Page:Gaston Leroux--The bride of the sun.djvu/56

42 forgive myself for not having thought of it. You must attribute it, señorita, to one of those other unfortunates who, like myself, have worshiped in vain.... There is Pedro Ribera.... He looks dark enough to have done it.... Ribera!"

But Ribera knew no more of the bracelet that Don Alonso. He also admired the strange jewel, and was equally sorry he had not sent it.

Don Christobal was becoming irritated, and was sorry now that he had mentioned the matter to them. He could not, without appearing ridiculous, ask them not to speak of it, and he knew very well that within two hours every tea-table in the Plaza Mayor would be discussing the new topic. Maria-Teresa guessed his thoughts.

"As our guess was wrong, the whole thing rather loses point. So we must wait until the generous donor comes and confesses. In the meantime, let it be forgotten." And, slipping off the bracelet, she put it into her reticule.

"I wonder if it was Huascar," suggested Dick, as the two young men left them.

"Huascar? Why Huascar?" asked the Marquis.

"Well, it's an old Indian bracelet... . He's the only Indian I know of, and I know he is very devoted to the family. Suppose he found