CHAPTERXII
ADISCOVERY
Threedayswentby，andProfessorBraddockstillremainedabsentinLondon，althoughanoccasionallettertoLucyrequestedsuchandsuchanarticlefromthemuseumtobeforwarded，sometimesbypostandonotheroccasionsbyCockatoo，whotraveleduptotownespecially。TheKanakaalwaysreturnedwiththenewsthathismasterwaslookingwell，butbroughtnowordoftheProfessor’sreturn。Lucywasnotsurprised，assheWasaccustomedtoBraddock’svagaries。
MeanwhileDonPedro，comfortablyestablishedattheWarriorInn，wanderedaboutGartleyinhisdignifiedway，takingverylittleinterestinthevillage，butagreatdealinthePyramids。AstheProfessorwasabsent，Lucycouldnotaskhimtodinner，butshedidinvitehimandDonnaIneztoafternoontea。DonPedrowasanxioustopeepintothemuseum，butCockatooabsolutelyrefusedtolethimenter，sayingthathismasterhadforbiddenanyonetoviewthecollectionduringhisabsence。AndinthisrefusalCockatoowassupportedbyMissKendal，whohadawholesomedreadofherstep-father’srage，shouldhereturnandfindthatastrangerhadbeenmakingfreeofhissacredapartments。ThePeruviangentlemanexpressedhimselfextremelydisappointed，somuchso，indeed，thatLucyfanciedhebelievedBraddockhadthegreenmummyhiddeninthemuseum，inspiteofthereportedlossfromtheSailor’sRest。
FailingtogetpermissiontorangethroughtheroomsofthePyramids，DonPedropaidoccasionalvisitstoPiersideandquestionedthepoliceregardingtheBoltonmurder。FromInspectorDatehelearnednothingofanyimportance，andindeedthatofficerexpressedhisbeliefthatnotuntiltheDayofjudgmentwouldthetruthbecomeknown。ItthenoccurredtoDeGayangostoexploretheneighborhoodoftheSailor’sRest，andtoexaminethatpublic-househimself。Hesawthefamouswindowthroughwhichthemysteriouswomanhadtalkedtothedeceased，andnotedthatitlookedacrossastony，narrowpathtothewater’sedge，wherefromaruggedjettyranoutintothestreamforsomelittledistance。Nothingwouldhavebeeneasier，reflectedDonPedro，thanfortheassassintoenterbythewindow，and，havingaccomplishedhisdeed，toleaveinthesameway，bearingthecasecontainingthemummy。Afewstepswouldcarrythemanandhisburdentoawaitingboat，andoncethecraftslippedintothemistsontheriver，alltracewouldbelost，ashadtrulyhappened。InthiswaythePeruviangentlemanbelievedthemurderandthethefthadbeenaccomplished，butevensupposingthingshadhappenedashesurmised，still，hewasasfaraseverfromunravelingthemystery。
WhileDonPedrosearchedforhisroyalancestor’scorpse，andincidentallyforthethiefandmurderer，hisdaughterwasbeingwooedbySirFrankRandom。Heavenonlyknowswhathesawinher-asLucyobservedtoyoungHope-forthegirlhadnotawordtosayforherself。Shewasundeniablyhandsome，anddressedwithgreattaste，saveforstrayhintsofbarbaricdelightincolor，doubtlessinheritedfromherIncaancestors。Allthesame，sheappearedtobedevoidofsmalltalkorgreattalk，oranytalkwhatsoever。Shesatandsmiledandlookedlikeahandsomepicture，butafterherappearancehadsatisfiedtheeye，sheleftmuchtobedesired。YetSirFrankapprovedofherstatelyquietness，andseemedanxioustomakeherhiswife。Lucy，inspiteofthefactthathehadsospeedilygotoverherrefusaltomarryhim，wasanxiousthatheshouldbehappywithDonnaInez，whomheappearedtolove，andaffordedhimeveryopportunityofmeetingthelady，sothathemightprosecutehiswooing。Allthesame，shewonderedthatheshoulddesiretomarryaniceberg，andDonnaInez，withhersilenttongueandcoldsmiles，waslittleelse。However，asFrankRandomwasthechiefpartyconcernedinthelove-making-forDonnaInezwasmerelypassive-therewasnomoretobesaid。
SometimesHopecametodineatthePyramids，andontheseoccasionsMrs。Jasherwaspresentinhercharacterofchaperon。
AsMissKendalwashelpingthewidowtomarryProfessorBraddock，sheinherturndidherbesttospeedArchie’swooing。Certainlytheyoungcouplewereengagedandtherewasnounderstandingtobebroughtabout。Nevertheless，Mrs。Jasherwasausefularticleoffurnituretobeintheroomwhentheyweretogether，forGartley，likeallEnglishvillages，wasfilledwithscandalmongers，whowouldhavetalked，hadHopeandLucynotemployedMrs，Jasherasgooseberry。SometimesDonnaInezcamewiththewidow，whileherfatherwashuntingforthemummyinPierside，andthenSirFrankRandomwouldbesuretoputinanappearancetowoohisDulcineainadmiringsilence。Mrs。Jasherdeclaredthatthetwomusthavemadelovebytelepathy，fortheyrarelyexchangedaword。Butthiswasallthebetter，asArchieandLucychatteredagreatdeal，andtwopairofmagpies-Mrs。
Jasherdeclared-wouldhavebeentoomuchforhernerves。Shemadeaverygoodchaperon，assheallowedtheyoungpeopletoactastheypleased，onlysanctioningthemeetingsbyherelderlypresence。
