\"DonPedrowillgiveyouagoodprice，\"finishedRandomcalmly。
\"Ihaven’tgotthemummy，\"saidtheProfessor，sittingdownandwipinghispinkhead，\"andifIhad，Icertainlywouldnotsell。
However，I’llhearwhatthisgentlemanhastosaywhenhearrives。Perhapshecanthrowsomelightonthemysteryofthiscrime。\"
\"Iamperfectlycertainthathecannot，sir。DonPedro-asI
said-wasleftbehindinGenoa。\"
\"Humph！\"saidtheProfessor，unconvinced。\"Hecouldeasilyemployathirdparty。\"
Randomrose，lookingandfeelingannoyed。
\"IassureyouthatDonPedroisagentlemananda，manofhonor。
Hewouldnotstoopto-\"
\"There！there！\"Braddockwavedhishands。\"Sitdown:sitdown。\"
\"Youshouldn’tsaysuchthings，Professor。\"
\"IsaywhatIdesiretosay，\"retortedtheoldgentlemanmantartly；\"butwecandismissthesubjectforthetimebeing。\"
\"Iamonlytoogladtodoso，\"saidRandom，whowasruffledoutofhisusualcalmbytheveiledaccusationwhichBraddockhadbroughtagainsthisforeignfriend，\"andtogettoamoreagreeablesubject，tellmehowMissKendaliskeeping。\"
\"Sheisill，veryill，\"saidtheProfessorsolemnly。
\"Ill？Why，Hope，whomImettheotherday，saidthatshewasfeelingverywellandveryhappy。\"
\"SoHopethinks，becausehehasforcedherintoanengagement。\"
Randomstartedtohisfeet。
\"Forcedher？Nonsense！\"
\"Itisn’tnonsense，anddon’tdaretospeaklikethattome，sir。
IrepeatthatLucy-poorchild-isbreakingherheartforyou。\"
Theyoungmanstaredandthenbrokeintoaheartylaugh。
\"Pardonme，sir，butthatisimpossible\"
\"Itisn’t，confoundyou！\"saidBraddock，whodidnotlikebeinglaughedat。\"Iknowwomen。\"
\"Youdon’tknowyourdaughter。\"
\"Step-daughter，youmean。\"
\"Ah，perhapsthemoredistantrelationshipaccountsforyourignoranceofhercharacter，\"saidRandomdryly。\"Youarequitewrong。IwasinlovewithMissKendal，andaskedhertobemywifebeforeIwentonleave。Sherefusedme，sayingthatshelovedHope，andbecauseofherrefusalItookmybrokenhearttoMonteCarlo，whereIlostmuchmoremoneythanIhadanyrighttolose。\"
\"Yourbrokenheartseemstohavemendedquickly，\"saidBraddock，whowastryingtosuppresshiswrathatthisinstanceofLucy’sduplicity，forsoheconsideredit。
\"Oh，pooh，it’sonlymywayofspeaking，\"laughedtheyoungman。
\"IfmyhearthadbeenreallybrokenIshouldnothavementionedthefact。\"
\"ThenyoudidnotloveLucy，andyoudaredtoplayfastandloosewithheraffections，\"ragedBraddock，stamping。
\"Youarequitewrong，\"saidSirFranksharply；\"IdidloveMissKendal，orIshouldcertainlynothaveaskedhertobemywife。
Butwhenshetoldmethatshelovedanotherman，Istoodasideasanyfellowwould。\"
\"Youshouldhaveinsistedon-\"
\"Onnothing，sir。Iamnotthemantoforceawomantogivemeaheartwhichbelongstoanotherperson。IamverygladthatMissKendalisengagedtoHope，asheisacapitalfellow，andwillmakeherabetterhusbandthanIevercouldhavemadeher。
Besides，\"Randomshruggedhisshoulders，\"onenaildrivesanotherout。\"
\"Humph！Thatmeansyouloveanother。\"
\"Iamnotboundtotellyoumyprivateaffairs，Professor。\"
\"Quiteso:quiteso；butInezisaprettyandromanticname。\"
\"Idon’tknowwhatyouaretalkingabout，sir，\"saidRandomstiffly。
Braddockchuckled，havingreadthetruthintheflushwhichhadcreptoverRandom’stannedface。
\"Iaskyourpardon，\"hesaidelaborately。\"Iamanoldman，andIwasyourfather’sfriend。YoumustnotmindifIhavebeenatrifleinquisitive。\"
\"Saynomore，sir:thatisallright。\"
\"Idon’tagreewithyou，Random。Thingsarenotallrightandneverwillbeuntilmymummyisdiscovered。Nowyoucanhelpme。\"
\"Inwhatway？\"askedtheotheruneasily。
\"Withmoney。Understand，myboy，\"addedtheProfessorinagenialwaywhichheknewwellhowtoassume，\"IshouldhavepreferredLucybecomingyourwife。However，sincesheprefersHope，there’snomoretobesaidonthatscore。IthereforewillnotmaketheofferIcameheretomake。\"
\"Anoffer，sir？\"
\"Yes！IfanciedthatyoulovedLucyandwerebroken-heartedbythenewsofherengagementtoHope。Ithereforeintendedtoaskyoutogiveme，orratherlendme，fivehundredpoundsonconditionthatIhelpedyouto-\"
\"Stop，Professor，\"saidRandom，coloring，\"IshouldneverhaveboughtMissKendalasmywifeonthoseterms。\"
\"Ofcourse！ofcourse！and-asIsay-thereisnomoretobesaid。IshallthereforeagreetoLucy’sengagementtoHope\"-
Braddockcarefullyomittedtosaythathehadalreadyagreedandhadbeenpaidonethousandpoundstoagree-\"andwillcongratulateyouwhenyouleadDonnaIneztothealtar。\"
\"IneversaidanythingaboutDonnaInez，ProfessorBraddock。\"
\"Ofcoursenot:modernreticence。However，Icanseethroughabrickwallaswellasmostpeople。Iunderstand，soletusdropthesubject，myboy。Andthisfivehundredpounds-\"
\"Icannotlendittoyou，Professor。Thefactis，IlostheapsofcoinatMonteCarlo，andamnotinapositionto-？\"
\"Verygood，letusshelvethatalso，\"saidBraddockwithapparentheartiness，althoughhewasreallyveryangryathisfailure。\"I
amsorry，though，asIwishtogetbackthemummyandtorevengepoorSidneyBolton’sdeath。\"
\"Howcanthefivehundreddothat？\"askedRandomwithinterest。
\"Well，\"drawledtheProfessorwithhiseyesontheyoungman’sattentiveface，\"CaptainHerveyofTheDivercametomeyesterdayandproposedtosearchfortheassassinandhisplunderonconditionthatIpaidhimfivehundredpounds。Iam，asyouknow，verypoorforascientist，andsoIwishedtoborrowthefivehundredfromyouonconditionthatLucy-\"
\"Wewon’ttalkofthatagain，\"saidRandomhurriedly；\"butdoyoumeantosaythatthisCaptainHerveyknowsofanythinglikelytosolvethismystery？\"
\"Hesaysthathedoesnot，andmerelyproposestosearch。FromwhatIhaveseenofthemanIshouldthinkthathehadallthecapacitiesofagoodbloodhoundandwouldcertainlysucceed。Buthewillnotmoveastepwithoutmoney。\"
\"Fivehundredpounds，\"murmuredRandomthoughtfully，whiletheProfessorwatchedhimclosely。\"Icantellyouhowtoobtainit。\"
\"How？Inwhatway？\"
\"DonPedroseemstoberich，andhewantsthemummy，\"saidthebaronet。\"Sowhenhecomeshereaskhimto-\"
\"Certainlynot:certainlynot，\"ragedBraddock，clappingonhishatinafury。\"Howdareyoumakesuchapropositiontome，Random！IfthisDonPedroofferstherewardandHerveyfindsthemummy，hewillsimplyhanditovertoyourfriend。\"
\"Hecanscarcelydothat，sinceyouhaveboughtthemummy。ButDonPedroiswillingtopurchaseitfromyou。\"
\"Humph！\"Braddockmovedtothedoor，thinking。\"Ishallreservemydecisionuntilthismanarrives。Goodday，\"andhedeparted。
Randomdidnotattempttodetainhim，ashewassomewhatwearyoftheProfessor’svagaries。HeknewverywellthatBraddockwouldcallonDonPedrowhenhecametotheWarriorInn，andjoinforceswithhiminsearchingforthelostgoods。AndthetrainofthoughtinitiatedbytheProfessor’svisitledRandomtoacertaindrawer，whencehetookthephotographofasplendid-lookingbeauty。Tothishepressed`hislips。\"I
wonderifyourfatherwillgiveyoutomeinexchangeforthatmummy，\"hethought，andkissedthepicturedfaceagain。
CHAPTERIX
MRS。JASHER’SLUCK’
SomeweekshadnowelapsedsincethedeathandburialofSidneyBolton，andtheexcitementhadsimmereddowntoagentlespeculationastowhohadkilledhim。Thisquestionwasdiscussedinahalf-heartedmannerroundthewinterfiresofGartley，butgraduallypeoplewereceasingtointerestthemselvesinacrime，themysteryofwhichwouldapparentlyneverbesolved。LifewentoninthevillageandatthePyramidsmuchinthesameway，savethattheProfessorattendedalongwithCockatootohismuseumanddidnotengageanotherassistant。
