"Dere oughter peen some law for dot," muttered Hans.
Leaving the canal, they set out upon the sand-plain, the undertaker's burro crawling along at an aggravating pace, its master refusing to whip it up, despite urging.
The sun had set, and darkness was settling in a blue haze on the plain when the hut was reached.
Frank lighted a pocket lamp he always carried, and entered.
A cry of astonishment broke from his lips.
"Professor! professor!" he called; "the body is gone!"
CHAPTER III.
HELD FOR RANSOM.
"Gone!"