\"Well，letusgoinandseeifSidneyarriveswiththecase。\"
Theypassedoutofthegardenandsaunteredroundtothefrontofthehouse。There，standingintheroadway，theybeheldaponderouslorrywitharough-lookingdriverstandingatthehorses’heads。Thefrontdoorofthehousewasopen，sothemummycasehad。apparentlyarrivedbeforeitstime，andhadbeentakentoBraddock’smuseumwhiletheywerechattinginthekitchengarden。
\"DidMr。Boltoncomewiththecase？\"askedLucy，leaningovertherailingsandaddressingthedriver。
\"Noonecame，miss，exceptmyselfandmytwomates，whohavetakenthecaseindoor。\"Thedriverjerkedacoarsethumboverhisshoulder。
\"WasMr。Boltonatthehotel，wherethecaseremainedforthenight？\"
\"No，miss-thatis，IdunnowhoMr。Boltonis。ThelandlordoftheSailor’sResttoldmeandmymatestotakethecasetothisherehouse，andwedoneit。That’sallIknow，miss。\"
\"Strange，\"murmuredLucy，walkingtothefrontdoor。\"Whatdoyouthink，Archie？Isn’titstrange？\"
Hopenodded。\"ButIdaresayBoltonwillexplainhisabsence，\"
saidhe，followingher。\"HewillarriveintimetoopenthemummycasealongwiththeProfessor。\"
\"Ihopeso，\"saidMissKendal，wholookedmuchperplexed。\"I
can’tunderstandSidneyabandoningthecase，whenitmightsoeasilyhavebeenstolen。Comeinandseemyfather，Archie，\"andshepassedintothehouse，followedbytheyoungman，whosecuriositywasnowaroused。Astheyenteredthedoor，thetwomenwhohadtakeninthecaseblunderedoutandshortlydroveawayonthelorrytowardsJessumrailwaystation。
InthemuseumtheyfoundBraddockpurplewithrageandswearingvigorously。Hewasstaringatalargepackingcase，whichhadbeensetuponendagainstthewall，whilebesidehimcrouchedCockatoo，holdingchiselsandhammersandwedgesnecessarytoopenthetreasuretrove。
\"Sothepreciousmummyhasarrived，father，\"saidLucy，whosawthattheProfessorwasfurious。\"Areyounotpleased？\"
\"Pleased！pleased！\"shoutedtheangrymanofscience。\"HowcanIbepleasedwhenIseehowbadlythecasehasbeentreated？Seehowithasbeenbruisedandbatteredandshaken！I’llhaveanactionagainstCaptainHerveyofTheDiverifmymummyhasbeeninjured。Sidneyshouldhavetakenbettercareofsopreciousanobject。\"
\"Whatdoeshesay？\"askedArchie，glancingroundthemuseumtoseeifthedelinquenthadarrived。
\"Say！\"shoutedBraddockagain，andsnatchingachiselfromCockatoo。\"Oh，whatcanhesaywhenheisnothere？\"
\"Nothere？\"saidLucy，moreandmoresurprisedattheunaccountableabsenceofBraddock’sassistant。\"Whereishe，then？\"
\"Idon’tknow。IwishIdid；I’dhavehimarrestedforneglectingtowatchoverthiscase。Asitis，whenhecomesbackI’lldismisshimfrommyemployment。Hecangobacktohisinfernallaundryworkalongwithhisoldwitchofamother。\"
\"Butwhyhasn’tBoltoncomeback，sir？\"askedHopesharply。
Braddockstruckafuriousblowattheheadofthechiselwhichhehadinsertedintothecase。
\"Iwanttoknowthat。HebroughtthecasetotheSailor’sRest，andshouldhavecomeonwithitthismorning。Insteadofdoingso，hetellsthelandlord-amostunreliableman-tosenditon。Andmypreciousmummy-themummythathascostninehundredpounds，\"criedBraddock，workingfuriously，andbatteringthechiselasthoughitwereBolton’sheadislefttobestolenbyanyscientificthiefthatcomesalong。\"WhiletheProfessor，assistedbyCockatoo，loosenedthelidofthepackingcase，amildvoicewasheardatthedoor。Lucyturned，asdidArchie，toseeWidowAnnecurtseyingonthethresholdofthedoor。
Braddockhimselftooknonoticeofherentrance，beingoccupiedwithhistask，andevenwhiledoingitsworescientificallyunderhisbreath。HewasfuriousagainstBoltonforneglectofduty，andHoperathersympathizedwithhim。Itwasaseriousmattertohaveleftavaluableobjectlikethegreenmummytotheroughcareoflaborers。
\"Ibegyourpardon，mylady，\"whimperedWidowAnne，wholookedmoreleanandrustyanddismalthanever；\"buthasmySidcome？
Isawthecartandthecoffin。Where’smyboy？\"
\"Coffin！coffin！\"bellowedBraddockangrilybetweenthunderblows。\"Whatdoyoumeanbycallingthiscaseacoffin？\"
\"Well，itdoholdoneofthemcamphoratedcorps，sir，\"saidMrs。
Boltonwithanothercurtsey。\"MyboySidtoldmeasmuch，aforehewenttothemfurrenparts。\"
\"Haveyouseenhimsincehereturned？\"questionedLucy，whileBraddockandCockatoostrainedatthelid，nownearlyoff。
\"Why，Iain’tseteyesonhim，\"moanedthewidowdismally，\"andsummattellsmeasIneverwill。\"
\"Don’ttalkrubbish，woman，\"saidArchietartly，forhedidnotwishLucytobeupsetagainbythisancientghoul。
\"Womanindeed，sir。I’dhaveyouknow，-oh！\"thewidowjumpedandquaveredasthelidofthepackingcasefellonthefloorwithabang。\"Ohlor，sir，thestartyoudidgiveme！\"
ButBraddockhadnoeyesforher，andnoearsforanyone。Hepulledlustilyatthestrawpacking，andsoonthefloorwaslitteredwithrubbish。Butnogreencaseappeared，andnomummy。
SuddenlyWidowAnneshriekedagain\"There’smySid-dead-oh，myson，dead！dead！\"
Shespoketruly。ThebodyofSidneyBoltonwasbeforethem。
CHAPTERV
MYSTERY
AfterthatonecryofagonyfromWidowAnne，therewassilenceforquiteoneminute。Theterriblecontentsofthepackingcasestartledandterrifiedallpresent。Faintandwhite，Lucyclungtothearmofherlovertokeepherselffromsinkingtotheground，asMrs。Boltonhaddone。Archiestaredatthegrotesquerigidityofthebody，asthoughhehadbeenchangedintostone，whileProfessorBraddockstaredlikewise，scarcelyabletocredittheevidenceofhiseyes。OnlytheKanakawasunmovedandsquattedonhishams，indifferentlysurveyingthelivingandthedead。Asasavagehecouldnotbeexpectedtohavethenervesofcivilizedman。
Braddock，whohaddroppedchiselandhammerinthefirstmovementofsurprise，wasthequickesttorecoverhispowersofspeech。
Thesolequestionheasked，revealedthemarvelousegotismofascientist，nominatedbyoneidea。\"WhereisthemummyofIncaCaxas？\"hemurmuredwithabewilderedair。
WidowAnne，grovelingonthefloor，pulledhergraylocksintowildconfusion，andutteredacryofmingledrageandgrief。\"Heasksthat？heasksthat？\"shecried，stammeringandchoking，\"whenhehasmurderedmypoorboySid。\"
\"What’s，that？\"demandedBraddocksharply，andrecoveringfromaveritablestupor，whichthedisappearanceofthemummyandthesightofhisdeadassistanthadthrownhiminto。\"Killyourson:
howcouldIkillyourson？WhatadvantagewouldithavebeentomehadIkilledyourson？\"
\"Godknows！Godknows！\"sobbedtheoldwoman，\"butyou-\"
\"Mrs。Bolton，youareraving，\"saidHopehastily，andstrovetoraiseherfromthefloor。\"LetMissKendaltakeyouaway。Andyougo，Lucy:thissightistooterribleforyoureyes。\"
Lucy，inarticulatewithnervousfear，noddedandtotteredtowardsthedoorofthemuseum；butWidowAnnerefusedtobeliftedtoherfeet。
\"Myboyisdead，\"shewailed；\"myboySidisacorpasIsawhiminmydream。Inthecoffin，too，cuttopieces-\"
\"Rubbish！rubbish！\"interruptedBraddock，peeringintothedepthsofthepackingcase。\"Icanseenowound。\"
Mrs。Boltonleapedtoherfeetwithanagilitysurprisinginsoagedawoman。\"Letmefindthewound，\"shescreamed，throwingherselfforward。
Hopecaughtherbackandforcedhertowards，thedoor。\"No！\"Thebodymustnotbedisturbeduntilthepoliceseeit，\"hesaidfirmly。
\"Thepolice-ah，yes，thepolice，\"remarkedBraddockquickly，\"wemustsendforthepolicetoPiersideandtellthemmymummyhasbeenstolen。\"
\"Thatmyboyhasbeenmurdered，\"screechedWidowAnne，wavingherskinnyarms，andstrivingtobreak’fromArchie。\"YouwickedolddeviltokillmydarlingSid。Ifhehadn’tgonetothemfurrenpartshewouldn’tbeacorpnow。ButI’llhavethelawr:you’llbehanged，you-you-\"
BraddocklosthispatienceunderthistorrentofunjustaccusationsandrushedtowardsMrs。Bolton，draggingCockatoobythearm。Inlesstimethanittakestotell，hehadsweptbothArchieandthewidowoutintothehall，whereLucywastrembling，andCockatoo，byhismaster’sorder，waslockingthedoor。
\"Notathingshallbetoucheduntilthepolicecome。Hope，youare，awitnessthatIhavenotmeddledwiththedead:youwerepresentwhenIopenedthepackingcase:youhaveseenthatauselessbodyhasbeensubstitutedforavaluablemummy。Andyetthisoldwitchdares-dares-\"Braddockstampedandgrewincoherentfromsheerrage。
