“It was commonly reported in Belstone that the Grisons, brother and sister, had stolen the peacock from the Inderwick family when they left The Monastery some twenty years ago. But, pardon me, Mr. Bakche, why do you come here and ask me these questions?” “Can’t you guess, sir?” “How can I guess?” retorted Fuller cautiously. “By putting two and two together, as is your English way,” said Bakche in a calmer manner. “I told you when you dined at Miss Grison’s that I had come to England in order to recover certain family property.” “You did. Well?” “The property I referred to is the peacock of jewels,” “How did you expect me to know that, Mr. Bakche?” “I can answer that if you will reply to a question?” “What is the question?” “Do you know the story set forth in this article?” asked the Indian quickly. “Yes. As I told you the whole countryside knows it.” “Then you must be aware that the Begum of Kam gave the jewels to Simon Ferrier. I told you that I am a descendant of the Rajah of Kam, so you must have guessed that I desired to obtain possession of the peacock.” “Quite so,” said Fuller coolly, “but there was no need for me to say so.” Bakche was honest enough to admit this. “You are very cautious, you English gentlemen,” he said with a faint sneer, “and no doubt you did not wish me to get the peacock.” “I fail to see how my telling you what you have now told me would aid you to get what belongs rightfully to another person.” “It does not belong to another person, but to me,” cried Bakche wrathfully. Alan raised his eyebrows. “How do you make that out?” he demanded in an exasperating manner. “George Inderwick’s servant, Ferrier, manufactured the peacock for his master and——” “And so manufactured it that in some strange way it reveals where the jewels of the Begum are concealed,” finished the Indian sharply. “Understand Mr. Fuller, that I do not exactly claim the peacock——” “You did just now,” interrupted Alan in his turn, and shrugging. “Only because I wish to learn where the jewels are hidden.” “Indeed. You will find that difficult, since for over one hundred years, the riddle of the peacock has been unsolved.” “Never mind,” said Bakche doggedly. “If I see the bird I shall probably be able to learn the truth.” “And then?——” Alan raised his eyebrows again. “Then,” said the other confidently, “I shall take the jewels.” “You may not be allowed.” “Why not. The jewels belong to me as the descendant of the Rajah of Kam.” “You forget,” said Fuller smoothly, “that the rajah’s wife gave the same to George Inderwick because he saved her life and the life of her son.” “She had no right to do so,” cried Bakche loudly, “the jewels were not her private property to dispose of, Mr. Fuller. They belonged to the family—to the state as it were. Royal treasure cannot be parted with in this way.”