18
THE SURAKARTA
That is what the sending of the emerald means. And Miss Regan's receiving of it tomorrow means that she will marry him—will become the wife of this Malay, Mr. Hereford."
Hereford scrutinized him with narrowed eyes.
"The sending of this—receiving it—tomorrow?" he questioned. "What do you mean?"
The traveler, seeing that at last he had made his impression, struck the desk.
"I mean that the emerald is here—the Soesoehoenan's envoys have it here at this moment at the Hotel Tonty. Tomorrow morning they will deliver it to your ward; and she will take it and formally betroth herself to the Soesoehoenan—unless you prevent it."
