"It's aching a bit," I admitted. "What's the damage? Anything
serious?"
"Well, it was rather a close shave," said Bobby drily. "Manning's
bullet ripped along the side of your skull and knocked you out as
clean as a whistle. A devilish good shot--under the circumstances."
There was a moment's pause.
"Go on, Robert," I said, "you're just getting interesting."
Christine made a faint movement of protest.
"The doctor will be here in a minute. Hadn't we better wait?"
"No, no," I protested. "I must hear what happened."
She glanced across at Bobby.
"Very well, then," she said quietly, "you tell him."
"I don't know if Manning saw you fall," continued Bobby, "but if so
it was the last thing he did see on this earth. We all fired
directly he raised his hand. He got three bullets, one from
Christine, one from Campbell, and one from me. It will be a very
interesting point as to which of us killed him."
"And Craill?" I asked.
"You laid Craill out all right. At the present moment he's in the
Pen Mill Police Station nursing a sick elbow."
For an instant I hesitated. Christine must have guessed my unspoken
question, for when I looked up at her her eyes were wet with tears.
"We found my uncle lying dead on the deck," she whispered. "Dr. Ross
had always told me that any great shock or excitement----"
Her voice faltered, and, breaking into a pitiful little sob, she
buried her face in her hands.
"My poor darling," I said hoarsely. "I'd have given anything in the
world----"
With a brave effort she raised her head and brushed away the tears
which were running down her cheeks.
"I know," she said, "I know how you feel. I can't help crying, it's
all so sad and terrible, but even if it were possible I don't think I
would wish him to be alive. It nearly broke my heart to see him as
he was. Now at least he is at peace."
She turned to Bobby.
"Don't bother about me," she added. "Just tell him the rest before
the doctor comes."
"There isn't much more to tell," said Bobby quietly. "We towed the
launch to Pen Mill, and Campbell went ashore and rang up the police.
The Head Constable came over at once and brought the doctor with him.
There was the devil of a fuss, as you can imagine. Fortunately,
however, the old boy knew all about Campbell, and after a lot of jaw
we were allowed to bring you back here and put you to bed. It was
nearly midnight by then, and we've been taking turns sitting up with
you ever since."
"What's the time now?" I demanded.
Bobby glanced at his watch.
"Close on twelve."
"And where's Campbell?" I asked.
"He stopped ashore with the police. There's going to be an inquest
on Manning this afternoon, and----"
He was interrupted by a loud ring at the front door bell.
Christine rose quickly.
"It's probably the doctor," she said. "He promised to come over as
soon as he was free."
She motioned Bobby to remain where he was, and, crossing the room,
disappeared into the passage.
"We got the diamonds all right," added Bobby cheerfully. "Campbell
had a squint at them, and he says there are only about a third
missing. He reckons you ought to get at least twenty thousand out of
the Brazilian Government."
"I've had my share," I said. "You and he and Christine can split it
up between you."
"I'll do nothing of the sort," began Bobby indignantly. "If you like
to give Campbell--" He stopped short at the sound of returning
footsteps, and a moment later Christine entered the room.
"A man has called with a message from Mr. Campbell," she said. "He
wants you to go over to the hotel at once."
Bobby got up from the bed.
"Something to do with this infernal inquest I suppose."
He reached for his cap, which was lying on the dressing-table, and,
having patted Christine paternally on the shoulder, walked to the
doorway, where he turned round and surveyed us both.
"So long, my children," he observed. "Settle it for when you like,
but don't forget that I'm to be best man."
* * * * *
For just a second after he had gone we both remained silent.
"I suppose we must let him have his way," I said. "We can't very
well refuse after all he's done for us."
Christine stood looking down at me with a world of love and
tenderness in her eyes.
"I don't know why it is," she said helplessly, "I feel as if I wanted
to laugh and cry at the same time."