“On what grounds?”
“The Begum’s jewels, which she gave George Inderwick were temple treasures and should not have been parted with.”
“Hum!” said Alan meditatively. “I remember Bakche saying something about priests. Is he one himself?”
“No,” answered the woman quietly, “but he is the rightful heir to the jewels, as you can see from the snakes on his right arm.”
“I don’t see how that proves his ownership!”
“Many of the ornaments are in the form of snakes set with gems.”
“Still I don’t see,” persisted Fuller doubtfully.
Miss Grison sat down impatiently, as apparently the late excitement had affected her nerves. “I’m sure I can’t explain further. Mr. Bakche declared that the jewels are sacred and that he wants to get them back. The snake sign I mention is tattooed on his right forearm twisting in spirals up from the wrist to the elbow. Ask him to show it to you.”
“I don’t think it interests me,” said Fuller dryly. “Mr. Bakche assuredly shall not get Marie’s property if I can prevent it.”
“I think the peacock prevents it,” said Miss Grison spitefully. “Until you guess the riddle you can’t find the gems, and I hope you never will.’