave the city,” he bowed. “Let me -go on. Knowing a number of Turkish gentlemen of -rank, I was able to impress old Ali Beha, the chief of -the Bedouins, who had been commanded to sell me -into slavery. I saw my only hope was to bribe and -frighten the ignorant old chief into releasing me. -That was no simple matter, for Ali Beha feared the -sheik, Ras al Had. However, all the wires I worked -as best I knew how. I talked to Ali Beha and told him -how, if my Turkish friends ever learned what had -happened, they would be furious and seek to have him -punished. I told him that Ras al Had was now an -outcast, having slain Hafsa Pasha. I told him he was -aiding the accomplices of Ras al Had to escape, which -would enrage the sultan when he learned what had -taken place. I offered bribes and made promises. Ali -Beha seemed immovable, and I was in despair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Think of me, a helpless captive, believing I was -doomed to slavery in burning Arabia! The thought -of such a fate maddened me. I nearly lost my reason. -At times I raved and prayed. But through it all I kept -saying I would live to be revenged on Dick Merriwell.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It was the fate you first devised for him,” said the -girl, “and your suffering was your punishment.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol snapped his fingers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whenever I recovered from those fits of despair,” -he continued, “something seemed to whisper in my ear -that there was yet hope and that I would not become -a slave. I did not know Ali Beha had sent two of his -men on fleet horses to Damascus to investigate my -statements; but this was what he had done. He waited -for those men to return. They came back in time, and -they informed him that it was true that Ras al Had -had become an outcast, having slain Hafsa Pasha on -account of an old score. They also told the sheik that -they had found I was known to the Turks I had -claimed as my friends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then Ali Beha’s manner toward me underwent a -change. I was no longer a captive. He escorted me to -the nearest village and set me free. From that village -I made all haste to reach the port of Akka, believing -Merriwell would take flight from Syria as soon as he -could. I did hope he would be detained; but at Akka I -soon discovered he had found a way to get off in a -steamer for Alexandria. Fortunately for him, news -travels slowly in Syria, and the officials had not learned -that he was suspected of having something to do with -the murder of Hafsa Pasha. Either that was the case, -or the Turks, knowing he had not really committed the -crime, were willing that he should get away. The latter -supposition may be the truth. I confess that I am -half inclined to so regard it. Later I will explain why.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I followed to Alexandria, and from that port -I traced Merriwell to Cairo. Arriving at Cairo, I met -Medjid Bey. He had been cruising in his own yacht, -on which we now are. It happened that I had met -Medjid Bey before in Syria, where I did him a special -favor, which he had not forgotten. I lost no time -in telling him all that had happened in Syria. He was -interested. I could not keep watch of you and your -friends without running great risks of detection. He -agreed to watch you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And he is the man who annoyed me so much!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Exactly, my dear. He informed me that you had -observed him and grown suspicious of him. While he -was watching you we had sent word to Damascus that -Merriwell and Buckhart, the two American boys who -were present when Hafsa Pasha was slain, had been -located in Cairo. We waited for Turkish officials to -come to arrest them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But I found Merriwell was growing restless. I -feared he would somehow learn that I was near. In -case he did so learn, it was likely he would take flight. -I have had some experience in following him, and I -know he is most baffling. He vanishes like a shadow, -and he seems to leave no track behind. Besides, my -dear, I did not mean to lose you again. Then I finally -induced Medjid Bey to carry out a little scheme at the -first opportunity. The opportunity came to-day, while -you were out walking with your brother. We seized -you, and it was our intention to take your brother also, -but he fled. Now you know why you are brought -here.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I don’t know!” cried Nadia passionately. “I don’t -understand! What can you hope to accomplish?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I can keep Merriwell from taking flight. He will -follow you. In Cairo it is dangerous to strike; but in -the wild country up the Nile I shall be able to wreak -vengeance on him. The very fact that no officers were -sent to arrest him made me determine to strike the -blow myself. The officers might have reached here ere -this, and so I reason that the Turkish government is -glad to have him out of the country.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia regarded the man with increased loathing and -hatred.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“In the end you will meet your just deserts!” she -cried.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“In the end I will have you, and the enemies I hate -shall be swept from the face of the earth. Somewhere -up this river the end of the struggle must come. After -that, you and I will hasten away to some better land. -Your brother shall be spared, and we’ll take him with -us. In time you will learn to admire the man who -never rested until he had crushed his enemies.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Admire you? You are insane to fancy such a -thing! I despise you! I loathe you! To me you are -like a venomous serpent! Had I ever entertained for -you a spark of pity, you have quenched it. Where is -this man Medjid Bey? Let me talk to him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“As you like,” said Bunol, lifting his eyebrows and -shrugging his shoulders. “It will give you no satisfaction. -I will send him here.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bowing gracefully, he retired from the cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a moment Nadia started up, a wild light in -her eyes. She faltered a bit, then swiftly crossed to -leave the cabin. The man she had so often seen watching -her in Cairo entered and blocked her path.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You—you are Medjid Bey?” she breathed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That is my name, lady.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You own this yacht?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The </span><em class="italics">Kayala</em><span> is mine.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you know what you are doing?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I think so.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You are committing a crime! I have never harmed -you. I am a helpless girl. You look like a gentleman. -I appeal to your manhood, your honor! Before it is -too late, turn back and set me free. Have no part in -this wicked deed. Bunol has lied to you. He has led -you to think he has been wronged. It is false! He is -a scoundrel of the blackest dye, and he has committed -all the wrongs. My brother is back there in Cairo. He -will be distracted. My friends are there. They will -be pained. Take me back—please take me back! I -beg—I entreat——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She fell on her knees, seeking to clasp his hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My dear lady, I beg you rise. It pains me to see -you thus distressed.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You will listen? You will take me back to my -friends?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I will take it into consideration. In the meantime -do not fear for your personal safety. No harm shall -befall you while you are on the </span><em class="italics">Kayala</em><span>. I give you my -word. Do nothing rash, but wait and trust.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was anxious to get away, and he bowed low once -more, hastening from the cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nadia fell at full length on the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Heaven protect me!” she moaned. “He will do -nothing, and I am in the power of Miguel Bunol!”