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.
A sound behind them startled them. Brad turned his head, still holding Nadia.
A befezzed Turk had quietly entered the room. His eyes seemed to glitter triumphantly. Lifting a hand and pointing at them, he exclaimed:
“I have found you! I have come to take that girl away!”
Nadia uttered a low cry of terror.
Swinging her onto his left arm, Buckhart suddenly whipped out a pistol and covered the Turk.
“Stand back!” he growled. “Advance a step and I’ll blow a hole through you!”
The man was startled and alarmed by this quick action on the part of the Texan. He fell back, exclaiming:
“Don’t shoot!”
“I certain shall,” said Buckhart, “if you move another inch. Stand there and lift your dirty paws above your head!”