"
I took our mongrel accordingly, and left him, together with a
half-sovereign, at the old naturalist's in Pinchin Lane. At
Camberwell I found Miss Morstan a little weary after her night's
adventures, but very eager to hear the news. Mrs. Forrester,
too, was full of curiosity. I told them all that we had done,
suppressing, however, the more dreadful parts of the tragedy.
Thus, although I spoke of Mr. Sholto's death, I said nothing of
the exact manner and method of it. With all my omissions,
however, there was enough to startle and amaze them.
"It is a romance!" cried Mrs. Forrester. "An injured lady, half
a million in treasure, a black cannibal, and a wooden-legged
ruffian. They take the place of the conventional dragon or
wicked earl."
"And two knight-errants to the rescue," added Miss Morstan, with
a bright glance at me.
"Why, Mary, your fortune depends upon the issue of this search.
I don't think that you are nearly excited enough. Just imagine
what it must be to be so rich, and to have the world at your
feet!"
It sent a little thrill of joy to my heart to notice that she
showed no sign of elation at the prospect. On the contrary, she
gave a toss of her proud head, as though the matter were one in
which she took small interest.
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