Mr. Maitland shook his head.
“No use,” he replied. “By the time we rounded to and lowered a boat they’d have reached the shore. Probably they’re there now. Oh, they’ve put one over on us, all right. It’s a rotten shame, too, for they richly deserved to be put behind the bars.”
There was no use, however, of crying over spilt milk, and after a few minutes more of conversation Don went again to his room.
His story of the night’s events to the members of his party and the old Egyptian the next morning created a stir. Phalos especially looked grave.
“Of course,” said Don, to cheer him up, “we’re not dead sure it was those fellows at all. Though Mr. Maitland told me this morning that the crew had been checked up and none was missing.”
“I’m afraid it’s only too true that Tezra and Nepahak have made their escape,” mourned Phalos. “And if they have, I shall hear from them again.”
“Perhaps they’ve had such a scare thrown into them that they’ll let you alone for the future,” ventured Teddy.
Phalos shook his head.
“I know them too well,” he asserted. “Tezra is persistent and relentless. Nepahak is only his tool. They may bide their time, but soon or late they will renew their attempt to get possession of—”
“Of what?” asked the captain, as Phalos hesitated.