“He thinks you had better send your jewel-case on with the treasure, and get it placed in safety,” said Zoe bluntly, unreasonably irritated by Eirene’s assumption that Wylie was staying on her account.
“Never!” said Eirene decisively. “I won’t part with it.”
“Oh, very well. Every one is talking about it, and the revolutionaries are sure to hear. Then they will come and besiege the inn, and you will have to give it up.”
“Not while I live.”
“Well, if you think Maurice and Captain Wylie—or any one—would sacrifice the lives of a whole houseful of people just for the sake of your jewels, I don’t.”
Eirene wavered a little. “What does Maurice say?” she asked.
“He thinks, as I do, that if you are our sister, your brother’s wishes ought to have some effect on you.”
“If I only knew they would be safe!” sighed Eirene.
“Why, they are sure to be safe. You will be given a receipt for them, I expect, and then the railway people would be responsible.”
“If I thought that——!” Eirene was still gripping the box. “Zoe, will you find out at once? If the railway people will guarantee the safety of the case, I will entrust it to them.”