"In this particular instance it is," thought John, but he did not answer at once, as he was so excited he could hardly control his voice. He did not want the swindler to recognize him. "Tell me but the veriest outline of that which thou seekest and I will not only describe it, but tell you where you may find it, if the stars so will," Punjab went on. "It is very difficult," said John, speaking in a sort of whisper. He wanted to gain a little time, to think best how to proceed. He had been more successful than he dared to hope. His reasoning had been exactly right. Now he wanted to make sure of success. "No problem is too hard for those who read their answers in the stars," replied the fakir. "Describe what you have lost." "It is square," said John, slowly, and he drew a little closer to where the pretended astrologer sat on a divan in the midst of hangings, which let but little light into the room. "Yes, square." "And flat." "Yes. Now one more little detail. I begin to see a glimmering of it before me," and Professor Ali Baba pretended to go into a trance. "It is white with black markings on it," John went on. "In fact it is something you have right here in this house." "What's that?" fairly shouted the professor. "It's that card you stole from Jack Ranger!" went on John, coming close to the fakir and gripping him by the wrists. "The card you took from his pocketbook the night you broke into our rooms. I want it back! Give it up, you scoundrel, or I'll call in the police." "Let go!" yelled the professor. "Give me the card!" shouted the Indian, struggling to hold the man, who was trying to break away. "Help!" cried the professor. The curtains parted and the man who had answered John's summons at the door entered. CHAPTER XXI FINDING ORION TEVIS "What's the matter?" exclaimed the slick individual. "He's trying to rob me!" shouted the fakir. "It's the other way around!" came from John. "I'm trying to get back something he stole from a friend of mine. Give up that card, you rascal, or I'll yell for the police!" At the same time the Indian youth, who was strong for his age, gave the wrists of Punjab such a wrench that the man cried out in pain. Whether it was this, or the knowledge that he could not afford to have a clash with the officers of the law John never decided, but the professor muttered: "I'll give you the card. Let go!" "Want any help?" asked the sleek and shiny individual. "Don't you interfere!" exclaimed John, "or I'll have you arrested too. Better keep out of this. The professor knows when he's beaten." "Let go of me," muttered the fakir. "Where's the card?" asked John. "It's in my pocket, but I can't get it while you hold my hands," the pretended astrologer said. The Indian youth released his grip, but kept close watch of the professor. The latter lifted up the gaudy robe and disclosed underneath ordinary street clothing. He reached into an inner pocket and brought out the card.