Archiesoothedhim，leavinggoofWidowAnne’sarmtodoso。
\"Hush！hush！\"saidtheyoungmanquietly，\"thepoorwomandoesnotknowwhatsheissaying。I’llgoforthepoliceand-\"
\"No，\"interruptedtheProfessorsharply；\"CockatoocangofortheinspectorofPierside。Ishallcallinthevillageconstable。
Meanwhileyoukeepthekeyofthemuseum，\"hedroppeditintoHope’sbreast-pocket，\"sothatyouandthepolicemaybesurethebodyhasnotbeentouched。WidowAnne，gohome，\"heturnedangrilyontheoldcreature，whowasnowtremblingafterherburstofrage，\"anddon’tdaretocomehereagainuntilyouaskpardonforwhatyouhavesaid。\"
\"Iwanttobenearmypoorboy’scorp，\"wailedWidowAnne，\"andI’mverysorry，Perfesser。Ididn’tmeanto-\"
\"Butyouhave，youwitch。Goaway！\"andhestamped。
ButbythistimeLucyhadrecoveredherself-possession，whichhadbeensorelyshakenbythesightofthedead。\"Leavehertome，\"sheobserved，takingMrs。Bolton’sarm，andleadinghertowardsthestairs。\"Ishalltakehertomyroomandgivehersomebrandy。Father，youmustmakesomeallowanceforhernaturalgrief，and-\"
Braddockstampedagain。\"Takeheraway！takeheraway！\"hecriedtestily，\"andkeepheroutofmysight。Isitnotenoughtohavelostaninvaluableassistant，andacostlymummyofinfinitehistoricalandarchaeologicalvalue，withoutmybeingaccusedof-of-oh！\"TheProfessorchokedwithrageandshookhishandintheair。
Seeingthathewasunabletospeak，Lucyseizedtheopportunityofthelullinthestorm，andhurriedtheoldwoman，sobbingandmoaning，upthestairs。BythistimetheshrieksofMrs。Bolton，andthewordywrathofBraddock，haddrawnthecookandherhusband，alongwiththehousemaid，fromthebasementtothegroundfloor。Thesightoftheirsurprisedfacesonlyaddedtotheirmaster’sanger，andheadvancedfuriously。
\"Godownstairsagain:godown，Itellyou！\"
\"Butifthere’sanythingwrong，sir，\"venturedthegardenertimidly。
\"Everythingiswrong。Mymummyhasbeenlost:Mr。Boltonhasbeenmurdered。Thepolicearecoming，and-and-\"Hechokedagain。
Buttheservantswaitedtohearnomore。Themerementionofthewords\"murder\"and\"police\"sentthem，pale-facedandstartled，downtothebasement，wheretheyhuddledlikeaflockofsheep。
BraddocklookedaroundforHope，butfoundthathehadopenedthefrontdoor，andhadvanished。ButhewastoodistractedtothinkwhyArchiehadgone，andtherewasmuchtodoinputtingthingsstraight。BeckoningtoCockatoo，hestalkedintoasideroom，andscribbledapencilnotetotheinspectorofpoliceatPierside，tellinghimofwhathadhappened，andaskinghimtocomeatoncetothePyramidswithhisunderlings。ThiscommunicationhedispatchedbyCockatoo，whoflewtogethisbicycle。InashorttimehewasridingattopspeedtoBrefort，whichwasonthissideoftheriver；facingPierside。Therehecouldferryacrosstothetownanddeliverhisterriblemessage。
Havingdoneallthathecoulduntilthepolicecame，BraddockwalkedoutofthefrontdoorandintotheroadwaytoseeifArchiewasinsight。Hecouldnotseetheyoungman，but，asluckwouldhaveit，andbyoneofthosecoincidenceswhicharemuchmorecommonthanissuspected，hesawtheGartleydoctorwalkingbrisklypast。
\"Hi！\"shoutedtheProfessor，whowaspurpleinthefaceandperspiringprofusely。\"Hi，there，Dr。Robinson！Iwantyou。
Come！come！hurry，man，hurry！\"heendedinatestyrage，andthedoctor，knowingBraddock’seccentricities，advancedwithasmile。
Hewasaslim，dark，youngmedicalpractitionerwithanamiablecountenance，whicharguedofnomightyintelligence。
\"Well，Professor，\"heremarkedquietly，\"doyouwantmetoattendyouforapoplexy？Takeyourtime，mydearsir-takeyourtime。\"
Hepattedthescientistontheshouldertosoothehisclamorousrage。\"Youarealreadypurpleintheface。Don’tletyourbloodrushtoyourhead。\"
\"Robinson，you’rea-a-afool！\"shoutedBraddock，glaringatthesuavelooksofthedoctor。\"Iaminperfecthealth，damnyou，sir。\"
\"ThenMissKendal-？\"
\"Sheisquitewellalso。ButBolton-？\"
\"Oh！\"Robinsonlookedinterested。\"Hashereturnedwithyourmummy？\"
\"Mummy，\"bellowedBraddock，stampinglikeaninsaneCupid-\"themummyhasn’tarrived。\"
\"Really，Professor，yousurpriseme，\"saidthedoctormildly。
\"I’llsurpriseyoumore，\"growledBraddock，draggingRobinsonintothegardenandupthesteps。
\"Gently！gently！mydearsir，\"saidthedoctor，whoreallybegantothinkthatmuchlearninghadmadetheProfessormad。\"Didn’tBolton-？\"
\"Boltonisdead，youfool。\"
\"Dead！\"Thedoctornearlytumbledbackwarddownthesteps。
\"Murdered。AtleastIthinkheismurdered。Atalleventshearrivedhereto-dayinthepackingcase，whichshouldhavecontainedmygreenmummy。Comeinandexaminethebodyatonce。
No，\"Braddockpushedbackthedoctorjustasfiercelyashehaddraggedhimforward，\"waituntiltheconstablecomes。Iwanthimtoseethebodyfirst，andtoobservethatnothinghasbeentouched。IhavesentforthePiersideinspectortocome。Therewillbeallsortsoftrouble，\"criedBraddockdespairingly，\"andmywork-mostimportantwork-willbedelayed，justbecausethissillyyoungassSidneyBoltonchosetobemurdered，\"andtheProfessorstormedupanddownthehall，shakingimpotentarmsintheair。
\"Goodheavens！\"stammeredRobinson，whowasyounginyearsandsomewhatnewtohisprofession，\"you-youmustbemistaken。\"
\"Mistaken！mistaken！\"shoutedBraddockwithanotherglare。\"Comeandseethatpoorfellow’sbodythen。Heisdead，murdered。\"
\"Bywhom？\"
\"Hangyou，sir，howshouldIknow？\"
\"Inwhatwayhashebeenmurdered？Stabbed，shot，or-\"
\"Idon’tknow-Idon’tknow！SuchanuisancetoloseamanlikeBolton-aninvaluableassistant。WhatIshalldowithouthimI
reallydon’tknow。Andhismotherhasbeenhere，makingnoendofafuss。\"
\"Canyoublameher？\"saidthedoctor，recoveringhisbreath。
\"Sheishismother，afterall，andpoorBoltonwasheronlyson。\"
\"Iamnotdenyingtherelationship，confoundyou！\"snappedtheProfessor，rufflinghishairuntilitstooduplikethecrestofaparrot。\"Butsheneedn’t-ah！\"Heglancedthroughtheopendoor，andthenrushedtothethreshold。\"HereisHopeandPainter。Comein-comein。Ihavethedoctorhere。Hope，youhavethekey。Youobserve，constable，thatMr。Hopehasthekey。
Openthedoor:openthedoor，andletusseethemeaningofthisdreadfulcrime。\"
\"Crime，sir？\"queriedtheconstable，whohadheardallthatwasknownfromHope，butnowwishedtohearwhatBraddockhadtosay。
\"Yes，crime:crime，youidiot！Ihavelostmymummy。\"
\"ButIthought，sir，thatamurder-\"
\"Oh，ofcourse-ofcourse，\"gabbledtheProfessor，asifthedeathwasquiteaminorconsideration。\"Bolton’sdead-
murdered，Isuppose，ashecouldscarcelyhavenailedhimselfdowninapackingcase。Butit’smypreciousmummyIamthinkingof，Painter。Amummy-ifyouknowwhatamummyis-thatcostmeninehundredpounds。Goin，man。Goinanddon’tstandtheregaping。Don’tyouseethatMr。Hopehasopenedthedoor。IhavesentCockatootoPiersidetonotifythepolice。Theywillsoonbehere。Meanwhile，doctor，youcanexaminethebody，andPainterherecangivehisopinionastowhostolemymummy。\"
\"Theassassinstolethemummy，\"saidArchie，asthefourmenenteredthemuseum，\"andsubstitutedthebodyofthemurderedman。\"
\"ThatisallABC，\"snappedBraddock，issuingintothevastroom，\"butwewanttoknowthenameoftheassassin，ifwearetorevengeBoltonandgetbackmymummy。Oh，whataloss！-whataloss！Ihavelostninehundredpounds，orsayonethousand，consideringthecostofbringingIncaCaxastoEngland。\"
ArchieforeboretoremindtheProfessorastowhohadreallylostthemoney，asthescientistwasnotinafitstatetobetalkedtoreasonably，andseemedmuchmoreconcernedbecausehisPeruvianrelicofhumanityhadbeenlostthanfortheterribledeathofSidneyBolton。ButbythistimePainter-afair-hairedyoungconstableofsmallintelligence-wasexaminingthepackingcaseandsurveyingthedead。Dr。Robinsonalsolookedwithaprofessionaleye，andBraddock，wipinghispurplefaceandgaspingwithexhaustion，satdownonastonesarcophagus。
Archie，foldinghisarms，leanedagainstthewallandwaitedquietlytohearwhattheexpertsincrimeandmedicinewouldsay。
