“Only for a time, till I have found Arthur.”
“Then you do think he will be found?”
“I am sure of it. Why, who would hurt him, the best and most inoffensive of men?”
“Surely no one,” said Mrs Bolter, with a sigh.
“Of course not. I’ve tried to get something out of Murad, but my messengers have failed; but all the same, I feel sure he knows all about it, and burked Arthur for a reason of his own.”
“But what reason could he have?” cried Mrs Bolter.
“Well, I’ll tell you my theory, my dear, and it is this: he meant to silence all Helen’s scruples by marrying her according to our rites.”
“Do you think so?”
“I do; and that is why he secured Arthur. If it was not so, it was because he was in the way. Anyhow, we can get nothing from the rascal, so I mean to go up the river again. I have my plans working.”
“But, Henry!”