"Possibly," returned Manuel superciliously; "but my society, sir, has nothing to do with you."
"Ah!" said the detective ironically; "I am not a Blue Mummy!"
This time Captain Manuel was fairly taken by surprise. Evidently the random shot of the detective had unexpectedly hit the mark. The Spaniard flushed a dusky red; stepped forward; on second thoughts stepped back; and recovered his former serenity with an effort.
"I don't know what you mean," he said sullenly. Torry whistled softly, but said nothing. The attitude of the Spaniard confirmed the suspicions he entertained concerning the Blue Mummy. Evidently it was the badge of some secret society to which Manuel belonged. If so, as the token of the Blue Mummy had been found near both the victims, they must have been murdered by order of the association. But for what reason? Plainly because the ten thousand pounds which represented the funds of the society had been stolen. But who was the thief? Here Torry came to a pause, as his reason or imagination could lead him no further. However, to discover more, he determined to have Manuel watched; but in the meantime he was wise enough to hold his tongue.
Seeing that the detective made no reply, Manuel turned his back on him with a shrug of contempt, and walked smartly towards the door. There he turned and addressed Leighbourne.
"I shall expect repayment of that money within a fortnight," he said coldly. "Otherwise----"
"Well," cried the banker defiantly, "otherwise?"
"You will have to deal with the society," replied Manuel with grim significance, and disappeared as suddenly as he had entered. The three men left behind looked at one another.
"What does he mean by that threat?" asked Leighbourne uneasily.
"He means assassination, I fancy," said Torry coolly.