“It is an outrage, and we’ll enter a complaint.” “You bet your boots!” “That is your privilege,” smiled Achmet, in his half-sneering way. “When I am through, you may complain as much as you like; but first bring forth the professor, that I may question him. Why is he hiding?” “Hiding? Do you think he would hide from you?” exclaimed Dick. “I tell you he is not here. Look for yourself.” “And be right careful that none of our belongings stick to your fingers,” growled the Texan. “We’ve been robbed in various ways from London all the way here; but this is the first time any one has tried the game open and brazen, like this.” “You are not in the least danger of being robbed,” assured the Turk. “I invite you to watch me, in order that you may see you have no complaint of that sort to make.” He then looked into the adjoining room, and the bath. “Well, are you satisfied?” demanded Dick. Achmet showed a trace of annoyance and disappointment. He stated that he had been told by the Nubian that the professor was there, and further that he was sure Zenas Gunn had not left the hotel since his arrival. “Which makes it plain that he has played the spy on us right along,” said Dick, addressing Brad, but not lowering his voice. “Sure!” rasped Buckhart. “I will wait for his return,” said the Turk. “While I am waiting, perhaps you will inform me what business has brought you to this country.” “Our business is none of your business,” declared Dick. “Of that I will judge when I am satisfied that I have learned your business.” “We are traveling.” “For what purpose?” “To see the world.” “Two boys and an old man. In Italy your behavior was suspicious. You disappeared from Naples in great haste, without explaining why you left so suddenly or whither you went.” “Great tarantulas!” muttered Brad. “He’s even got track of us as far back as that.” “In Venice you were concerned in some singular and unaccountable things, and in Greece you had dealings with lawless characters. Had you remained in Athens, you must have explained your actions to officials of the city government. You left there, also, in haste.” Dick wondered that the man should know so much of their movements. “It seems,” continued Achmet, “that in various places the police have been warned against you; but that in each instance they sought to find out about you only to find you suddenly departed.” “This certain is a plenty interesting!” gasped Buckhart. “What does it mean, pard? Can you tell?” Dick had been thinking swiftly. His hand fell on his friend’s arm. “Brad, it is the work of Bunol and Marsh, our bitter enemies. They were sore because we fooled them by getting the Budthornes out of their power. They have lost track of Dunbar Budthorne and his sister, Nadia, but have managed somehow to keep trace of us, and have tried to cause us as much annoyance as possible.”