</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xxixthe-pursuit-on-the-river"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id30"><span>CHAPTER XXIX—THE PURSUIT ON THE RIVER</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was night in Egypt. The silver moonlight fell on -the shining, silent Nile, its low shores lined with shadowy -palms. Up the Nile a small excursion steamer was -spluttering and throbbing, showing its lights.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a strange and unusual hour for a steamer to -be moving on that portion of the Nile, where but few -steamers are ever seen. Traffic on this river is carried -on mainly with the aid of </span><em class="italics">dahabeahs</em><span>, which are immense -combined sail and row boats, having a low forward -deck and a large cabin aft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Forward, near the pilot house of the little excursion -steamer, there were a number of persons. They were -conversing in low tones and keeping a sharp outlook -ahead and on either side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick, Brad, Professor Gunn, and Dunbar Budthorne -were there. There were also two others in the -party, and these were Colonel Stringer and John Coddington.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There’s a deep shadow over yonder in the bend of -the river, pard,” said Buckhart, in a low tone. “They -may be lying in there somewhere.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Immediately Dick turned to the man at the wheel -and gave an order. The course of the steamer was -changed and she headed toward the shadow that lay in -the bend of the river. The pilot ran as near as he -dared, on account of the shallowness of the water. He -then informed Dick that they could not go in farther.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I think it is near enough,” said the boy. “We can -see now. There’s no yacht lying in there.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pilot declared it impossible that a small yacht -should lie hidden from their view anywhere in the -shadowy space, and Dick told him to head up the river -again and get into the channel, from which both shores -could be watched.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In order to make sure they did not pass the yacht for -which they were searching, it was necessary at times -for the steamer to make a sinuous, winding course -from side to side, the river being wide in many places.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This steamer was one of two excursion boats which -made trips from Cairo far up the river to the ruins of -ancient Thebes and other spots of historic interest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick Merriwell had lost little time after learning -from Dunbar Budthorne that Nadia had been carried -up the river in the private yacht of the strange Turk. -He formed his plans rapidly and went to work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first thing was to decide on some method of -pursuit, and he quickly concluded that they must follow -in a yacht or steamer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No yacht could be secured, and so he sought for a -steamer. One of the boats was up the river. The -other, and smaller one, had just returned from a trip -and was advertised to leave again in two days.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had no small difficulty in finding the captain, -but this he finally accomplished. The captain was a -Swede. At first he seemed to think the American boy -was crazy, but it did not take Richard Merriwell long -to convince that Swede of his sanity and earnestness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain stated that he must have a sum representing nearly a hundred dollars a day for the use of -his boat. Dick agreed to pay it. The captain grinned -and asked him where he was going to get so much -money.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the American lad flashed a purse, the clinking -sound of its contents causing the eyes of the Swede to -glitter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“How much advance money do you demand?” asked -Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain said he would require two days’ pay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And then you will be ready to start——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s night now,” said the Swede. “Ay be rady to -start in mornang.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You must be ready to start in just sixty minutes,” -said Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ay can’t do it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If you are ready to start in sixty minutes I’ll pay -you this amount extra.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy laid down four pieces of money.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Ay be rady,” said the captain, taking up the money.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the meantime Professor Gunn had met and told -Colonel Stringer, and the colonel had carried the story -to his English friend, Coddington. These men were -eager to join in the pursuit of Nadia’s captors. They -were on hand when Dick and Brad appeared and announced -the securing of the steamer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“My dear Coddington,” said the colonel, “the prospect -of a little fighting makes my blood stir. Are yo’ -armed, suh?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have my pistol, don’t you know,” answered the -Englishman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Very good, suh. I have two pistols, and I can use -them both. We’ll make it red-hot fo’ this Spaniard -and his Turkish friend, if we evah catch them.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But I’m afraid we’ll never catch them,” said Coddington. -“This steamer the boy has secured is a slow -old tub.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’ll overtake them if we have to pursue them -clean up to Lake Victoria Nyanza,” declared Dick -grimly. “I don’t see why they turned up the river, if -they wish to get away.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“That’s what puzzled me up a plenty, pard,” put in -Buckhart. “Mebbe Budthorne made a mistake; mebbe -the Turk’s yacht went down the river.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Budthorne insisted that he had made no mistake, -and so, when they had boarded the excursion steamer -and found everything ready for the start, they headed -toward the upper waters of the Nile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Look there!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Where?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The exclamation and the question were spoken in a -whisper. Dick uttered the first; the second came from -several of his companions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Close to the shore in that cove yonder.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What do you see?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Looks like the black hulk of a boat in the shadow -of those thick palms.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It sure does look that way!” palpitated Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But it may be one of these river boats, don’t you -know,” said Coddington. “They find many places -where they swing in to the shore and tie up.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“She shows no light,” said Colonel Stringer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick spoke to the pilot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Can you run in there?” he asked. “We think we -see a boat near the shore.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pilot explained that the river was quite deep -there, such current as there was being thrown near the -bank by its winding course. He sounded the bell for -half speed and the steamer glided toward the deep -shadows.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Professor Gunn was very nervous.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We must be near the site of old Memphis,” he said. -“The ruins are covered by a great palm grove, and -you can see plenty of palms there, on the shore.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the others were watching the small, dark hulk -that lay near the shore close under the shadow of the -palms, through which the light from the low-lying -moon sifted in spots.