Billy and Henri capped the climax by a joint display of the amulets they carried, and every lance in the Cossack company was raised, including that of the leader.
Filimonoff beckoned the boys to his side, having dismounted to give them greeting.
Said Strogoff to Lowiez:
“The next thing we know those lads will be taking lunch with Duke Nicholas. They started in on familiar terms with a commanding officer at Warsaw the second day I knew them, and have already worked on through to a prince of the desert!”
But by the grace of it all, the pilots were given their bearings and carried the policemen passengers out of the barren maze.
CHAPTER XVII.
A FREAK OF FATE.
One afternoon, a few days subsequent to their return from the last air voyage with Strogoff, and while the boys were engaged in making repairs and generally overhauling the No. 3’s, who should appear on the aviation grounds but the selfsame sergeant wearing a brand-new uniform and a profoundly long face.
“I do not really know,” he said, drawing closer to the young aviators, “why I should want to tell you anything about the latest jolt I have received in connection with that Ricker deal, but as you were in the game from first to last, it just seems as though you have a right to share in all the details, though it sort of rubs it in on myself.”
“What’s the news, sergeant; give it to us straight.”
Billy’s bump of curiosity was apparently incurable.