The Green Mummy - Page 134/191

At this second insult Archie quite expected to see the skipper again

draw his revolver and shoot. He therefore jumped up rapidly to once more

avert disaster. But perhaps the fiery American was awed by the presence

of a second lady--since men of the adventurous type are often shy when

the fair sex is at hand--for he meekly sat where he was and did not even

contradict. Don Pedro shook hands with Sir Frank, and then Hervey smiled

blandly.

"I see you don't believe in my theory," said he scoffingly.

"What theory is that?" asked Random hastily.

"Hervey declares that you murdered Bolton, stole the manuscript from

him, and concealed it in your room," said Archie succinctly.

"I can't suggest any other reason for its presence in the room,"

observed the American with a grim smile. "If I'm wrong, perhaps this

almighty aristocrat will correct me."

Random was about to do so, and with some pardonable heat, when he was

anticipated by Donna Inez. It has been mentioned before that this young

lady was of the silent order. Usually she simply ornamented any company

in which she found herself without troubling to entertain with her

tongue. But the accusation against the baronet, whom she apparently

loved, changed her into a voluble virago. Brushing aside the little

Professor, who stood in her way, she launched herself forward and spoke

at length. Hervey, cowering in the chair, thus met with an antagonist

against whom he had no armor. He could not use force; she dominated him

with her eye and when he ventured to open his mouth his few feeble words

were speedily drowned by the torrent of speech which flowed from the

lips of the Peruvian lady. Every one was as astonished by this outburst

as though a dog had spoken. That the hitherto silent Donna Inez de

Gayangos should speak thus freely and with such power was quite as great

a miracle.

"You--are a dog and a liar," said Donna Inez with great distinctness,

and speaking English excellently. "What you say against Sir Frank

is madness and foolish talk. In Genoa my father did not speak of the

manuscript, nor did I, who tell you this. How, then, could Sir Frank

kill this poor man, when he had no reason to slay him--"

"For the emeralds," faltered Hervey weakly.

"For the emeralds!" echoed the lady scornfully. "Sir Frank is rich. He

does not need to steal to have much money. He is a gentleman, who does

not murder, as you have done."

Hervey started to his feet, dismayed but defiant, and saw that he was

ringed with unfriendly faces.

"As I have done. Why, I am--"

Donna Inez interrupted.

"You are a murderer. I truly believe that you--yes, that you" she

pointed a scornful finger at him "killed this poor man who was bringing

the mummy to the Professor. If you were in my own country, I should have

you lashed like the dog you are. Pig of a Yankee, vile scum of the--"