ArchieandLucywereperfectlyhappy，astheylookedforwardtobeingmarriedinthespring，andBraddockshowednodesiretointerferewiththeirengagement。Theyknew，ofcourse，thathehadcalleduponSirFrank，butwereignorantofwhathadtakenplace。RandomhimselfcalledatthePyramidstocongratulateMissKendalonherengagement，andseemedsoverypleasedthatshewasgoingtomarrythemanofherchoice，that，woman-like，shegrewratherannoyed。Asthebaronethadbeenherlover，shethoughtthatheshouldwearthewillowforhersake。ButRandomshowednodispositiontodoso，thereforeLucyshrewdlyguessedthathisbrokenhearthadbeenmendedbyanotherwoman。TheProfessorcouldhaveconfirmedthetruthofthisfromthehintswhichRandomhadgivenhim，buthesaidnothingabouthisinterviewwiththeyoungman，nordidhementionthataSpanishgentlemanfromPeruwasseekingforthefamousgreenmummy。
ConsiderablyvexedthatRandomshouldbesocheerful，Lucycastroundtolearnthetruth。Shecouldscarcelyaskthebaronethimself，andArchieprofessedhimselfunabletoexplain。MissKendaldidnotdreamofcross-examiningBraddock，asitneverenteredhermindthatthedry-as-dustscientistwouldknowanything。ItthenoccurredtothisinquisitiveyoungladythatMrs。JashermightbeawareofRandom’ssecret，whichmadehimsocheerful。SirFrankwasagreatfriendoftheplumpwidow，andfrequentlywenttotakeafternoonteaathersmallhouse，whichwassituatednogreatdistancefromtheFort。Infact，Mrs。
Jasherentertainedtheofficerslargely，asshewashospitablebynature，andlikedtohavepresentablemenaboutherforflirtingpurposes。Withgood-lookingyouthsheassumedthematernalair，andintheroleofacleverwomanoftheworldprofessedtobetheadviserofoneandall。Inthiswayshebecamequiteafavorite，andherlittleparlor-shelikedtheoldEnglishword-wasusually，wellfilledatthehourofafternoontea。
TwicealreadyLucyhadcalledonMrs。Jasherafterthecommotioncausedbythecrime，asshewishedtospeaktoheraboutthesame；butoneachoccasionthewidowprovedtobeabsentinLondon。However，thethirdvisitprovedtobemorelucky，forMrs。Jasherwasathome，andexpressedherselfhappytoseethegirl。
\"Sogoodofyoutocomeandseemeinmylittlewoodenhut，\"saidthewidow，kissingherguest。
AndMrs。Jasher’scottagereallywasalittlewoodenhut，beingwhatwasleftofanold-fashionedfarmhouse，builtbeforethestoneage。Itlayonthevergeofthemarshesinanisolatedpositionandwasplacedinthemiddleofasquaregarden，protectedfromthewinterfloodsbyalowstonewallsolidlybuilt，butofnogreatheight。TheroadtotheFortranpastthefrontpartofthegarden，butbehindthemarshesspreadtowardstheembankment，whichcutofftheviewoftheThames。Thesituationwasnotanidealone，norwasthecottage，butmoneywasscarcewithMrs。Jasher，andshehadobtainedthewholeplaceatasurprisinglysmallrental。Thehouseandgroundsweredryenoughinsummer，butdecidedlydampinwinter。Therefore，thewidowwenttoaflatinLondon，asarule，fortheseasonoffogs。Butthiswintershehadmadeuphermind-soshetoldLucy-toremaininherownlittlecastleandbravethewateryhumorsofthemarshes。
\"Icanalwayskeepfiresburningineveryroom，\"saidMrs。
Jasher，whenshehadremovedherguest’shatandhadsettledherforaconfidentialtalkonthesofa。\"Andafterall，mydear，thereisnoplacelikehome。\"
Theroomwassmall，andMrs。Jasherwassmall，soshesuitedhersurroundingsexcellently。Also，thewidowhadthegoodtastetofurnishitsparsely，insteadofcrowdingitwithfurniture；butwhatfurnituretherewascouldnotbeimprovedupon。TherewereChippendalechairs，aLouisQuinzetable，aSheridancabinet，andasatin-wooddesk，hand-painted，whichwassaidtohavebeenthepropertyoftheunhappyMarieAntoinette。Oil-paintingsadornedtherose-tintedwalls，chieflylandscapes，althoughoneortwowereportraits。Also，therewerewater-coloredpictures，framedandsignedcaricatures，manyplatesofoldchina，andrice-paperadornmentsfromCanton。Theroomwasessentiallyfeminine，beingfilledwithIndianstuffs，withsilveroddments，withflowers，andwithothertrifles。Thewalls，thecarpet，thehangings，andtheupholsteryofthearmchairswereallofarosyhue，sothatMrs。JasherlookedasyoungasDameHoldaintheVenusberg。A
veryprettyroomandaverycharminghostess，wastheverdictoftheyounggentlemenfromtheFort，whocameheretoflirtwhentheywerenotservingtheircountry。
Mrs。Jasherinatea-rosetea-gownforafternoontea-shealwayslikedtobeinkeeping-rangforthatbeveragedeartothefeminineheart，andlightedarose-shadedlamp。Whenaglowasofdawnspreadthroughthedaintyroom，shesettledLucyonthesofanearthefire，anddrewupanarm-chairontheothersideofthehearthrug。Outsideitwascoldandfoggy，buttherose-huedcurtainsshutoutallthatwasdisagreeableintheweather，andintheabsenceofmalesociety，thetwowomentalkedmoreorlessconfidentially。LucydidnotdislikeMrs。Jasher，eventhoughshefanciedthatthelivelywidowwasplanningtobecomethemistressofthePyramids。
\"Well，mydeargirl，\"saidMrs。Jasher，shadingherfacefromthefirewithalargefan，\"andhowisyourdearfatherafterhislateterribleexperiences？\"
\"Heisperfectlywell，andrathercross，\"repliedLucy，smiling。
\"Cross？\"
\"Ofcourse。Hehaslostthatwretchedmummy。\"
\"AndpoorSidneyBolton。\"
\"Oh，Idon’tthinkhecaresforpoorSidney’sdeathbeyondthefactthathemisseshisservices。Butthemummycostninehundredpounds，andfatherismuchannoyed，especiallyasPeruvianmummiesaresomewhathardtoobtain。Yousee，Mrs。
Jasher，fatherwishestoseethedifferencebetweenthePeruvianandEgyptianmodesofembalming。\"
\"Ugh！Howgruesome！\"Mrs。Jashershuddered。\"Buthasanythingbeendiscoveredlikelytoshowwhokilledthispoorlad？\"
\"No，thewholethingisamystery。\"
Mrs。Jasherlookedintothefireoverthetopofthefan。
\"Ihavereadthepapers，\"shesaidslowly，\"andhavegatheredwhatIcouldfromwhatthereportersexplained。ButIintendtocallontheProfessorandhearallthatevidencewhichdidnotgetintothepapers。\"
\"Ithinkthateverythinghasbeenmadepublic。Thepolicehavenocluetothemurderer。Whydoyouwanttoknow？\"
Mrs。Jashermadeamovementofsurprise。
\"Why，IamtheProfessor’sfriend，ofcourse，mydear，andnaturallyIwanttohelphimtosolvethismystery。\"
\"Thereisnochance，sofarasIcansee，ofiteverbeingsolved，\"saidLucy。\"It’sverysweetofyou，ofcourse，butwereIyouIshouldnottalkaboutittomyfather。\"
\"Why？\"askedMrs。Jasherquickly。
\"Becausehethinksofnothingelse，andbothArchieandIaretryingtogethimoffthesubject。ThemummyislostandpoorSidneyisburied。Thereisnomoretobesaid。\"
\"Still，ifarewardwasoffered\"
\"Myfatheristoopoortoofferareward，andtheGovernmentwillnotdoso。Andaspeoplewillnotworkwithoutmoney，why-\"
Lucycompletedhersentencewithashrug。
\"ImightofferarewardifthedearProfessorwillletme，\"saidthewidowunexpectedly。
\"You！ButIthoughtthatyouwerepoor，asweare。\"
\"Iwas，andIamnotveryrichnow。Allthesame，Ihavecomeinforsomethousandsofpounds。\"
\"Icongratulateyou。Alegacy？\"
\"Yes。YourememberhowItoldyouaboutmybrotherwhowasaPekinmerchant。Heisdead。\"
\"Oh，Iamsosorry。\"
