The Green Mummy - Page 138/191

"But why should Widow Anne leave the manuscript in my room?" argued

Random.

"Can't you see? Bolton knew that you wanted the mummy for Don Pedro,

and was aware how you had--so to speak--used threats in the presence of

witnesses, since you spoke out aloud on the deck."

"Only to warn Bolton against the Indians," pleaded Random.

"Exactly; but your words were capable of being twisted as Hervey has

twisted them. Well, if Widow Anne really went to see her son--and from

the lie about the borrowed clothes it looks like it--he may have given

her the manuscript, so as to throw the blame on you."

"The murder?"

"No, no," said Archie testily. "Bolton did not expect to be murdered.

But I really believe that he intended to fly with the emeralds, and

hoped that when the manuscript was found in your room you would be

accused. The idea was suggested to him, I believe, by your visit to The

Diver."

"What do you think, Miss Kendal?" asked Random nervously.

"I fancy that it is possible."

Sir Frank turned to the Peruvian.

"Don Pedro," he said proudly, "you have heard what Hervey says; do you

believe that I am guilty?"

For answer De Gayangos took his daughter's hand and placed it in that of

the young soldier.

"That will show you what I think," he said gravely.

"Thank you, sir," said Random, moved, and shook his future father-in-law

heartily by the hand, while Donna Inez, throwing all restraint to the

winds, kissed her lover exultingly on the check. In the midst of this

scene Professor Braddock returned, looking very pleased.

"I have induced Hervey to hold his tongue for a few days until we can

look into this matter," he said, rubbing his hands "that is, if you

think it wise, all of you. Otherwise, I am quite willing to go myself

to-morrow and tell the police."

"No," said Archie rapidly, "let us thresh out the matter ourselves. We

will save Sir Frank's name from a police court slur at all events."

"I do not think there is any chance of Sir Frank being arrested," said

Don Pedro politely; "the evidence is insufficient. And at the worst he

can provide an alibi."

"I am not so sure of that," said Random anxiously. "I went to London

certainly, but I did not go to any place where I am known. However," he

added cheerfully, "I daresay I'll be able to defend myself. Still, the

fact remains that we are no nearer to learning who killed Bolton than we

were."

"I am sending Cockatoo to Pierside to-morrow to stop at the Sailor's

Rest for a time," said Braddock quickly. "He will watch Hervey, and if

there is anything suspicious about his movements, we shall soon know."