"Hold him until I come!" shouted Nat.
They had both run out into the hallway in time to see John pursuing the thief. They reached the top of the stairs just as the fellow fled.
The thief, as he ran down the stairs, cast up one look. Jack Ranger saw him, the light from a gas jet in the lower corridor shining full on the man's face.
"Professor Punjab! Hemp Smith!" exclaimed Jack, as he recognized the fakir who called himself Marinello Booghoobally.
"Did he get away?" asked Nat, coming up just then.
"Yes, and I guess he's killed John," said Jack, his heart failing him.
CHAPTER XX
A STRANGE SEANCE
By this time the corridors, above and below were filled with excited men, all scantily attired. Nat and Jack ran to where John was lying on the landing, and lifted his head.
"I'm all right," exclaimed the Indian, as he opened his eyes. "Got a bad one on the head, that's all. I can walk."