\"Mydear，whatistheuseofbeingsorry。Inevercryoverspiltmilk，orassumeavirtuewhichIhavenot。MybrotherandIwerealmoststrangers，aswelivedapartforsomanyyears。However，hecamehometodieatBrighton，andafewweeksago-justafterthismurdertookplace，infact-Iwassummonedtohisdeath-bed。Helingeredonuntillastweekanddiedinmyarms。
Heleftmenearlyallhismoney，soIwillbeabletohelptheProfessor。\"
\"Idon’tseewhyyoushould，\"saidLucy，wonderingwhyMrs。
Jasherdidnotwearmourningforthedead。
\"Ohyes，youdosee，\"remarkedthewidow，raisinghereyesandrubbingherplumphandstogether。\"Iwanttomarryyourfather。\"
Lucydidnotexpressastonishment，asshehadunderstoodthisforalongtime。
\"Iguessedasmuch。\"
\"Andwhatdoyousay？\"
MissKendalshruggedhershoulders。
\"Ifmystep-father，\"sheemphasizedtheword-\"ifmystepfatherconsents，whyshouldImind？IamgoingtomarryArchie，andnodoubttheProfessorwillbelonely。\"
\"Thenyoudonotdisapproveofmeasamother。\"
\"My，dearMrs。Jasher，\"saidLucy，coldly，\"thereisnorelationshipbetweenmeandmystep-fatherbeyondthefactthathemarriedmymother。Thereforeyoucanneverbemymother。
WereIstoppingonatthePyramids，thatquestionmightarise，butasIbecomeMrs。Hopeinsixmonths，wecanbefriends-
nothingmore。\"
\"Iamquitecontentwiththat，\"saidMrs。Jasherinabusinesslikeway。\"Afterall，Iamnosentimentalist。ButIamgladthatyoudonotmindmymarryingtheProfessor，asIdon’twantyoutopreventthematchmydear。\"
Lucylaughed。
\"IassureyouthatIhavenoinfluencewithmyfather，Mrs。
Jasher。Hewillmarryyouifhethinksfitandwithoutconsultingme。But，\"addedthegirlwithemphasis，\"IdonotseewhatyougaininbecomingMrs。Braddock。\"
\"ImaybecomeLadyBraddock，\"saidthewidow，dryly。Then，inanswertotheopenastonishmentonLucy’sface，shehastenedtoremark:\"Doyoumeantosaythatyoudon’tknowyourfatherisheirtoabaronetcy？\"
\"Oh，Iknowthat，\"rejoinedMissKendal。\"TheProfessor’sbrother，SirDonaldBraddock，isanoldmanandunmarried。Ifhedieswithoutheirs，asitseemslikely，theProfessorwillcertainlytakethetitle。\"
\"Well，then，thereyouare！\"criedMrs。Jasher，inherliveliesttone。\"IwanttogivemylegacyforthetitleandpresideoverascientificsaloninLondon。\"
\"Iunderstand。ButyouwillnevergetmyfathertoliveinLondon。\"
\"WaituntilImarryhim，\"saidthelittlewomanshrewdly。\"I’llmakeamanofhim。Iknow，ofcourse，thatmummiesandsepulchralornamentsandthosesortofhorridthingsaredull，buttheProfessorwillbecomeSirJulianBraddock，andthatisenoughforme。Idon’tlovehim，ofcourse，aslovebetweentwoelderlypeopleisabsurd，butIshallmakehimagoodwife，andwithmymoneyhecantakehisproperpositioninthescientificworld，whichhedoesn’toccupyatpresent。Iwouldratherhehadbeenartistic，asscienceissodull。However，IamgettingoninyearsandwishtohavesomeamusementbeforeIdie，soImusttakewhatIcanget。Whatdoyousay？\"
\"Iamquiteagreeable，as，whenIleave，someonemustlookaftermyfather，elsehewillbeshamefullyrobbedbyeveryoneinhouseholdmatters。Wearegoodfriends，sowhynotyouaswellasanother。\"
\"Youareadeargirl，\"saidMrs。Jasherwithasighofrelief，andkissedLucyfondly。\"Iamsureweshallgetonexcellently。\"
\"Atadistance。Theartisticworlddoesn’ttouchonthescientific，youknow。Andyouforget，Mrs。Jasher，thatmyfatherwishestogotoEgypttoexplorethismysterioustomb。\"
Mrs。Jashernodded。
\"Yes，Ipromised，whenIcameinformybrother’smoney，tohelptheProfessortofitouthisexpedition。Butitseemstomethatthemoneywillbebetterspentinofferingarewardsothatthemummycanbefound。\"
\"Well，\"saidLucy，laughing，\"youcangivetheProfessorhischoice。\"
\"Beforemarriage，notafter。Heneedstobemanaged，likeallmen。\"
\"Youwillnotfindhimeasytomanage，\"saidLucydryly。\"Heisaveryobstinateman，andquitefeminineinhispersistency。\"
\"H’m！Irecognizethatheisadifficultcharacter，andbetweenyouandmedear，Ishouldnotmarryhimbutforthetitle。Itsoundsratherlikeanadventuresstalkinginthisway，but，afterall，ifhemakesmeLadyBraddockIcangivehimenoughmoneytolethimrealizehisdesireofgettingthemummyback。It’ssixofoneandhalfadozenoftheother。AndI’llbegoodtohim:
youneednotfear。\"
\"Iamquitesurethat，goodorbad，theProfessorwillhavehisownway。ItisnothishappinessIamthinkingofsomuchasyours。\"
\"Really。Hereisthetea。Putthetablenearthefire，Jane，betweenMissKendalandmyself。Thankyou。Themuffinsonthefender。Thankyou。No，thereisnothingmore。Closethedoorwhenyougoout。\"
Theteaequippagehavingbeenarranged，Mrs。JasherpouredoutacupofSouchong，andhandedittoherguest，resumingthesubjectofherproposedmarriagemeanwhile。
\"Idon’tseewhyyoushouldbeanxiousaboutme，dear。Iamquiteabletolookaftermyself。AndtheProfessorseemstobekind-heartedenough。\"
\"Oh，heiskind-heartedwhenhegetshisownway。Givehimhishobbyandhewillneverbotheryou。Buthewon’tliveinLondon，andhewillnotconsenttothissalonyouwishtoinstitute。\"
\"Whynot？Itmeansfametohim。IshallgatherroundmeallthescientistsofLondonandmakemyhouseacentreofinterest。TheProfessorcanstopinhislaboratoryifhelikes。Ashiswife，I
candoallthatisnecessary。Well，mydear\"-Mrs。Jashertookacupoftea-\"weneednottalkthesubjectthreadbare。Youdonotdisapproveofmymarriagewithyourstep-father，soyoucanleavetheresttome。Ifyoucangivemeahintofhowtoproceedtobringaboutthismarriage，ofcourseIamnotabovetakingit。\"
Lucyglancedatthetea-gown。
\"AsyouwillhavetotelltheProfessorthatyourbrotherisdeadtoaccountforpossessingthemoney，\"shesaidpointedly，\"I
shouldadviseyoutogointomourning。ProfessorBraddockwillbeshockedotherwise。\"
\"Dearme，whatatenderhearthemusthave！\"saidMrs。Jasherflippantly。\"Mybrotherwasverylittletome，poorman，sohecannotbeanythingtotheProfessor。However，Ishalladoptyouradvice，and，afterall，blacksuitsmeverywell。There\"-shesweptherhandsacrossthetea-table-\"thatissettled。Nowaboutyourself？\"
\"ArchieandImarryinthespringtime。\"
\"Andyourotheradmirer，whohascomeback？\"
\"SirFrankRandom？\"saidLucy，coloring。
\"Ofcourse。Hecalledtoseemeadayorsoago，andseemslessbroken-heartedthanheshouldbe。\"
Lucynoddedandcoloredstilldeeper。
\"Isupposesomeotherwomanhasconsoledhim。\"
\"Ofcourse。Catchamodernmanwearingthewillowforanygirl，howeverdear。Areyouangry？\"
\"Ohno，no。\"
\"Ohyes，yes，Ithink，\"saidthewidow，laughing，\"elseyouarenowoman，mydear。IknowIshouldbeangrytoseeamangetoverhisrejectionsorapidly。\"
\"Whoisshe？\"askedLucyabruptly。
\"DonnaInezdeGayangos。\"
\"ASpaniard？\"
\"Ibelieveso-acolonialSpaniard，atleast-fromLima。Herfather，DonPedrodeGayangos，metSirFrankinGenoabychance。\"
\"Well？\"demandedLucyimpatiently。
Mrs。Jashershruggedherplumpshoulders。
\"Well，mydear，can’tyouputtwoandtwotogether。OfcourseSirFrankfellinlovewiththisdark-huedangel。\"
\"Dark-hued！andIamlight-haired。Whatacompliment！\"
\"PerhapsSirFrankwantedachange。Heplayedonwhiteandlost，andthereforestakeshismoneyonblacktowin。That’stheresultofhavingbeenatMonteCarlo。Besides，thisyoungladyisrich，Iunderstand，andSirFrank-sohetoldme-lostmuchmoremoneyatMonteCarlothanhecouldafford。Well，youdon’tlookpleased。\"
Lucyrousedherselffromafitofabstraction。
