Part 27 (1/2)

A good-sized launch was rapidly approaching, evidently heading for this abandoned beach.

”Can it be the hop gang?” asked Leggett.

”Who can tell?” replied the old detective. ”Sneak on beyond the boat-house and get a sight of them. If you find they are c.h.i.n.ks hold up two fingers and get back as fast as you can. Don't show yourself any more than you have to.”

”Right. What about the treasure?”

Harry hastily explained and Leggett hurried away, pa.s.sing behind the boat-house.

The Bradys approached it leisurely.

The building was much larger than an ordinary boat-house. Indeed, perhaps it had never been intended for a boat-house at all, but for the office of the proprietors of the beach.

It had a door opening on the pier, also a window.

They stepped upon the pier and were just about to pa.s.s around to the front of the building when suddenly they heard the door open noisily.

”Stop!” breathed Old King Brady, ”we want to know what that means.”

He was about to peer around the corner of the building when a harsh voice called out something in Chinese.

”Mercy!” whispered Alice. ”Garshaski! He says 'Now I'm going to be rid of you, princess!'”

Before Alice finished speaking, Old King Brady knew.

Peering around the corner of the building, he saw Dr. Garshaski starting down the pier carrying the Princes Skeep Hup in his arms crossing a sort of runway or gang plank which connected the pier with the house.

”Stop where you are, Doctor!” shouted the old detective, as all three showed themselves now.

The old detective ran to head him off. Harry and Alice were now on the side platform separated from the runway by considerable s.p.a.ce.

Instantly the Doctor saw them.

With an exclamation of surprise and disgust he turned and took the back track.

Old King Brady rushed after the flying Chinaman who was carrying the princess.

He crossed a gang plank and entered the house on the piles.

The next instant part of the runway flew up, closing the doorway, while Harry and Alice looked on.

”You scoundrel!” shouted Old King Brady. ”Harm that woman at your peril!”

”Leggett is signalling!” cried Harry. ”There are c.h.i.n.ks in the launch!”

”Save the princess!” exclaimed Alice. ”That yellow fiend has unearthed the treasure and now he will kill her.”

”But how to get at him!” cried Old King Brady. ”You two keep guard here.

There must be a rear entrance. I'll tackle him there.”