"My father!" cried Bella, startled.
"Yes, missy," said Durgo, bending his head towards her with grave respect. "He was well known in Nigeria many years ago, as he had a river steamer there. Edwin Lister then came to London with me, and afterwards came to see Captain Huxham here. That was some weeks ago, and he promised me to return. As he did not, I came down and then heard of the murder of Captain Huxham. But where is my master, Edwin Lister?" and Durgo looked from one to the other.
"Have you not seen him since?" asked Cyril anxiously.
"No." Durgo shook his head profoundly.
"What do you think has become of him?" asked Cyril, still white.
Durgo reflected. "I think," he said gravely, "that Edwin Lister killed Captain Huxham and ran away. Soon he will write to me and I can join him. Then we can return to Nigeria and hunt for the treasure."
"But why should Mr. Lister kill my father?" asked Bella.
"He wanted money," said Durgo simply. "If Captain Huxham would not give the money, Edwin Lister would kill him. It is quite simple. But I wish," added the negro wisely, "that my master had let me kill Captain Huxham."
"Would you have done so?" cried Bella, horrified.
Durgo looked up in surprise. "Oh, yes, if Edwin Lister had wished it."