"
"I rather think that it will buzz more," said Random dryly, and,
producing the brown paper in which the gem had been wrapped, and
the inscribed paper found within, he related all that had
happened.
Archie listened quietly and did not interrupt, but the puzzled
look on his face grew more pronounced.
"Well," ended Random, seeing that no remark was made when he had
finished, "what do you think?"
"Lord knows! I'll go out of my mind if these sort of things come
along. I am a simple sort of chap, and have no use for mysteries
which beat all the detective stories I have ever read. That sort
of thing is all very well in fiction, but in real life--humph!
What are you going to do?"
"Give back the emerald to Don Pedro."
"Of course, though, it is given to you for a wedding present.
And then?"
"Then"--Random stared into the fire--" I don't know. I asked
you in to assist me."
"Willingly; but how?"
Random pondered for a few moments.
"Who sent that emerald to me, do you think?" he asked, looking
squarely at the artist.
Hope meditatively turned the jewel in his long fingers.
"Why not ask Mrs. Jasher?" he suggested suddenly.
"No!" Sir Frank shook his head. "I fancied it might be her, but
it cannot be.
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