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whoever is on board there, they ought to know -we’re coming,” growled Buckhart, disgusted by the -fuss made by the little steamer, which was snorting -and wheezing in a manner to be heard afar in the wonderful -silence of that Egyptian night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I think some one is stirring, don’t you know,” said -Coddington. “I fancied I saw something move.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had fancied the same. To him it seemed as if -some dark figures left the steamer and slipped away -into the gloom of the palms. Once something like a -muffled cry came out across the water, but the wheezing -of the steamer prevented them from hearing it distinctly. -Even though it were a cry of some sort, they -knew it might come from a night bird or a prowling -wild beast amid the ruins of the ancient city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly and unexpectedly a bar of light shot out -from the black hulk near the shore. It struck in their -faces, dazzling and blinding them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Involuntarily they half crouched, while several of -them reached for their weapons.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“A searchlight!” exclaimed Dick. “We’ve found -the yacht! Look out for trouble!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“There sure is liable to be some shooting!” breathed -Buckhart; “and we’re mighty fine targets here in this -light. Look out for bullets!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then a voice hailed them. Some one called to them -in Turkish. It was a challenge, although they did not -understand the words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Talk English,” cried Dick. “We don’t understand -that lingo.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No, we don’t savvy it any at all,” said Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Are you trying to collide with me?” demanded a -voice from behind the searchlight. “Keep off!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He savvys United States all right,” said Brad, in -deep satisfaction. “Now we can powwow with him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain of the steamer gave a signal for the -engineer to reverse his engines.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Who are you?” demanded Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What right have you to ask?” was the indignant -retort.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We take the right. Better answer.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I am a peaceful individual seeking to get some -sleep. Why do you come pounding in here with your -noisy old boat and disturb my rest?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He’s a whole lot saucy,” growled the Texan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We are looking for a private yacht, owned by a -Turkish gentleman,” explained Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“A Turkish gentleman—not!” muttered Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You are friends?” was the inquiry from behind the -source of the light.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not exactly; but we have important business with -the gentleman.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What’s his name?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What’s your name?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was talking to give the captain time to bring -the steamer alongside the yacht, which was no simple -task under the circumstances.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Evidently the unknown did not fancy Dick’s manner -of speech, for he again commanded them to keep off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If you touch my boat you will mar her,” he said. -“I don’t know you. You may be scoundrels, robbers, -assassins.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’re looking for some scoundrels,” said the -Texan, in a low tone; “and I certain reckon we’ve -found them. Get ready to board that boat, and be prepared -to fight.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I warn you to keep off!” angrily shouted the voice -of the unseen man. “We’ll have to defend ourselves.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If you’re on the level,” said Dick, “you have nothing -to fear from us; but we are determined to make an -investigation and find out who and what you are.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We may fire on you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Better not.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We can. You are in the light, while it is impossible -for you to see us.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“If you do any shooting, you’ll regret it.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During this “game of talk” the pilot was manipulating -the steamer as skillfully as possible, the bell tinkling -nervously and frequently in the engine room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick felt something touch his leg and glanced down. -Dunbar Budthorne, agitated and cowering, was crouching -on his knees in the shadow of the rail at the boy’s -feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Get up!” muttered Dick, in a low tone. “Don’t let -them see they have frightened anybody. We must -bluff this thing through.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“They may begin shooting any moment,” chattered -the cowering fellow. “If they do, they can pick us all -off easily. You’ll be the first one killed, too, for Bunol -thirsts for your blood.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not another one of the group had sought shelter. -Colonel Stringer, his gray mustache bristling, was -standing erect with his shoulders squared toward the -enemy, while John Coddington was planted near, his -hands on his hips. Buckhart was close to the rail, his -square jaw set, fire in his eyes. The professor, inspired -by the others, had not betrayed any alarm, although -Dick fancied he was ready to drop and seek -shelter the instant any trouble began.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the very forefront was Merriwell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The enemy seemed in doubt, and while they hesitated -the steamer bumped against the side of the yacht.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The moment the two boats touched Dick and Brad -were on the jump. The searchlight no longer bore on -them. They leaped to the rail and went over it. From -the steamer they sprang to the deck of the yacht.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Colonel Stringer followed, only he was somewhat -more cautious. He was a moment ahead of Coddington.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had a pistol in his hand when his feet struck -the deck of the yacht. Buckhart also had drawn a -weapon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They found themselves confronted by two men, -both of whom seemed unarmed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Is this the way peaceable persons behave?” asked -a cuttingly sarcastic voice. “You have boarded my -yacht in defiance of my wishes, and, if my eyes do not -deceive me in this light, you have weapons in your -hands.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We shall not use our weapons unless you force us -to use them,” said Dick. “Have no fear of that.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Under the circumstances,” said the stranger, “you -must confess that you have given us great provocation. -We should have been justified in firing on you as you -drew near, for your movements have been hostile all -along.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I reckon there was a right good reason why you -did no shooting,” put in Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And that reason was—what?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You didn’t dare.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, but any man has a right to defend himself and -his property. You are wrong in thinking we did not -dare. What had we to fear?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“The row it would raise if you did fire on us. You -bet your boots shooting of that sort would have kicked -up a rumpus.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Your logic is poor. However, I do not intend -arguing with you. Now that you are here, be good -enough to state your business instantly. As soon as -possible I wish you to retire.