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.
“Here’s trouble!” muttered Dick, feeling for his pistol.
“Don’t let them touch me!” gasped Nadia.
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.
Out flashed Merriwell’s pistol.
“Hold on, you dogs!” he commanded, displaying the weapon. “Stop where you are! Back up, or I’ll have to damage some of you!”
The sight of that pistol caused the foremost among them to retreat precipitately.
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.
The American boy knew he must lose not a moment in changing his position.
Grasping Nadia’s wrist, he hurried down the steps and attempted to flee along the street.