“We have reason to suspect that you were right in your suspicions.  The golden plate has been found this day in the cave below the chateau, just as you have said.  This much of what you have charged against Jacob von Blitz seems to be borne out by the evidence secured.  Last night there was an attempt to rob the vaults in the company’s bank.  Again I followed your advice and laid a trap for the men engaged.  They were slain in the struggle which followed.  This fact is much to be deplored.  Your command that these men be given a fair trial cannot be obeyed.  They died fighting after we had driven them to the wall.  I have to inform you, sir, that your charge against Jacob von Blitz does not hold good in the case of the bank robbery.  Therefore, I am impelled to believe that you may have unjustly accused him of being implicated in the robbery of the treasure chests.  He was not among the bank thieves.  There were but three of them—­the Boer foremen.  Jacob von Blitz came up himself and joined us in the fight against the traitors.  He was merciless in his anger against them.  You have said that you will testify against him.  Sir, I have taken it upon myself to place him under restraint, notwithstanding his actions against the Boers.  He shall have a fair trial.  If it is proved that he is guilty, he shall pay the penalty.  We are just people.

“Sir, we, the people of Japat, will take you at your word.  We ask you to appear against the prisoner and give evidence in support of your charge.  He shall be placed on trial to-morrow morning at ten o’clock.  On my honour as a man and a Believer, I assure safety to you while you are among us on that occasion.  You shall find that we are honourable—­more honourable than the people you now serve so dearly.  I, Rasula, will meet you at the gates and will conduct you back to them in safety.  If you are a true man, you will not evade the call.  I beg to assure you that your testimony against Jacob von Blitz shall be weighed carefully and without prejudice by those who are to act as his judges.  My messenger will carry your reply to us.  RASULA.”

“Well, it looks as though Von Blitz has spiked your guns,” said Deppingham.  “The dog turns against his confederates and saves his own skin by killing them.”

“In any event,” said Browne, “you spoiled his little game.  He loses the treasure and he didn’t get into the vaults.  Rasula should take those points into consideration.”

“He won’t forget them, rest assured.  That’s why I’m sure that he’ll take my word at the trial as against that of Von Blitz,” said Chase.

“You—­you don’t mean to say, Mr. Chase, that you are going into the town?” cried Lady Agnes, wide-eyed.

“Certainly, Lady Deppingham.  They are expecting me.”

“Don’t be foolhardy, Chase.  They will kill you like a rat,” exclaimed Deppingham.

“Oh, no, they won’t,” said the other confidently.  “They’ve given their promise through Rasula.  Whatever else they may be, they hold a promise sacred.  They know I’ll come.  If I don’t, they’ll know that I am a coward.  You wouldn’t have them think I am a coward, would you, Lady Deppingham?” he said, turning to look into her distressed face with his most winning smile.