OneeveningMrs。Jasherwasduetodinner，andHopehadalreadyarrived。Nooneelsewasexpected，asDonPedrohadtakenhisdaughtertothetheatreatPiersideandSirFrankhadgonetoLondoninconnectionwithhismilitaryduties。Itwasabitterlycoldnight，andalreadyafallofsnowhadhintedthattherewastobearealEnglishChristmasofthegenuinekind。Lucyhadpreparedanexcellentdinnerforthree，andArchiehadbroughtasetofnewpatiencecardsforMrs。Jasher，whowasfondofthegame。Whilethewidowplayed，thelovershopedtomakeloveundisturbed，andlookedforwardtoahappyevening。Buttherewasonedrawback，foralthoughthedinnerhourwassupposedtobeeighto’clock，anditwasnowthirtyminutespast，Mrs。Jasherhadnotarrived。Lucywasdismayed。
\"Whatcanbekeepingher？\"sheaskedArchie，towhichthatyounggentlemanrepliedthathedidnotknow，and，whatwasmore，hedidnotcare。MissKendalveryproperlyrebukedthissentiment。
\"Yououghttocare，Archie，foryouknowthatifMrs。Jasherdoesnotcometodinner，youwillhavetogoaway。\"
\"WhyshouldI？\"heinquiredsulkily。
\"Peoplewilltalk。\"
\"Letthem。Idon’tcare。
\"NeitherdoI，youstupidboy。Butmyfatherwillcare，andifpeopletalkhewillbeveryangry。\"
\"MydearLucy，\"andArchieputhisarmroundherwaisttosaythis，\"Idon’tseewhyyoushouldbeafraidoftheProfessor。
Heisonlyyourstep-father，andyouaren’tsoveryfondofhimastomindwhathesays。Besides，wecanmarrysoon，andthenhecangohang。\"
\"ButIdon’twanthimtogohang，\"shereplied，laughing。\"Afterall，theProfessorhasalwaysbeenkindtome，andasastep-fatherhasbehavedverywell，whenhecouldeasilyhavemadehimselfdisagreeable。Anotherthingisthathecanbeverybadtemperedwhenhelikes，andifIletpeopletalkaboutus-whichtheywilldoiftheygetachance-hewillbehavesocoldlytome，thatIshallhaveadisagreeabletime。Aswecan’tmarryforeversolong，Idon’twanttobeuncomfortable。\"
\"Wecanmarrywheneveryoulike，\"saidHopeunexpectedly。
\"What，withyourincomesounsettled？\"
\"Itisnotunsettled。\"
\"Yes，itis。Youwillhelpthathorridspendthriftuncleofyours，anduntilheandhisfamilyaresolventIdon’tseehowwecanbesureofourmoney。\"
\"Wearesureofitnow，dearest。UncleSimonhasturneduptrumpsafterall，andsohavehisinvestments。\"
\"Whatdoyoumeanexactly？\"
\"ImeanthatyesterdayIreceivedaletterfromhimsayingthathewasnowrich，andwouldpaybackallIhadlenthim。IwentuptoLondonto-day，andhadaninterview。TheresultofthatisthatIamsomethousandstothegood，thatUncleSimoniswellofffortherestofhislifeandwillrequirenomoreassistance，andthatmythreehundredayearisquiteclearforeverandeverandever。\"
\"Thenwecanmarry，\"criedMissKendalwithagaspofdelight。
\"Wheneveryouchoose-nextweekifyoulike。\"
\"InJanuarythen-justafterChristmas。\"We’llgoonatriptoItalyandreturntotakeaflatinLondon。Oh，Archie，IamsorryIthoughtsobadlyofyouruncle。Hehasbehavedverywell。Andwhatamercyitisthathewillrequirenomoreassistance！Youaresurehewillnot。\"
\"Ifhedoes，hewon’tgetit，\"saidHopecandidly。\"WhileIwasabachelorIcouldassisthim；butwhenIammarriedImustlookaftermyselfandmywife。\"HegaveLucyahug。\"It’sallrightnow，dear，andUncleSimonhasbehavedexcellently-farbetterthanIexpected。WeshallgotoItalyforthehoneymoonandneednothurrybackuntilwe-well，sayuntilwequarrel。\"
\"InthatcaseweshallliveinItalyfortherestofourlives，\"
saidLucywithtwinklingeyes；\"butwemustcomebackinayearandtakeastudioinChelsea。\"
\"WhynotinGartley？\"Remember，theProfessorwillbelonely。\"
\"No，hewon’t。Mrs。Jasher，asItoldyou，intendstomarryhim。\"
\"Hemightnotwish，tomarryher\"
\"Thatdoesn’tmatter，\"rejoinedLucy，withtheclevernessofawoman。\"Shecanmanagetobringthemarriageabout。Besides，I
wanttobreakwiththeoldlifehere，andbeginquiteanewonewithyou。WhenIamyourwifeandMrs。Jasherismystep-father’s，everythingwillbecapitallyarranged。\"
\"Well，Ihopeso，\"saidArchieheartily，\"forIwantyoualltomyselfandhavenodesiretoshareyouwith，anyoneelse。ButI
say，\"heglancedathiswatch；\"itisgettingtowardsnineo’clock，andIamdesperatelyhungry。Can’twegotodinner？\"
\"NotuntilMrs。Jasherarrives，\"saidLucyprimly。
\"Oh，bother-！\"
Hope，beingquiteexasperatedwithhunger，wouldhavelaunchedoutintoaspeechcondemningthewidow’sunpunctuality，wheninthehallbelowthedrawing-roomwasheardthesoundofthedooropeningandclosing。WithoutdoubtthiswasMrs。Jasherarrivingatlast，andLucyranoutoftheroomanddownthestairstowelcomeherinhereagernesstogetArchieseatedatthedinnertable。Theyoungmanlingeredbytheopendoorofthedrawing-room，readytowelcomethewidow，whenheheardLucyutteranexclamationofsurpriseandbecameawarethatshewasascendingthestairsalongwithProfessorBraddock。Atoncehereflectedtherewouldbetrouble，sincehewasinthehousewithLucy，andlackedthenecessarychaperonwhichBraddock’sprimitiveAnglo-Saxoninstinctsinsistedupon。
