It's as clear as mud to me. You search
his lorship's shanty, and you'll find the emeralds."
"It is strange," muttered Braddock unwillingly.
"Strange, but not true," said a voice from the head of the
stairs, and young Hope came down leisurely, with a pale face, but
a very determined air. "Random is absolutely innocent."
"How do you know?" demanded the skipper contemptuously.
"Because he is an English gentleman and my very good friend."
"Huh! I guess that defense won't save him from being lynched."
Meanwhile Braddock was looking irritably at Archie.
"You've been listening to a private conversation, sir. How dare
you listen?"
"If you hold private conversations at the top of your voices in
the hall, you must be expected to be listened to," said Archie
coolly. "I plead guilty, and I am not sorry."
"When did you come?"
"In time to hear all that Captain Hervey has explained. I was
chatting with Lucy, and had just left her, when I heard your loud
voices."
"Has Lucy heard anything?"
"No. She is busy in her room. But I'll tell her," Hope turned
to mount the stairs; "she likes Random, and will no more believe
him guilty than I do at this present moment."
"Stop!" cried Braddock, flying forward to pull Hope back, as he
placed his foot on the first stair.
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