“My dear madame,” said Burt, “I feel satisfied I shall recover this diamond, and I promise it will be returned, unless harm has come to Henry Stolburst.”
Had harm come to her late friend?
That was the question the girl asked herself. The thought caused her to shudder.
If Stolburst was in Ajeeb’s power, and was, as the detective stated, unable to return the Eye of Jobu, what might not have happened? She knew her uncle’s heart could not be moved by pity, and she also felt sure he would not credit the story that the explorer had been robbed.
Zulima felt herself in great measure responsible for Stolburst’s safety. But, then, she dare not tell the detective where her uncle could be found.
“I am sure,” she said, “that, beyond giving him a fright, Ajeeb would not injure Mr. Stolburst.”
“You have seen Ajeeb?”
“Is he not my uncle? What could be more natural than that he should visit me?” returned Zulima.
“Did you ever visit him?”
“Yes.”