Thepackingcasewasdeepandwideandlong，madeoftoughteakandbandedatintervalswithironbands。Withinthiswasacaseoftin，which，whenitheldthemummy，hadbeensolderedup；
impervioustoairandwater。Buttheunknownpersonwhohadextractedthemummy，toreplaceitbyamurderedman’sbody，hadcutopenthetincasingwithsomesharpinstrument。Therewasstrawroundthetincasingandstrawwithin，amongstwhichthebodyoftheunfortunateyoungmanwasplaced。Rigormortishadsetin，andthecorpse，withstraightlegsandhandsplacedstifflybyitsside，layagainstthebackofthetincasingsurroundedmoreorlessbythestrawpacking，oratleastbysomuchastheProfessorhadnottornaway。Thefacelookeddark，andtheeyeswerewideopenandstaring。Robinsonsteppedforwardandranhishandroundtheneck。Utteringanejaculation，heremovedthewoollenscarfwhichthedeadmanhadprobablyworntokeephimselffromcatchingcold，andthosewholookedonsawthatared-coloredwindowcordwastightlyboundaboutthethroatofthedead。
\"Thepoordevilhasbeenstrangled，\"saidthedoctorquietly。
\"See:theassassinhasleftthebow-stringon，andhadthecouragetoplaceoveritthisscarf，whichbelongedtoBolton。\"
\"Howdoyouknowthat，sir？\"askedPainterheavily。
\"BecauseWidowAnneknittedthatscarfforBoltonbeforehewenttoMalta。Heshowedittome，laughingly，remarkingthathismotherevidentlythoughtthathewasgoingtoLapland。\"
\"Whendidheshowittoyou，sir？\"
\"BeforehewenttoMalta，ofcourse，\"saidRobinsoninmildsurprise。\"Youdon’tsupposeheshowedittomewhenhereturned。WhendidhereturntoEngland？\"heaskedtheProfessor，withanafterthought。
\"Yesterdayafternoon，aboutfouro’clock，\"repliedBraddock。
\"Then，fromtheconditionofthebody\"-thedoctorfeltthedeadflesh-\"hemusthavebeenmurderedlastnight。H’m！Withyourpermission，Painter，I’llexaminethecorpse。\"
Theconstableshookhishead。\"Betterwait，sir，untiltheinspectorcomes，\"hesaidinhisunintelligentway。\"PoorSid！
Why，Iknewhim。Hewasatschoolwithme，andnowhe’sdead。
Whokilledhim？\"
Noneofhislistenerscouldanswerthisquestion。
CHAPTERVI
THEINQUEST
LikeageographicalLordByron，theisolatedvillageofGartleyawokeonemorningtofinditselffamous。Previouslyunknown，savetotheinhabitantsofBrefort，Jessum，andthesurroundingcountry，andtothesoldiersstationedintheFort，itbecameaninedays’centreofinterest。InspectorDateofPiersidearrivedwithhisconstablestoinquireintothereportedcrime，andthelocaljournalists，scentingsensation，cameflyingtoGartleyonbicyclesandintraps。NextmorningLondonwasdulyadvisedthatavaluablemummywasmissing，andthattheassistantofProfessorBraddock，whohadbeensenttofetchitfromMalta，wasmurderedbystrangulation。Inacoupleofdaysthethreekingdomswereringingwiththenewsofthemystery。
Andamysteryitproved，tobe，for，inspiteofInspectorDate’seffortsandtheenterpriseofScotlandYarddetectivessummonedbytheProfessor，nocluecouldbefoundtotheidentityoftheassassin。Briefly，thestorytoldbythenewspapersranasfollows:
ThetrampsteamerDiver-CaptainGeorgeHerveyincommand-hadberthedalongsidethePiersidejettyatfouro’clockonaWednesdayafternooninmid-September，andsometwohourslaterSidneyBoltonremovedthecase，containingthegreenmummy，ashore。
AsitwasimpossibletocarrythecasetothePyramidsonthatnight，BoltonhadplaceditinhisbedroomattheSailor’sRest，ameanlittlepublic-houseofnoverysavoryreputationnearthewater’sedge。Hewaslastseenalivebythelandlordandthebarmaid，when，afteradrinkofharmlessginger-beer，heretiredtobedateight，leavinginstructionstothelandlord-overheardbythebarmaid-thatthecasewastobesentonnextdaytoProfessorBraddockofGartley。Boltonhintedthathemightleavethehotelearlyandwouldprobablyprecedethecasetoitsdestination，soastoadviseProfessorBraddock-necessarilyanxious-ofitssafearrival。Beforeretiringhepaidhisbill，anddepositedinthelandlord’shandasmallsumofmoney，sothatthecasemightbesentacrossstreamtoBrefort，thencetobetakeninalorrytothePyramids。Therewasnosign，saidthebarmaidandthelandlord，thatBoltoncontemplatedsuicide，orthathefearedsuddendeath。Hiswholedemeanorwascheerful，andheexpressedhimselfexceedinglygladtobeinEnglandoncemore。
Atelevenontheensuingmorning，apersistentknockingandasubsequentopeningofthedoorofBolton’sbedroomprovedthathewasnotintheroom，althoughthetumbledconditionofthebed-clothesprovedthathehadtakensomerest。NooneinthehotelthoughtanythingofBolton’sabsence，sincehehadhintedatanearlydeparture，althoughthechamber-maidconsidereditstrangethatnoonehadseenhimleavethehotel。ThelandlordobeyedBolton’sinstructionsandsentthecase，inchargeofatrustworthyman，toBrefortacrosstheriver。Therealorrywasprocured，andthecasewastakentoGartley，whereitarrivedatthreeintheafternoon，。ItwasthenthatProfessorBraddock，inopeningthecase，discoveredthebodyofhisill-fatedassistant，rigidindeath，andwitharedwindowcordtightlyboundroundthethroatofthecorpse。Atonce，saidthenewspapers，theProfessorsentforthepolice，andlaterinsistedthatthesmartestScotlandYarddetectivesshouldcomedowntoelucidatethemystery。Atpresentbothpoliceanddetectiveswereengagedinsearchingforaneedleinahaystack，andsofarhadmetwithnosuccess。
SuchwasthetalesetforthinthelocalandLondonandprovincialjournals。Widelyasitwasdiscussed，andmanyaswerethetheoriesoffered，noonecouldfathomthemystery。Butallagreedthatthefailureofthepolicetofindacluewasinexplicable。ItwasdifficultenoughtounderstandhowtheassassincouldhavemurderedBoltonandopenedthepackingcase，andremovedthemummytoreplaceitbythebodyofhisvictiminahousefilledwithatleasthalfadozenpeople；butitwasyetmoredifficulttoguesshowthecriminalhadescapedwithsonoticeableanobjectasthemummy，bandagedwithemerald-huedwoollenstuffwovenfromthehairofPeruvianllamas。Iftheculpritwasonewhothievedandmurderedforgain，hecouldscarcelysellthemummywithoutbeingarrested，sinceallEnglandwasringingwiththenewsofitsdisappearance；ifascientist，impelledtorobberybyanarchaeologicalmania，hecouldnotpossiblykeeppossessionofthemummywithoutsomeonelearningthathepossessedit。Meanwhilethethiefandhisplunderhadvanishedascompletelyasiftheearthhadswallowedboth。Greatwasthewonderattheclevernessofthecriminal，andmanywerethesolutionsofferedtoaccountforthedisappearance。Oneenterprisingweeklypaper，improvingontheLimerickcraze，offeredafurnishedhouseandthreepoundsaweekforlifetothefortunatepersonwhocouldsolvethemystery。Asyetnoonehadwontheprize，butitwasearlydaysyet，andatleastfivethousandamateurdetectivestriedtoworkouttheproblem。
NaturallyHopewassorryfortheuntimelydeathofBolton，whomhehadknownasanamiableandcleveryoungman。ButhewasalsoannoyedthathisloanofthemoneytoBraddockshouldhavebeen，sotospeak，nullifiedbythelossofthemummy。TheProfessorwasperfectlyfuriousathisdoublelossofassistantandembalmedcorpse，andwasonlypreventedfromofferingarewardforthediscoveryofthethiefandassassinbythepainfulfactthathehadnomoney。HehintedtoArchiethatarewardshouldbeoffered，butthatyoungman，backedbyLucy，declinedtothrowawaygoodmoneyafterbad。Braddocktookthisrefusalsoill，thatHopefeltperfectlyconvincedhewouldtryandwriggleoutofhispromisetopermitthemarriageandpersuadeLucytoengageherselftoSirFrankRandom，shouldthebaronetbewillingtoofferareward。AndHopewasalsocertainthatBraddock，asingularlyobstinateman，wouldneverrestuntilheoncemorehadthemummyinhispossession。Thatthemurdererof！SidneyBoltonshouldbehangedwasquiteaminorconsiderationwiththeProfessor。
MeanwhileWidowAnnehadinsistedonthedeadbodybeingtakentohercottage，andBraddock，withtheconsentofInspectorDate，willinglyagreed，ashedidnotwishanewlydeadcorpsetoremainunderhisroof。Therefore，theremainsoftheunfortunateyoungmanweretakentohishumblehome，andherethebodywasinspectedbythejurywhentheinquesttookplaceinthecoffee-roomoftheWarriorInn，immediatelyoppositeMrs。
