Before Mostyn left to go on board the Quilboma he had an opportunity of saying farewell to Olive, and at the same time telling her of the astounding news.
"And to think that she—or, rather, he—bluffed the whole jolly lot of us," he added. "Even the Old Man and Doctor Selwyn were taken in completely."
"Not all of us, Peter," rejoined the girl softly. "I knew—but not at first."
"By Jove!" ejaculated the astonished Mostyn. "You did? When did you?"
"Not until the West Barbican was sinking," replied Olive. "I found it out then: I couldn't help it. Of course, I didn't know exactly what to do, and I knew nothing whatever of the crime she—I mean, he—had committed. But I meant to tell you some day, Peter."
"We are well rid of him," remarked Mostyn.
"Yes," agreed the girl thoughtfully. Then, after a pause, she added frankly. "But if it had not been for Mrs. Shallop I might never have met you, Peter."
Mostyn departed radiantly upon the voyage on which depended the fate of the Brocklington Ironworks Company's contract.
It was not until the day following that Davis, in his official capacity, completed the inspection of the dhow. When he came to knock off the lid of the box in which Mostyn had nailed up the gold and silver coins, he found that, although the seals were intact, the money had vanished.
Davis gave a low whistle.