\"Ohyes，Iampleased，ofcourse。Isuppose，asanywomanwould，Ifeltratherhurtforthemomentinbeingforgottensosoon。
But，afterall，Ican’tblameSirFrankforconsolinghimself。
IfIammarriedfirst，heshalldanceatmywedding:ifheismarriedfirst，Ishalldanceathis。\"
\"Andyoushallbothdanceatmine，\"saidMrs。Jasher。\"Why，thereisquiteanepidemicofmatrimony。Well，DonnaInezarrivesherewithherfatherinaday，orso。TheystopattheWarriorInn，Ibelieve。\"
\"Thathorridplace？\"
\"Oh，itiscleanandrespectable。Besides，SirFrankcanhardlyaskthemtostopintheFort，andIhavenoroominthisbandboxofmine。However，thetwoofthem-DonnaInezandFrank，Imean-cancomehereandflirt；socanyouandArchieifyoulike。\"
\"Ifearfourpeopleinthisroomwouldnotdo，\"laughedLucy，risingtotakeherleave。\"Well，IhopeSirFrankwillmarrythisladyandthatyouwillbecomeMrs。Braddock。OnlyonethingIshouldliketoknow。\"
\"Andthatis？\"
\"Whywasthemummystolen。Itwasnotvaluablesavetoascientist。\"
\"Bythatargumentascientistmustbethemurdererandthief，\"
saidMrs。Jasher。\"However，weshallsee。Meanwhile，liveeverymomentoflove’sgoldenhours:theyneverreturn。\"
\"Thatisgoodadvice；Ishalltakeitandmyleave，\"saidLucy，anddepartedinaveryhappyframeofmind。
CHAPTERX
THEDONANDHISDAUGHTER
ProfessorBraddockwasusuallythemostmethodicalofmen，andtimedhislifebytheclockandthealmanac。Heroseatseven，summerandwinter，topartakeofaheartybreakfast，whichservedhimuntildinnercameatfivethirty。Braddockdinedatthisunusualhour-savewhentherewascompany-asbedidnoteatanyluncheonandscornedtheveryideaofafternoontea。Twomealsaday，hemaintained，wasenoughforanymanwholedasedentarylife，astoomuchfoodwasapttoclogthewheelsoftheintellect。Heusuallyworkedinhismuseum-iftheindulgenceofhishobbycouldbecalledwork-fromnineuntilfour，afterwhichhourhetookashortwalkinthegardenorthroughthevillage。Onfinishinghisdinnerhewouldglanceoversomescientificpublication，orperhaps，bywayofrecreation，playagameortwoofpatience；butatsevenheinvariablyretiredintohisownroomstorenewwork。Retirementtobedtookplaceatmidnight，soitcanbeguessedthattheProfessorgotthroughanenormousquantityofworkduringtheyear。Amoremethodicalman，oramoreindustriousmandidnotexist。
Butonoccasionseventhisenthusiastweariedofhishobby，andoftheyear’sroutine。Alongingtoseebrotherscientistsofhisownwayofthinkingwouldseizehim，andhewouldabruptlydepartforLondon，tooccupyquietlodgings，andindulgeinintercoursewithhisfellow-men。Braddockrarelygaveearlyintimationofhisurbannostalgia。AtbreakfasthewouldsuddenlyannouncethatthefittookhimtogotoLondon，andhewoulddrivetoJessumalongwithCockatootocatchtheteno’clocktraintoLondon。SometimeshesenttheKanakaback；atothertimeshewouldtakehimtotown；butwhetherCockatooremainedordeparted，themuseumwasalwayslockeduplestitshouldbeprofanedbytheservantsofthehouse。Asamatteroffact，Braddockneednothavebeenafraid，forLucy-knowingherstep-father’swhimsandviolenttemper-tookcarethatthesanctityoftheplaceshouldremaininviolate。
SometimestheProfessorcamebackinacoupleofdays；attimeshisabsencewouldextendtoaweek；andontwoorthreeoccasionsheremainedabsentforafortnight。Butwheneverhereturned，hesaidverylittleabouthisdoingstoLucy，perhapsdeemingthatdryscientificdetailswouldnotappealtoalivelyyounglady。
Assoonashewasestablishedinhismuseumagain，lifeatthePyramidswouldresumeitsusualroutine，untilBraddockagainfeltthewantofachange。Thewonderwas，consideringthenatureofhiswork，andtheclosenessofhisapplication，thathedidnotmoreoftenindulgeintheseBohemianwanderings。
Lucy，therefore，wasnotastonishedwhen，onthemorningafterhervisittoMrs。Jasher，theProfessorannouncedinhisusualabruptwaythatheintendedtogotoLondon，butwouldleaveCockatooinchargeofhispreciouscollection。Shewassomewhatdisturbed，however，as，wishingtoforwardthewidow’smatrimonialaims，shehadinvitedhertodinnerfortheensuingnight。Thisshetoldherstep-father，and，rathertohersurprise，heexpressedhimselfsorrythathecouldnotremain。
\"Mrs。Jasher，\"saidBraddockhastily，drinkinghiscoffee，\"isaverysensiblewoman，whoknowswhentobesilent。\"
\"Sheisalsoagoodhousekeeper，Ibelieve，\"hintedMissKendaldemurely。
\"Eh，what？Well？Whydoyousaythat？\"snappedBraddocksharply。
Lucyfenced。
\"Mrs。Jasheradmiresyou，father。\"
Braddockgrunted，butdidnotseemdispleased，sinceevenascientistpossessingtheusualvanityofthemaleisnotinaccessibletoflattery。
\"DidMrs。Jashertellyouthis？\"heinquired，smilingcomplacently。
\"Notinsomanywords。Still，Iamawoman，andcanguesshowmuchanotherwomanleavesunsaid。\"Lucypaused，thenaddedsignificantly:\"Idonotthinkthatsheissoveryold，andyoumustadmitthatsheiswonderfullywellpreserved。\"
\"Likeamummy，\"remarkedtheProfessorabsently；thenpushedbackhischairtoaddbriskly:\"Whatdoesallthismean，youminx？I
knowthatthewomanisallrightsofarasawomancanbe:butherconfoundedageandherlooksandherunexpressedadmiration。
Whatarethesetoanoldmanlikemyself？\"
\"Father，\"saidLucyearnestly，\"whenImarryArchieIshall，inallprobability，leaveGartleyforLondon。\"
\"Iknow-Iknow。Blessme，child，doyouthinkthatIhavenotthoughtofthat？Ifyouwereonlywise，whichyouarenot，youwouldmarryRandomandremainattheFort。\"
\"SirFrankhasotherfishtofry，father。AndevenifIdidremainattheFortashiswife，Istillcouldnotlookafteryou。\"
\"Humph！Iambeginningtoseewhatyouaredrivingat。ButI
can’tforgetyourmother，mydear。Shewasagoodwifetome。\"
\"Still，\"saidLucycoaxingly，andbecomingmoreandmorethechampionofMrs。Jasher，\"youcannotmanagethislargehousebyyourself。IdonotliketoleaveyouinthehandsofservantswhenImarry。Mrs。Jasherisverydomesticatedand-\"
\"Andwouldmakeagoodhousekeeper。No，no，Idon’twanttogiveyouanothermother，child。\"
\"Thereisnodangerofthat，evenifIdidnotmarry，\"rejoinedLucystiffly。\"Agirlcanhaveonlyonemother。\"
\"Andamanapparentlycanhavetwowives，\"saidBraddockwithdryhumor。\"Humph！\"-hepinchedhisplumpchin-\"it’snotabadidea。ButofcourseIcan’tfallinloveatmyage。\"
\"Idon’tthinkthatMrsJasherasksforimpossibilities。\"
TheProfessorrosebriskly。
\"I’llthinkoverit，\"saidhe。\"Meanwhile，IamgoingtoLondon。\"
\"Whenwillyoubeback，father？\"
\"Ican’tsay。Don’tasksillyquestions。Idislikebeingboundtotime。Imaybeaweek，andImaybeonlyafewdays。Thingscangoonhereasusual，butifHopecomestoseeyou，askMrs。
Jasherin，toplaychaperon。\"
Lucyconsentedtothissuggestion，andBraddockwentawaytoprepareforhisdeparture。Togethimoffthepremiseswaslikelaunchingaship，astheentirehouseholdwasathisswiftheels，packingboxes，strappingrugs，cuttingsandwiches，helpinghimonwithhisovercoatandassistinghimintothetrap，whichhadbeenhastilysentfortotheWarriorInn。AllthetimeBraddocktalkedandscoldedandgavedirectionsandleftinstructions，untileveryonewasquitebewildered。LucyandtheservantsallsighedwithreliefwhentheysawthetrapdisappearroundtheendoftheroadinthedirectionofJessum。Inadditiontobeingafamousarchaeologist，theProfessorwasassuredlyagreatnuisancetothosewhohadtodowithhiswhimsandfancies。
