The cry was caught eagerly up by all—save one.
This one was Hunston.
It was not that he hated Harkaway less intensely than his comrades that he remained silent.
It was simply that in his fierce denunciation of the brigands, Harkaway had told about the money.
Lirico was barely cold in his grave for an offence which, beside that of Hunston's, was a mere paltry pilfering.
The secret was in great danger now.
If they should believe Harkaway, then his (Hunston's) position was indeed critical. What should he do? What would be better than to cast doubt and derision upon Harkaway's dark menaces.
"The man is a charlatan, a humbug," he said, curling his lip; "and his purpose is more than accomplished could he but know it, which he does not, I am glad to say. He would laugh rarely could he but know what an alarm you have taken at this message."
But they would not let this pass unchallenged.
"It is no joke, Hunston," said Boulgaris, seriously.