Dick Merriwell had brought along a revolver. He drew it in a moment and held it ready for use, expecting something to happen in the Stygian darkness of that terrible place.
Professor Gunn cried out to Bayazid, demanding to know the meaning of his act.
“Get hold of the onery varmint!” advised Buckhart. “Let me put my paws on him!”
The Texan floundered about, rocking the boat somewhat.
“Be careful, Brad!” warned Dick. “You don’t know what he will do! It may be intended for a joke, just to frighten us, and it may be intended for something else. I have a pistol. Keep away from him and let me do the business.”
“Pup-pup-perhaps it’s pup-pup-part of the regular pup-pup-programme,” chattered Professor Gunn. “Pup-pup-perhaps they always pup-pup-put out the tut-tut-torch when they have pup-pup-passengers on this old underground pup-pup-pond.”
“Be quiet,” directed Dick. “Bayazid.”
He called to the guide, but there was no answer.
“Bayazid!”
Again he called. His voice echoed hollowly in the unseen arches above their heads.