Alan smiled. Mr. Travers was extremely helpful. He talked so much himself that he gave no one else the chance of speaking, and he considerately answered all the questions that he put to the boys—himself.
“Yes,” said Desmond, who had taken his cue from his cousin. “We told a friend about it, who wagered us one thousand pounds we would find our way through. Unfortunately, our lanterns went out, we lost our way, we had no food and—”
“And I suppose you were a week or more in that cave—hungry and worn out?” finished Mr. Travers helpfully. “Now I’ve brought you your property back,” and he handed them the packages they had brought from the Tomb of Korah. “Oh, you might give me an official receipt for them,” and he handed the boys a paper for them to sign. “By the way,” he continued, as he put the receipt away, “that woman.” His genial face grew solemn. “What was it—? Was it some—some joke you had prepared, or was it—”
“I can’t explain yet,” said Alan shortly. “We are going home to England where we have a very strange story to tell. I cannot explain the phenomenon you saw, but I may have to call upon you to repeat the story of her death. I suppose I may use your name?”
“By all means. I shall be only too pleased to assist you young gentlemen in every way I can, but I shall be glad to hear about that woman—it was damned strange. By the way, I sealed your parcels with our office seal. I should like you to examine them to see they are intact.”
“We won’t bother now, Mr. Travers, thank you. We have absolute confidence in you. By the way,” he added, as if in afterthought, “could you put me in touch with any one who would buy one or two unset gems? I have some with me, and am anxious to convert them into cash for our immediate use.”
“That’s easily done,” said Mr. Travers. “Our general manager is connected with Messrs. Frimpton, Long and Beauchamp of Melbourne. They are, I think, the biggest dealers in gold and precious stones in Australia. I will get an introduction for you.”
“Thanks very much.”
“Don’t mention it. Now I think I have stayed quite long enough for a first visit. Good-bye, Mr. Forsyth. Good-bye, Mr. Desmond. Take care of yourselves, and don’t get over tired,” and the kindly man left them.
“We got out of that pretty easily, thanks to you,” said Desmond as they saw him disappear down a bend in the garden. “I couldn’t think what he was driving at.”