The Bedouin chief gazed in silence at the advancing boy, while the Syrian merchant hastened to say:
“Here is the lad for whom thou hast called, Ali Beha. Take him and do thy will.”
Brad had followed Dick, while the old professor timidly brought up the rear.
The men of the train watched in anxious silence.
Buckhart heard the words of the Syrians, and immediately he plunged a hand into a pocket where his revolver lay.
“There you have it, Dick!” he half snarled. “Now you know what’s coming! Ready for business!”
Merriwell made a calm, restraining gesture.
“Steady, old man,” he flung over his shoulder. “Let’s talk to Ali Beha and find out what he’s going to do. That is the best plan. Then possibly we’ll raise an objection. Better not be too hasty.”
Experience and the example of his brother Frank had taught Dick to keep his head in times of peril.
As usual, Buckhart was ready to fight. For all of the apparent peril, he was undaunted. Beyond question, he was rash and reckless; but to his credit it must be said that he was ready to surrender his life in defense of his rights and his friend.