“Well,” said Lucy slowly, “it struck me that the woman who spoke with Sidney through the Sailor's Rest window might be Widow Anne herself, and that she has invented this story of the clothes being lent to account for their being worn, should she be discovered.” “It's certainly odd she should speak like this,” said Random thoughtfully; “but you forget, Miss Kendal, that she proved an alibi.” “What of that?” cried Don Pedro hurriedly, “alibis can be manufactured.” “It will be best to see this woman and question her,” suggested Donna Inez. Archie nodded. “I shall do so to-morrow. By the way, does she ever come to your room in the Fort, Random?” “Oh yes, she is my laundress, you know, and at times brings back the clothes herself. My servant is usually in, though. I see what you mean. That she might have received the manuscript from Bolton, and have left it in my room.” “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.