\"Ididnotknowyouwerereturningto-night，\"Lucywassayingwhenshere-enteredthedrawing-roomwithherstepfather。
\"Iarrivedbythesixo’clocktrain，\"explainedtheProfessor，unwindingalargeredscarffromhisneck，andstrugglingoutofhisovercoatwiththeassistanceofhisdaughter。\"Ha，Hope，goodevening。\"
\"Wherehaveyoubeensince？\"askedLucy，throwingtheProfessor’scoatandwrapsontoachair。
\"WithMrs。Jasher，\"saidBraddock，warminghisplumphandsatthefire。\"Soyoumustblamemethatsheisnotheretopresideatdinnerasthechaperonofyouyoungpeople。\"
Lucyandherloverglancedatone-anotherinsurprise。ThislightandairytonewasanewonefortheProfessortotake。
Insteadofbeingangry，heseemedtobeunusuallygay，andlookedattheminquiteajocularmannerforadry-as-dustscientist。
\"Wewaiteddinnerforher，father，\"venturedLucytimidly。
\"ThenIamreadytoeatit，\"announcedBraddock。\"Iamextremelyhungry，mydear。Ican’tliveonlove，youknow。\"
\"Liveonlove？\"Lucystared，andArchielaughedquietly。
\"Ohyes，youmaysmileandlookastonished；’wentontheProfessorgood-humoredly，\"butsciencedoesnotdestroytheprimevalinstinctsentirely。Lucy，mydear，\"hetookherhandandpattedit，\"whileinLondonandinlodgings，itwasborneinuponmeforciblyhowlonelyIwasandhowlonelyIwouldbewhenyoumarriedouryoungfriendyonder。Ihadintendedtocomedownto-morrow，butto-night，suchwasmyfeelingoflonelinessthatI
consideredfavorablyyourideathatIshouldfindasecondhelpmateinMrs。Jasher。Ihavealwayshadaprofoundadmirationforthatlady，andso-onthespurofthemoment，asImaysay-
Idecidedtocomedownthiseveningandpropose。\"
\"Oh，\"Lucyclappedherhands，verywellsatisfiedwiththeunexpectednews，\"andhaveyou？\"
\"Mrs。Jasher，\"saidtheProfessorgravely，\"didmethehonortopromisetobecomemywifethisevening。\"
\"Shewillbecomeyourwifethisevening？\"saidArchie，smiling。
Braddock，withoneofthoseoddtwistsofhumorwhichwerecharacteristicofhim，becameirascible。
\"Confoundit，sir，don’tIspeakEnglish，\"hesnapped，withhiseyesglaringrebuke。\"ShepromisedthiseveningtobecomeMrs。
Braddock。Weshallmarry-sowehavearranged-inthespringtime，whichisthenaturalpairingseasonforhumanbeingsaswellasforbirds。AndIamgladtosaythatMrs；Jashertakesadeepinterestinarchaeology。\"
\"And，whatismore，sheisasplendidhousekeeper，\"saidLucy。
ThetemporaryangeroftheProfessorvanished。Hedrewhisstep-daughtertowardshimandkissedheronthecheek。
\"IbelievethatIhavetothankyouforputtingtheideaintomyhead，\"saidhe，\"andalso-ifMrs。Jasheristobebelieved-
foraidinghertoseethemutualadvantageitwouldbetobothofustomarry。Ha，\"hereleasedLucyandrubbedhishands，\"letusgotodinner。\"
\"Iamveryglad，\"saidMissKendalheartily。
\"SoamI，soamI，\"repliedBraddock，nodding。\"Asyouverytrulyobserved，mychild，thehousewouldhavegonetorackandruinwithoutawomantolookaftermyinterests。Well，\"hetookthearmsofthetwoyoungpeople，\"Ireallythinkthatwemusthaveabottleofchampagneonthestrengthofit。\"
Shortlythetriowereseatedatthetable，andBraddockexplainedthatMrs。Jasher，beingovercomebyhisproposal，hadnotbeenabletofacetheordealofcongratulations。
\"Butshewillcometo-morrow，\"saidhe，asCockatoofilledthreeglasses。
\"Indeed，Ishallcongratulateherto-night，\"saidLucyobstinately。\"Assoonasdinnerisover，IshallgowithArchietoherhouse，andtellherhowpleasedIam。\"
\"Itisverycoldforyoutobeout，Lucydear，\"urgedArchieanxiously。
\"Oh，Icanwrapupwarmly，\"sheanswered。
Strangetosay，theProfessormadenoobjectiontotheexcursion，althoughHopequiteexpectedsuchasticklerforetiquettetorefusepermissiontohisstepdaughter。ButBraddockseemedratherpleasedthanotherwise。Hisproposalofmarriageseemedtohaveputhimintoexcellenthumor，andheraisedhisglasswithachuckle。
\"Idrinktoyourhappiness，mydearLucy，andtothatofMrs。
Jasher’s。\"
\"AndIdrinktoArchie’sandtoyours，father，\"shereplied。\"I
amgladthatyouwillnotbelonelywhenwearemarried。ArchieandIwishtobecomeoneinJanuary。\"
\"Yes，\"saidHope，finishinghischampagne，\"myincomeisnowallright，asmyunclehaspaidup。\"
\"Verygood，verygood。Imakenoobjection，\"saidBraddockplacidly。\"Iwillgiveyouahandsomeweddingpresent，Lucy，foryoumayhaveheardthatmyfuturewifehasmoneylefttoherbyherbrother，whowaslatelyamerchantinPekin。SheisheartandhandwithmeinourproposedexpeditiontoEgypt。\"
\"Willyougothereforthehoneymoon，sir？\"askedHope。
