human
I went to see you, said Durgo, addressing Cyril,
gpt
Did you----
human
Yes, said Durgo coolly,
gpt
I did. He would have made a noise, so I had to dash him to the ground. He hit his head against the fender. Mrs. Giles, he added with a grim laugh,
human
What do you make out of that?
gpt
Oh --Durgo glanced from one to the other--
human
About her interview? Yes! I am sorry you took her advice and saw Pence, for I knew that ill would come of it.
gpt
Much good has come of it, as I am here to explain, said he quietly.
human
You were right, Miss Huxham. Pence had certain papers stolen from Captain Huxham's safe.
gpt
Then he is guilty of the----
human
I can't be certain of that, interrupted the negro sharply.
gpt
I had no time to question Pence. As soon as I got the papers which he carried in his breast-coat pocket I slipped through the window. Lucky that I did so, for his landlady came in almost immediately in answer to the ring of the handbell. If he hadn't sounded it I should not have rendered him insensible, but I had to do so for my own safety.
human
Well, well, well! said Cyril impatiently, and looking at the papers,
gpt
It is. And I congratulate Miss Huxham on her clever brain. Pence was certainly a fool to say as much as he did, and especially to so talented a lady who guessed----
human
There! there! No more compliments. Tell us both at once. Did he speak truly when he stated that Miss Huxham was not the captain's daughter?
gpt
He spoke absolutely truly, as you will find when you read this,
human
Oh! she said, flushing a bright pink,
gpt
We haven't time to read all that now, he said gruffly.
human
Tell us shortly what you have discovered, Durgo?
gpt
Your name is Isabella Faith, he stated,
human
But how did I come to pass as Captain Huxham's daughter?
gpt
So far as I can read the story, which Captain Huxham has set down in that bundle you hold, he was smitten with compunction for having murdered your father and so adopted you.
human
How terrible to have lived with such a wicked old man, she said.
gpt
I never liked Captain Huxham, but thinking him my father I tried my best to do my duty. No wonder he would not leave the property to me!
human
I think he intended to leave you the jewels, though, said Durgo, thoughtfully.
gpt
He mentions in those papers that he intended to make a will leaving them to you, since his sister, Mrs. Vand, claimed Bleacres and his income. It's my opinion that Mrs. Vand learned how her brother had murdered Maxwell Faith, and so forced him to make that will.
human
Then the jewels really belong to you, Bella?
gpt
Yes, said Durgo, rising and making a courteous bow.
human
And when we find Edwin Lister, my master, he shall restore the jewels.
gpt
But your expedition?
human
I fear that there will be no expedition, he said seriously.
gpt
I cannot rob you of your fortune, Miss Faith. Marry our friend here and be happy.
human
But what will you do?
gpt
I shall search out Edwin Lister and return to Africa. In one way or another I daresay we can manage to get back to my tribe. Then I shall measure my strength and education against my cousin, who is wrongfully chief. For the rest, there is no more to be said. The papers you have, Miss Faith, will prove your birth and reveal all the doings of Huxham. There is no more for me to do, so I shall bid you both good-day and wish you all good luck.
human
He is a good fellow, after all, he said.
gpt
That black skin covers a white heart. Oh! Bella, how strange it all is.
human
Take me home, said the girl faintly, and with white cheeks.
gpt
I can bear no more at present. Isabella Faith is my name now----
human
Until you change it to that of Isabella Lister,