--he might have formed a design to steal the emeralds when he
was in the Sailor's Rest. Then someone saved him the trouble, and packed
him off to Gartley instead of the mummy."

"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