“Go, and take me with you.”

“Of course you’ll go if I do.”

“And what’s the matter with me goin’?” demanded Jimmie, who was near enough to catch the impression that Ned was going somewhere and was intending to leave him behind.

“Perhaps the hosts won’t welcome three,” suggested Ned, in a whisper.  “Such people, like those who present communications from dead friends, at a dollar per, like to work in private.”

Jimmie did not wait to argue the question with Ned.  As usual, his answer was direct and to the point.  He advanced upon the priests and demanded: 

“Will you take me along?”

The four regarded each other in perplexity.

“Come, now,” urged the boy, “be good sports.  Be good fellers, for once!”

It was finally arranged that Ned, Jimmie and the Captain were to proceed to the ruined temple with the four and there learn something of the mysticism of the East!  Ned was positive that the time for his test of courage had come.  Still, he did not waver, for he was prepared.  The marines were instructed to gradually encircle the old temple, and to listen for orders from the inside.

While satisfied that he had now come to the turning point in the case, Ned wondered, while on the way to the temple, if he ought to take the risk, whether it might not be wiser to arrest the fakirs, strip them of their disguises, and take them, by force of numbers, to the embassy at Peking.  Still, if he took that course, he would have no proof against them—­would not be able to connect the fellows with the conspiracy.

The only thing to do was to take the risk.

So, with a premonition of danger in his heart, he turned down the steps which led to the temple.

For the temple was, as has been said, in ruins.  There was a heap of hewn stones on top of the earth, and that was all that showed from above.  In front a stone staircase led down into a damp and evil-smelling place.

After a minute’s descent Ned found himself in a long, narrow hall, which had at some time in the distant past formed the lobby of the temple.

There was a cold wind blowing from somewhere in advance, and bats flew croakingly against it in their retreat from the intruders.  Ned heard the clang of a heavy door behind him.  Then the current of air was shut off.

“This old barn of a place hasn’t been used for a hundred years!” Jimmie whispered, clutching Ned by the arm.

“What makes you think so?” asked Ned.

“If in use, there would be something here to show it,” was the reply.  “See, they haven’t even got lights here.  The ones they are now carrying were taken from the folds of their robes.  And there would be no bats if the place was in constant use.”

“Right you are, boy,” Ned whispered back.  “But we knew what we were getting into.  Hark!”

It was the dull, rolling sound of a drum that caused the exclamation.  One of the men, far in advance, was evidently giving a signal.  In a moment the shrill notes of a fife reached the ears of the boys.