"Let go of me," muttered the fakir.
"Where's the card?" asked John.
"It's in my pocket, but I can't get it while you hold my hands," the pretended astrologer said.
The Indian youth released his grip, but kept close watch of the professor. The latter lifted up the gaudy robe and disclosed underneath ordinary street clothing. He reached into an inner pocket and brought out the card.
"That's it!" cried John, grabbing it before the professor had a chance to play any more tricks. "That's what I want!"
"Now you've got it, you'd better get out of my house," said Punjab, trying to assume his dignity which John had sadly ruffled.
"Only too glad to," the Indian student said, and, carrying the precious card in his hand he hurried from the place, throwing aside his bandages as he did so.
"I'll get even with you boys yet," he heard Marinello Booghoobally, alias Hemp Smith, alias Professor Punjab, alias Ali Baba, call after him. But John was not worried over this and soon was back at the hotel where his companions anxiously waited him.
"Any luck?" asked Jack.
"The best," replied John, and he told them all that had happened from the time he entered Ali Baba's place until he secured the card, which, he had turned over to Jack as soon as he got in. The police were notified, but the fakir was too quick for them and escaped.