The Green Mummy - Page 186/191

"What the devil did you do that for?" he inquired angrily. "It will

bring my constables down on us."

"I do not mind, since you can control them," said De Gayangos coolly. "I

had to give the signal."

"And we all have revolvers," said Random quickly. "Hervey is not a very

safe man to tackle, inspector."

"Do you expect a fight?" said Date, while they all watched a boat being

lowered. "If so, you might have told me, and I should have brought a

revolver also. Not that I think it is needed. The sight of my uniform

will be enough to show this man that I have the law behind me."

"I don't think that will matter to Hervey," said Archie dryly. "So much

as I have seen of him suggests to me that he is a singularly lawless

man."

Date laughed good-humoredly.

"It seems to me, gentlemen, that you have brought me on a filibustering

expedition," he said, and seemed to enjoy the novel situation. Date had

been wrapped up in the cotton-wool of civilization for a long time, but

his primitive instincts rose to the surface, now that he had to face a

probable rough-and-tumble fight. "But I don't expect there will be any

scrap," he said regretfully. "My uniform will settle the matter."

It certainly seemed to annoy Captain Hervey considerably, for, as the

boat approached the shore, and the moonlight revealed a distinctly

official overcoat, he gave an order. The man stopped rowing and the boat

rocked gently, some distance from the jetty.

"You've got a high old crowd with you, Don Pedro," sang out Hervey, in

great displeasure. "Is that angel in the military togs, with the brass

buttons, the almighty aristocrat!"

"No. I am here," cried out Random, laughing at the description, which

he recognized. "My friend Hope is with me, and Inspector Date. I suppose

you have heard what has happened?"

"Yes, I've taken it all in," said Hervey sourly. "I guess the news is

all over Pierside. Well, it's none of my picnic, I reckon. So chuck that

gold over here, Don Pedro, and I'll send along the writing."

"No," said Don Pedro, prompted by Date. "You must come ashore."

"I guess not," said Hervey vigorously. "You want to run me in."

"For that theft of thirty years ago," laughed De Gayangos. "Nonsense!

Come along. You are quite safe."

"Shan't take your damned word for it," growled Hervey. "But if those two

gents can swear that there's no trickery, I'll come. I can depend on the

word of an English aristocrat, anyhow."

"Come along. You are quite safe," said Sir Frank, and Hope echoed his

words.

Thus being made certain, Hervey gave an order and the boat was rowed

right up to the beach, immediately below the jetty. The four men

were about to descend, but Hervey seemed anxious to avoid giving them

trouble.