Bolton’sabode。Therewasalargecrowdroundtheinn，aspeoplehadcomefromfarandwidetoheartheverdictofthejury，andGartley，forthefirstandonlytimeinitsexistence，presentedtheaspectofanAugustBankHoliday。
TheCoroner-anelderlydoctorwithashorttemper；causedbytheunrealizedambitionofacountrypractitioner-openedtheproceedingsbyasnappyspeech，inwhichhesetforththedetailsofthecrimeinthesameboldfashioninwhichtheyhadbeenpublishedbythenewspapers。AplanoftheSailor’sRestwasthenplacedbeforethejury，andtheCoronerdrewtheattentionofthetwelvegoodandlawfulmentothefactthatthebedroomoccupiedbydeceasedwasonthegroundfloor，withawindowlookingoutontotheriver，merelyastone-throwaway。
\"Soyouwillsee，gentlemen，\"saidtheCoroner，\"thatthedifficultyoftheassassininleavingthehotelwithhisplunderwasnotsogreatashasbeenimagined。Hehadmerelytoopenthewindowinthequiethoursofthenight，whennoonewasabout，andpassthemummythroughtohisaccomplice，whoprobablywaitedwithout。Itisalsoprobablethataboatwaswaitingbythebankoftheriver，andthemummyhavingbeenplacedinthis，theassassinandhisfriendcouldrowawayintotheunknownwithouttheslightestchanceofdiscovery。\"
InspectorDate-atall，thin，uprightmanwithanironjawandasevereexpression-drewtheCoroner’sattentiontothefactthattherewasnoevidencetoshowthattheassassinhadanaccomplice。
\"Whatyouhavestated，sir，mayhaveoccurred，\"raspedDateinamilitaryvoice，\"butwecannotprovethetruthofyourassumption，sincetheevidenceatourdisposalismerelycircumstantial。\"
\"Ineversuggestedthatitwasanythingelse，\"snappedtheCoroner。\"Youwastetimeintraversingmystatements。Saywhatyouhavetosay，Mr。Inspector，andproduceyourwitnesses-ifyouhaveany。\"
Therearenowitnesseswhocansweartotheidentityofthemurderer，\"saidInspectorDatecoldly，anddeterminednottoberuffledbytheapparentantagonismoftheCoroner。\"Thecriminalhasvanished，andnoonecanguesshisnameoroccupation，oreventhereasonwhichledhimtoslaythedeceased。\"
Coroner:\"Thereasonisplain。Hewantedthemummy。\"
Inspector:\"Whyshouldhewantthemummy？\"
Coroner:\"Thatiswhatwewishtofindout。\"
Inspector:\"Exactly，sir。Wewishtolearnthereasonwhythemurdererstrangledthedeceased。\"
Coroner:\"Weknowthatreason。Whatwewishtoknowiswhythemurdererstolethemummy。AndIwouldpointouttoyou，Mr。
Inspector，that，asyet，wedonotevenknowthesexoftheassassin。Itmightbeawomanwhomurderedthedeceased。\"
ProfessorBraddock，whowasseatednearthedoorofthecoffee-room，beingevenmoreirasciblethanusual，rosetocontradict。
\"Thereisn’tascrapofevidencetoshowthatthemurdererwasawoman。\"
Coroner:\"Youareoutoforder，sir。AndIwouldpointoutthat，asyet，InspectorDatehasproducednowitnesses。\"
Dateglared。HeandtheCoronerwereoldenemies，andalwayssparredwhentheymet。Itseemedlikely，thatthepepperylittleProfessorwouldjoininthequarrelandthattherewouldbeaduelofthree；butDate，notwishingforanadversereportinthenewspapersastohisconductofthecase，contentedhimselfwiththeglareaforesaid，and，afterashortspeech，calledBraddock。
TheProfessor，lookingmorelikeacrosscherubthanever，gavehisevidencetartly。ItseemedridiculoustohisprejudicedmindthatallthisfussshouldbemadeoverBolton’sbody，whenthemummy；wasstillmissing。However，asthediscoveryofthecriminalwouldassuredlyleadtotheregainingofthatpreciousPeruvianrelic，hecurbedhiswrathandansweredtheCoroner’squestionsinafairlyamiablefashion。
And，afterall，Braddockhadverylittletotell。Hehad，sohestated，seenanadvertisementinanewspaperthatamummy，swathedingreenbandages，wastobesoldinMalta；andhadsenthisassistanttobuyitandbringithome。Thiswasdone，andwhathappenedafterthemummyleftthetrampsteamerwasknowntoeveryone，throughthemediumofthepress。
\"Withwhich，\"grumbledtheProfessor，\"Idonotagree。\"
\"Whatdoyoumeanbythat？\"askedtheCoronersharply。
\"Imean，sir，\"snappedBraddock，equallysharply，\"thatthepublicitygivenbythenewspaperstothesedetailswillprobablyplacetheassassinonhisguard。\"
\"Whynotonherguard？\"persistedtheCoronerwilfully。
\"Rubbish！rubbish！rubbish！Mymummywasn’tstolenbyawoman。
Whatthedevilwouldawomanwantwithmymummy？\"
\"Bemorerespectful，Professor。\"
\"Thentalksense，doctor，\"andthetwoglaredatoneanother。
Afteramomentortwothesituationwasadjustedinsilence，andtheCoroneraskedafewquestions，pertinenttothematterinhand。
\"Hadthedeceasedanyenemies？\"
\"No，sir，hehadn’t，notbeingfamousenough，orrichenough，orcleverenoughtoexcitethehatredofmankind。Hewassimplyanintelligentyoungman，whoworkedexcellentlywhensupervisedbyme。Hismotherisawasherwomaninthisvillage，andtheladbroughtwashingtomyhouse。Notingthathewasintelligentandwasanxioustoriseabovehisstation，Iengagedhimasmyassistantandtrainedhimtodomywork。\"
\"Archaeologicalwork？\"
\"Yes。Idon’twash，whateverBolton’smothermay，do。Don’tasksillyquestions。\"
\"Bemorerespectful，\"saidtheCoroneragain，andgrewred。
\"Haveyouanyideaastothenameofanyonewhodesiredtoobtainpossessionofthismummy？\"
\"IdaresaydozensofscientistsinmylineofbusinesswouldhavelikedtogetthecorpseofIncaCaxas。Suchas-\"andhereeledoutalistofcelebratedmen。
\"Nonsense，\"growledtheCoroner。\"Famousmenlikethoseyoumentionwouldnotmurderevenforthesakeofobtainingthismummy。\"
\"Ineversaidthattheywould，\"retortedBraddock，\"butyouwantedtohearwhowouldliketohavethemummy；andIhavetoldyou。\"
TheCoronerwaivedthequestion。
\"Wasthereanyjewelryonthemummylikelytoattractathief？\"
heasked。
\"HowthedevilshouldIknow？\"fumedtheProfessor。\"Ineverunpackedthemummy；Ineverevensawit。AnyjewelryburiedwithIncaCaxaswouldbeboundupinthebandages。SofarasIknowthosebandageswereneverunwound。\"
\"Youcanthrownolightonthesubject？\"
\"No，Ican’t。Boltonwenttogetthemummyandbroughtithome。
Iunderstoodthathewouldpersonallybringhispreciouschargetomyhouse；buthedidn’t。Why，Idon’tknow。\"
WhentheProfessorsteppeddown，stillfumingatwhatheconsideredweretheunnecessaryquestionsoftheCoroner，theyoungdoctorwhohadexaminedthecorpsewascalled。Robinsondeposedthatdeceasedhadbeenstrangledbymeansofaredwindowcord，andthat，fromtheconditionofthebody，hewouldjudgedeathhadtakenplacesometwelvehoursmoreorlessbeforetheopeningofthepackingcasebyBraddock。Thatwasatthreeo’clockonThursdayafternoon，soinwitness’sopinionthecrimewascommittedbetweentwoandthreeonthepreviousmorning。
\"ButIcan’tbeabsolutelycertainastotheprecisehour，\"addedwitness；\"atanyratepoorBoltonwasstrangledaftermidnightandbeforethreeo’clock。\"
\"Thatisawidemargin，\"grumbledtheCoroner，jealousofhisbrother-practitioner。\"Werethereany，otherwoundsonthebody？\"
\"No。Youcanseeforyourself，ifyouhaveinspectedthecorpse。\"
TheCoroner，thusreproved，glared，andWidowAnneappearedafterRobinsonretired。Shestated，withmanysobs，thathersonhadnoenemiesandwasagood，kindyoungman。Shealsorelatedherdream，butthiswasfloutedbytheCoroner，whodidnotbelieveintheoccult。However，thenarrationofherpremonitionwaslistenedtowithdeepinterestbythoseinthecourt。WidowAnneconcludedherevidencebyaskinghowshewastolivenowthatherboySidwasdead。TheCoronerprofessedhimselfunabletoanswerthisquestion，anddismissedher。
SamuelQuass，thelandlordoftheSailor’sRest，wasnextcalled。
Heprovedtobeabig，burly，red-haired，red-whiskeredman，wholookedlikeasailor。Andindeedafewquestionselicitedtheinformationthathewasaretiredsea-captain。Hegavehisevidencegrufflybuthonestly，andalthoughhekeptsoshadyapublic-house，seemedstraightforwardenough。Hetoldmuchthesametaleashadappearedinthenewspapers。Inthehotelonthatnighttherewasonlyhimself，hiswifeandtwochildren，andthestaffofservants。BoltonretiredtobedsayingthathemightstartearlyforGartley，andpaidonepoundtogetthecasetakenacrosstoriverandplacedonalorry。AsBoltonhadvanishednextmorning，Quassobeyedinstructions，withtheresultwhicheveryoneknew。Healsostatedthathedidnotknowthecasecontainedamummy。
