He proceeded to demonstrate this by standing up and mounting the stairs.
"Did he get our money?" asked Nat.
In answer John showed the roll he still held tightly clenched in his hand.
"Here are some pocketbooks," called a man from the upper hall.
"Then we're all right, after all," spoke Jack. "Money and pocketbooks safe. How did it happen? How did you land on him, John?"
"He was in our room," replied the Indian. "I woke up and saw him.
Then I chased out, that's all."
The man who had picked up the pocketbooks handed them to Jack. The boy saw his own on top, and opened it, as he had a number of souvenirs and keepsakes in it. As he glanced in he uttered a cry of surprise.
"The card Mr. Liggins gave me to present to Mr. Tevis is gone!" he exclaimed. "Here! We must catch Professor Punjab! He has my card. Come on!"
Jack was about to rush down the stairs but was stopped by several of the men.
"You can't catch him," they said. "Besides, the police may have him by now. Go back and get dressed."