“Well, when you youngsters get tired of Constantinople we’ll move on,” said Zenas. “I sure would like to know whatever became of Major Fitts and Miss Ketchum,” said Brad. “Never mind them!” exclaimed the professor hastily. “It was a great relief when they both took themselves out of this hotel after that—after that encounter in the cemetery.” “After your bloody duel, professor,” laughed Dick. “That was a fearful encounter, from which you came forth the victor.” “But somewhat damaged myself,” confessed Zenas. “Boys, you want to remember what will happen to you if you ever relate that affair to any one.” Buckhart grinned. “Miss Ketchum was some excited when she arrived on the scene of action. She thought the major was dying. I don’t wonder, for the sounds he emitted after being struck in the mouth by that egg sure sounded like he was coughing up the ghost.” “She certainly was disgusted when she found the major’s yellow blood was smashed rotten eggs,” said Dick. “She had the stuff all over her hands after putting her arms about him. Partner, that was a great racket!” “Hum! haw!” coughed the professor. “Of course, on the major’s account I was willing to carry out the programme and use eggs, but it was beneath my dignity, and I should have preferred a regular duel with pistols or swords.” “Professor!” exclaimed Dick. “Why, you know you were somewhat timid over the result before you learned what sort of weapons were to be used.” “Because I did not wish to have human blood on my hands. It was entirely for Major Fitts that I was worried.” “I opine,” said Brad, “that old Aziz Achmet was just about as disgusted as any one. It is my judgment that the old pirate wanted to see the professor and the major carve each other up, though just what his reason for it was I can’t say.” “He disappeared at the same time when Sarah and the major vanished,” said Dick. “He was becoming a nuisance, and I thought we might have no end of trouble with him while in this place. However, I fancy he found out he was wasting his time spying on us. I’m still confident that Bunol and Marsh caused us to be placed under surveillance by the Turkish secret police.” “The Turkish secret police?” exclaimed Zenas. “You don’t mean to say——” “There is such a body, and Aziz Achmet belonged to it. We were suspicious characters, and he watched us. But I have an idea that he finally decided that we were exactly what we represented ourselves to be, ordinary travelers. Miss Ketchum, however, belongs to a society that is seeking to investigate and correct the wrongs of the Armenians in Turkey, and, therefore, Achmet transferred his attention wholly to her.” “Good gracious!” spluttered the professor. “Although she turned out to be a hatchet-faced old maid, I hope no harm has come to her in this heathen land.” “Don’t you worry,” laughed Dick. “Major Fitts will look out for her. All I ask is that he keeps her away from us.”