“And a struggle ensued, and the boats upset, eh?”
“Yes, dear,” said Mrs Bolter, with a shudder. “Oh, why did you bring us out here, Henry, for such horrors to happen?”
“I did not know that these horrors had happened, my dear,” said the doctor, drily. “Let’s see first if the boat theory holds water. I don’t believe it does.”
“Then you think Murad is at the bottom of it?” she said, sharply.
“I’m for and against,” he replied. “Let’s wait and see. I don’t believe, however, that they are dead.”
“Oh, no—oh, no!” said Mrs Bolter, shuddering. “I cannot believe that. I’m afraid it’s all due, in some way, to Helen’s folly.”
“Yes, my dear,” said the doctor, “and it has quite upset my intended journey in search of the true Ophir.”
“And that’s your folly. Oh, Henry, how much happier I should be if you would give up that weakness of yours.”
“Sorry I can’t, Mary. It’s an old weakness that increases with age. Don’t be angry with me, my dear.”
“I am not angry, Henry; only you do worry me when you will keep talking about Solomon’s ships coming here for gold.”