“It’s all theory,” said Don Pedro in vexed tones.

“And there isn’t a word of truth in it,” said Lucy indignantly, standing up for Frank Random.

“It ain’t for me to contradict you, miss,” said Hervey, who was still humble, “but I ask you, if what I say ain’t true, how did that copy of the manuscript come to be in that aristocrat’s room?”

There was no reply made to this, and although every one present, save Hervey, believed in Random’s innocence, no one could explain.  The reply came after some further conversation, by the appearance of the soldier himself in mess kit.  He walked unexpectedly into the room with Donna Inez on his arm, and at once apologized to De Gayangos.

“I called to see you at the inn, sir,” he said, “and as you were not there, I brought your daughter along with me to explain about the manuscript.”

“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.  Usually she simply ornamented any company in which she found herself without troubling to entertain with her tongue.  But the accusation against the baronet, whom she apparently loved, changed her into a voluble virago.  Brushing aside the little Professor, who stood in her way, she launched herself forward and spoke at length.  Hervey, cowering in the chair, thus met with an antagonist against whom he had no armor.  He could not use force; she dominated him with her eye and when he ventured to open his mouth his few feeble words were speedily drowned by the torrent of speech which flowed from the lips of the Peruvian lady.  Every one was as astonished by this outburst as though a dog had spoken.  That the hitherto silent Donna Inez de Gayangos should speak thus freely and with such power was quite as great a miracle.