Though the expedition was in Italian territory, though he was aware
that a tribe of hostile Arabs was already hovering on the outskirts of
the camp, though the presence of Irene rendered it imperative that he
should not risk the attack which would probably be made that night,
these urgent conditions of the moment did not prevail in the least
degree against the maddening suspicion that the self-confessed forger
who had duped him had put the seal on a piece of clever rascality by
exploiting the real treasure-ground for his own benefit.
Royson was far from expecting this development. Yet, now that it had
occurred, he saw that it was inevitable. Before Abdur Kad'r appeared he
guessed why Mr. Fenshawe wanted him in such a hurry. Irene, who had
never known her grandfather to be so greatly disturbed, whispered
earnestly to her lover:
"If grandad wishes you to follow von Kerber, you must be too ill to do
anything of the sort."
"Then I shall remain here alone," said he, smiling at her dismay.
"Unless I am much mistaken we shall all be hot on his track before we
are many hours older.
Pages:
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409