\"Whatdidyouthinkitcontained？\"askedtheCoronerquickly。
\"Clothesandcuriosfromforeignparts，\"saidthewitnesscoolly。
\"DidMr。Boltontellyouso？\"
\"Hetoldmenothingaboutthecase，\"growledthewitness，\"buthechattedalotaboutMalta，whichIknowwell，havingputintothatportfrequentwhenasailor。\"
\"DidhehintatanyrowstakingplaceatMalta？\"
\"No，hedidn’t。\"
\"Didhesaythathehadenemies？\"
\"No，hedidn’t。\"
\"Didhestrikeyouasamanwhowasinfearofheath？\"
\"No，hedidn’t，\"saidthewitnessforthethirdtime。\"Heseemedhappyenough。IneverthoughtforonemomentthathewasdeaduntilIheardhowhisbodyhadbeenfoundinthepackingcase。\"
TheCoroneraskedallmannerofquestions，andsodidInspectorDate；butallattemptstoincriminateQuasswerevain。Hewasbluffandstraightforward，andtold-sofarascouldbejudged-
everythingheknew。Therewasnothingforitbuttodismisshim，andElizaFlightwascalledasthelastwitness。
Shealsoprovedtobethemostimportant，assheknewseveralthingswhichshehadnottoldtohermaster，ortothereporters，oreventothepolice。Onbeingaskedwhyshehadkeptsilence，shesaidthatherdesirewastoobtainanyrewardthatmightbeoffered；butasshehadheardthattherewouldbenoreward，shewaswillingtotellwhatsheknew。Itwasanimportantpieceofevidence。
ThegirlstatedthatBoltonhadretiredtobedateightonthegroundfloor，andthebedroomhadawindow-asmarkedintheplan-whichlookedontotheriverastone-throwdistant。Atnineoratriflelaterwitnesswentouttohaveafewwordswithherlover。InthedarknessshesawthatthewindowwasopenandthatBoltonwastalkingtoanoldwomanmuffledinashawl。Shecouldnotseethewoman’sface，norjudgeofherstature，asshewasstoopingdowntolistentoBolton。Witnessdidnottakemuchnotice，asshewasinahurrytoseeherlover。Whenshereturnedpastthewindowatteno’clockitwasclosedandthelightwasextinguished，soshethoughtthatMr。Boltonwasasleep。
\"But，totellthetruth，\"saidElizaFlight，\"Ineverthoughtanythingofthematteratall。ItwasonlyafterthemurderthatIsawhowimportantitwasIshouldremembereverything。\"
\"Andyouhave？\"
\"Yes，sir，\"saidthegirl，honestlyenough。\"Ihavetoldyoueverythingthathappenedonthatnight。NextMorning-\"Shehesitated。
\"Well，whataboutnextmorning？\"
\"Mr。Boltonhadlockedhisdoor。Iknowthat，becauseafewminutesaftereightonthenightbefore，notknowinghehadretired。Itriedtoentertheroomandmakereadythebedforthenight。Hesangoutthroughthedoor-whichwaslocked，forItriedit-thathewasinbed。Thatwasaliealso，asafternineIsawhimtalkingtothewomanatthewindow。\"
\"Youpreviouslysaidanoldwoman，\"saidtheCoroner，referringtohisnotes。\"Howdoyouknowshewasold？\"
\"Ican’tsayifshewasoldoryoung，\"saidthewitnesscandidly；
\"it’sonlyamannerofspeaking。Shehadadarkshawloverherheadandadarkdress。Icouldn’tsayifshewasoldoryoung，fairordark，stoutorlean，tallorshort。Thenightwasdark。\"
TheCoronerreferredtotheplan。
\"Thereisagas-lampnearthewindowofthebedroom。Didyounotseeherinthatlight？\"
\"Oh，yes，sir；butjustforamoment。Itookverylittlenotice。
HadIknownthatthegentlemanwastobemurdered，Ishouldhavetakenagreatdealofnotice。\"
\"Well，aboutthislockeddoor？\"
\"Itwaslockedover-night，sir，butwhenIwentnextmorning，itwasnotlocked。Iknockedandknocked，butcouldgetnoanswer。
Asitwaseleven，Ithoughtthegentlemanwassleepingverylong，soItriedtoopenthedoor。Itwasnotlocked，asIsay-but，\"
addedwitnesswithemphasis，\"thewindowwassnibbedandtheblindwasdown。\"
\"Thatisnaturalenough，\"saidtheCoroner。\"Mr:Bolton，afterhisinterviewwiththewoman，wouldofcoursesnibthewindow，andpulldowntheblind。Whenhewentawaynextmorninghewouldunlockthedoor。\"
\"Beggingyourpardon，sir，but，asweknow，hedidn’tgoawaynextmorning，beinginthepackingcase，naileddown。\"
TheCoronercouldhavekickedhimselffortheverynaturalmistakehehadmade，forhesawaderisivegrinonthefacesaroundhim，andparticularlyonthatofInspectorDate。
\"Thentheassassinmusthavegoneoutbythedoor，\"hesaidweakly。
\"ThenIdon’tknowhowhegotout，\"criedElizaFlight，\"forI
wasupatsixandthefrontandbackdoorsofthehotelwerelocked。AndaftersixIwasaboutinpassagesandroomsdoingmywork，andmasterandmissusandotherswereallovertheplace。
Howcouldthemurdererwalkout，sir，withoutsomeofusseeinghim？\"
\"Perhapsyoudid，andtooknonotice？\"
\"Oh，sir，ifastrangerwasaroundweshouldallhavetakennotice。\"
Thisconcludedtheevidence，whichwasmeagreenough。WidowAnnewasindeedrecalledtoseeifMissFlightcouldidentifyherasthewomanwho，hadbeentalkingtoBolton，butwitnessfailedtorecognizeher，andthewidowherselfproved，bymeansofthreefriends，thatshehadbeenimbibingginathomeonthenightandatthehourinquestion。Also，therewasnoevidencetoconnectthisunknownwomanwiththemurder，andnosound-accordingtotheunanimoustestimonyoftheinmatesoftheSailor’sRest-hadbeenheardinthebedroomofBolton。Yet，astheCoronerobserved，theremusthavebeensomeknockingandhammeringandrippinggoingon。Butofthisnothingcouldbeproved，andalthoughseveralwitnesseswereexaminedagain，notonecouldthrowlightonthemystery。Underthesecircumstancesthejurycouldonlybringinaverdictofwilfulmurderagainstsomepersonorpersonsunknown，whichwasdone。AnditmaybementionedthatthecordwithwhichBoltonhadbeenstrangledwasidentifiedbythelandlordandthechamber-maidasbelongingtotheblindofthebedroomwindow。
\"Well，\"saidHope，whentheinquestwasover，\"sonothingcanbeprovedagainstanyone。Whatistobedonenext？\"
\"I’lltellyouafterIhaveseenRandom，\"saidtheProfessorcurtly。
CHAPTERVII
THECAPTAINOFTHEDIVER
Thedayaftertheinquest，SidneyBolton’sbodywasburiedinGartleychurchyard。Owingtothenatureofthedeath，andthepublicitygiventothemurderbythepress，agreatconcourseofpeopleassembledtowitnesstheinterment，andtherewasanimpressivesilencewhenthecorpsewascommittedtothegrave。
Afterwards，aswasnatural，muchdiscussionfollowedontheverdictattheinquest。Itwasthecommonopinionthatthejurycouldhavebroughtinnootherverdict，consideringthenatureoftheevidencesupplied；butmanypeopledeclaredthatCaptainHerveyofTheDivershouldhavebeencalled。Ifthedeceasedhadenemies，saidthesewiseacres，itwasprobablethathewouldhavetalkedAboutthemtotheskipper。Buttheyforgotthatthewitnessescalledattheinquest，includingthemotherofthedeadman，hadinsistedthatBoltonhadnoenemies，soitisdifficulttoseewhattheyexpectedCaptainHerveytosay。
Afterthefuneral，thejournalsmadebutfewremarksaboutthemystery。Everynowandthenitwashintedthatacluehadbeenfound，andthatthepolicewouldsoonerorlatertrackdownthecriminal。Butallthisloosechattercametonothing，andasthedayswentby，thepublic-inLondon，atallevents-lostinterestinthecase。TheenterprisingweeklypaperthathadofferedthefurnishedhouseandthelifeincometothepersonwhofoundtheassassinreceivedanintimationfromtheGovernmentthatsuchalotterycouldnotbeallowed。Thepaper，therefore，returnedtoLimericks，andtheamateurdetectives，likesomanyOthellos，foundtheiroccupationgone。ThenapoliticalcrisistookplaceinthefarEast，andtheficklepublicrelegatedthemurderofBoltontothelistofundiscoveredcrimes。EventheScotlandYarddetectives，failingtofindaclue，lostinterestinthematter，anditseemedasthoughthemysteryofBolton’sdeathwouldnotbesolveduntiltheDayofJudgment。
Inthevillage，however，peoplestillcontinuedtobekeenlyinterested，sinceBoltonwasoneofthemselves，and，moreover，WidowAnnekeptupaperpetualoutcryabouthermurderedboy。
ShehadlostthesmallweeklysumwhichSidneyhadallowedheroutofhiswages，sotheneighbors，thegentryofthesurroundingcountry，andtheofficersattheFortsentheramplewashingtodo。WidowAnneinafewweekshadquitealargebusiness，consideringthesizeofthevillage，andphilosophicallyobservedtoaneighborthat\"Itwasanillwindwhichblewnooneanygood，\"addingalsothatSidneywasmoregoodtoherdeadthanalive。ButeveninGartleythevillagersgrewwearyofdiscussingamysterywhichcouldneverbesolved，andsothecasebecamerarelytalkedabout。Inthesedaysofbustleandworryandcompetition，itiswonderfulhowpeopleforgetevenimportantevents。Ifabluesunarosetolightentheworldinsteadofayellowone，afterninedaysofwonder，manwouldsettledownquitecomfortablytoaceruleanexistence。Suchisthewonderfuladaptabilityofhumanity。
