But the fakir had no such intentions. The train began to slacken speed, as he probably knew it would, having to stop at a station, which fact he could ascertain by consulting a time-table. The cars came to a halt, with a grinding noise of the brakes, and Nat leaned over toward the window of his berth. He could see the station platform, and caught a glimpse of Professor Punjab as he jumped from the sleeper. Then, while the boy watched, the fakir opened the box he had in his hand. All he pulled out were three cards, on which were written the names of the three boys. "Fooled!" exclaimed Nat as the train started off leaving the professor, a picture of rage, on the platform. CHAPTER XV SHOOTING AN OIL WELL The professor made a move as though he was about to jump back on the train, but evidently thought better of it. He gave another look at the cards, and then put them into his pocket. "Looks as if he wanted to remember us," thought Nat. By that time the train moved so far ahead that the professor was no longer to be seen. "How about it?" asked Jack, sticking his head through his curtains over toward Ned's berth. "He was mad enough to bite a ten-penny nail in two," said Nat. "Did he find out he was fooled?" asked Jack, who had not been able to see the fakir from the car window. "I guess yes," spoke Nat, and he told Jack the details, which were related to John, who was in the berth beyond. "Had we better tell Mr. Post?" asked Nat. "Wait until morning," suggested Jack. "Keep the money safe though." "Right you are," came from Nat, and then the three boys quieted down and went to bed, though it was some time before they fell asleep, so full of excitement were they. They awoke early, and, without dressing kept watch on the berth where Mr. Post was sleeping. They thought he would soon awaken to see if his money had increased as he had foolishly taken the fakir's word that it would. It was hardly daylight before the boys saw a hand emerge from the miner's berth and grope under his bed. "Where is it?" they heard Mr. Post mutter. Then, as his fingers closed on the box which Professor Punjab had put in place of the one the miner had originally left, they could hear him exclaim: "Here's where I double my money!" About three seconds later there arose such a yell from Mr. Post's berth that the porter came running from his quarters in alarm. "Who's bin done committed murder?" the darky demanded. "Murder!" exclaimed Mr. Post. "I'll murder some one, that's what I will! Look out! I'm a bad man when I'm mad, and I'm mad clear through now!" "What's de matter?" asked the frightened negro. "Who done sumfin to yo', boss?" "Matter?" cried the miner. "I've been robbed, that's what's the matter. Did you take my money, you black rascal?" and Mr. Post leaped from his berth and made a jump for the porter.