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I presume you haven’t the least idea of the nature -of our business?” said Dick sarcastically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not the least, I assure you.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Where is Miguel Bunol?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Who is that?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Miguel Bunol.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You will pardon me, but I fear I have not the -pleasure of the gentleman’s acquaintance.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You are a Turk?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You own this yacht?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You are the man so often seen watching our party -in Cairo.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I think you must be mistaken. I do not seem to -remember you. However, if you will step forward a -little, I’ll have the searchlight turned on you. I may -be able to recognize you then.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Trick, pard!” hissed the Texan. “At close range -they may begin the shooting if they get us into the -light.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Wait a minute,” invited Stringer. “Let me say -something, if yo’ please.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he addressed the owner of the yacht.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Suh,” he said, “I am Stringer, suh, Colonel Weatherby -Stringer, at one time of the khedive’s army. I -am visiting Egypt again after a lapse of some years, -suh, but I assure yo’ I have friends of power and influence -in Cairo and Alexandria. In case harm comes -to me, suh, the whole affair will be investigated, and -yo’ will find yo’self the sufferer if yo’ are in any degree -at fault. That’s all I have to say, suh. Now go ahead -and use your old searchlight as much as yo’ like.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was the little man’s defiance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Perhaps you may not know me?” broke in the Englishman. -“I am John Coddington, and I have a large -business interest in Cairo. If I should happen to get -shot to-night, I assure you, don’t you know, that it -would be a very serious matter for any one who did the -shooting.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The stranger bowed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It happened, gentlemen,” he said, “that I fancied I -recognized you both when the searchlight was turned -on your boat.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That seemed to explain why no shooting had been -done. The presence of Stringer and Coddington had -held the enemy in check.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The enemy? Were these two men the only ones on -the yacht? Surely not. Our friends knew there must -be more, but where were they?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Now,” said Dick, “as we are beginning to understand -each other, we will inform you further that we -are looking for a Spaniard by the name of Miguel -Bunol. It is known that he proceeded up the river on -the private yacht of a Turkish gentleman. I hardly -fancy there is another such yacht on this part of the -river.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And so you think this man you seek must be on -board my boat?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Exactly.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“He is not.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Do you deny that he has been? Do you deny that -he brought a young girl on board this yacht against -her will?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The owner of the yacht laughed disdainfully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Deny it?” he exclaimed. “Of course I do!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then you lie!” shouted a voice, as Dunbar Budthorne -came leaping from the steamer to the yacht -and rushed forward to confront the cool Turk. “I -saw her brought on board! This is the yacht! She -is here! Search the boat!”</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xxxhis-just-deserts"> -<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><a class="toc-backref" href="#id31"><span>CHAPTER XXX—HIS JUST DESERTS</span></a></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Turk did not shrink before Budthorne. He remained -unruffled as he said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Very well; search the boat, gentlemen. As I know -two of you to be responsible, you have my permission -to look the yacht over from stem to stern.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s a bluff!” growled Buckhart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But in his heart Dick was beginning to fear that -neither Nadia nor Bunol would be found on the yacht.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Budthorne was greatly wrought up, and he urged -the others to come on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Turk spoke to his companion, who stepped -aside and disappeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment later lights flashed up all over the yacht.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Turk stood smiling in the light of an electric -lantern, his manner indicating his confidence in the -result of the impending search.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lights showed two men forward, where they -had been standing in the shadow of the pilot house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were the pilot and engineer. One was a Greek -and the other an Armenian.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Are these all of your crew?” demanded John Coddington.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Yes, sir.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now that the lights were on, Professor Gunn came -crawling cautiously over the rail onto the deck of the -yacht, to which the steamer had been made fast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hum! ha!” he coughed. “I must see that nothing -is neglected. Proceed with the search, gentlemen.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Medjid Bey, the owner of the yacht, lighted a Turkish -cigarette and puffed away with indifference as the -boarders began searching the yacht.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It did not take long to search the small, but elegant -craft from one end to the other, and not a trace of -Nadia or Bunol was found.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Budthorne was infuriated. He seemed almost deranged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“What have they done with her?” he cried. “What -have they done with my sister?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad and Dick held a consultation in low tones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“We’re tricked, pard,” said the Texan. “The Spanish -snake and the dirty Turk have fooled us. What -can we do? They’ve carried Nadia off. I’m for taking -that Mohammedan varmint by the throat and -squeezing the truth out of him.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’m afraid we can’t get at the truth that way,” said -Dick. “It is a bad piece of business.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bad! Pard, if that Spaniard harms a hair of -Nadia’s head I’ll skin him alive! You hear me warble! -I’ll kill him by inches!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick walked toward the stern of the yacht, which -had swung quite close to the shore. Indeed, not more -than twelve or fourteen feet of water lay between that -end of the yacht and the bank, showing that the water -was very deep there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Merriwell stood looking into the shadows of the -palm grove, feeling desperate and baffled. Suddenly -in the gloom of the grove there was a red spout of fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The report of a pistol startled the peaceful night. -Dick Merriwell dropped on the deck of the yacht. A -roar of fury burst from the lips of Brad Buckhart. -With two great leaps he reached the rail of the yacht -and perched on it. Then he uprose and flung himself -forward in a spring for the bank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He cleared the space and landed on the shore. Recklessly -he charged into the palm grove, a pistol in his -hand. The Texan believed his comrade had been shot -down in a dastardly manner, and his heart was filled -with a mad longing for vengeance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He ran toward the spot where the flash of the -weapon had been seen. Through a dim bit of moonlight -ahead of him a figure seemed to flit. That glimpse -was enough for the Texan. He flung up his hand -and his pistol barked twice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Give me a fair look at ye, and I’ll certain get ye!” -he panted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He came to some ruined steps of stone and stumbled -down them, losing his footing and falling sprawling -at the foot. But he was up in a moment, and again -he fancied he caught a glimpse of a flitting form.