ProfessorBraddockwaslessforgetful，ashealwaysboreinmindthelossofhismummy，andconstantlythoughtofschemeswherebyhecouldtraptheassassinofhislatesecretary。Notthathecaredforthedeadinanyway，savefromastrictlybusinesspointofview，butthecaptureofthecriminalmeanttherestitutionofthemummy，and-asBraddocktoldeveryonewithwhomhecameincontact-hewasdeterminedtoregainpossessionofhistreasure。HewenthimselftotheSailor’sRest，anddrovethelandlordandhisservantswildbyaskingtartquestionsandstormingwhenasatisfactoryanswercouldnotbesupplied。Quasswasgladwhenhesawtheplumpbackofthecrosslittleman，whosopertinaciouslyfollowedwhateveryoneelsehadabandoned。
\"Lifewastooshort，\"grumbledQuass，\"tobebotheredinthatway。\"
ThewooingofArchieandLucywentonsmoothly，andtheProfessorshowednosignofwishingtobreaktheengagement。ButHope，asheconfidedtoLucy，wassomewhatworried，ashispauperuncle，onaninsufficientborrowedcapital，hadbeguntospeculateinSouthAfricanmines，anditwasprobablethathewouldloseallhismoney。InthatcaseHopefanciedhewouldbeoncemorecalledupontomakegoodtheavuncularloss，andsothemarriagewouldhavetobepostponed。Butitsohappenedthatthepauperunclemadesomeluckyspeculativeshotsandacquiredmoney，whichhepromptlyreinvestedinnewminesofthewildcatdescription。
Still，forthemomentallwaswell，andthelovershadafewhalcyondaysofpeaceandhappiness。
ThencameaboltfromtheblueinthepersonofCaptainHervey，whocalledafortnightafterthefuneraltoseetheProfessor。
Theskipperwasatall，slimman，leanasafastingfriar，andhardasnails，withcloselyclippedredhair，mustacheofthesameaggressivehue，andanAmericangoatee。HespokewithaYankeeaccent，andinatruculentmanner，sufficientlyannoyingtothefieryProfessor。WhenhemetBraddockinthemuseum，thetwobecameenemiesatthefirstglance，andbecausebothwerebad-temperedandobstinate，tookaninstantdisliketooneanother。Likedidnotdrawtolikeinthisinstance。
\"Whatdoyouwanttoseemeabout？\"askedBraddockcrossly。HehadbeensummonedbyCockatoofromtheperusalofanewpapyrustoseehisvisitor，andconsequentlywasnotinthebestoftempers。
\"I’vejes’blewinfuratrifleofchin-music，\"repliedHerveywithanemphaticU。S。A。accent。
\"I’mbusy:getout，\"wastheuncomplimentaryreply。
Herveytookachairand，stretchinghislengthylegs，producedablackcheroot，aslongandleanashimself。
\"IfyouwereintheStates，Professor，I’ddrawabeadonyouforthatstyleoflingo。I’mnottakingany。See！\"andhelightedup。
\"You’rethecaptainof’TheDiver’？\"
\"That’sso；Iwas，thatis。Now，I’veshiftedtoadandywind-jammerofsortsthatcanrunringsroundtheoldbarky。I
surmiseI’mofffortheSouthSeas，pearl-fishing，inthreemonths。I’lltakethatKanakaalongwithme，ify’like，Professor，\"andhecastasideglanceatCockatoo，whowassquattingonhishamsasusual，polishingablueenameledjarfromaThebantomb。
\"Irequiretheservicesoftheman，\"saidBraddockstiffly。\"Astoyou，sir:you’vebeenpaidforyourbusinessinconnectionwithBolton’spassageandtheshipmentofmymummy，sothereisnomoretobesaid。\"
\"Heapsmore！heaps，youbet，\"remarkedthemanoftheseaplacidly，andcontrollingatemperwhichinlesscivilizedpartswouldhaveledhimtowipethefloorwiththeplumpscientist。
\"Myownerswerepaidfurthatracket:notme。No，sir。SoI’vepaddledintothisporttoseeifIcanrakeinafewdollarsonmyown。\"
\"I’venodollarstogiveyou-incharity，thatis。\"
\"Huh！An’whoaskedcharity，youbald-headedjelly-bag？\"
Braddockgrewscarletwithfury。\"Ifyouspeaktomelikethat，youruffian，I’llthrowyouout。\"
\"What？-you？\"
\"Yes，me，\"andtheProfessorstoodontip-toe，likethebantamhewas。
\"Youmakemesmile，andlikewisetired，\"murmuredHervey，admiringthelittleman’spluck。\"Seehere，Professor，touchingthatmummy？\"
\"Mymummy:mygreenmummy。Whataboutit？\"Braddockrosetotheflythrownbythisskilfulangler。
\"That’sso。WhatwillyoushelloutifIpassalongthatcorpse？\"
\"Ah！\"TheProfessoragainstoodontip-toe，gaspingandpurpleintheface。Healmostsqueakedintheextremityofhisanger。
\"Iknewit。\"
\"Knewwhat？\"demandedtheskipper，genuinelysurprised。
\"Iknewthatyouhadstolenmymummy。Yes，youneedn’tdenyit。
Bolton，likethesillyfoolhewas，toldyouhowvaluablethemummywas，andyoustrangledthepoordeviltogetmyproperty。\"
\"Goslow，\"saidthecaptain，innowiseperturbedbythisaccusation。\"Iwouldhaveyourememberthatattheinquestitwasstatedthatthewindowwaslockedandthedoorwasopen。HowthencouldIwaltzintothatblamedhotelandarrangeforafuneral？’Sides，Iguessshootingismor’nmylinethangarrotting。IleavethattotheEastCoastYellow-Stomachs。\"
Braddocksatdownandwipedhisface。Hesawplainlyenoughthathehadnotalegtostandon，asHerveywasplainlyinnocent。
\"’Sides，\"wentontheskipper，chewinghischeroot，\"IguessifI’dwantedthatoldcorpseofyours，I’dhaveyankedBoltonoverside，andsetdowntheaccidenttobadweather。Betterfurmetolootthecaseaboardthantomakeafoolofmyselfashore。
No，sir，H。H。don’trun’isownperticlerprivatecircusinthatblamedway。\"
\"H。H。WhothedevilisH。H。？\"
\"Me，youbet。HiramHervey，citizenoftheU。S。A。Nantucketneighborhoodforhomelife。Andsee，don’tyougetm’hairriz，orI’llscalp。\"
\"Youcan’tscalpme，\"chuckledBraddock，passinghishandoveraverybaldhead。\"Seehere，whatdoyouwant？\"
\"NameapriceandI’llfloatroundtogetbackyourverdantcorpse。\"
\"IthoughtyouweregoingtotheSouthSeas？\"
\"Inthreemonths，pearl-fishing。Lotsoftime，Ireckon，torunthisoldcircusIwantyoutofinance。\"
\"Haveyouanysuspicions？\"
\"No，’septIdon’tbelieveinthatwindowbusiness。\"
\"Whatdoyoumean？\"Braddocksatupright。
\"Well，\"drawledtheYankee，\"y’see，Iinterviewedthegalastoldthatperticlerlieincourt。\"
\"ElizaFlight。Wasitalieshetold？\"
\"Well，notexactly。Thewindowwassnibbed，butthatwasdoneafterthechapwhosentyourpaltoKingdomComehadgotout。\"
Doyoumeantosaythatthewindowwaslockedfromtheoutside？\"
askedBraddock，andthen，whenHerveynodded，heexclaimed\"Impossible！\"
\"Narryanimpossibility，youbet。Thechapwhoengineeredthecircuswasall-firedsmart。Thesnibwasanoldone，andheyankedapieceofstringroundit，andpassedthestringthroughthecrackbetweentheupperandlowersashofthewindow。Whenoutsidehepulled，andthesnibslidintoplace。Butheleftthestringonthegroundoutside。Ipickeditupnex’dayandguessedtherackethe’dbeenon。Itriedthesamebusinessandbroughtoffthedeal。\"
\"Itsoundswonderfulandyetimpossible，\"criedBraddock，rubbinghisbaldheadandwalkingexcitedlytoandfro。\"Seehere，I’llcomealongwithyouandseehowit’sdone。\"
\"Youbetyou，won’t，unlessyoushellout。Seehere\"-Herveyleanedforward-\"fromthatwindowbusinessit’splainthatnooneinsidetheshantycorpsedyourpal。Thechapasdiditenteredandleftbythewindow，andmadetrackswiththatoldcorpyouwant。Nowyoupassalongfivehundredpounds-that’sEnglishcurrency，Ireckon-andI’llsmellroundfortherobber。\"
\"AndwheredoyouthinkIcanobtainfivehundredpounds？\"askedtheProfessorverydryly。
\"Well，Iguessifthatblamedcorpseisworthit，you’llbewillingtotrade。Y’don’tliveinthisshantyfornothing。\"
\"Mygoodfriend，Ihaveenoughtoliveon，andobtainthishouseatasmallrentonaccountofitsisolation。ButIcannomorefindthesumoffivehundredpoundsthanfly。\"
Herveyroseandstraightenedhislegs。
\"ThenIguessI’dbestbegettingbacktoPierside。\"
\"Onemoment，sir。Didanythinghappenonthevoyage？-didBoltonsayanythinglikelytoleadyoutosupposethathewasindangerofbeingrobbedandmurdered？\"
\"No，\"saidtheskippermusingly，andpullinghisgoatee。\"Hetoldmethathehadsecuredtheoldcorpse，andwasbringingithometoyou。Ididn’ttalkmuchtoBolton；hewasn’tmystyle。\"
