"Assassination!" cried Vass, staring up. "You mean----?
"Well," said the detective thoughtfully, "of course I may be wrong; but it strikes me that this secret society to which Manuel refers, and of which he apparently is the treasurer, is an association somewhat after the fashion of the Italian Carbonari. That society was founded for patriotic purposes tempered by assassination. Probably Manuel's association is formed to overturn the present Government of his beloved country. To do so funds are needed, and the ten thousand pounds given to Mr. Grent are doubtless the moneys of the society. Failing Mr. Grent, who is dead, the society represented by Manuel will no doubt hold the bank responsible; and if the moneys are not refunded, may attempt to kill those who represent the bank. Stay you, Mr. Leighbourne, and Mr. Vass here."
"Bah!" cried Leighbourne, with a forced laugh. "You are trying to frighten us. People don't do such things nowadays."
"Don't they?" rejoined Torry drily. "What about the Anarchists? But I'll tell you one thing, gentlemen: whichever one of you is killed, the image of a Blue Mummy will be found beside him."
"What?" cried Vass aghast--"do you think that this society you speak of killed Mr. Grent?"
"Going by circumstantial evidence, I do."
"But for what reason?"
"Because I fancy Mr. Grent stole that money, and intended to bolt to America with it."
"Impossible!" said Vass. "I tell you I saw the money in the safe after he left."
"Well, if he did not take it himself, someone who had the key of the safe must have done so, by his order."