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Crack! Once more he fired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Bet I nipped him then!” he snarled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He continued the mad pursuit, little reckoning what -might happen, thinking only that he might reach the -person who had shot down his friend and wreak -vengeance for the dastardly act.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly right ahead of him the red fire spouted -and a singing bullet brushed his ear. At the same moment -Brad struck his foot against a broken column of -marble which had been unearthed from the ruins and -went headlong to the earth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It must have seemed that he had been dropped by -the bullet. At any rate, with a cry of satisfaction, a -man leaped up and came at him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart rose to his knees. He had dropped his revolver, -else he could have shot the other. As it was, -the man flung himself on the Texan, hurling him backward -to the earth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I have you,” snarled a voice, “and when I am done -both my enemies will be dead and out of the way!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the voice of Bunol!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was now a hand-to-hand struggle for life or death, -amid the palms which grew above the buried city of -Memphis. What little moonlight sifted through and -fell upon the combatants simply served to make the -desperate struggle seem all the more terrible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although taken thus at a disadvantage, Buckhart -was a fighter every inch of him, and he was not immediately -overcome by the murderous Spaniard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol had flung his whole weight on the Texan, and -Brad’s head struck against a block of stone, causing -him to see stars; yet the American lad clutched the -wrist of his antagonist and held fast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was well he did so, for the Spaniard had drawn -a knife, and this he was trying hard to use.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol cursed in Spanish. He twisted and squirmed, -seeking to free his hand. He was astonished at the -strength of Buckhart, for he believed the Texan had -been brought down by a bullet and was sorely -wounded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You die hard, American dog!” he panted; “but die -you shall!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Not by your hand, you varmint!” retorted Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Oh, I’ll kill you yet!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Texan was gathering his strength, and suddenly -there was an upheaval, Bunol being unable to pin the -husky chap to the ground. Snarling like a mad dog, -the Spaniard writhed in an eellike effort to escape from -the clutch that continued to render his knife hand -helpless.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Powerful though he was, Buckhart felt his hold -slipping. There was perspiration on Bunol’s wrist -and on the Texan’s fingers. The task of maintaining -that grip grew more and more difficult.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still Buckhart realized that it was possible his life -depended on his success in clinging to the fellow’s -wrist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly Bunol snapped his hand free.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Now,” he snarled; “now I kill you!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But, even as he struck, Buckhart sent him backward -with a surge, and the keen blade merely slashed the -sleeve of the American lad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad fancied he knew just where he had dropped -his pistol, and he hastily felt round for the weapon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Let me get it,” he growled, “and I’ll make a sieve -of that cur!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was given little time to search. Bunol recovered -quickly. He saw the other feeling about on the -ground. Crouching, he half rose and launched himself -at Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy from the Pan Handle country, however, -was on the alert, and, with equal swiftness, he sprang -aside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Spaniard missed his intended victim, but the -knife in his fingers struck fire from a stone, on which -it was broken near the hilt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A snarl of dismay escaped the lips of the murderous -wretch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Buckhart grappled with him again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brad did not know the knife was broken, so he made -a grab at Miguel’s wrist to prevent him from slashing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Whoop!” came from the lips of the Texan. “This -sure is the real thing in the way of a scrimmage. It’s -a right long time since I’ve been in one like this.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol cursed bitterly. At last he realized that his -antagonist could not be seriously wounded. Although -he did his best to break away, the American lad hurled -him down and held him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of Brad’s hands found Miguel’s throat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Got ye now!” he grated triumphantly. “Tell me -where you have taken Nadia! Speak quick, or you’ll -never have the chance to speak at all!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Go ahead!” gasped the helpless scoundrel. “Kill -me! Kill me, and you’ll never set eyes on her again!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Where is she?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You can’t force me to tell.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The fingers on the throat of the Spaniard tightened. -Bunol’s breath hissed in his throat and then stopped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I certain am not in a fooling mood,” said Brad, -“and it’s up to you to talk plenty fast.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol could not talk then, and he could do nothing -but gasp when the crushing hold was relaxed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I’ll give you about twenty seconds to begin unloading -your mind,” said Brad. “Time is flying a heap. -Ten seconds gone! Fifteen seconds! Time’s up!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The cry that Bunol started to utter was cut short by -the pressure once more applied to his throat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then a figure came flitting through the shadows, -dark as night and silent as a phantom. It sped to the -spot and was on Buckhart before the Texan realized -that another was present.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy was hurled aside. He had been attacked by -a huge black man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This fellow flung Buckhart from Bunol and pinned -him to the ground, a knee on his breast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gaspingly the Spaniard rose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hold him, Kahireh!” he gasped. “Don’t let him -get away! Where is your knife? Let me have it -quick!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His hands fumbled in the girdle of the black man. -A moment later he uttered a cry of satisfaction. A bit -of moonlight that came through the palms fell on the -blade of a long knife that gleamed in the Spaniard’s -hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Hold him still, Kahireh!” grated Miguel. “Now I -will cut his throat!