“Wait here,” said Miss Grison to Alan imperiously. “I must explain to these people, as there is no need to make bad worse. Sorley has ruined me before, and my brother with me. He will ruin me now by coming here to be arrested, since many of my boarders will leave the house.” “Let me remind you, Miss Grison, that you are responsible for his arrest.” “Because you and Mr. Latimer would have allowed him to escape,” she said in angry tones. “Better that I should lose every boarder I have than let that beast go free,” as the murmur in the near drawing-room increased. She opened the door which Bakche had closed. “Wait here,” she said again to Alan, and vanished to pacify the inmates of the establishment. Left alone with Morad-Bakche, the young man made no remark, as he did not feel inclined to talk to the man. But he was not permitted to be at peace, for the Indian advanced eagerly, his eyes sparkling. “Has Mr. Sorley been arrested?” he asked swiftly and anxiously. “Yes,” answered Fuller shortly. “On a charge of murder?” “Yes!” “How did he come here?” “I think you had better ask these questions of Miss Grison.” “I shall do so,” rejoined Bakche calmly, “when you are gone. But there is one she may not be able to answer.” “Probably!” Alan shrugged his shoulders with feigned indifference, guessing what the question was, and not choosing to reply to it immediately. But Bakche was not to be put off by a contemptuous manner. “Has Mr. Sorley given up the peacock to the police?” he demanded. “I cannot say. If he has, the police will give it back to me.” “Why should it be given back to you?” “Because it is the property of Miss Inderwick; and until her uncle is free I intend to look after her interests.” The other man sneered. “I can understand that.” “If you do, there is no necessity for you to ask questions,” rejoined Alan coolly. “You are no client of mine, Mr. Bakche.” “It would be better for you if I were.” “I fail to see that. You want the peacock, and I don’t intend that you should have it, or the treasure either.” “Both belong to me,” cried the Indian angrily. “I think not. And as our interests are opposed, you can scarcely expect me to reply to your questions further.” “But if we join forces, we shall be stronger to learn the truth.” “Possibly, but if the discovery of the truth—I suppose you mean in connection with the whereabouts of the treasure—means your having half the jewels, I prefer to work alone.” Fuller thought for a moment, then added slowly, “of course Miss Inderwick may be willing to make terms with you regarding the sharing of the gems on one condition?” “What is that?” demanded Bakche eagerly, and with flashing eyes. “She believes her uncle to be innocent, and I am half inclined to agree with her, notwithstanding the weight of evidence against him. Now if you can prove his innocence, and thus do a service to Miss Inderwick, why then——”