“What harm? His body will never be found, and who can prove murder against me, or my chosen instruments?” “What do you mean by saying the man’s body will never be found?” “Just what I said.” “Explain.” “I want him kidnaped; then the rest will be easy.” Barry threw himself back in his chair, and laughed heartily. Ajeeb knew he was the object of the other’s mirth, and was naturally displeased. “My dear fellow,” said Billy, “you seem to forget you are in a civilized community.” “Is that why you laugh?” “Don’t get mad about it; I was forced to laugh.” “I will have this man in my power before thirty-six hours have passed, mark my words for it!” “You are taking a fearful risk--the laws here are very stringent.” “Nothing can prevent my success. I have said it.” “I wish you all sorts of good luck, old fellow; but, in my humble opinion, you are completely off.” Ajeeb laughed in a cold, hard manner. “My friend,” he said, “I shall succeed.” “Where do I come in?” “You will kidnap this man!” CHAPTER VII. TRAPPED. Henry Stolburst was thoroughly frightened at the dangers which seemed to environ him. He had put great faith in Zulima’s affection for himself. Now he found himself with but one friend in New York. The latter was a girl named Lizzie Nightingale, and a distant relation. She was an orphan, and in good circumstances. On the evening of Zulima’s visit, the explorer was about to start out to call on this young lady, when a visitor was announced. “William Barry,” he said; “why, I never heard that name before. I suppose you might as well show him up.” This speech was addressed to the bell-boy. In due time Barry put in an appearance. Billy had discarded his striking raiment, and was then dressed in very ordinary clothing. “Who are you?” “The janitor at the St. Joseph flat,” said the visitor. The place named was where the princess had her home. Stolburst looked hard at the man. Barry’s features were immovable. To look at him, a stranger would not credit him with possessing even an average amount of brains. “What do you want with me?” asked the explorer. “I have a message for you.” “Where is it?” Stolburst held out his hand. “It is by word of mouth,” said Barry quite innocently. “Who is it from?” “The dark-skinned young lady.” “Zulima!” exclaimed Stolburst, in the greatest surprise. “I don’t know what you call her; the servant’s name is Marie.” “You seem to know the servant, at all events,” said the lecturer. Billy smiled from ear to ear. It struck Stolburst the janitor took more than a passing interest in Zulima’s maid. Of course, Barry had never as yet seen that young woman. “What is your message about?” said Stolburst. “The dark lady, she visited you this afternoon,” said Barry. “How do you know?” interrupted Stolburst. “Marie told me what to say.” “What has she to do with it?” “She told me she was acting for her mistress,” replied Barry. “Go on.”