“I fear not. It is in the power of Ben Ahmet to make her marry whoever he may choose, and Ali Mustaf will get her, if Ben Ahmet wills it so.”
Such a thing was terrible for the boy to contemplate, and it did not seem possible that there was no law to prevent it. It was almost impossible for Frank to realize that he was in a land where might ruled with a heavy, blood-stained hand, and where the innocent and helpless cried out in vain for mercy and justice.
“I do not propose to give up,” declared Frank, resolutely. “Fortune has smiled on me many times, and it may smile again. It is not very far across the straits to Spain. In Spain we could defy Ben Ahmet and Ali Mustaf to drag Igela back to Morocco.”
“But what could you do with her if you succeeded in getting her out of the country? She is a Moorish maiden, and it is scarcely probable that you want to marry her.”
“I would not permit it if he did!” roared Scotch.
“I am not contemplating matrimony just at present,” smiled Frank. “But I am determined to solve this mystery, and I will succeed.”
Mr. Adams shook his head gravely.
“You are rash and headstrong,” he said. “Take my advice and let the Pearl of Tangier alone.”
He refused to aid Frank in any way, but was courteous and polite. When Frank and the professor left the house and started to return to the hotel the boy’s heart felt like lead in his bosom.
Shortly after the hotel was reached Ephraim Gallup came rushing into their room, caught hold of Frank excitedly, and spluttered.