human
But on what evidence?
gpt
The evidence that Granny said that she did say,
human
That evidence would not be accepted in a court of law,
gpt
I am aware of that. I have not been to Oxford for nothing, missy. But it gives me a clue, which I shall follow up. This afternoon I shall see Mrs. Tunks and question her.
human
But if she really knows anything, said Cyril, after a pause,
gpt
I am sure they were, said Bella emphatically.
human
I fancied that as Granny did not see the second set of papers, which Durgo got from Mr. Pence, that she did not know the name of Maxwell Faith, my father. But now I remember that in the first set, which she found and delivered to you, Durgo, my father's name was also mentioned; also the number and the value of the jewels. All her talk was of the jewels.
gpt
And of the murder of your real father by Huxham, said Durgo drily;
human
That is strange,
gpt
You no doubt think so, said the negro calmly,
human
But, Durgo, argued Cyril, surprised at this assumption,
gpt
You call them superstitions because you don't know their esoteric meaning. But there is such a thing as magic, white and black.
human
Magic! Pshaw!
gpt
Of course I never argue with an unbeliever, Cyril Lister, he said indifferently,
human
But not to Africa.
gpt
Africa has had her ancient civilisations also. In the time of the Atlanteans--but it's useless talking of such matters. All I say is, that there are certain natural laws which, when known, can enable anyone to part what you call the spirit from the body. When the spiritual eyes are open, much can be seen that it is difficult to prove on the physical plane.
human
I don't understand what you mean by these planes,
gpt
Quite so, and it would be useless for me to explain. But facts beyond your imagining exist, and had I the time I could prove much to you. Mrs. Tunks is what we call clairvoyant, and when in a trance state can see--well, you heard her say what she saw, Miss Huxham.
human
She must have read the first set of papers?
gpt
Probably she did, since woman is an animal filled with curiosity, said Durgo good-humouredly.
human
I don't mean to say that Granny Tunks is entirely genuine. There is a good deal of humbug about her, as there is about all the Romany tribes. She may have known about the jewels, and even your real father's name, but she did not know about his murder. Mrs. Tunks has a small portion of clairvoyant power, which does not act at all times. When that fails her she resorts to trickery.
gpt
Like spiritualists?
human
Exactly, assented the negro with decision.
gpt
In all phenomena connected with the unseen there is a great measure of truth, but charlatans spoil the whole business by resorting to trickery when their powers fail. And I may say that the spiritual powers do not act always, since in a great measure we are ignorant of the laws which govern them. But enough of this discussion. I do not seek to convince you. I shall see Mrs. Tunks this afternoon and gain from her actual proof of Vand's guilt.
human
But I fancied that you believed my father to be guilty,
gpt
So I did, and if he were I would not mind, since Huxham was a rogue. But from what Miss Faith--
human
Miss Huxham, interposed Bella hastily,
gpt
Very good. Well, from what Miss Huxham overheard I am inclined to think that Vand murdered the old sailor, aided by his wife.
human
For what reason?
gpt
You supplied it yourself, Miss Huxham; so that they might get his money.
human
But what about Pence's confession? said Cyril.
gpt
He might have committed the deed himself.
human
No; he had no reason to kill the old man, who was on his side in the matter of the marriage with Miss Huxham here. Besides, if Pence was guilty he certainly would not have composed what he did, and assuredly would not have produced the one hundred pounds he stole. Now that his madness for Miss Huxham is past, Pence has behaved like a rational being, and will do his best to assist us in solving this mystery. Durgo paused, then turned to the white man.
gpt
Cyril Lister, you put an advertisement into several London papers a week ago?
human
Yes; I did so without telling you, as I hoped to surprise you with a letter from my father telling us of his whereabouts. How do you know?
gpt
I saw the _Telegraph_ yesterday and also the _Daily Mail_, said Durgo, nodding approvingly;
human
If I had you should have seen it, said Cyril, wrinkling his brows as he always did when he was perplexed.
gpt
What can have become of him?
human
I fear my master Edwin Lister is dead,
gpt
Why?
human
Miss Huxham, you repeated to me that Granny Tunks in her trance said that the knife lying on the floor when the cripple entered to kill Huxham, was already bloody. Can't you see?
gpt
See what?
human
That if the knife were already bloody, Huxham must have killed my master Edwin Lister, and then was killed in turn by Vand the cripple.
gpt
That is all the black magic rubbish you talk of.
human
Well, then, if my master, your father, is alive and has the jewels, why does he not write to me or to you? He knows he can trust us both. Even the advertisements have failed. No --Durgo looked gloomy--
gpt
He arose abruptly.
human
Meet me at the 'Chequers,' Cyril Lister, and I shall tell you what I learn from Mrs. Tunks.
gpt
Can't I come also to see her?
human
Yes, if you like. Perhaps I shall be able to dispel your disbelief regarding these occult powers which she and I possess.
gpt
Is that why Mrs. Tunks calls you master?
human
Yes. She recognised that I had higher powers than she, when we first met, and so I was enabled to make her get those papers. Do you think she would have done so unless I had controlled her? No. Not even for the fifty pounds which I am taking to her to-day. She can make a better market out of Vand and his wife. She knows their guilt.
gpt
But cannot prove their guilt.
human
Perhaps, said the negro indifferently.
gpt
Good-day