“This certain is a plenty interesting!” gasped Buckhart. “What does it mean, pard? Can you tell?”
Dick had been thinking swiftly. His hand fell on his friend’s arm.
“Brad, it is the work of Bunol and Marsh, our bitter enemies. They were sore because we fooled them by getting the Budthornes out of their power. They have lost track of Dunbar Budthorne and his sister, Nadia, but have managed somehow to keep trace of us, and have tried to cause us as much annoyance as possible.”
“I opine you’re right, Dick,” nodded Buckhart. “That’s just it. I wouldn’t be surprised to see those two onery varmints turn up any time. Well, they’ve succeeded in making a lot of fool work for a lot of fool people, and this is the first time we’ve been touched by it.”
Achmet had listened to their words with a manner of mingled interest and doubt. It was plain that he did not understand, and he was on the point of questioning them further when the sudden sound of excited and angry voices reached their ears through the partly open doorway.
“The professor!” cried Dick. “Something is doing, Brad! Come on!”
“Lay the trail, pard! I’m at your heels!”
They rushed forth and ran toward the point from which came the sound of those voices.
“You’re a miserable, crawling worm! You’re a whisky-soaked, dried-up, offensive squid! You have annoyed the lady by your obnoxious attentions, and they must cease!”
It was the voice of Zenas.