“No. He stole it from me and I stole it from Mr. Sorley.”
“You stole it!” Fuller started up in amazement. “Why did you?”
“Oh, I had good reason to, I assure you. I am not ashamed of my theft. That peacock ruined Baldwin, and that peacock shall ruin——”
“Mr. Sorley,” broke in Fuller, keeping his eyes on her face.
“No! no.” She flung up her hands. “It will ruin me! me! me!”
CHAPTER VII
YULETIDE
Alan could make nothing of Miss Grison’s final remark, for after stating—and in a somewhat hysterical fashion—that the peacock would ruin her, she asked him to leave. In vain he asked for a more detailed explanation. Recovering her usual wooden manner, she declined to speak further, and Fuller returned to the rooms at Barkers Inn to report the result of his visit to Dick. It was unsatisfactory, and Alan said as much.
“I don’t agree with you,” remarked Latimer, after some reflection. “You have seen Jotty ticketed as Alonzo—what a name; and have learned the early history of this unfortunate brother and sister. Finally, you have met with Mr. Morad-Bakche.”
“He’s got nothing to do with the matter anyhow.”
“My dear son, George Inderwick obtained this treasure you are looking for, in India. Simon Ferrier manufactured the peacock in India, and Mr. Morad-Bakche comes from India.”