There was no reply made to this, and although every one present, save
Hervey, believed in Random's innocence, no one could explain. The reply
came after some further conversation, by the appearance of the soldier
himself in mess kit. He walked unexpectedly into the room with Donna
Inez on his arm, and at once apologized to De Gayangos.
"I called to see you at the inn, sir," he said, "and as you were not
there, I brought your daughter along with me to explain about the
manuscript."
"Ah, yes. We talk of that now. How did it come into your room, sir?"
Random pointed to Hervey.
"That rascal placed it there," he said firmly.