“Zudi drum bring trouble. Antón tell master so when he bring it to this country.”
“And what do you suggest we do with the drum?”
“Antón take care of it,” the servant offered eagerly. “Sink it deep in river.”
Lorinda smiled and shook her head. “The Zudi drum is my stepfather’s most cherished possession. He never would forgive me if I disposed of it while he’s gone.”
“Maybe master never come back.”
“Antón!” Lorinda reproved. “You’re not to make such remarks!”
“Yes’m,” the man muttered, but as he retreated from the library doorway Penny fancied she saw him smile as if well pleased with himself.
After the servant had gone, Lorinda remarked in a whisper: “I wish he hadn’t seen me put the drum away. Somehow I’ve never trusted Antón although he’s always been devoted to my stepfather. Sometimes I feel that he hates me.”
“You say he didn’t know until just now where the drum was kept?”
“No, he may have suspected, but he never was certain. Antón always has been deeply interested in that drum, which as I understand, belonged to another tribe—sworn enemies of Antón’s group. He and Celeste helped my stepfather obtain the drum, or rather they told him about its existence, so I suppose it’s natural that they remain interested.”