“I agree with you,” Nicolas said, “and I expect there is an explanation, if we only knew the truth. But apparently the madman, who will, of course, be hanged, is quite convincing.”
“Perhaps he thought that it was one way of saving his skin,” Vincent suggested.
As he spoke, he saw Nicolas put down the bottle of beer that he had been drinking and it was empty.
“Are you still thirsty?” he asked. “Would you like another?”
“Need you ask?” Nicolas replied. “I have been riding all day in this gruelling heat. I would drink the Atlantic if it was available!”
“I have two more beers,” Vincent said. “I will give you one and share the second with you.”
“It is something I would rather have at the moment,” his friend laughed, “than all the Rajah’s jewels!”
“I will go and fetch them,” Vincent said,
