“But my honor——” began Zenas.
“Was satisfied when you floored him handsomely before all the passengers. Let it go at that.”
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.
“Do you speak English?” he asked.
“I spik all languages, Italian, Grek, Tergish, Yarman——”
“That will do,” said the boy. “Here is our luggage. Look after it and get us into a boat.”
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.
“Thank fortune!” laughed Dick. “I hope we have seen the last of Aziz Achmet, Major Fitts, and Miss Sarah Ann Ketchum.”
CHAPTER II—IN PERSIA
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.