ForthenexttwoorthreedaysLucyenjoyedherselfinaquietwaywithArchie。Inspiteofthelatenessoftheseason，theweatherwasstillfine，andtheartisttooktheopportunityofthepalesunshinetosketchagreatdealofthemarshscenery。
Lucyattendedhimasarulewhenhewentabroad，andsometimesMrs。Jasher，volubleandmerry，wouldcamealongwiththemtoplaythepartofchaperon。ButthegirlnoticedthatMrs。
Jasher’smerrimentwasforcedattimes，andinthesearchingmorninglightsheappearedtobequiteold。Wrinklesshowedthemselvesonherplumpfaceandwearylinesappearedroundhermouth。Also，shewasabsent-mindedwhiletheloverschattered，and，whenspokento，wouldreturntothepresentmomentwithastart。Asthewidowwasnowwelloffasregardsmoney，andasherschemetomarryBraddockwaswellonthewaytosuccess-forLucyhaddulyreportedtheProfessor’sattitude-itwasdifficulttounderstandwhyMrs:Jashershouldlooksoworried。
OnedayLucyspoketoheronthesubject。RandomhadstrolledacrossthemarshestolookatHopesketch，andthetwomenchattedtogether，whileMissKendalledthelittlewidowtooneside。
Thereisnothingthematter，Ihope，\"saidLucygently。\"
\"No。Whydoyousaythat？\"askedMrs。Jasher，flushing。
\"Youhavebeenlookingworriedforthelastfewdays。\"
\"Ihaveafewtroubles，\"sighedthewidow-\"troublesconnectedwiththeestateofmylatebrother。Thelawyersareverydisagreeableandmakeallsortsofdifficultiestoswelltheircosts。Then，strangelyenough，Iambeginningtofeelmybrother’sdeathmorethanIthoughtIshouldhavedone。YouseethatIaminmourning，dear。AfterwhatyousaidtheotherdayI
feltthatitwaswrongformenottowearmourning。OfcoursemypoorbrotherandIwerealmoststrangers。Allthesame，ashehasleftmemoneyandwasmyonlyrelative，Ithinkitrighttoshowsomegrief。Iamalonelywoman，mydear。\"
\"Whenmyfathercomesbackyouwillnolongerbelonely，\"saidLucy。
\"Ihopenot。IfeelthatIwantamantolookafterme。ItoldyouthatIdesiredtomarrytheProfessorforhispossibletitleandinordertoformasalonandhavesomeamusementandpower。
ButalsoIwantacompanionformyoldage。Thereisnodenying，\"addedMrs。Jasherwithanothersigh，\"thatIamgrowingoldinspiteofallthecareItake。Iamgratefulforyourfriendship，dear。AtonetimeIthoughtthatyoudidnotlikeme。\"
\"Oh，Ithinkwegetonverywelltogether，\"saidLucysomewhatevasively，forshedidnotwanttosaythatshewouldmakethewidowanintimatefriend，\"and，asyouknow，Iamquitepleasedthatyoushouldmarrymystep-father。\"
\"Sopleasanttothinkthatyoulookatmyambitioninthatlight，\"saidMrs。Jasher，pattingthegirl’sarm。\"WhendoestheProfessorreturn？\"
\"Icannotsay。Herefusedtofixadate。Butheusuallyremainsawayforafortnight。Iexpecthimbackinthattime，buthemaycomemuchearlier。Hewillcomebackwhenthefancytakeshim。\"
\"Ishallalterallthat，whenwearemarried，\"mutteredMrs。
Jasherwithafrown。\"Hemustbetaughttobelessselfish。\"
\"Ifearyouwillneverimprovehiminthatrespect，\"saidLucydryly，andrejoinedthegentlemenintimetohearRandommentionthenameofDonPedrodeGayangos。
\"Whatisthat，SirFrank？\"sheasked。
Randomturnedtowardherwithhispleasantsmile。
\"MySpanishfriend，whomImetatGenoa，iscominghereto-morrow。\"
\"Withhisdaughter？\"questionedMrs。Jasherroguishly。
\"Ofcourse，\"repliedtheyoungsoldier，coloring。\"DonnaInezisquitedevotedtoherfatherandneverleaveshim。\"
\"Shewilloneday，Iexpect，\"saidHopeinnocently，forhiseyeswereonhissketchandnotonRandom’sface，\"whenthehusbandofherchoicecomesalong。\"
\"Perhapshehascomealongalready，\"titteredMrs。Jashersignificantly。
LucytookpityonRandom’sconfusion。
\"Wherewilltheystay？\"
\"AttheWarriorInn。Ihaveengagedthebestroomsintheplace。
Ifancytheywillbecomfortablethere，asMrs。Humber，thelandlady，isagoodhousekeeperandanexcellentcook。AndI
don’tthinkDonPedroishardtoplease。\"
\"ASpaniard，\"yousay，\"remarkedArchieidly。\"DoeshespeakEnglish？\"
\"Admirably-sodoesthedaughter。\"
\"ButwhydoesaSpaniardcometosoout-of-the-wayaplace？\"
askedMrs。Jasher，afterapause。
\"IthoughtItoldyoutheotherday，whenwespokeofthematter，\"answeredSirFrankwithsurprise。\"DonPedrohascomeheretointerviewProfessorBraddockaboutthatmissingmummy。\"
Hopelookedupsharply。
\"Whatdoesheknowaboutthemummy？\"
\"NothingsofarasIknow，savethathecametoEuropewiththeintentionofpurchasingit，andfoundhimselfforestalledbyProfessorBraddock。DonPedrotoldmenomorethanthat。\"
\"Humph！\"murmuredHopetohimself。\"DonPedrowillbedisappointedwhenhelearnsthatthemummyismissing。\"
Randomdidnotcatchthewordsandwasabouttoaskhimwhathehadsaid，whentwotallfigures，conductedbyashorterone，wereseenmovingonthewhiteroadwhichledtotheFort。
\"Strangers！\"saidMrs。Jasher，puttingupherlorgnette，whichsheusedforeffect，althoughshehadremarkablykeensight。
\"Howdoyouknow？\"askedLucycarelessly。
\"Mydear，lookhowoddlythemanisdressed。\"
\"Ican’ttellatthisdistance，\"saidLucy，\"andifyoucan，Mrs。
JasherIreallydonotseewhyyourequireglasses。\"
Mrs。Jasherlaughedatthecomplimenttohersight，andcoloredthroughherrougeatthereprooftohervanity。Meanwhile，thesmallerfigure，whichwasthatofavillageladleadingatallgentlemanandaslenderlady，pointedtowardthegrouproundHope’seasel。Shortly，theboyranbackuptothevillageroad，andthegentlemancamealongthepathwaywiththelady。Random，whohadbeenlookingofthemintently，suddenlystarted，havingatlengthrecognizedthem。
\"DonPedroandhisdaughter，\"hesaidinanastonishedvoice，andsprangforwardtowelcometheunexpectedvisitors。
\"Now，mydear，\"whisperedthewidowinLucy’sear，\"weshallseethekindofwomanSirFrankpreferstoyou。\"
\"Well，asSirFrankhasseenthekindofmanIprefertohim，\"
retortedLucy，\"thatmakesusquiteequal。\"
\"Iamgladthesenew-comerstalkEnglish，\"saidHope，whohadrisentohisfeet。\"IknownothingofSpanish。\"
\"TheyarenotSpanish，butPeruvian，\"saidMrs。Jasher。
\"Thelanguageisthesame，moreorless。Confoundit！hereisRandombringingthemhere。IwishhewouldtakethemtotheFort。There’snomoreworkforthenexthour，Isuppose，\"andHope，ratherannoyed，begantopackhisartistictraps。
Onanearerview，DonPedroprovedtobeatall，lean，dryman，notunlikeDore’sconceptionofDonQuixote。HemusthavehadIndianbloodinhisveins，judgingfromhisverydarkeyes，hisstiff，lankhair，wornsomewhatlong，andhishighcheek-bones。
Also，althoughhewasarrayedinpuritanicblack，hisbarbaricloveofcolorbetrayeditselfinaredtieandinascarlethandkerchiefwhichwastwistedlooselyroundasoftslouchhat，ItwasthehatandthebrilliantredoftieandhandkerchiefwhichhadcaughtMrs。Jasher’seyeatsogreatadistance，andwhichhadledhertopronouncethemanastranger，forMrs。
JasherwellknewthatnoEnglishmanwouldaffectsuchvividtints。Allthesame，inspiteofthiseccentricity，DonPedrolookedathoroughCastiliangentleman，andbowedgravelywhenpresentedtotheladiesbyRandom。
\"Mrs。Jasher，MissKendal，permitmetopresentDonPedrodeGayangos。\"
\"Iamcharmed，\"saidthePeruvian，bowing，hatinhand，\"andinturn，allowme，ladies，tointroducemydaughter，DonnaInezdeGayangos。\"
ArchiewasalsopresentedtotheDonandtotheyounglady，afterwhichLucyandMrs。Jasher，whilenotappearingtolook，madeathoroughexaminationoftheladywithwhomRandomwasinlove。
