“I got it nowhere: this is the first time I have seen it.”
“Yet it was hidden amongst your books.”
“Then I can't say how it got there. Were you looking for it?”
“No! Certainly not. To pass the time while waiting, I examined your library, and in pulling out a book, your case, being a swing one, over-balanced and shot its contents on to the floor. Amongst the papers which fell with the books, I caught a glimpse of the manuscript, and, noting that it was written in Latin, I picked it up, surprised to think that a frivolous young man, such as you are, should study a dead language. A few words showed me that the manuscript was a copy of the one referred to by Don Pedro.”
“One moment,” said Archie, who had been thinking. “Perhaps this is the original manuscript, which De Gayangos has given to you, Random.”
“It is good of you to afford me a loophole of escape,” said Sir Frank, leaning back with folded arms, “but De Gayangos gave me nothing. I saw the manuscript in his hands, when he showed it to us all at Mrs. Jasher's. But whether this is the original or a copy I can't say. Don Pedro certainly did not give it to me.”
“Has Don Pedro been in your quarters?” asked Hope thoughtfully.
“No. He has only visited me in the mess. And even if Don Pedro did come in here—for I guess what is in your mind—I really do not see why he should slip a manuscript which he values highly amongst my books.”
“Then you really never saw this before?” said Braddock, indicating the paper on the table, and impressed by Random's earnestness.
“How often do you want me to deny it?” retorted the young man impatiently. “Perhaps you will state on what grounds I am accused?”