In some respects the professor’s explanation seemed unsatisfactory, but, of course, the boys accepted it. Dick explained what had happened after the disappearance of Zenas, using as few words as possible.
“Dreadful! horrible!” cried the old man. “Can such things be in these days! But you rescued the girl?”
“She is here,” said Dick.
At this point Teresa, recovering consciousness, began calling for her brother.
Dick tried to soothe her, but, overcome by the memory of what she had beheld ere dropping the candle and fainting, the girl raved incoherently.
Dick and Brad quickly decided to abandon the gondola they occupied and take to the other. Merriwell picked Teresa up and stepped with her from one boat to the other, the Texan following.
“Now to our rooms,” said Dick. “That is our only course. We must take care of Teresa. We must protect her with our lives.”
“And you bet we will!” put in Brad.
“But I fear it is certain to involve us still further with the assassins known as the Terrible Ten,” sighed the professor. “Still, boys, you are right about Teresa. We must stand by her. We must do everything in our power for her. It is our duty as men and Americans.”
The gondolier was given directions, and he sent his craft gliding away.