\"Notexactlyforthehoneymoon，sincewearetobemarriedinspring，andmyexpeditiontothetombofQueenTahosercannotstartuntilthelateautumn。ButMrs。Braddockwillcomewithme。Thatisonlyjust，sinceitwillbehermoneywhichwillfurnishthesinewsofwar。\"
\"Well，everythingisarrangedverywell，\"saidLucy。\"ImarryArchie；you，father，makeMrs。Jasheryourwife；andIsuspectSirFrankwillmarryDonnaInez。\"
\"Ha！\"saidBraddockwithastart，\"thedaughterofDeGayangos，whohascomehereforthemissingmummy。Mrs。Jashertoldmesomewhatofthat，mydear’。ButIshallseeDonPedromyselfto-morrow。Meanwhile，letuseatanddrink。Imustgodowntothemuseum，andyou-\"
\"WeshallgotocongratulateMrs。Jasher，\"saidLucy。
Soitwasarranged，andshortlyProfessorBraddockretiredintohissanctumalongwiththedevotedCockatoo，whodisplayedlivelyjoyonbeholdinghismasteroncemore。Lucy，afterbeingcarefullywrappedupbyArchie，setoutwiththatyoungmantocongratulatethebride-elect。Itwasjusthalf-pastninewhentheystartedout。
Thenightwasfrostyandthestarstwinkledlikejewelsinacloudlessskyofdarkblue。Themoonshonewithhardbrillianceontheground，whichwaspowderedwithalightfallofsnow。Astheyoungpeoplewalkedbrisklythroughthevillage，theirfootstepsrangonthefrostyearthandtheyscrunchedthesnowintheirquicktread。TheWarriorInnwasstillopen，asitwasnotlate，andlightsshonefromthewindowsofthevariouscottages。
Whenthetwo，followingtheroadthroughthemarshes，emergedfromthevillage，theysawthegreatmassoftheFortbulkingblacklyagainsttheclearsky，theglitteringstreamoftheThames，andthemarshesoutlinedindelicatewhite。ThefairyworldofsnowandmoonlightappealedtoArchie’sartisticsense，andLucyapprovingofthesame，theydidnothurrytoarriveattheirdestination。
Butshortlytheysawthesquarelyfencedacreofgroundneartheembankment，whereinMrs。Jasher’shumbleabodewasplaced。Lightshonethroughthepinkcurtainsofthedrawing-room，showingthatthewidowhadnotyetretired。Inafewminutestheloverswereatthegateandpromptlyentered。Itwasthenthatoneofthoseoddthingshappenedwhichwouldarguethatsomepeoplearepossessedofasixthsense。
Archieclosedthegateafterhim，and，glancingrightandleft，walkedupthesnowypathwithLucy。Totherightwasaleaflessarbor，alsopowderedwithsnow，andagainstthewhitebulkedadarkformsomethinglikeacoffin。Hopeoutofcuriositywentuptoit。
\"Whatthedeuceisthis？\"heaskedhimself；thenraisedhisvoiceinloudsurprise。\"Lucy！Lucy！comehere！\"
\"Whatisit？\"sheasked，runningup。
\"Look\"-hepointedtotheoddlyshapedcase-\"thegreenmummy！\"
CHAPTERXIII
MOREMYSTERY
NeitherLucynorArchieHopehadeverseenthemummy，buttheyknewtheappearancewhichitwouldpresent，asProfessorBraddock，withtheenthusiasmofanarchaeologist，hadoftendescribedthesametothem。Itappeared，accordingtoBraddock，thatonpurchasingthepreciouscorpseinMalta，hisdeadassistanthadwrittenhomeafulldescriptionofthetreasuretrove。Consequently，beingadvisedbeforehand，Hopehadnodifficultyinrecognizingtheoddlyshapedcase，whichwasmadesomewhatintheEgyptianform。Ontheimpulseofthemomenthehadproclaimedthistobethelong-lostmummy，andwhenacloserexaminationbythelightofalucifermatchrevealedthegreenhueofthecoffinwood，heknewthathewasright。
ButwhatwasthemummyinitsancientcasedoinginMrs。Jasher’sarbor？Thatwasthemutequestionwhichthetwoyoungpeopleaskedthemselvesandeachother，astheystoodinthechillymoonlight，staringatthegrotesquething。ThemummyhaddisappearedfromtheSailor’sRestatPiersidesomeweeksago，andnowunexpectedlyappearedinalonelygarden，surroundedbymarshes。Howithadbeenbroughtthere，orwhyitshouldhavebeenbroughtthere，orwhohadbroughtittosuchanunlikelyplace，werequestionshardtoanswer。However，themostobviousthingtodowastoquestionMrs。Jasher，sincetheuncannyobjectwaslyingwithinastone-throwofherhome。Lucy，afterarapidwordortwo，wenttoringthebell，andsummonthelady，whileArchiestoodbythearbor，wonderinghowthemummycametobethere。InthesamewayGeorgeIIIhadwonderedhowtheapplesgotintothedumplings。
Farandwidespreadthemarshes，flatlytowardstheshoreoftheriverononeside，butontheotherslopinguptoGartleyvillage，whichtwinkledwithmanylightsontherisingground。
SomedistanceawaytheFortroseblackandmenacinginthemoonlight，andthemightystreamoftheThamesglitteredlikepolishedsteelasitflowedseaward。Astherewereonlyafewleaflesstreesdottedaboutthemarshyground，andasthatsameground，lightlysprinkledwithpowderysnow，revealedeverymovingobjectforquiteamileorso，Hopecouldnotconceivehowthemummycase，whichseemedheavy，couldhavebeenbroughtintothesilentgardenwithoutitsbearersbeingseen。Itwasnotlate，andsoldierswerestillreturningthroughGartleytotheFort。Then，again，somenoisemusthavebeencausedbysobulkyanobjectbeingthrustthroughthenarrowwicket，andMrs。
