"
"Hervey forgot also. I wonder if that is true?"
"I am certain it is," said Don Pedro emphatically, "for, if
Hervey, or Vasa, or whatever you like to call him, had found that
manuscript and had got it translated, he certainly would have
opened the mummy and have secured the emeralds. No, Sir Frank, I
believe that his theory is partly true. Bolton intended to run
away with the emeralds, and send the empty mummy to Professor
Braddock; for, if you remember, he arranged that the landlord of
the Sailor's Rest should forward the case next morning, even if
he happened to be away. Bolton intended to be away--with the
emeralds."
"Then you do not believe that Hervey placed the manuscript in my
room?"
"He declared most emphatically that he did not," said Don Pedro,
"when at Pierside yesterday I went to the Sailor's Rest and saw
him. He told Braddock only the other day that he had lost his
chance of a sailing vessel, and, as yet, had not got another one.
But when he returned to Pierside he found a letter waiting him--
so he told me--giving him command of a four thousand ton tramp
steamer called The Firefly. He is to sail at once--to-morrow, I
believe."
"Then what is he going to do about this murder business?"
"He can do nothing at present, as, if he remains in Pierside, he
will lose his new command.
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