Miss Smith fell to her knees. “What have you done? This is—this is unspeakable!” She covered her face with her hands and began to sway. “How could you? How could you do such a terrible thing?”

“We must ascertain if he is alive,” I said unsteadily.

Emerson appeared at my side. “Stay here,” he ordered us. “I do not think he could have survived, but I will find out in a moment.”

Mr. Dullard was motionless, his mouth agape. Miss Smith was moaning as she continued to sway. I waited until Emerson was halfway to the tree before I caught up with him. “What a bizarre scene,” I commented when he glowered at me. “I was surprised by Mr. Dullard’s quick response, for which I am grateful.”

“Feeling in need of fresh air, I was on the top deck and saw everything. David slew Goliath with a stone from a sling. Mr. Dullard’s actions were less poetic, but effective.” He stopped and looked up at the rider’s face. “The bastard appears to have died from a broken neck. His eyes are rounded with terror. As much as I would prefer to leave him here, I suppose I should haul him down so that he might rest in peace—if the nocturnal predators keep their distance. One of our men can stand guard until the police come in the morning.”

As I stepped forward for a closer look, I heard a crunch under my shoe. I did not require a premonition to identify the source of the sound. “Here is his monocle, Emerson. It is too late to introduce you properly to Absalom. I suspect you will find his calling card in his pocket.”

Emerson clasped the man’s legs and lifted him until the limp body was freed from the branch, then unceremoniously dropped him, flipped him onto his back, and pulled up the thobe, which covered a pair of Western trousers. After a quick search of the man’s pockets, Emerson removed a small rectangle of cardboard and said, “He is Absalom. We shall not mourn his death, Peabody. His scimitar flew under that palm tree on the other side of the path. Dash it, I am obligated to thank that damned missionary for saving your life! I wish I had been beside you.”

“You must acknowledge Mr. Dullard’s bravery. Please try to do so without snorting under your breath or scowling.” I could not prevent myself from trembling as the scene replayed itself in my mind. Emerson caught me around my waist as my knees buckled. My face against his manly chest, I allowed a few tears to dampen his shirt. “There remains another one of these beastly brothers. This is intolerable, Emerson. We can only wait for the next assassination attempt.”