Jasher，inhabitingawoodenhouse，whichwasaverysea-shellforsound，mighthaveheardfootstepsandvoices。Ifthosewhohadbroughtthemummyhere-andtherewasmorethanonefromthesizeofthecase-couldbediscovered，thenthemysteryofSidneyBolton’sdeathwouldbesolvedveryspeedily。ItwasatthismomentofhisreflectionsthatLucyreturnedtothearbor，leadingMrs。Jasher，whowasattiredinatea-gownandwholookedbewildered。
\"Whatareyoutalkingabout，mydear？\"shesaid，asLucyledhertowardsthearbor。\"IdeclareIwaseversomuchastonished，whenJanetoldmethatyouwishedtospeaktome。Iwasjustwritingalettertothelawyerwhohasmypoorbrother’spropertyinhand，announcingmyengagementtotheProfessor。Mr。Hope？
Youherealso。Well，I’msure。\"
Lucygrewimpatientatallthisbabble。
\"DidyounothearwhatIsaid，Mrs。Jasher？\"shecriedirritably。
\"Can’tyouuseyoureyes？Look！Thegreenmummyisinyourarbor。\"
\"The-green-mummy-in-my-arbor，\"repeatedMrs。Jasher，likeachildlearningwordsofonesyllable，andstaringattheblackobjectbeforewhichthethreewerestanding。
\"Asyousee，\"saidArchieabruptly。\"Howdiditcomehere？\"
Hespokeharshly。Ofcourse，itwasabsurdtoaccuseMrs。Jasherofknowinganythingaboutthematter，sinceshehadbeenwritingletters。Still，thefactremainedthatamummy，whichhadbeenthievedfromamurderedman，wasinherarbor，andnaturallyshewascalledupontoexplain。
Somesuspicioninhistonestruckthelittlewoman，andsheturnedonhimwithindignation。
\"Howdiditcomehere？\"sherepeated。\"Now，howcanItell，yousillyboy。IhavebeenwritingtomylawyeraboutmyengagementtoMr。Braddock。Idaresayhehastoldyou。\"
\"Yes，\"chimedinMissKendal，\"andwecameheretocongratulateyou，onlytofindthemummy。\"
\"Isthatthehorridthing？\"Mrs。Jasherstaredwithallhereyes，andtimidlytouchedthehardgreen-stainedwood。
\"It’sthecase-themummyisinside。\"
\"ButIthoughtthattheProfessoropenedthecasetofindthebodyofpoorSidneyBolton，\"arguedMrs。Jasher。
\"Thatwasapackingcaseinwhichthis\"-Archiestrucktheold-worldcoffin-\"wasstored。ButthisisthecorpseofIncaCaxas，aboutwhichDonPedrotoldustheothernight。Howdoesitcometobehiddeninyourgarden？\"
\"Hidden。\"Mrs。Jasherrepeatedthewordwithalaugh。\"Thereisnotmuchhidingaboutit。Why，everyonecanseeitfromthepath。\"
\"Andfromthedoorofyourhouse，\"remarkedHopesignificantly。
\"DidyounotseeitwhenyoutookleaveofBraddock？\"
\"No，\"snappedthewidow。\"IfIhadIshouldcertainlyhavecometolook。AlsoProfessorBraddock，whoissoanxioustorecoverit，wouldnothaveallowedittoremainhere。\"
\"ThenthecasewasnotherewhentheProfessorleftyoutonight？\"
\"No！Heleftmeateighto’clocktogohometodinner。\"
\"Whendidhearrivehere？\"questionedHopequickly。
\"Atseven。Iamsureofthetime，forIwasjustsittingdowntomysupper。Hewashereanhour。Buthesaidnothing，whenheentered，ofanymummybeinginthearbor；norwhenheleftmeatthedoorandIcametosaygood-byetohim-dideitherofusseethisobject。Tobesure，\"addedMrs。Jashermeditatively，\"wedidnotlookparticularlyinthedirectionofthisarbor。\"
\"Iscarcelyseehowanyoneenteringorleavingthegardencouldfailtoseeit，especiallyasthesnowreflectsthemoonlightsobrightly。\"
Mrs。Jashershivered，andtakingtheskirtofherteagown，flungitoverhercarefullyattiredhead，\"Itisverycold，\"sheremarkedirritably。\"Don’tyouthinkwehadbetterreturntothehouse，andtalkthere？\"
\"What！\"saidArchiegrimly，\"andleavethemummytobecarriedawayasmysteriouslyasithasbeenbrought。No，Mrs。Jasher。
Thatmummyrepresentsonethousandpoundsofmymoney。\"
\"IunderstoodthattheProfessorboughtithimself。\"
\"Sohedid，butIsuppliedthepurchasemoney。ThereforeIdonotintendthatthisshouldbelostsightofagain。Lucy，mydear，yourunhomeagainandtellyourfatherwhatwehavefound。
Hehadbetterbringmen，totakeittohismuseum。Whenitisthere，Mrs。Jashercanthenexplainhowitcametobeinhergarden。\"
WithoutawordLucysetoff，walkingquickly，anxioustofulfillhermissionandgladdentheheartofherstepfatherwiththeamazingnews。
ArchieandMrs。Jasherwereleftalone，andtheformerlightedacigarette，whilehetappedthemummycase，andexamineditascloselyasthepalegleamofthemoonlightpermitted。Mrs。
Jashermadenomovetoenterthehouse，muchasshehadcomplainedofthecold。Butperhapsshefoundtheflimsyskirtofthetea-gownsufficientprotection。
\"Itseemstome，Mr。Hope，\"saidsheverytartly，\"thatyoususpectmyhavingahandinthis，\"andshetappedthemummycoffinalso。