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Never had Brad Buckhart been nearer death than at -that moment, for Miguel Bunol really meant to make -his words good. He intended to cut the throat of the -helpless boy, who was held for slaughter by the powerful -black man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Brad’s time had not come.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Out of the near-by shadows leaped still another figure. -Bunol was bowled over with a kick. Then the -heavy butt of a pistol fell on the head of the black -man, who pitched forward across the Texan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Brad! Brad!” called a voice that was filled with -anxiety; “are you all right?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the strong hands of his dearest friend on -earth pulled Buckhart from beneath the stunned giant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Pard,” gasped the Texan, in joyous bewilderment, -“is it you? Why, I certain reckoned you were dead a -heap! I saw the flash and saw you fall on the deck of -the yacht.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“But I saw a moving shadow in the grove and -dropped just in time to escape being shot in my -tracks,” said Dick. “Are you hurt?”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“None at all. But where is that varmint Bunol? -Only for this other galoot I’d choked the truth out of -him or finished him. Where is he? There—there he -goes!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bunol had taken flight, running as fast as possible -through the grove. Instantly both lads were off in -pursuit, determined not to let the scoundrel give them -the slip.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Shoot, pard!” urged Buckhart. “He may slip us -if you don’t!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“And I may kill him if I do. I want to force him -to tell where we may find Nadia.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Better kill him than to let him get away,” panted -Brad. “If I had my gun——”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Crack! Dick fired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a cry of pain ahead of them, and they -saw the fleeing figure fall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Nailed him, Dick!” exulted Brad. “That’s the -ticket! That was the way to stop him!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In truth, Merriwell had brought the fleeing Spaniard -down with a single shot. In a moment they reached -the fellow, who was lying on the ground, alternately -cursing and groaning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they came up, Bunol lifted himself on his left -elbow. His right hand went back. A shaft of moonlight -gleamed on something in his hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Texan uttered a warning cry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick Merriwell dropped as if shot, and for the second -time that night he did so barely in time to escape -death at the hand of his bitter enemy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The huge knife Bunol had taken from the black -man whistled through the air, barely missing Merriwell -as he fell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Buckhart pounced on the young scoundrel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“You dog!” grated Brad. “I sure will cook you this -trip!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Dick interfered a moment later, checking -the fury of the boy from the Pan Handle country, -and preventing him from injuring the Spaniard -further.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Go ahead!” whimpered Miguel, in a way that -seemed quite unusual for him. “You may as well finish -the job! You have smashed my knee, and I’ll bleed -to death, anyhow!”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“I must have hit him in the leg,” said Dick. “I fired -low.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buckhart struck a match and Dick made a hasty examination, questioning the wounded rascal. He found -that Bunol had been wounded in the knee and was -bleeding profusely. With his pocketknife Merriwell -quickly cut away Miguel’s trousers and exposed the -wound.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Spaniard lifted the upper part of his body and -looked at his bloody knee. A groan escaped him, and -then he began to sob. All the nerve had been taken -out of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick quickly cut a strip from the lower part of -Bunol’s trousers leg, twisted it like a rope, tied it round -the fellow’s leg above the knee, inserted his pistol barrel -through the loop and began to twist, thus tightening -the manufactured cord until it began to cut into the -flesh and checked the flow of blood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the meantime Brad had been questioning Bunol -about Nadia, and the cowered wretch confessed that -she was hidden close at hand in a portion of an excavated -temple and still guarded by one of the two black -men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A distant call startled the boys. When the call was -repeated they recognized it as coming from some of -their friends, and they answered it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Soon Colonel Stringer, Coddington, the professor, -and Budthorne came hastening through the palm -grove. As they approached, they saw a man dodging -away. They ordered him to stop, but this resulted in -his fleeing still more swiftly, and he quickly disappeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the colonel declared he heard a low cry, not -far away. The Texan joined them, declaring Bunol -had confessed that Nadia was near by. They began -searching, and soon they came upon the mouth of an -excavation, one of many such, made by scientists in -uncovering the ruins of old Memphis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the depths of this opening Nadia answered his -call. In a reckless, headstrong manner, the Texan let -himself down into the opening, released all holds and -slid to the bottom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Here she is!” he shouted, in delighted satisfaction. -“She’s all right! Hooray! Whoop! Whoop-ee! Get -a rope from the steamer and yank us out.”</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Medjid Bey gave an order to his engineer immediately -after our friends left the yacht for the shore. -The engineer hastened to get up steam. This was not -such a difficult task, as the fires had been kept in a -condition that would enable them to move with very -little delay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Turk leaned on the rail of his yacht and listened -to every sound that came from the palm forest. -Finally he spoke to the Greek, who had lingered near -his master’s side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Cast off from that steamer,” he said. “Do so -quietly. Don’t attract attention.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus it happened that the captain of the steamer -was surprised some moments later to discover that the -yacht was floating clear of his boat. He sang out to -Medjid Bey, but the Turk made no answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A sound of moving machinery and puffing steam -came from the yacht. The anchor was hoisted, the -yacht swung round.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“It’s no fight of mine,” muttered the captain of the -steamer, in Swedish. “Let him go. I’ve earned my -money.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When our friends reappeared on the shore, accompanied -by Nadia and bearing the wounded Spaniard, -they discovered that the yacht was rapidly disappearing -into the silver mist, far down the placid Nile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the return trip to Cairo Nadia told how Bunol -and Medjid Bey had discovered the approaching of the -steamer long before it arrived in the vicinity of the -yacht. The Spaniard was confident pursuers were -coming. He wished to fight them from the yacht, but -the Turk objected.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Then put me ashore,” said Bunol. “Give me the -girl and those two Nubians to take care of her. If -they board your yacht, light up and keep away from -them. I’m going to kill one of my enemies to-night. -I’ll fire from the shore.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And so it happened that Nadia was dragged ashore -and thrust into the excavation, the black men being -left to guard her. One of them left the other, seeking -to render Bunol assistance in the encounter with Buckhart; -but Dick appeared in the nick of time. Finally -the other took flight, and Nadia was found, exhausted -and hysterical after her fearful experience, but otherwise -unharmed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Cairo was finally reached Miguel Bunol was -ghastly white and limp from the loss of blood and pain -he had endured. Dick lost no time in getting the fellow -into a hospital.