\"Haveyouanyideawhokilledhim？\"
\"No，Iain’t。\"
\"Thenhowdoyouproposetofindthecriminalwhohasthemummy？\"
\"Yougivemefivehundredpoundsandsee，\"saidHerveycoolly。
\"Ihaven’tgotthemoney。\"
\"ThenIreckonyoudon’tgetthecorpse。Solong，\"andtheskipperstrolledtowardsthedoor。Braddockfollowedhim。
\"Youhaveaclue？\"
\"No，I’vegotnothing；noteventhatfivehundredpoundsyoumakesuchafussover。It’sawasteddaywithH。H。，Isurmise。
Wait！\"Hescribbledonacardandflungitacrosstheroom。
\"That’smyPiersideaddressifyoushouldchangeyourblamedmind。\"
TheProfessorpickedupthecard。\"TheSailor’sRest！What，areyoustoppingthere？\"Then，whenHerveynodded，hecriedviolently，\"Why，Ibelieveyouhaveaclue，andstopatthehoteltofollowitup。\"
\"MaybeIdoandmaybeIdon’t，\"retortedthecaptain，openingthedoorwithajerk；\"anyhow，Idon’thuntforthatcorpsewithoutthedollars。\"
WhenHiramHerveydeparted，theProfessorragedupanddowntheroomsoviolentlythatCockatoowascowedbyhisanger。
ApparentlythisAmericanskipperknewofsomethingwhichmightleadtothediscoveryoftheassassinandincidentallytotherestorationofthegreenmummytoitsrightfulowner。Buthewouldnotmakeamoveunlesshewaspaidfivehundredpounds，andBraddockdidnotknowwheretoprocurethatamount。HavinglongsincemadehimselfacquaintedwithHope’sfinancialcondition，heknewwellthattherewasnochanceofgettingasecondcheckinthatquarter。OfcoursetherewasRandom，whomhehadheardcasuallyhadreturnedfromhisyachtingcruise，andwasnowbackagainattheFort。ButRandomwasinlovewithLucy，andwouldprobablyonlygiveorlendthemoneyonconditionthattheProfessorhelpedhimwithhiswooing。Inthatcase，sinceLucywasengagedtoHope，therewouldbesomedifficultyinalteringpresentconditions。Buthavingarrivedatthispointofhissomewhatangrymeditations，BraddocksentCockatoowithamessagetohisstep-daughter，sayingthathewishedtoseeher。
\"I’llseeifshereallylovesHope，\"thoughttheProfessor，rubbinghisplumphands。\"Ifshedoesn’t，theremaybeachanceofherthrowinghimovertobecomeLadyRandom。ThenIcangetthemoney。Andindeed，\"soliloquizedtheProfessorvirtuously，\"Imustpointouttoherthatitiswrongofhertomakeapoormarriage，whenshecangainawealthyhusband。Iwillonlybedoingmydutybymydeardeadwife，bypreventingherweddingpoverty。Butgirlsaresoobstinate，andLucyisathoroughgirl。\"
HisamiableanxietyonbehalfofMissKendalwasonlycutshortbytheentranceoftheyoungladyherself。ProfessorBraddockthenshowedhishandtooplainlybyevincingastrongwishtoconciliateherineveryway。Heprocuredheraseat:heaskedafterherhealth:hetoldherthatshewasgrowingprettiereveryday，andinallwaysbehavedsounlikehisusualself，thatLucybecamealarmedandthoughtthathehadbeen\"Whyhaveyousentforme？\"sheasked，anxioustocometothepoint。
\"Aha！\"Braddockputhisvenerableheadononesidelikearoguishbirdandsmiledinaninfantinemanner。\"Ihavegoodnewsforyou。\"
\"Aboutthemummy？\"shedemandedinnocently。
\"No，aboutfleshandblood，whichyouprefer。SirFrankRandomhasarrivedbackattheFort。There！\"
\"Iknowthat，\"wasMissKendal’sunexpectedreply。\"HisyachtcametoPiersideonthesameafternoonasTheDiverarrived。\"
\"Oh，indeed！\"saidtheProfessor，struckbythecoincidence，andwithastare。\"Howdoyouknow？\"
\"ArchiemetSirFranktheotherday，andlearnedasmuch。\"
\"What？\"Braddockstruckatragicattitude。\"Doyoumeantosaythatthosetwoyoungmenspeaktooneanother？\"
\"Yes。Whynot？Theyarefriends。\"
\"Oh！\"Braddockbecameroguishagain。\"Ifanciedtheywereloversofacertainyoungladywhoisinthisroom。\"
BythistimeLucywasbeginningtoguesswhatherstepfatherwasaimingat，andgrewcorrespondinglyangry\"Archieismysolelovernow，\"sheremarkedstiffly。\"SirFrankknowsthatweareengagedandisquitereadytobethefriendofusboth。\"
\"Andhecallsthatlove。Idiot！\"criedtheProfessor，muchdisgusted。\"ButIwouldpointouttoyou，Lucy-andIdosobecauseofmydeepaffectionforyou，dearchild-thatSirFrankiswealthy。\"
\"SoisArchie-inmylove。\"
\"Nonsense！nonsense！Thatismerefoolishromance，Hehasnomoney。\"
\"Youshouldnotsaythat。Archiehadmoneytotheextentofonethousandpounds，whichhegaveyou。\"
\"Onethousandpounds:amerenothing。Consider，Lucy，thatifyoumarryRandomyouwillhaveatitle。\"
MissKendal，whosepatiencewasgettingexhausted，stampedaveryneatboot。
\"Idon’tknowwhyyoutalkinthisway，father。\"
\"Iwishtoseeyouhappy。\"
\"Thenyourwishisgranted:youdoseemehappy。ButIwon’tbehappylongifyoukeepbotheringmetomarryamanIdon’tcaretwostrawsabout。IamgoingtobeMrs。Hope，sothere。\"
\"Mydearchild，\"saidtheProfessor，whoalwaysbecamepaternalwhenmostobstinate，\"IhavereasontobelievethatthegreenmummycanbediscoveredandpoorSidney’sdeathavengedifarewardoffivehundredpoundsisoffered。IfHopecangivemethatmoney-\"
\"Hewillnot:Ishallnotallowhimto。Hehaslosttoomuchalready。\"
\"InthatcaseImustapplytoSirFrankRandom。\"
\"Well，apply，\"shesnapped，beingdecidedlyangry；\"it’snoneofmybusiness。Idon’twanttohearanythingaboutit。\"
\"Itisyourbusiness，miss，\"criedBraddock，growingangryinhisturnandbecomingverypink；\"youknowthatonlybygettingyoutomarryRandomcanIprocurethemoney。\"
\"Oh！\"saidLucycoldly。\"Sothisiswhyyousentforme。Now，father，Ihavehadenoughofthis。YougaveyourconsenttoArchiebeingengagedtomeinexchangeforonethousandpounds。
AsIlovehimIshallabidebythewordyougave。IfIhadnotlovedhimIshouldhaverefusedtomarryhim。Youunderstand？\"
\"IunderstandthatIhaveaveryobstinategirltodealwith。
YoushallmarryasIchoose。\"
\"Ishalldonothingofthesort。Youhavenorighttodictatemychoiceofahusband。\"
\"Noright，whenIamyourfather？\"
\"Youarenotmyfather:merelymystep-father-merelyarelationbymarriage。Iamofage。IcandoasIlike，andintendto。\"
\"But，Lucy，\"imploredBraddock，changinghistune，\"think。\"
\"Ihavethought。ImarryArchie。\"
\"ButheispoorandRandomisrich。\"
\"Idon’tcare。IloveArchieandIdon’tloveFrank。\"
\"Wouldyouhavemelosethemummyforever？\"
\"Yes，Iwould，ifmymiseryistobethepriceofitsrestoration。WhyshouldIsellmyselftoamanIcarenothingabout，justbecauseyouwantamusty，fustyoldcorpse？NowIamgoing。\"Lucywalkedtothedoor。\"Ishan’tlistentoanotherword。Andifyoubothermeagain，IshallmarryArchieatonceandleavethehouse。\"
\"Icanmakeyouleaveitinanycase，youungratefulgirl，\"
bellowedBraddock，whowaspurplewithrage，neverhavingaverygoodtemperatthebestoftimes。\"LookwhatIhavedoneforyou！\"
MissKendalcouldhavepointedoutthatherStepfatherhaddonenothingsaveattendtohimself。Butshedisdainedsuchanargument，andwithoutanotherwordopenedthedoorandwalkedout。AlmostimmediatelyafterwardsCockatooentered，muchtothereliefoftheProfessor，whorelievedhisfeelingsbykickingtheunfortunateKanaka。Thenhesatdownagaintoconsiderwaysandmeansofobtainingthenecessarymummyandstillmorenecessarymoney。
CHAPTERVIII
THEBARONET
SirFrankRandomwasanamiableyounggentlemanwith-asthesayinggoes-allhisgoodsintheshopwindow。Fair-hairedandtall，withawell-knit，athleticfigure，apolishedmanner，andaman-of-the-worldair，hestrictlyresembledtheromanticofficerofBowBells，FamilyHerald，YoungLadies’Journalfiction。Buttheromancewasallinhiswell-groomedlooks，ashewasascommonplaceaSaxonascouldbemetwithinaday’smarch。Fondofsport，attentivetohisdutiesasartillerycaptain，anddevotedtowhatisromanticallyknownasthefairsex，hesaunteredeasilythroughlife，verywellcontentedwithhimselfandwithhisagreeablesurroundings。Hereadfictionwhenhedidread，andthoseweeklypapersdevotedtosport；troubledhisheadverylittleaboutpolitics，savewhentheyhadtodowithapossibleGermaninvasion，andwasalwaysreadytodoanyoneagoodturn。Hisbrother-officersdeclaredthathewasnothalfabadsort，whichwashighpraisefromtheusuallyreticentserviceman。Hiscapacitymaybeaccuratelygaugedbythefactthathedidnotpossessasingleenemy，andthateveryonespokewellofhim。Amortalwhopossessesnoqualitylikelytobeenviedbythosearoundhimiscertaintobelongtotherankandfileofhumanity。Buttheseunconsideredunitsofmankindcanalwaysconsolethemselveswiththeundoubtedfactthatmediocrityisinvariablyhappy。