\"Pardonme，\"observedHopeverypolitely，\"butIsuspectnothing，becauseIhavenogroundsuponwhichtobasemysuspicions。Butcertainlyitisoddthatthismissingmummyshouldbefoundinyourgarden。Youwilladmitthatmuch。\"
\"Iadmitnothingofthesort，\"sherejoinedcoolly。\"OnlymyselfandJaneliveinthecottage，andyoudon’texpectthattwodelicatewomencouldmovethishugething。\"Shetappedthecaseagain。\"Moreover，hadIfoundthemummyIshouldhavetakenittothePyramidsatonce，soastogiveProfessorBraddocksomepleasure。\"
\"Itwillcertainlybeanacceptableweddingpresent，\"saidArchiesarcastically。
\"Pardonme，\"saidMrs。Jasherinherturn，\"butIhavenothingtodowithitasapresentorotherwise。HowthethingcameintomyarborIreallycannotsay。AsItoldyou，ProfessorBraddockmadenoremarkaboutitwhenhecame；andwhenheleft，althoughIwasatthedoor，Ididnotnoticeanythinginthisarbor。
IndeedIcannotsayifIeverlookedinthisdirection。\"
Archiemusedandglancedathiswatch。
\"TheProfessortoldLucythathecamebythesixtrain:yousaythathewashereatseven。\"
\"Yes，andheleftateight。Whatisthetimenow？\"
\"Teno’clock，orafewminutesafter。Therefore，sinceneitheryounorBraddocksawthemummy，Itakeitthatthecasewasbroughtherebysomeunknownpeoplebetweeneighto’clockandaquartertoten，aboutwhichtimeIarrivedherewithLucy。\"
Mrs。Jashernodded。
\"Youputthematterveryclearly，\"sheobserveddryly。\"Youhavemistakenyourvocation，Mr。Hope，andshouldhavebeenacriminallawyer。IshouldturndetectivewereIyou。\"
\"Why？\"askedArchiewithastart。
\"Youmightascertainmymovementsonthenightwhenthecrimewascommitted，\"snappedthelittlewidow。\"Awomanmuffledinashawl，inmuchthesamewayasmyheadisnowmuffledinmyskirt，talkedto，BoltonthroughthebedroomwindowoftheSailor’sRest，youknow。\"
Hopeexpostulated。
\"Mydearlady，howyourunon！IassureyouthatIwouldassoonsuspectLucyasyou。\"
\"Thankyou，\"saidthewidowverydrylyandverytartly。
\"Imerelywishtopointout，\"wentonArchieinaconciliatorytone，\"that，asthemummyinitscase-asappearsprobable-
wasbroughtintoyourgardenbetweenthehoursofeightandten，lessfifteenminutes，thatyoumayhaveheardthevoicesorfootstepsofthosewhocarriedithere。\"
\"Iheardnothing，\"saidMrs。Jasher，turningtowardsthepath。
\"Ihadmysupper，andplayedagameortwoofpatience，andthenwroteletters，asItoldyoubefore。AndIamnotgoingtostandinthecold，answeringsillyquestions，Mr。Hope。Ifyouwishtotalkyoumustcomeinside。\"
Hopeshookhisheadandlightedafreshcigarette。
\"Istandguardoverthismummyuntilitsrightfulownercomes，\"
saidhedeterminedly。
\"Ho！\"rejoinedMrs。Jasherscornfully:shewasnowatthedoor。
\"Iunderstoodthatyouboughtthemummyandthereforewereitsowner。Well，Ionlyhopeyou’llfindthoseemeraldsDonPedrotalkedabout，\"andwithalightlaughsheenteredthecottage。
Archielookedafterherinapuzzledway。TherewasnoreasontosuspectMrs。Jasher，sofarashesaw，eventhoughawomanhadbeenseentalkingtoBoltononthenightofthecrime。Andyet，whyshouldthewidowrefertotheemeralds，whichwereofsuchimmensevalue，accordingtoDonPedro？Hopeglancedatthecaseandshooktheprimitivecoffin，anxiousforthemomenttoopenitandascertainifthejewelswerestillclutchedgrimlyinthemummy’sdeadhands。Butthecoffinwasfastenedtightlydownwithwoodenpegs，andcouldonlybeopenedwithextremecareanddifficulty。Also，asHopereflected，evendidhemanagetoopenthisreceptacleofthedead，hestillcouldnotascertainiftheemeraldsweresafe，sincetheywouldbehiddenunderinnumerableswathingsofgreen-dyedllamawool。Hethereforeletthematterrestthere，and，staringattheriver，wonderedhowthemummyhadbeenbroughttothegardeninthemarshes。
HoperecollectedthatexpertshaddecidedthemodeinwhichthemummyhadbeenremovedfromthePiersidepublic-house。Ithadbeenpassedthroughthewindow，accordingtoInspectorDateandothers，and，whentakenacrossthenarrowpathwhichborderedtheriver，hadbeenplacedinawaitingboat。Afterthatithadvanisheduntilithadre-appearedinthisarbor。Butiftakenbywateronce，itcouldhavebeentakenbywateragain。Therewasarudejettybehindtheembankment，whichHopecouldeasilyseefromwherehestood。Inallprobabilitythemummyhadbeenlandedthereandcarriedtothegarden，whileMrs。Jasherwasbusywithhersupperandhergameofcardsandherletters。
Also，thepathfromtheshoretothehousewasverylonely，andifanycarehadbeenexercised，whichwasprobable，noonefromtheFortroadorfromthevillagestreetcouldhaveseenthestealthyconspiratorsbringingtheirweirdburden。SofarHopefeltthathecouldargueexcellently。Butwhohadbroughtthemummytothegardenandwhyhaditbeenbroughtthere？Thesequestionshecouldnotanswersoeasily，andindeednotatall。