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the morning Merriwell visited his enemy. He -wore a very sober face on returning to the Shepherd’s -Hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Is he dead?” asked Brad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“No; but he may not recover. His right leg has -been amputated above the knee.”</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>“Well, I opine he’s got what was his just due,” -said the Texan.</span></p> -<div class="align-None container"> -<p class="center pnext"><span>THE END.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container"> -<p class="left noindent pfirst"><span>BURT L. STANDISH</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left noindent pfirst"><span>whose stories in book form appear exclusively in the NEW MEDAL LIBRARY -has not lived in vain. Even if he does not write another line, he has -accomplished so much good with his Merriwell stories that “Well done, -thou good and faithful servant,” may be truly said to him on account -of his splendid work. In addition to the works of Mr. Standish, there -are books by Horatio Alger, Jr., Oliver Optic and dozens of other -popular writers in the NEW MEDAL LIBRARY that make this line great, -big value at Fifteen Cents per Copy.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left noindent pfirst"><span>“The Right Books at the Right Price”</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left noindent pfirst"><span>NOTICE: If these books are sent by mail, -four cents must be added to the price of each -copy to cover postage.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left noindent pfirst"><span>STREET & SMITH, Publishers, NEW YORK</span></p> -</div> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container"> -<p class="left noindent pfirst"><span>PUBLISHER’S NOTE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left noindent pfirst"><span>Notwithstanding the fact that the sales of magazines have increased -tremendously during the past five or six years, the popularity of a -good paper-covered novel, printed in attractive and convenient form, -remains undiminished.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left noindent pfirst"><span>There are thousands of readers who do not care for magazines because -the stories in them, as a rule, are short and just about the time they -become interested in it, it ends and they are obliged to readjust -their thoughts to a set of entirely different characters.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left noindent pfirst"><span>The S. & S. novel is long and complete and enables the reader to spend -many hours of thorough enjoyment without doing any mental gymnastics. -Our paper-covered books stand pre-eminent among up-to-date fiction. -Every day sees a new copyrighted title added to the S. & S. lines, -each one making them stronger, better and more invincible.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left noindent pfirst"><span>STREET & SMITH, Publishers</span></p> -<p class="left noindent pnext"><span>79-89 SEVENTH AVENUE, NEW YORK CITY</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="backmatter"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst" id="pg-end-line"><span>*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>DICK MERRIWELL’S PRANKS</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="cleardoublepage"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="language-en level-2 pgfooter section" id="a-word-from-project-gutenberg" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<span id="pg-footer"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><span>A Word from Project Gutenberg</span></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>We will update this book if we find any errors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This book can be found under: </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41879"><span>http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41879</span></a></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set -forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works to -protect the Project Gutenberg™ concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you charge -for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you do not -charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the rules is -very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as -creation of derivative works, reports, performances and research. -They may be modified and printed and given away – you may do -practically </span><em class="italics">anything</em><span> with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution.</span></p> -<div class="level-3 section" id="the-full-project-gutenberg-license"> -<span id="project-gutenberg-license"></span><h3 class="level-3 pfirst section-title title"><span>The Full Project Gutenberg License</span></h3> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">Please read this before you distribute or use this work.</em></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at -</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>.</span></p> -<div class="level-4 section" id="section-1-general-terms-of-use-redistributing-project-gutenberg-electronic-works"> -<h4 class="level-4 pfirst section-title title"><span>Section 1. General Terms of Use & Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works</span></h4> -<p class="pfirst"><strong class="bold">1.A.</strong><span> By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by -the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person -or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.B.</strong><span> “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.C.</strong><span> The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the -Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is in the public domain in the United -States and you are located in the United States, we do not claim a -right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting free -access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ works -in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the Project -Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily comply with -the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the same format -with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when you share it -without charge with others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.D.</strong><span> The copyright laws of the place where you are located also -govern what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most -countries are in a constant state of change. If you are outside the -United States, check the laws of your country in addition to the terms -of this agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.</strong><span> Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.1.</strong><span> The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work -on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed:</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>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 </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org">http://www.gutenberg.org</a></p> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><strong class="bold">1.E.2.</strong><span> If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is -derived from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating -that it is posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work -can be copied and distributed to anyone in the United States without -paying any fees or charges. If you are redistributing or providing -access to a work with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with -or appearing on the work, you must comply either with the requirements -of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of -the work and the Project Gutenberg™ trademark as set forth in -paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.3.</strong><span> If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is -posted with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and -distribution must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and -any additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works posted -with the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of -this work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.4.