He drew his pistol as he spoke and leveled it at the head of the surprised Indian.
Instantly it occurred to the cunning mind of Ched Ramar that there was treachery somewhere, and he leaped forward to seize Patsy. Rascal as he might be, there was no cowardice about Ched Ramar.
He did not catch Patsy, however. Instead, the supposed Japanese suddenly stooped, and just as the Indian got to him, he arose and sent his fist into the brown neck.
Ched Ramar uttered a choking gasp, and dashed behind the Buddha. As he got there, he found himself facing not[Pg 37] only Patsy Garvan, but Nick Carter and Chick, as well. All three were in hostile attitudes that could not be mistaken for a moment.
CHAPTER XI.
THE CRASH OF THE IDOL.
The utter astonishment in the face of Ched Ramar when he saw these three men where he had expected to find one only—and he a submissive servant—made Patsy Garvan emit a shrill chuckle. Patsy never would hold back his emotions when they got a good grip on him.
“Gee! Look at the map of him!” he shouted.
“Who are you?” roared Ched Ramar. “You’re not Swagara!”
“Not by a jugful!” returned Patsy Garvan. “There isn’t anything like that in me. Say, chief! We want to work quick! There’s two more right outside the door.”
Nick Carter stepped in front of the East Indian and held up his hand for a chance to speak.