Inside of ten minutes Dr. Kirshner was back with three native policemen, who handled the crooks roughly. Each man was handcuffed and made to walk in front of the officers.
“Now,” said Dr. Kirshner, “suppose we get back to the hotel room. Our prolonged absence has probably caused a great deal of anxiety among our friends.”
“Yes,” Bob returned. “We——” He stopped suddenly and then dashed into the next room for the crook whom he had previously knocked out.
But he was not surprised to find the man gone. An opened door revealed that he had escaped.
“No use looking for him,” the youth thought, as he retraced his footsteps back to his companions.
Bob was forced to explain to Dr. Kirshner, who was puzzled at the youth’s sudden dashing away. When he had finished, the scientist regarded him admiringly but warned him against taking unnecessary chances.
“Those fellows would think nothing of stabbing you to death,” he said, shaking his head gravely.
They went on up the street and arrived in a short time at the hotel in which were their friends. Up at Fekmah’s room they were given a hearty welcome.
“What kept you so long?” asked Mr. Holton, seeing at a glance that something was wrong.
Dr. Kirshner related the details of the previous happenings, laying stress on the pluck and bravery of Bob.