“He has drawn a knife!” exclaimed Dick, noting as well as possible in the darkness the movements of Reggio.
“It sure is the real thing now!” said Buckhart.
“Terrible!” groaned Professor Gunn. “Where are the authorities? It should be stopped!”
Mullura had watched closely, and now he lost not a second in whipping out his own knife.
“Fool!” he sneered. “You are no match for me! I shall kill you, and save the Ten a task!”
Tortora held his knife at arm’s length toward the sky, as if invoking the assistance of a higher power. Then he started up the steps.
“Fair play!” cried Dick Merriwell, springing from the gondola. “If we can’t stop this business, Brad, we can see fair play!”
“You bet your boots!” roared the Texan, following promptly.
The professor called to them in the greatest consternation, but they did not heed his appeals.
Mullura waited for Tortora to come within reach. Being higher up, he had the advantage.