Before shooting himself Ajeeb had shot Stolburst. The bullet aimed at the latter’s heart had struck a rib and glanced off. Seeing escape impossible, Ajeeb determined to kill both his prisoner and himself.
Luckily for Stolburst, the villain’s plan had miscarried.
Burt cut the bonds that encircled the prisoner’s ankles and wrists. Stolburst was insensible, but he soon came around. When he saw the detective bending over him the unfortunate man’s features became illuminated with joy.
“At last!” he murmured.
“Yes; you won’t suffer any more.”
“The Eye of Jobu—have you recovered it yet?”
“No.”
The explorer’s countenance fell.
“Too bad—too bad!”
“I have a good prospect of securing it,” said Burt.