Part 27 (2/2)

He ran around to where they were standing.

”Let Harry go too!” cried Alice. ”If he comes out with the princess I'll shoot him.”

”Come, Harry,” said the old detective, and around the house they went.

Meanwhile Leggett was hurrying along the beach.

There proved to be a back door to the house, but it was shut. There was no window here, thus it was impossible to tell what Garshaski was about, but as they drew nearer they could hear him fumbling with the lock of the door.

”Stand in close, Harry,” whispered the old detective.

The order was a wise one, for the next instant the door slightly opened and Garshaski peered out.

He jumped back, closing the door, but before the Bradys had time to think twice it was opened again on the crack and a revolver was fired.

The shot went through Old King Brady's hat.

The instant the crack of the revolver was heard, Harry, who had drawn his weapon, fired.

His aim was true, the shot flew in through the crack of the door.

There was a yell of pain and something was heard to fall.

”Forward!” cried the old detective.

As he said it a succession of queer little squeals began inside the house and a woman's voice chattered in Chinese.

It was the princess!

The Bradys rushed inside.

Harry's shot had taken Dr. Garshaski in the right hand.

He dropped the revolver and starting back had stumbled over a chair and fallen.

The princess lost no time in improving her opportunity.

She could not stand on her little feet owing to the damage done those nearly useless members by that terrible rack, but she had free use of her hands as she sat there on the floor.

Garshaski, as we should have mentioned, was now in full Chinese costume even to a false pigtail, but his natural hair was long enough for Skeep Hup to get a good hold, and there she was yanking it for all she was worth.

The scene was a comical one, but it might have been a tragedy, for the Doctor had just managed to get hold of the princess with his unwounded left hand, when the Bradys burst into the room.

Harry covered the Doctor, Old King Brady managed to make the princess let go her hold on his hair, but not without some difficulty.

Quickly they tied his legs together, searched and captured another revolver.

Meanwhile Garshaski had not spoken a word. His face was deathly white, the sight of his own blood which flowed freely had apparently turned him faint, for by the time the Bradys succeeded in securing him he had relapsed into unconsciousness.

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