"Did you take it in your hand?"
"No; he did not offer me the privilege, and I hadn't the courage to ask it. He rewrapped it with paper, and put that and the letter of mine to Marian in the turban. It has often struck me since as a very strange thing for him to do: why did he show the Star of India to me? I might have revealed the secret to those—and there are thousands such—who would murder him for it."
"He considered you as good as dead: he did not believe you would live twenty four hours, and he knew you were interested in the gem, as indeed every person must be. I presume that if our lives are spared, Luchman some time or other will tell me the whole story, though it's strange he has not done so before."
Dr. Avery thought it best to say nothing to Mr. Hildreth about the native's declaration that he intended to present the diamond to Marian. It might awaken hopes that never could be fulfilled. If Luchman meant to give the prize to the young lady, it would be specially appropriate that the announcement should come from the giver.
"I have no longer any doubts about him," added Avery a minute later.
"Nor have I," said the missionary; "the suspicion of Luchman's loyalty was the most horrible feeling that I ever had: it was worse than death itself."
"His actions have proven his loyalty," was the hearty declaration of the surgeon. "After his course toward the Ghoojurs, no one can fail to admit that he is pure gold tried with fire."
"Here he comes!"