At this second insult Archie quite expected to see the skipper again
draw his revolver and shoot. He therefore jumped up rapidly to once more
avert disaster. But perhaps the fiery American was awed by the presence
of a second lady--since men of the adventurous type are often shy when
the fair sex is at hand--for he meekly sat where he was and did not even
contradict. Don Pedro shook hands with Sir Frank, and then Hervey smiled
blandly.
"I see you don't believe in my theory," said he scoffingly.
"What theory is that?" asked Random hastily.
"Hervey declares that you murdered Bolton, stole the manuscript from
him, and concealed it in your room," said Archie succinctly.
"I can't suggest any other reason for its presence in the room,"
observed the American with a grim smile. "If I'm wrong, perhaps this
almighty aristocrat will correct me."
Random was about to do so, and with some pardonable heat, when he was
anticipated by Donna Inez. It has been mentioned before that this young
lady was of the silent order. Usually she simply ornamented any company
in which she found herself without troubling to entertain with her
tongue. But the accusation against the baronet, whom she apparently
loved, changed her into a voluble virago. Brushing aside the little
Professor, who stood in her way, she launched herself forward and spoke
at length. Hervey, cowering in the chair, thus met with an antagonist
against whom he had no armor. He could not use force; she dominated him
with her eye and when he ventured to open his mouth his few feeble words
were speedily drowned by the torrent of speech which flowed from the
lips of the Peruvian lady. Every one was as astonished by this outburst
as though a dog had spoken. That the hitherto silent Donna Inez de
Gayangos should speak thus freely and with such power was quite as great
a miracle.
"You--are a dog and a liar," said Donna Inez with great distinctness,
and speaking English excellently. "What you say against Sir Frank
is madness and foolish talk. In Genoa my father did not speak of the
manuscript, nor did I, who tell you this. How, then, could Sir Frank
kill this poor man, when he had no reason to slay him--"
"For the emeralds," faltered Hervey weakly.
"For the emeralds!" echoed the lady scornfully. "Sir Frank is rich. He
does not need to steal to have much money. He is a gentleman, who does
not murder, as you have done."
Hervey started to his feet, dismayed but defiant, and saw that he was
ringed with unfriendly faces.
"As I have done. Why, I am--"
Donna Inez interrupted.
"You are a murderer. I truly believe that you--yes, that you" she
pointed a scornful finger at him "killed this poor man who was bringing
the mummy to the Professor. If you were in my own country, I should have
you lashed like the dog you are. Pig of a Yankee, vile scum of the--"