Whilethusmeditating，heheard，farawayinthefrostyair，apuffingandblowingandpantinglikeanimpatientmotor-car。
Beforehecouldguesswhatthiswas，Braddockappeared，simplyracingalongthemarshycauseway，followedcloselybyCockatoo，andatsomedistanceawaybyLucy。Thelittlescientistrushedthroughthegate，whichheflungopenwithanoisefittowakethedead，andlungedforward，tofallwithoutstretchedarmsuponthegreencase。Thereheremained，stillpuffingandblowing，andlookedasthoughhewerehuggingahugegreenbeetle。
Cockatoo，who，beingleanandhard，kepthisbreathmoreeasily，stoodrespectfullyby，waitingforhismastertogiveorders，andLucycameinquietlybythegate，smilingatherfather’senthusiasm。AtthesamemomentMrs。Jasher，wellwrappedupinacoatofsables，emergedfromthecottage。
\"Iheardyoucoming，Professor，\"shecalledout，hurryingdownthepath。
\"IshouldthinkthewholeFortheardtheProfessorcoming，\"saidHope，glancingatthedarkmass。\"Thesoldiersmustthinkitisaninvasion。\"
ButBraddockpaidnoheedtothisjocularity，oreventoMrs。
Jasher，towhomhehadbeensolatelyengaged。Allhissoulwasinthemummycase，andassoonasherecoveredhisbreath，heloudlyproclaimedhisjoyatthismiraculousrecoveryofthepreciousarticle。
\"Mine！mine！\"heroared，andhiswordsranviolentlythroughthefrostyair。
\"Becalm，sir，\"advisedHope-\"becalm。\"
\"Calm！calm！\"bellowedBraddock，strugglingtoastandingposition。\"Oh，confoundyou，sir，howcanIbecalmwhenIfindwhatIhavelost？Youhaveamean，grovelingsoul，Hope，notthesoaringspiritofacollector。\"
\"ThereisnoneedtoberudetoArchie，father，\"correctedLucysharply。
\"Rude！Rude！Iamneverrude。Butthismummy。\"Braddockpeeredcloselyatitandrappedthewoodtoassurehimselfitwasnophantom。\"Yes！itismymummy，themummyofIncaCaxas。NowIshalllearnhowthePeruviansembalmedtheirroyaldead。Mine！
mine！mine！\"Hecroonedlikeamotheroverachild，caressingthecoffin；thensuddenlydrewhimselfuprightandfixedMrs。
Jasherwithanindignanteye。\"Soitwasyou，madam，whostolemymummy，\"hedeclaredvenomously，\"andIthoughtofmakingyoumywife。Oh，whatanescapeIhavehad。Shame，woman，shame！\"
Mrs。Jasherstared，thenherfacegrewredderthantherougeonhercheeks，andshestampedfuriouslyintheneatLouisQuinzeslippersinwhichshehadinjudiciouslycomeout。
\"Howdareyousaywhatyouhavesaid？\"shecried，hervoiceshrillandhardwithanger。\"Mr。Hopehasbeensayingthesamething。Areyoubothmad？Ineverseteyesonthehorridthinginmylife。Andonlyto-nightyoutoldmethatyouloved-\"
\"Yes，yes，Isaidmanyfoolishthings，Idon’tdoubt，madam。Butthatisnotthequestion。Mymummy！mymummy！\"herappedthewoodfuriously-\"howdoesmymummycometobehere？\"
\"Idon’tknow，\"saidMrs。Jasher，stillfurious，\"andIdon’tcare。\"
\"Don’tcare:don’tcare，whenIlookforwardtoyourhelpingmeinmylifework！Asmywife-\"
\"Ishallneverbeyourwife，\"criedthewidow，stampingagain。
\"Iwouldn’tbeyourwifeforathousandoramillionpounds。
Marryyourmummy，youhorrid，red-faced，crabbedlittle-\"
\"Hush！hush！\"whisperedLucy，takingtheangrywomanroundthewaist，\"youmustmakeallowancesformyfather。Heissoexcitedoverhisgoodfortunethathe-\"
\"Ishallnotmakeallowance，\"interruptedMrs。Jasherangrily。
\"Hepracticallyaccusesmeofstealingthemummy。IfIdidthat，ImusthavemurderedpoorSidneyBolton。\"
\"No，no，\"criedtheProfessor，wipinghisredface。\"Ineverhintedatsuchathing。Butthemummyisinyourgarden。\"
\"Whatofthat？Idon’tknowhowitcamethere。Mr。Hope，surelyyoudonotsupportProfessorBraddockinhispreposterousaccusation？\"
\"Ibringnoaccusation，\"stutteredtheProfessor。
\"NeitherdoI，Mrs。Jasher。Youareexcitednow。Goinandsleep，andto-morrowyouwilltalkreasonably。\"ThisbrilliantspeechwasfromHope，andwroughtMrs。Jasherintoaroyalrage。
\"Well，\"shegasped，\"heasksmetobecalm，asitIwasn’ttheverycalmestpersonhere。Ideclare:oh，Ishallbeill！Lucy，\"
sheseizedthegirl’shandanddraggedhertowardsthecottage，\"comeinandgivemeredlavender。Ishallbeinbedfordaysanddaysanddays。Oh，whatbrutesmencanbe！Butlisten，youtwohorrors，\"sheindicatedBraddockandHope，asshepushedopenthedoor，\"Ifyoudaretosayawordagainstme，I’llhaveanactionforlibelagainstyou。Oh，dearme，howveryillIfeel！
Lucy，darling，helpme，oh，helpme，and-and-oh-oh-oh！\"
Shefloppeddownonthethresholdofherhomewithacry。
\"Archie！Archie！She’sfainted。\"
Hoperushedforward，andraisedthestoutlittlewomaninhisarms。Jane，attractedbytheclamor，appearedonthescene，andbetweenthethreeofthemtheymanagedtogetMrs。Jasherplacedonthesofaofthepinkdrawing-room。Shecertainlywasinadeadfaint，soHopelefthertotheadministrationsofLucyandtheservant，andwalkedoutagainintothegarden，closingthecottagedoorafterhim。
