and so did the author of the
mischief. Among the books were several papers scribbled with notes, and
Braddock bundled these all in a heap.. Shortly, he caught sight of the
writing on one.

"Hullo! Latin," said he, and read a line or two. "Oh!" he gasped, "Hope!
Hope! The manuscript of Don Pedro!"

"Impossible!"

Archie rose and stared at the discolored paper.

"Sorry to have kept you," said Random, entering at this moment.

"You villain!" shouted Braddock furiously, "so you are guilty after
all?"

CHAPTER XVII. CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE

Random was so taken aback by the fierce accusation of the Professor that
he stood suddenly still at the door, and did not advance into the room.
Yet he did not look so much afraid as puzzled. Whatever Braddock might
have thought, Hope, from the expression on the young soldier's face, was
more than ever satisfied of his innocence.

"What are you talking about, Professor?" asked Random, genuinely
surprised.

"You know well enough," retorted the Professor.

"Upon my word I don't," said the other, walking into the room and
unbuckling his sword. "I find you here, with the contents of my bookcase
on the floor, and you promptly accuse me of being guilty. Of what, I
should like to know? Perhaps you can tell me Hope."

"There is no need for Hope to tell you, sir. You are perfectly well
aware of your own villainy."

Random frowned.

"I allow a certain amount of latitude to my guests, Professor," he said
with marked dignity, "but for a man of your age and position you go too
far. Be more explicit."

"Allow me to speak," intervened Archie, anticipating Braddock. "Random,
the Professor has just had a visit from Captain Hiram Hervey, who was
the skipper of The Diver. He accuses you of having murdered Bolton!"

"What?" the baronet started back, looking thunderstruck.

"Wait a moment. I have not finished yet. Hervey accuses you of this
murder, of stealing the mummy, of gaining possession of the emeralds,
and of placing the rifled corpse in Mrs. Jasher's garden, so that she
might be accused of committing the crime."

"Exactly," cried Braddock, seeing that his host remained silent from
sheer surprise. "Hope has stated the case very clearly. Now, sir, your
defense?"

"Defense! defense!" Random found his tongue at last and spoke
indignantly. "I have no defense to make."

"Ah! Then you acknowledge your guilt?"

"I acknowledge nothing. The accusation is too preposterous for a