Dick Merriwell's Pranks Part 7

"I think they cost about eleven dollars a set," estimated d.i.c.k.

"And her golden halo of hair came off in the shuffle," said the Texan.

"She's as bald as a billiard ball."

"Say no more!" entreated Zenas. "Get me to my room and spread me on the bed. Boys, if you ever tell of this-if you ever even mention it again-I'll send you both back home!"

By this time they had reached their rooms, and they helped the old fellow to the bed, on which he slowly sank, groaning as if in great distress.

"Bring me my medicine, Richard," he entreated. "I must have a small dose. You will find it in my medicine case. The leather-covered flask, Richard. That's it. Never mind pouring any. I'll take it directly from the flask. It is a harmless tonic, and I need it greatly just now."

He took a long pull at the leather-covered flask. After that he lay back and closed his eyes for a moment. Suddenly they popped open and he exclaimed:

"To think that creature should call me an old fool!"

"But you know pearls of wisdom drop from her sweet lips," laughed d.i.c.k.

"And she is a lofty-minded, angelic girl," added Brad.

"Get out of here, you two rascals!" cried the old man. "You're laughing at me, you ungrateful scamps! Do you want to drive me crazy? Leave me to meditate on the frailty of human flesh."

The laughing lads retired to the adjoining room.

"Well, one good thing happened," said d.i.c.k; "it cured him of his foolishness over Sarah Ann."

"He sure is well cured," agreed Buckhart.

There came a sharp knock on the door. Before they could open it, it was flung wide by the giant Nubian, and Aziz Achmet again entered the room.

"This is too much!" exclaimed d.i.c.k. "I'll call the proprietor and see if we are to be annoyed by this man in this outrageous manner."

"Wait a moment, boy," advised the Turk, still maintaining his cool and insolent manner. "I am here on most important business. Professor Gunn has been challenged to mortal combat by Major Fitts, and I have come as the representative of the major to make arrangements for the affair of honor."

"Well," said d.i.c.k, "you may return and tell that little bl.u.s.terer to go to a warmer clime! Professor Gunn is not a fighting man, and he will not meet Major Fitts in a duel."

"Hold on-hold on, Richard!" called the professor, who was beginning to feel the influence of the "medicine" from the leather-covered flask.

"Don't be so hasty! I want you to understand that I am no coward! That withered old pippin can't frighten me! No, sir! If he wants to fight a duel, I'll meet him, and I'll give him all he wants of it!"

"Professor, you--"

"Stop, Richard-stop right there! I know my own business. If I were to let that mistake from Mississippi drive me into my boots I'd never after have the face to look at my own reflection in a mirror."

"But a duel, professor-a real duel--"

"I know. It's all right. I'll show him the kind of stuff I'm made of, I will! He thinks he'll frighten me, but he'll find out he can't jar me a bit. I'll meet him with weapons of any sort. I'll meet him anywhere!"

"Whoop!" cried Buckhart. "The old boy means it, pard, and I reckon he'll make good!"

"Mowbry Fitts will find out that I'll make good," said Zenas. "He can't send his representative here and frighten Zenas Gunn, of Fardale. Fix it up, Richard. You shall be my second. I leave it all to you. That unfortunate fall shook me up, and I'm a trifle dizzy. I'll retire again.

But this gentleman had better tell old Fitts to prepare for his funeral.

That's all he'll be good for when I am through with him."

Then Zenas again retired to his room.

Aziz Achmet waited. d.i.c.k Merriwell thought swiftly.

"Where and when shall this duel take place?" he asked.

"There is an old cemetery a short distance up the street," said the Turk.

"Well?"

"It will be an excellent place for the meeting."

"And the hour?"

"Daybreak to-morrow, if it suits you."

"That's all right."

"The weapons--"

"We have the choice of weapons," interrupted Merriwell.

"And you choose swords-or pistols?"

"We will not only choose the weapons, we'll provide them," said the boy.

"I'll have them on hand, Mr. Achmet."

"But it is customary to settle all these little details in advance, boy."

"You have forced this affair on Professor Gunn. I guarantee that he will be on hand at the appointed time to-morrow morning. I also guarantee that he will have the weapons. If you're not satisfied with that, get out of these rooms and cease to annoy us further."

"That's business!" cried Buckhart.

Achmet seemed to think a moment, but he finally bowed, retreating gracefully toward the door.

"It is only a single point," he said, "and I shall advise my princ.i.p.al to concede it. But I wish you to understand that we shall be on our guard for trickery, and I'll see that Major Fitts has a fair and even chance."

Then he pa.s.sed through the door, which the Nubian closed.

CHAPTER V-IN THE CEMETERY

When Pera was swept by fire but one thing in the burned portion remained practically unchanged. It was an old cemetery. It is there to-day, in the midst of the city of modern buildings, and this cemetery was the spot chosen by Aziz Achmet for the duel.