“I understand. You refer to his having purchased the Eye of Jobu.”
“He either stole it himself, or had it stolen,” maintained Zulima.
“I hardly think Mr. Stolburst would descend so low.”
The girl felt a keen pain at the heart. Up to within a few days she had also believed Henry Stolburst was all that was good and noble. Had his crime been that of killing her Uncle Ajeeb, high priest though the latter was, she could have forgiven him. But the insult to the god of her people, that could not be overlooked.
“Now,” continued the detective, “I know positively that this famous green diamond is not in the possession of Mr. Stolburst.”
Zulima gave a great start. Then she turned her wonderful eyes upon her visitor.
Could it be, after all, that her protector and friend had told her the truth in declaring he did not possess the stone?
He had not parted with it for a money consideration, she felt quite sure. Zulima knew the explorer was very wealthy.
What had become of the Eye of Jobu, then?
Ajeeb would not return to Africa without it.