“You made no effort to effect his release by reporting the matter to the police.” “I am not an informer.” “Do you know that Ajeeb cut off one of his prisoner’s ears?” “My uncle never informs me of his acts,” she replied. “Your heart must be just as bad at the core as his.” “Thanks. Your opinion of me is not very exalted.” “Was not Stolburst your friend?” “Yes.” “And you were willing he should be sacrificed without moving a hand to save him?” asked the detective. “The man is a thief, and worse than that--a liar.” Now Zulima’s face became flushed with excitement. “You must have held his friendship pretty cheap when you were willing to throw it aside at the behest of your uncle.” “I will tell you the object of my present visit,” said the girl. “I wish you would.” “I came here to ask my uncle to set the man at liberty.” Burt smiled at this. He believed she uttered an untruth. “You know very well,” he said, “that Ajeeb would not grant that request.” “Perhaps, sir,” returned Zulima icily, “you know my uncle better than I.” “I don’t know him at all, but I hope to soon make his acquaintance.” “Beware; he is one of the anointed of Jobu.” “With all respect for you, allow me to say that if he were a priest a hundred times over he shall be made to suffer at the hands of the law,” said Burt. “Rash man, you will rush to your own destruction.” Again Burt smiled. “My lady,” he remarked, “I never allow myself to be frightened at threats.” “Of what is Ajeeb accused?” “I have already spoken of the torture to which Stolburst was subjected.” “The man has not been murdered,” she remarked calmly. “He is disfigured for life.” “To prove your case you will be obliged to produce Mr. Stolburst.” “I’ll find him.” “No. Ajeeb intends to kill him and bury his remains.” The beauty’s features wore a smile as she made the extraordinary statement. CHAPTER XXIV. HARE’S DISGUISE PENETRATED. Hare would have given anything if Burt was present when Mike Quick entered Shaw’s. He was wise enough to recognize the fact that he would have no chance to take the murderer unaided from the den. There were at least twenty desperadoes in the place and every man of them would, if called upon, help Quick resist the detective. “Don’t you see your friend?” asked Bull Blair, nodding toward Mike. “Who do you mean?” “The bloke who is after coming in.” “I don’t know him.” Blair looked at his companion in undisguised amazement. “Here you’ve been telling me you were acquainted with Mike Quick.” “So I am.” “There he is, standing at the bar.” “Is that man’s name Mike Quick?” asked Frank innocently. “Of course it is.” “That’s strange,” remarked the detective nonchalantly; “the Mike Quick I know is a young fellow like myself. Perhaps it is that chap’s son.” “He ain’t got a son.” “I never saw that man before.” “Well,” said Bull, “he’s the only Mike Quick in this town that I ever heard of.”