SuchamanasRandomwouldneversettheThamesonfire，andcertainlyhehadnoambitiontoperformthatastoundingfeat。Hewasfondofhisprofessionandintendedtoremaininthearmyaslongashecould。Hedesiredtomarryandbegetafamily，andretire，whensetfreefromsoldiering，tohiscountryseat，andthereperformblamelesslythecongenialroleofavillagesquire，untilcalledupontojointherespectablecorpsesintheRandomvault。Notthathewasasaintorevercouldbeone。Neitherblacknorwhite，hewassimplygray，beinganordinarymixtureofgoodandbad。Astheologyhasprovidednohereafterforgraypeople，itishardtoimaginewherethebulkofhumanitywillgo。
ButdoubtsonthispointnevertroubledRandom。Hewenttochurch，kepthismouthshutandhisporesopenandvaguelybelievedthatitwouldbeallrightsomehow。Averycomfortableifsuperficialphilosophyindeed。
ItcaneasilybeguessedthatRandom’ssomewhatcolorlesspersonalitywouldneverattractLucyKendal，sincethehuesofherowncharacterweredeeper。ForthisreasonshewasdrawntoHope，whopossessedthataggressiveartistictemperament，wheregoodandbad，areinviolentcontrast。Randomtookopinionsfrombooks，orfromotherpeople，andhismind，likealooking-glass，reflectedwhatevercamealong；butHopepossessedopinionsofhisown，bothrightandwrong，andheldtotheseinthefaceofallverbalopposition。Hecouldargueanddidargue，whenRandomsimplyagreed。Lucyhadsimilaridiosyncrasies，inheritedfromacleverfather，soitwasjustaswellthatshepreferredArchietoFrank。Hadthelatteryounggentlemanmarriedher，hewouldhavedwindledtoLadyRandom’shusband，andwouldhavefoundtoolatethathehaddomesticatedakindofimitationGeorgeEliot。
WhenhecongratulatedArchieonhisengagementsomewhatruefully，helittlethoughtwhatanescapehehadhad。
ButProfessorBraddock，whodidnotbelongtothegraytribe，knewnothingofthis，ashisEgyptologicalstudiesdidnotpermithimtimetoargueonsuchcommonplacematters。HethereforefailedinadvancewhenhesetouttopersuadeRandomintorenewinghissuit。Asthefierylittlemanafterwardsexpressedhimself，\"Imightaswellhavetalkedtoamollusc，\"forRandompolitelydeclinedtobeusedasaninstrumenttoforwardtheProfessor’sambitionatthecostofMissKendal’sunhappiness。
TheinterviewtookplaceinSirFrank’squartersattheFortonthedayafterHerveyhadcalledtoproposeasearchforthecorpse。AnditwasduringthisinterviewthatBraddocklearnedsomethingwhichbothstartledandannoyedhim。
Random，atthreeo’clock，hadjustchangedintomufti，whentheProfessorwasannouncedbyhisservant。Braddock，determinedtogivehishostnochanceofdenyinghimself，followedcloseontheman’sheels，andwasintheroomalmostbeforeSirFrankhadreadthecard。Itwasabareroom，sparselyfurnished，accordingtotheWarOffice’sideaofcomfort，andalthoughthebaronethadaddedafewmorecivilizednecessities，itstilllookedsomewhatdismal。Braddock，wholikedcomfort，shookhandscarelesslywithhishostandcastadisapprovingeyeonhissurroundings。
\"Dogkennel！dogkennel！\"grumbledthepoliteProfessor。\"Baredesolationlikeadamneddungeon。YoumightaswellliveintheSahara。\"
\"Itwouldcertainlybewarmer，\"repliedRandom，whoknewthescientist’ssnappywaysverywell。\"Takeachair，sir！\"
\"Hardasbricks，confoundit！\"Handmeoveracushion。There，that’sbetter！No，Ineverdrinkbetweenmeals，thankyou。
Smoke？Hangit，Random，youshouldknowbythistimethatI
dislikemakingachimneyofmythroat！There！there！don’tfuss。
TakeaseatandlistentowhatIhavetosay。It’simportant。
Pokethefire，please:it’scold。\"
Randomplacidlydidashewastold，andthenlightedacigar，ashesatdownquietly。
\"Iamsorrytohearofyourtrouble，sir。’\"
\"Trouble！trouble！Whatparticulartrouble？\"
\"Thedeathofyourassistant。\"
\"Ohyes。Sillyyoungasstogetkilled。Lostmymummy，too:
there’stroubleifyoulike。\"
\"Thegreenmummy。\"Randomlookedintothefire，\"Yes。Ihaveheardofthegreenmummy。\"
\"Ishouldthinkyouhave，\"snappedBraddock，warminghisplumphands。\"Everypenny-a-linerhasbeentalkingaboutit。Whendidyoureturn？\"
\"Onthesamedaythatthatsteamerwiththemummyonboardarrived，\"wasRandom’soddreply。
TheProfessorstaredsuspiciously。\"Idon’tseewhyyoushoulddateyourmovementsbymymummy，\"heretorted。
\"Well，Ihadareasonindoingso。\"
\"Whatreason？\"
\"Themummy-\"
\"Whataboutit？-doyouknowwhereitis？\"Braddockstartedtohisfeet，andlookedeagerlyatthecalmfaceofhishost。
\"No，IwishIdid。Howmuchdidyoupayforit，Professor？\"
\"What’sthattoyou？\"snappedtheother，resuminghisseat。
\"Nothingatall。ButitisagreatdealtoDonPedrodeGayangos。\"
\"Andwhothedeuceishe？SomeSpanishEgyptologist？\"
\"Idon’tthinkheisanEgyptologist，sir。\"
\"Hemustbe，ifhewantsmymummy。\"
\"Youforget，Professor，thatthegreenmummycomesfromPeru。\"
\"Whodeniedthatitdid，sir？Youareillogical-infernallyso。\"Thelittlemanroseandstraddledonthehearth-rug，withhisbacktothefireandhishandsunderhiscoat-tails。\"Now，sir，\"hesaid，glaringattheyoungmanlikeaschool-master-
\"whatthedeuceareyoutalkingabout？Outwithit:noevasion，\"
\"Oh，hangit，Professor，don’tjumpdownmythroat，spursandall，\"saidRandom，ratherannoyedbythisdictatorialtone。
\"Ineverwearspurs:goon，sir，anddon’targue。\"
SirFrankcouldnothelplaughing，althoughhtknewthatitwasuselesstoinduceBraddocktobecivil。NotthattheProfessor，meanttoberude，especiallyashedesiredtoconciliateRandom。
Butlongyearsoffightingwithotherscientistsandofhavinghisownscientificwayhadturnedhimintoakindofschool-master，andeveryoneknowsthattheyarethemostdomineeringofthehumanrace。
\"It’salongstory，\"saidthebaronet，withashrugandasmile。
\"Story！story！Whatstory？\"
\"’ThatwhichIamabouttotellyou。\"AndthenRandombeganhurriedly，soastopreventfurtherargumentsofanunprofitablekind。\"IwasatGenoawithmyyacht，andtherestoppedonshoreattheCasaBianca。\"
\"Whatplaceisthat？\"
\"Anhotel。ItheremetwithacertainDonPedrodeGayangosandhisdaughter，DonnaInez，HewasagentlemanfromLima，andhadcometoEuropeinsearchofthegreenmummy。\"
Braddockstared。
\"AndwhatdidthisconfoundedSpaniardwantwithmygreenmummy？\"
hedemandedindignantly。\"Howdidheknowofitsexistence？-
whatreasonhadhetotryandobtainit？Answer，sir。\"
\"IshallletDonPedroanswerhimself，\"saidRandomdryly。\"Hearrivesinacoupleofdays，andintendstotakeroomsattheWarriorInnalongwithhisdaughter。Thenyoucanquestionhim，Professor。\"
\"Iquestionyou，\"snappedBraddockangrily。
\"AndIamansweringtothebestofmyability。DonPedrotoldmenothingbeyondthefactthathewantedthemummy，andhadcometoEuropetogetit。InsomewayhelearnedthatitwasinMaltaandwasforsale。\"
\"Quiteso:quiteso，\"raspedtheProfessor。\"Hesawtheadvertisementinthenewspapers，asIdid，andwantedtobuyitovermyhead。\"
\"Oh，hewantedtobuyitrightenough，andwiredtoMalta，\"saidRandom，\"butinreplyhereceivedaletterstatingthatithadbeensoldtoyouandwasbeingtakentoEnglandonTheDiver。I
followedTheDiverinmyyachtandarrivedatPiersideanhouraftershedid。\"
\"Ah！\"Braddockglared。\"Ibegintoseelight。ThisinfernalSpaniardwasonboard，andwantedmymummy。HeknewthatBoltonhadtakenittotheSailor’sRestandwenttheretokillthepoorladandgetmy-\"
\"Nothingofthesort，\"interruptedSirFrankimpatiently。\"DonPedroremainedbehindinGenoa，intendingtowriteandaskifyouwouldsellhimthemummy。Iwroteandtoldhimofthemurderofyourassistantandrelatedallthathadhappened。HewiredtomethathewascomingtoEnglandatonce，as-asItoldyou。HewillbeinGartleyinacoupleofdays。Thatisthewholestory。\"
\"Itisasufficientlystrangeone，\"grumbledBraddock，frowning。
\"Whatdoeshewantwithmymummy？\"。
\"Icannottellyou。Butifyouwillsell-\"
\"Sell！sell！sell！\"vociferatedBraddockfuriously。
