“Yes! That is——” Bakche broke off with a laugh of contempt. “Why do you look at me so suspiciously, Mr. Fuller? Do you think that I did see the man and did use violence even to the extent of stabbing him? You are entirely wrong, sir. Had I murdered him and obtained the peacock I should by this time have been far away on the Continent out of danger, and until things grew quieter, I should have remained absent trying to solve the riddle. I am not the criminal, and I am not the possessor of the peacock.” “I grant that,” said Fuller quietly, who knew well that the man spoke the truth, since Sorley owned the bird at that moment. “Well, and what do you expect me to do, Mr. Bakche?” “I wish you to find out who murdered Grison, so that the peacock may be recovered and handed over to me.” “On behalf of Miss Inderwick I am doing that,” said Alan dryly, “so I cannot possibly act on your behalf.” “The peacock is mine,” cried the Indian, rising to his feet with a snarl which again reminded Fuller of his tigerish nature. “The peacock is Miss Inderwick’s, and should I find it, I shall hand it over to her so that she may discover the treasure.” “You are——” began Bakche violently, then suddenly and dangerously restrained his anger and smiled meaningly. “Well, since you are engaged to the lady, it is natural that you should want her to gain the jewels——” “Mr. Bakche, stop that if you please.” Alan rose in his turn with indignant looks. The Indian shrugged his shoulders and walked to the door. “It is a duel between us,” he said smoothly, “you want what I want, so we shall see who wins. And I can tell you what is your best step to take.” “Very kind of you, Mr. Bakche. And that is——” “To find the boy Alonzo, formerly called Jotty. He knows the truth.” “Then why not question him, since he is at Miss Grison’s house?” “Indeed he is not; Jotty has been missing since last night!” and refusing to explain further, the Indian departed, leaving Fuller greatly astonished and greatly annoyed also, that the boy should have disappeared. CHAPTER XIII AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR