Chapter 18

Going down to the front door, I met the sergeant on the steps.

It went against the grain with me, after what had passed between us, to show him that I felt

any sort of interest in his proceedings.

In spite of myself, however, I felt an interest that there was no resisting.

My sense of dignity sank from under me, and out came the words, what news from frizzing

hall?

I have seen the Indians, answered Sergeant Cough, and I have found out what Rosanna bought

privately in the town on Thursday last.

The Indians will be set free on Wednesday, in next week.

There is an adoubt on my mind, and there is an adoubt on Mr. Muthwates' mind that they

came to this place to steal the moonstone.

Their calculations were all thrown out, of course, by what happened in the house on

Wednesday night, and they have no more to do with the actual loss of the jewel than you

have.

But I can tell you one thing, Mr. Beteridge, if we don't find the moonstone they will.

You've not heard the last of the three jugglers yet.

Mr. Franklin came back from his walk, as the sergeant said those startling words.

Governing his curiosity better than I had governed mine, he passed us without a word, and

went on into the house.

As for me, having already dropped my dignity, I determined to have the whole benefit of the

sacrifice.

...