To Watson it was fairly astounding to discover that the two—Holcomb and Avec—had reached simultaneously for the curtain of the shadow. The professor had said that it would be “the greatest day since Columbus.” And so it had proven, did the world but know it.
“And—the Rhamda Avec never returned?” asked Chick.
“No.”
“But he sent back something within three days?” Watson was thinking, of course, of the doctor who had disappeared on the day which, Jerome overheard the Rhamda to say, was the last of his stay.
But Geos did not reply. Why, Chick could not guess. He thought it best not to press the question; in good time, if he went at it carefully, he could gain his end with safety. At the moment he must not arouse suspicion. He chose another query.
“Did Avec go alone?”
“No. The Nervina went with him. Rather, she followed within a few hours.”
“Ah!”
It was out before Watson could think. The Rhamda looked up suddenly.
“Then you have seen the Nervina! You know her?”