.

THE LETTER.
At this second insult Archie quite expected to see the skipper again draw his revolver and shoot.

He therefore jumped up rapidly to once more avert disaster.

But perhaps the fiery American was awed by the presence of a second lady--since men of the adventurous type are often shy when the fair sex is at hand--for he meekly sat where he was and did not even contradict.

Don Pedro shook hands with Sir Frank, and then Hervey smiled blandly.
"I see you don't believe in my theory," said he scoffingly.
"What theory is that ?" asked Random hastily.
"Hervey declares that you murdered Bolton, stole the manuscript from him, and concealed it in your room," said Archie succinctly.
"I can't suggest any other reason for its presence in the room," observed the American with a grim smile.