"
"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.
CHAPTER XX
THE LETTER
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.
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