NodoubtDonnaInezwasmakinganexaminationonherownaccount，andwiththeclevernessofthesexthethreewomen，whilechattingaffably，learnedallthattherewastobelearnedfromtheoutwardappearanceofeachotherinthreeminutes。MissKendalcouldnotdenybutwhatDonnaInezwasverybeautiful，andfranklyadmitted-inwardly，ofcourse-herowninferiority。
Shewasmerelypretty，whereasthePeruvianladywastrulyhandsomeandquitemajesticinappearance。
YetaboutDonnaIneztherewasthesameindefinitebarbariclookascharacterizedherfather。Herfacewaslovely，darkandproudinexpression，buttherewasanaloofnessaboutitwhichpuzzledtheEnglishgirl。DonnaInezmighthavebelongedtoaracepopulatinganotherplanetofthesolarsystem。Shehadlargeblack，meltingeyes，astraightGreeknoseandperfectmouth，awell-roundedchinandmagnificenthair，darkandglossyasthewingoftheraven，whichwasarrangedinthelatestParisianstyleofcoiffure。Also，hergown-asthetwowomenguessedinaninstant-wasfromParis。Shewasperfectlyglovedandbooted，andevenifshebetrayedsomehowabarbarictasteforcolorinthedullruddyhueofherdress，whichwassubduedwithblackbraid，yetshelookedquiteawell-bredwoman。Allthesame，herwholeappearancegaveanobservantonlookertheideathatshewouldbemoreathomeinascantyrobeandglitteringwithrudelywroughtornamentsofgold。PerhapsPeru，whereshecamefrom，suggestedthecomparison，butLucy’sthoughtsflewbacktoanaccountoftheVirginsoftheSun，whichtheProfessorhadoncedescribed。Itoccurredtoher，perhapswrongly，thatinDonnaInezshebeheldonewhoinformerdayswouldhavebeenthebrideofsomegorgeousInca。
\"IfearyouwillfindEnglanddullafterthesunshineofLima，\"
saidLucy，havingendedaswiftexamination。
DonnaInezshiveredatrifleandglancedaroundatthegraymistyairthroughwhichthepalesunshinestruggledwithdifficulty。
\"Icertainlypreferthetropicstothis，\"shesaidinmusicalEnglish，\"butmyfatherhascomedownhereonbusiness，anduntilitisconcludedweshallremaininthisplace。\"
\"Thenwemustmakethingsasbrightaspossibleforyou，\"saidMrs。Jashercheerfully，anddesperatelyanxioustolearnmoreofthenew-comers。\"Youmustcometoseeme，DonnaInez-yonderismycottage。\"
\"Thankyou，madame:youareverygood。\"
MeanwhileDonPedrowastalkingtothetwoyoungmen。
\"Yes，IdidarrivehereearlierthanIexpected，\"hewasremarking，\"butIhavetoreturntoLimashortly，andIwishtogetmybusinesswithProfessorBraddockfinishedasspeedilyaspossible。\"
\"Iamsorry，\"saidLucypolitely，\"butmyfatherisabsent。\"
\"Andwhenwillhereturn，MissKendal？\"
\"Icanscarcelysay-inaweekorafortnight。\"
DonPedromadeagestureofannoyance。
\"Itisapity，asIamsoverypressedfortime。Still，ImustremainuntiltheProfessorreturns。Iamsoanxioustohearifthemummyhasbeenfound。\"
\"Itisnotfoundyet，\"saidHopequickly，\"andneverwillbe。\"
DonPedrolookedathimquietly。
\"Itmustbefound，\"saidhe。\"IhavecomeallthewayfromLimatoobtainit。WhenyouhearmystoryyouwillnotbesurprisedatmydesiretoregaintheMummy。\"
\"Regainit？\"echoedHopeandRandominonebreath。
DonPedronodded。
\"Themummywasstolenfrommyfather，\"hesaid。
CHAPTERXI
THEMANUSCRIPT
Itwascertainlystrangehowconstantlythesubjectofthemissingmummycameuppermost。SinceithaddisappearedandsincethemanwhohadbroughtittoEnglandwasdead，itmighthavebeenthoughtthatnothingmorewouldbesaidaboutthematter。
ButProfessorBraddockharpedincessantlyonhisloss-whichwasperhapsnatural-andWidowAnnealsotalkedagreatdealastothepossibilityofthemummy，beingfound，asshehopedtolearnbythatmeansthenameoftheassassinwhohadstrangledherpoorboy。NowDonPedrodeGayangosappearedwiththestrangeinformationthattheweirdrelicofPeruviancivilizationhadbeenstolenfromhisfather。Apparentlyfatewasnotinclinedtoletthematterofthelostmummydrop，andwasworkingroundtoadenouement，whichwouldpossiblyincludethesolutionofthemysteryofSidneyBolton’sdeath。Yet，onthefaceofit，thereappearedtobenochanceofthetruthbecomingknown。
Ofcourse，whenDonPedroannouncedthattheMummyhadformerlybelongedtohisfather，everyonewasanxioustohearhowithadbeenstolen。TheGayangosfamilywereestablishedinLima，andtheembalmedbodyofIncaCaxashadbeenpurchasedfromagentlemanresidinginMalta。How，then，haditcrossedthewater，andhowhadDonPedrolearneditswhereabouts，onlytoarrivetoolatetosecurehismissingproperty？Mrs。Jasherwasespeciallyanxioustolearnthesethings，andexplainedherreasonstoLucy。
\"Yousee，mydear，\"shesaidtothegirlonthedayafterDonPedro’sarrivalinGartley，\"ifwelearnthepastofthathorridmummy，wemaygainacluetothepersonwhodesiredpossessionofthenastything，andsomayhuntdownthisterriblecriminal。
Onceheisfound，themummymaybesecuredagain，andshouldIbeabletoreturnittoyourfather，outofgratitudehewouldcertainlymarryme。\"
\"Youseemtothinkthattheassassinisaman，\"saidLucydryly；
\"yetyouforgetthatthepersonwhotalkedtoSidneythroughthewindowoftheSailor’sRestwasawoman。\"
\"Anoldwoman，\"emphasizedMrs。Jasherbriskly:\"quiteso。\"
Lucycontradicted。
\"ElizaFlightdidnotsayifthewomanwasoldoryoung，butmerelystatedthatsheworeadarkdressandadarkshawloverherhead。Still，thismysteriouswomanwasconnectedinsomewaywiththemurder，elseshewouldnothavebeenspeakingtoSidney。\"
\"Idon’tfollowyou，mydear。YoutalkasthoughpoorMr。Boltonexpectedtobemurdered。Formypart，Iholdbytheverdictofwilfulmurderagainstsomepersonorpersonsunknown。Thetruthistobefound，ifanywhere，inthepastofthemummy。\"
\"Wecandiscovernothingaboutthat。\"
\"YouforgetwhatDonPedrosaid，mydear，\"remarkedMrs。Jasherhastily，\"thatthemummyhadbeenstolenfromhisfather。Letushearwhathehastosayandwemayfindaclue。IamanxiousthattheProfessorshouldregainthegreenmummyforreasonswhichyouknowof。Andnow，myhear，canyoucometodinnerto-night？\"
\"Well，Idon’tknow。\"MissKendalhesitated。\"Archiesaidthathewouldlookinthisevening。\"
\"IshallaskMr。Hopealso，mylove。DonPedroiscomingandhisdaughterlikewise。NeedlesstosaySirFrankwillfollowtheyounglady。Weshallbeapartyofsix，andafterdinnerwemustinduceDonPedrotorelatethestoryofhowthemummywasstolen。\"
\"Hemaynotbeinclined。\"
\"Oh，Ithinkso，\"replied；Mrs。Jasherquickly。\"Hewantstogetthemummybackagain，andifwediscussthesubjectwemayseesomechanceofsecuringit。\"
\"ButDonPedrowillnotwishittoberestoredtomyfather。\"
Mrs。Jashershruggedherplumpshoulders。
\"YourfatherandDonPedrocanarrangethatthemselves。AllI
desireis，thatthemummyshouldbefound。UndoubtedlyitbelongsbypurchasetotheProfessor，butasithasbeenstolen，thisPeruviangentlemanmayclaimit。Well？\"
\"IshallcomeandArchiealso，\"assentedLucy，whowasbeginningtobeinterestedinthematter。\"Theaffairissomewhatromantic。\"
\"Criminal，mydear，criminal，\"saidMrs。Jasher，risingtotakeherleave。\"ItisnotamatterIcaretomixmyselfupwith。
Still\"-shelaughed-\"youknow，whyIamdoingso。\"
\"IfIhadtotakeallthistroubletogainahusband，\"observedLucysomewhatacidly，\"Ishouldremainsingleallmylife。\"
