“Yes, I think that,” said Archie slowly.  “I should not be at all surprised to learn that a portion of Hervey’s theory is correct.  Bolton may have found the manuscript packed up in the mummy, amongst the graveclothes, in fact.  If he read it—­as he would and could, seeing that he was an excellent Latin scholar, thanks to Professor Braddock’s training—­he might have formed a design to steal the emeralds when he was in the Sailor’s Rest.  Then someone saved him the trouble, and packed him off to Gartley instead of the mummy.”

“But why should Widow Anne leave the manuscript in my room?” argued Random.

“Can’t you see?  Bolton knew that you wanted the mummy for Don Pedro, and was aware how you had—­so to speak—­used threats in the presence of witnesses, since you spoke out aloud on the deck.”

“Only to warn Bolton against the Indians,” pleaded Random.

“Exactly; but your words were capable of being twisted as Hervey has twisted them.  Well, if Widow Anne really went to see her son —­and from the lie about the borrowed clothes it looks like it—­ he may have given her the manuscript, so as to throw the blame on you.”

“The murder?”

“No, no,” said Archie testily.  “Bolton did not expect to be murdered.  But I really believe that he intended to fly with the emeralds, and hoped that when the manuscript was found in your room you would be accused.  The idea was suggested to him, I believe, by your visit to The Diver.”

“What do you think, Miss Kendal?” asked Random nervously.

“I fancy that it is possible.”

Sir Frank turned to the Peruvian.

“Don Pedro,” he said proudly, “you have heard what Hervey says; do you believe that I am guilty?”

For answer De Gayangos took his daughter’s hand and placed it in that of the young soldier.

“That will show you what I think,” he said gravely.

“Thank you, sir,” said Random, moved, and shook his future father-in-law heartily by the hand, while Donna Inez, throwing all restraint to the winds, kissed her lover exultingly on the check.  In the midst of this scene Professor Braddock returned, looking very pleased.

“I have induced Hervey to hold his tongue for a few days until we can look into this matter,” he said, rubbing his hands “that is, if you think it wise, all of you.  Otherwise, I am quite willing to go myself to-morrow and tell the police.”

“No,” said Archie rapidly, “let us thresh out the matter ourselves.  We will save Sir Frank’s name from a police court slur at all events.”

“I do not think there is any chance of Sir Frank being arrested,” said Don Pedro politely; “the evidence is insufficient.  And at the worst he can provide an alibi.”

“I am not so sure of that,” said Random anxiously.  “I went to London certainly, but I did not go to any place where I am known.  However,” he added cheerfully, “I daresay I’ll be able to defend myself.  Still, the fact remains that we are no nearer to learning who killed Bolton than we were.”