</strong><span> Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project -Gutenberg™ License terms from this work, or any files containing a -part of this work or any other work associated with Project -Gutenberg™.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.5.</strong><span> Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute -this electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg™ License.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.6.</strong><span> You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format other -than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ web site -(</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org">http://www.gutenberg.org</a><span>), you must, at no additional cost, fee or -expense to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a -means of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original -“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include -the full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.7.</strong><span> Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.E.8.</strong><span> You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works provided -that</span></p> -<ul class="open"> -<li><p class="first pfirst"><span>You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from -the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method you -already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed to -the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has agreed to -donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid within 60 -days following each date on which you prepare (or are legally -required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty payments -should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in Section 4, -“Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation.”</span></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first pfirst"><span>You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies -you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he -does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ -License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all -copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue -all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ -works.</span></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first pfirst"><span>You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of -any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the -electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of -receipt of the work.</span></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first pfirst"><span>You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free -distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works.</span></p> -</li> -</ul> -<p class="pfirst"><strong class="bold">1.E.9.</strong><span> If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and -Michael Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact -the Foundation as set forth in Section 3. below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.</strong></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.1.</strong><span> Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend -considerable effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe -and proofread public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg™ -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.2.</strong><span> LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES – Except for the -“Right of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the -Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the -Project Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a -Project Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.3.</strong><span> LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND – If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.4.</strong><span> Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set -forth in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS,’ WITH -NO OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.5.</strong><span> Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><strong class="bold">1.F.6.</strong><span> INDEMNITY – You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, -the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any -Defect you cause.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-4 section" id="section-2-information-about-the-mission-of-project-gutenberg"> -<h4 class="level-4 pfirst section-title title"><span>Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™</span></h4> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™'s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will remain -freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future generations. To -learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and -how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and the -Foundation web page at </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.pglaf.org">http://www.pglaf.org</a><span> .</span></p> -</div> -<div class="level-4 section" id="section-3-information-about-the-project-gutenberg-literary-archive-foundation"> -<h4 class="level-4 pfirst section-title title"><span>Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation</span></h4> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf">http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf</a><span> . Contributions to the -Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to -the full extent permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. -S. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are -scattered throughout numerous locations. Its business office is -located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) -596-1887, email </span><a class="reference external" href="mailto:business@pglaf.org">business@pglaf.org</a><span>. Email contact links and up to date -contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.pglaf.org">http://www.pglaf.org</a></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For additional contact information:</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Dr. Gregory B. Newby</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Chief Executive and Director</span></div> -<div class="line"><a class="reference external" href="mailto:gbnewby@pglaf.org">gbnewby@pglaf.org</a></div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -</div> -<div class="level-4 section" id="section-4-information-about-donations-to-the-project-gutenberg-literary-archive-foundation"> -<h4 class="level-4 pfirst section-title title"><span>Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation</span></h4> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without wide spread -public support and donations to carry out its mission of increasing -the number of public domain and licensed works that can be freely -distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest array of -equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations ($1 to -$5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt status -with the IRS.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate">http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate</a></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate">http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate</a></p> -</div> -<div class="level-4 section" id="section-5-general-information-about-project-gutenberg-electronic-works"> -<h4 class="level-4 pfirst section-title title"><span>Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works.</span></h4> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg™ -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the -U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's -eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, -compressed (zipped), HTML and others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Corrected </span><em class="italics">editions</em><span> of our eBooks replace the old file and take over -the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is -renamed. </span><em class="italics">Versions</em><span> based on separate sources are treated as new -eBooks receiving new filenames and etext numbers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility:</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org">http://www.gutenberg.org</a></p> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg™, including -how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to subscribe -to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</body> -</html> |