\"IfyouwereaslonelyasIam，\"retortedtheplumpwidow，\"youwoulddoyourbesttosecureamantoylookafteryou。Ishouldpreferayoungandhandsomerhusband-suchasSirFrankRandom，forinstancebut，asbeggarscannotbechoosers，Imustcontentmyselfwitholdage，afamousscientist，andthechanceofapossibletitle。Nowmind，dear，to-nightatseven-notaminutelater，\"andshebustledawaytoprepareforthereceptionofherguests。
ItseemedtoLucythatMrs。JasherwastakingagreatdealoftroubletobecomeMrs。Braddock，especiallyastheProfessor’sbrothermightliveformanyalongdayyet，inwhichcasethewidowwouldnotgainthetitleshecovetedforyears。However，thegirlrathersympathizedwithMrs。Jasher，whowasacompanionablesoul，andfondofsociety。Circumstancescondemnedhertoasomewhatlonelylifeinanisolatedcottageinaratherdullneighborhood，soitwaslittletobewonderedatthatsheshouldstrivetomoveheavenandearth-asshewasdoing-inthehopeofescapingfromhersolitude。Besides，althoughMissKendaldidnotwishtomakeaclosecompanionofthewidow，yetshedidnotdislikeher，and，moreover，thoughtthatshewouldmakeProfessorBraddockaverypresentablewife。Thinkingthus，LucywasquitewillingtoforwardMrs。Jasher’splansbyinducingDonPedrototellallheknewaboutthismissingmummy。
ThusitcameaboutthatsixpeopleassembledinthetinypinkparlorofMrs。Jasheratthehourofseveno’clock。Itrequireddexterousmanagementtoseatthewholecompanyinthediningroom，whichwasonlyatriflelargerthantheparlor。However，Mrs。Jashercontrivedtoplacethemroundherhospitableboardin，afairlycomfortablefashion，and，onceseated，thedinnerwassogoodthatnoonefeltthedrawbacksofscantyelbowroom。
Thewidow，ashostess，wasplacedattheheadofthetable；DonPedro，astheeldestofthemen，atthefoot；andSirFrank，withDonnaInez，facedArchieandLucyKendal。Jane，whowaswellinstructedinwaitingbyhermistress，attendedtoherdutiesadmirably，actingbothasfootmanandbutler。Lucy，indeed，hadofferedMrs。JashertheservicesofCockatootohandroundthewine，butthewidowwithaprettyshudderhaddeclined。
\"Thatdreadfulcreaturewithhisyellowmopofhairgivesmetheshivers，\"shedeclared。
Consideringtheisolationofthedistrict，andthenarrowlimitsofMrs。Jasher’sincome，themealwastruly，admirable，beingwellcookedandwellserved，whilethetablewasarrayedlikeanaltarforthereceptionofthevariousdishes。WhateverMrs。
Jashermightbeasanadventuress，shecertainlyprovedherselftobeacapitalhousekeeper，andLucyforesawthat，ifshedidbecomeMrs。Braddock，theProfessorwouldfaresumptuously，fortherestofhisscientificlife。Whenthemealwasendedthewidowproducedaboxofsuperfinecigarsandanotherofcigarettes，afterwhichsheleftthegentlementosiptheirwine，andtookhertwoyoungfriendstochatterchiffonsinthetinyparlor。AnditsaidmuchforMrs。Jasher’smethodicalwaysthat，consideringthelimitedspace，everythingwent-asthesayinggoes-likeclockwork。Likewise，thewidowhadprovedherselfawonderfulhostess，asshekepttheballofconversationrollingbrisklyandinducedaspiritoffraternity，uncommoninanordinarydinnerparty。
DuringthemealMrs。Jasherhadkeptoffthesubjectofthemummy，whichwastheexcusefortheentertainment；butwhenthegentlemenstrolledintotheparlor，feelingwellfedandhappy，shehintedatDonPedro’squest。AsthenightwascoldandthePeruviangentlemancamefromthetropics，hewasestablishedinawellpaddedarm-chairclosetothesea-coalfire，andwithherownfairhandsMrs。Jashergavehimacupoffragrantcoffee，whichwasrenderedstillmoreagreeabletothepalatebytheintroductionofavanillabean。Withthisandwithagoodcigar-fortheladiesgavethegentlemenpermissiontosmoke-DonPedrofeltveryhappyandeasy，andcomplimentedMrs。Jasherwarmlyonhercapabilityofmakingherfellow-creaturescomfortable。
\"Itisaltogethercomfortable，madame，\"saidDonPedro，risingtomakeacourtlybow。Infact，soagreeablewastheforeignerthatMrs。Jasherdreamedforoneswiftmomentofthrowingoverthedry-as-dustscientisttobecomeaSpanishladyofLima。
\"Youflatterme，DonPedro，\"shesaid，wavingawhollyunnecessaryfanoutofcomplimenttoherguest’sSpanishextraction。\"Indeed，Iamverygladthatyouarepleasedwithmypoorlittlehouse。\"
\"Pardon，madame，butnohousecanbepoorwhenitisacaskettocontainsuchajewel。\"
\"There！\"saidLucysomewhatsatiricallytotheyoungmen，whileMrs。Jasherblushedandbridled，\"whatEnglishmancouldturnsuchacompliment？ItremindsoneofGeorgiantimes。\"
\"Wearemoresobernowthanmyfatherswerethen，\"saidHope，smiling，\"andIamsureifRandomthoughtforafewminuteshecouldproducesomethingpretty。Goon，Random。\"
\"Mybrainisnotequaltothestrainafterdinner，\"saidSirFrank。
AsforDonnaInez，shedidnotspeak，butsatsmilingquietlyinhercorneroftheroom，lookingremarkablyhandsome。AsayounggirlLucywaspretty，andMrs。Jasherwasacomelywidow，butneitheronehadthemajesticlooksoftheSpanishlady。Shesmiled，averitablequeenamidstthegim-crackornamentsofMrs。
Jasher’sparlor，andSirFrank，whowasfathomsdeepinlove，couldnotkeephiseyesoffherface。
Forafewminutestheconversationwasfrivolous，quitetheShakespeareandmusicalglasseskindofspeech。ThenMrs。
Jasher，whohadnoideathathergooddinnershouldbewastedincharmingnothings，introducedthesubjectofthemummybyareferencetoProfessorBraddock。ItwascharacteristicofherclevernessthatshedidnotaddressDonPedro，butpointedherspeechatLucyKendal。
\"Idohopeyourfatherwillreturnwiththatmummy，\"sheobserved，afteradexterousallusiontothelatetragedy。
\"Idon’tthinkhehasgonetolookforit，\"repliedMissKendalindifferently。
\"Butsurelyhedesiredtogetitback，afterpayingnearlyonethousandpoundsforit，\"saidMrs。Jasher，withwell-feignedastonishment。
\"Oh，ofcourse；buthewouldscarcelylookforitinLondon。\"
\"HasProfessorBraddockgonetosearchforthe，mummy？\"askedDonPedro。
\"No，\"answeredLucy。\"HeisvisitingtheBritishMuseumtomakesomeresearchesintheEgyptiandepartment。\"
\"Whendoyouexpecthimback，please？\"
Lucyshruggedhershoulders。
\"Ican’tsay，DonPedro。Myfathercomesandgoesasthewhimtakeshim。\"
TheSpanishgentlemanlookedthoughtfullyintotheire。
\"IshallbegladtoseetheProfessorwhenhereturns，\"hesaidinhisexcellent，slow-soundingEnglish。\"Myconcernaboutthismummyisdeep。\"
\"Dearme，\"remarkedMrs。Jasher，shieldingherfaircheekwiththeunnecessaryfan，andventuringonajoke，\"isthemummyarelative？\"
\"Yes，madame，\"repliedDonPedro，gravelyandunexpectedly。
Atthiseveryone，verynaturally，lookedastonished-thatis，allsaveDonnaInez，whostillpreservedherfixedsmile。Mrs。
Jashertookamentalnoteofthesame，anddecidedthattheyoungladywasnotveryintelligent。MeanwhileDonPedrocontinuedhisspeechafteraglanceroundthecircle。
\"IhavethebloodoftheroyalIncaraceinmyveins，\"hesaidwithpride。
\"Ha！\"murmuredthewidowtoherself，\"thenthataccountsforyourloveofcolor，whichissoun-English；\"thensheraisedhervoice。\"Tellusallaboutit，DonPedro，\"sheentreated；\"weareusuallysodullherethataromanticstoryexcitesusdreadfully。\"
\"Idonotknowthatitisveryromantic，\"saidDonPedrowithapolitesmile，\"andifyouwillnotfinditdull-\"
\"Oh，no！\"saidArchie，whowasasanxiousasMrs。Jashertohearwhatwastobesaidaboutthemummy。\"Come，sir，weareallattention。\"
DonPedrobowedagain，andagainsweptthecirclewithhisdeep-seteyes。
