The crooked old Turk even dared stand and defy the cavalrymen, but finally the officer in charge chased him off, belaboring him across the back with the flat of his sword. “You deserve something worse than that, you old wolf!” muttered Dick. Nadia was greatly relieved. From the window they watched until the soldiers had quite succeeded in dispersing the mob, and it began to seem that the danger was over. Then they discovered that the mounted men were being divided into squads, and soon these squads began to patrol the neighboring streets. Dick again left the room, was gone fifteen or twenty minutes, and returned with the information that the officer had given orders that no one was to enter or leave the hotel until further notice. The guests were practically prisoners, and this seemed to indicate that the danger was not over. Nadia’s nerves were in a sad condition from the strain and the relapse. Her brother conducted her to her room. He then returned and, accompanied by the professor, proceeded to interview the German proprietor of the hotel. Dick and Brad were left alone. The door was standing slightly ajar. “This business had been a plenty exciting, partner,” said the Texan; “but I opine she’s practically over now.” “I don’t know about that,” said Dick, shaking his head. Buckhart was astonished by the grave manner of his companion. “Don’t know?” he cried. “Why, the mob has been scattered and the soldiers are guarding the house.” “Yes, the soldiers are guarding the house, and orders have been given that no one shall leave it.” “That is so none of the inmates shall fall into the hands of the mob.” “Is it?” “Isn’t it?” “I’m not sure. I would feel easier if I knew that was the real reason why no one will be permitted to leave.” “Then you have an idea that there may be another reason?” “I have.” “I don’t opine I just understand.” “I’m afraid we are prisoners here, held until agents of the governor can make an investigation and find out who was present last night, when Hafsa Pasha met his end.” The Texan sprang up and stood in an attitude of mingled surprise and consternation. “Great tarantulas!” he exclaimed. “There may be something in that!” Dick nodded. “There may be,” he said. “If there is——” “You and I may be arrested and thrown into prison any time.” “Nadia, also.” “Thunder! Dick, I’m afraid you’ve hit the truth. What will happen if you are right?” “We’ll find ourselves in a very nasty scrape; but it will be hardest on Nadia. Think of the poor girl thrown into——” “I can’t think of it! I decline! Pard, we must find a way to get her out of this scrape. If the governor really sends officers here to investigate, we’ll be pointed out, and then it will be too late. What can we do?” “We seem to be caught like rats in a trap,” admitted Dick.