\"TheIncaCaxas，\"heremarked，\"wasoneofthedecadentrulersofancientPeru。AttheConquestbytheSpaniards，IncaAtahuallpawasmurderedbyPizarro，asyouprobablyknow。IncaToparcasucceededhimasapuppetking。Hediedalso，anditwassuspectedthathewasslainbyanativechiefcalledChallcuchima。ThenMancosucceeded，andislookeduponbyhistoriansasthelastIncaofPeru。Buthewasnot。\"
\"Thisisnews，indeed，\"saidRandomlazily。\"AndwhowasthelastInca？\"
\"Themanwhoisnowthegreenmummy。\"
\"IncaCaxas，\"venturedLucytimidly。
DonPedrolookedathersharply。\"Howdoyoucometoknowthename？\"
\"Youmentioneditjustnow，but，beforethat，Iheardmyfathermentionit，\"saidLucy，whowassurprisedatthesharpnessofhistone。
\"AndwheredidtheProfessorlearnthename？\"askedDonPedroanxiously。
Lucyshookherhead。
\"Icannotsay。Butgoonwiththestory，\"shecontinued，withthenaivecuriosityofachild。
\"Yes，do，\"pleadedMrs。Jasher，whowaslisteningwith，allherears。
ThePeruvianmeditatedforafewminutes，thenslippedhishandintothepocketofhiscoatandbroughtoutadiscoloredparchment，scrawledandscribbledwithodd-lookinglettersinpurpleinksomewhatfaded。
\"Didyoueverseethisbefore？\"heaskedLucy，\"oranymanuscriptlikeit？\"
\"No，\"sheanswered，bendingforwardtoexaminetheparchmentcarefully。
DonPedroagainsweptaninquiringeyeroundthecircle，buteveryonedeniedhavingseenthemanuscript。
\"Whatisit？\"askedSirFrankcuriously。
DonPedrorestoredthemanuscripttohispocket。
\"ItisanaccountoftheembalmingofIncaCaxas，writtenbyhisson，whowasmyancestor。\"
\"ThenyouaredescendedfromthisInca？\"saidMrs，Jashereagerly。
\"Iam。HadImyrightsIshouldrulePeru。Asitis，Iamapoorgentlemanwithverylittlemoney。\"That，\"addedDonPedrowithemphasis，\"iswhyIwishtorecoverthemummyofmygreatancestor。\"
\"Isitthensovaluable？\"askedArchiesuddenly。Hewasthinkingofsomereasonwhythemummyshouldhavebeenstolen。
\"Well，initselfitisofnogreatvalue，savetoanarchaeologist，\"wasDonPedro’sreply；\"butIhadbettertellyouthestoryofhowitwasstolenfrommy，father。\"
\"Goon，goon，\"criedMrs。Jasher。\"Thisismostinteresting。\"
DonPedroplungedintohisstorywithoutfurtherpreamble。
\"IncaCaxasheldhisstateamidstthesolitudesoftheAndes，awayfromthecruelmenwhohadconqueredhiscountry。Hediedandwasburied。Thismanuscript，\"-hetouchedhispocket-\"waswrittenbyhisson，anddetailstheceremonies，theplaceofsepulchre，andalsogivesalistofthejewelswithwhichthemummywasburied。\"
\"Jewels，\"murmuredHopeunderhisbreath。\"Ithoughtasmuch。\"
\"ThesonofIncaCaxasmarriedaSpanishladyandmadepeacewiththeSpaniards。HecametoliveatCuzco，andbroughtwithhim，forsomepurposewhichthemanuscriptdoesnotdisclose，themummyofhisfather。Butthemanuscriptwaslostforyears，andalthoughmyfamily-theDeGayangoses-becamepoor，nomemberofitknewthat，concealedinthecorpseofIncaCaxas，weretwolargeemeraldsofimmensevalue。Themummyofourroyalancestorwastreatedasasacredthingandveneratedaccordingly。
AfterwardsmyfamilycametoliveatLima，andIstilldwellintheoldhouse。\"
\"Buthowwasthemummystolenfromyou？\"askedRandomcuriously。
\"Iamcomingtothat，\"saidDonPedro，frowningattheinterruption。\"IwasnotinLimaatthetime；butIhadmetthemanwhostolethepreciousmummy。\"
\"WasheaSpaniard？\"
\"No，\"answeredDonPedroslowly，\"hewasanEnglishsailorcalledVasa。\"
\"VasaisaSwedishname，\"observedHopecritically。
\"ThismansaidthathewasEnglish，andcertainlyspokelikeanEnglishman，sofarasI，aforeigner，cantell。Atthattime，whenIwasayoungman，civilwarragedinPeru。Myfather’shousewassacked，andthisVasa，whohadbeenreceivedhospitablybymyfatherwhenhewasshipwreckedatCallao，stolethemummy，ofIncaCaxas。Myfatherdiedofgriefandchargedmetogetthemummyback。WhenpeacewasrestoredtomyunhappycountryI
triedtorecovertheveneratedbodyofmyancestor。Butallsearchprovedvain，asVasahaddisappeared，anditwassupposedthat，forsomereason，hehadtakentheembalmedbodyoutofthecountry。ItwaswhenthemummywaslostthatIunexpectedlycameacrossthemanuscript，whichdetailedthefuneralceremoniesofIncaCaxas，andonlearningaboutthetwoemeraldsIwasnaturallymoreanxiousthanevertodiscoverthemummyandretrievemyfallenfortunesbymeansofthejewels。But，asI
said，allsearchprovedvain，andIafterwardmarried，thinkingtosettledownonwhatfortuneremainedtome。IdidlivequietlyinLimaforyearsuntilmywifedied。ThenwithmydaughterIcametoEuropeonavisit。\"
\"Tosearchforthemummy？\"questionedArchieeagerly。
\"No，sir。Ihadgivenupallhopeoffindingthat。Butchanceplacedaclueinmyhands。AtGenoaIcameacrossanewspaper，whichstatedthatamummyinagreencase-andaPeruvianmummyatthat-wasforsaleatMalta。Iimmediatelymadeinquiries，thinkingthatthiswasthelong-lostbodyofIncaCaxas。ButitsohappenedthatIwastoolate，asalreadythemummyhadbeensoldtoProfessorBraddock，andhadbeentakentoEnglandonboardTheDiverbyMr。Bolton。Chance，whichhadpointedoutthewhereaboutsofthemummy，alsobroughtmeatGenoaintorelationswithSirFrankRandom\"-DonPedrobowedhisheadtothebaronet-\"and，asitappearedthatheknewProfessorBraddock，I
thankfullyacceptedhisoffertointroduceme。HenceIamhere，butonlytohearthatthemummyisagainlost。Thatisall，\"andthePeruviangentlemandramaticallywavedhisarm。
\"Astrangestory，\"saidArchie，whowasthefirsttospeak，\"anditcertainlysolvesatleastonepartofthemystery。\"
\"Whatisthat？\"demandedMrs。Jasherquickly。
\"Itshowsthatthemummywasstolenonaccountoftheemeralds。\"
\"Pardonme，butthatisimpossible，sir，\"saidDonPedro，drawinguphisleanfigure。\"Noonebutmyselfknewthatthemummyheldtwoemeraldsinitsdeadhands，andIlearnedthatonlyafewyearsagofromthemanuscriptwhichIhadthehonorofshowingyou。\"
\"Thereisthatobjectionassuredly，\"repliedHopewithcomposure。
\"YetIcanhardlybelievethatanymanwouldriskhisnecktostealsoremarkableamummy，whichhewouldhaveadifficultyindisposingof。Butdidthisassassinknowoftheemeralds，hewouldventuremuchtogainthem，sincejewelscanbedisposedofwithcomparativeease，andcannoteasilybetraced。\"
\"Allthesame，\"saidRandom，lookingup，\"Idonotseehowtheassassincouldhavelearnedthatthejewelswerewrappedinthebandages。\"
\"Humph！\"saidHope，glancingatDeGayangos，\"perhapsthereismorethanonecopyofthismanuscriptyouspeakof。\"
\"Nottomyknowledge。\"
\"ThesailorVasamighthavecopiedit。\"
\"No。\"DonPedroshookhishead。\"ItiswritteninLatin，sinceaSpanishpriesttaughtthesonofIncaCaxas，whowroteit，thatlanguage。IdonotthinkthatVasaknewLatin。Also，ifVasahadcopiedthemanuscript，hewouldhavestrippedthemummytoprocurethejewels。Now，inthenewspaperadvertisementitstatedthatthebandagesofthemummywereintact，asalsowastheverdantcase。\"No，\"saidDonPedrodecisively，\"IamquiteofopinionthatVasa，andindeedeveryoneelse，wasignorantofthismanuscript。\"
\"Itseemstome，\"suggestedMrs。Jasher，\"thatitwouldbebesttofindthissailor。\"
\"That，\"remarkedDeGayangos，\"isimpossible。Itistwentyyearssincehedisappearedwiththemummy。LetusdropthesubjectuntilProfessorBraddockreturnstodiscussitwithme。\"Andthiswasaccordinglydone。