HefoundtheheartlessProfessorquiteoblivioustoMrs。Jasher’ssufferings，sotakenupwashewiththenewlyfoundmummy。
Cockatoohadbeensentforahand-cart，andwhilehewasabsentBraddockexpatiatedontheperfectionsofthisrelicofPeruviancivilization。
\"WillyousellittoDonPedro？\"askedHope。
\"AfterIhavedonewithit，notbefore，\"snappedBraddock，hoveringroundhistreasure。\"Ishallwantapercentageonmybargainalso。\"
ArchiethoughtprivatelythatifBraddockunswathedthemummy，hewouldfindtheemeraldsandwouldprobablysticktothem，sothathisexpeditiontoEgyptmightbefinanced。ItthatcaseDonPedrowouldnolongerwishtobuythecorpseofhisancestor。
ButwhilehedebatedastotheadvisabilityoftellingtheProfessoroftheexistenceoftheemeralds，Cockatooreturnedwiththehand-cart。
\"YouhavelostMrs。Jasher，\"saidHope，whilehe，assistedtheProfessortohoistthemummyontothecart。
\"Nevermind！nevermind！\"Braddockpattedthecoffin。\"Ihavefoundsomethingmuchmoretomymind:somethingeversomuchbetter。Ha！ha！\"
CHAPTERXIV
THEUNEXPECTEDHAPPENS
Inspiteofnewspapersandlettersandtape-machinesandtelegramsandsuchlikeaidstothespeedydiffusionofnews，thesametravelsquickerinvillagesthanincities。Wordofmouthcanspreadgossipwithmarvelousrapidityinsparselyinhabitedcommunities，sinceitisobviousthatinsuchplaceseverypersonknowstheother-asthesayinggoes-insideout。IneveryEnglishvillagewallshaveearsandwindowshaveeyes，sothateverycottageisahot-bedofscandal，andwhatisknowntooneis，withinthehour，knowntotheothers。EventheSphinxcouldnothavepreservedhersecretlonginsuchalocality。
Gartleycouldkeepupitsreputationinthisrespectalongwiththebest，thereforeitwaslittletobewonderedat，thatearlynextmorningeveryoneknewthatProfessorBraddockhadfoundhislong-lostmummyinMrs。Jasher’sgarden，andhadremovedthesametothePyramidswithoutunnecessarydelay。Itwasnotparticularlylatewhenthehand-cart，withitsuncannyburden，hadpassedalongthesolestreetoftheplace，andseveralmenhademergedfromtheWarriorInnostensiblytoofferhelp，butreallytoknowwhattheeccentricmasterofthegreathousewasdoing。Braddockbrusquelyrejectedtheseoffers；buttheoddlyshapedmummycase，stainedgreen，havingbeenseen，itneededlittlewitforthosewhohadcaughtasightofittoputtwoandtwotogether，especiallyastheweirdobjecthadbeendescribedattheinquestandhadbeentalkedovereversinceineverycottage。Andasthecarthadbeenseencomingoutofthewidow’sgarden，itnaturallyoccurredtothevillagersthatMrs。Jasherhadbeenconcealingthemummy。ShortlytherumorspreadthatshehadalsomurderedBolton，forunlessshehaddoneso，shecertainly-accordingtovillagelogic-couldnothavebeenpossessedofthespoil。Finally，asMrs。Jasher’sdoorsandwindowsweresmallandthemummywasratherbulky，itwasnaturaltopresumethatshehadhiddenitinthegarden。Reportsaidshehadburieditandhaddugitupjustintimetobepounceduponbyitsrightfulowner。Fromwhichitcanbeseenthatgossipisnotinvariablyaccurate。
Howeverthismaybe，thenewsofProfessorBraddock’sgoodfortuneshortlycametoDonPedro’searsthroughthemediumofthelandlady。Assherevealedwhatshehadheardinthemorning，thePeruviangentlemanwassparedasleeplessnight。Butassoonashelearnedthetruth-whichwassurprisingenoughinitsunexpectedness-hehastilyfinishedhisbreakfastandhurriedtothePyramids。AsyethehadnotintendedtoseeBraddocksopromptly，oratleastnotuntilhehadmadefurtherinquiriesatPierside，butthenewsthatBraddockpossessedtheroyalancestoroftheDeGayanosesbroughthimimmediatelyintothemuseum。HegreetedtheProfessorinhisusualgraveanddignifiedmanner，andnoonewouldhaveguessedfromhisinherentcalmnessthattheunexpectednewsofBraddock’sarrival，andthestillmoreunexpectedinformationaboutthegreenmummy，hadsurprisedhimbeyondmeasure。Beingsomewhatsuperstitious，italsooccurredtoDonPedrothatthecoincidencemeantgoodfortunetohimintherecoveryofhislong-lostancestor。
Braddock，alreadyknowingagreatdealaboutDonPedrofromLucyandArchieHope，wasonlytoopleasedtoseethePeruvian，hopingtofindinhimakindredspirit。AsyettheProfessorwasnotawareofthecontentsoftheancientLatinmanuscript，whichrevealedthefactofthehiddenemeralds，sinceHopehaddecidedtoleaveittothePeruviantoimparttheinformation。ArchieknewverywellthatDonPedro-ashehadplainlystated-wishedtopurchasethemummy，anditwasonlyrightthatBraddockshouldknowwhathewasselling。ButHopeforgotoneimportantfactperhapsfromthecarelesswayinwhichDonPedrohadtoldhisstory-namely，thattheProfessorinaseconddegreewasareceiverofstolengoods。ThereforeitwasmorethanprobablethatthePeruvianwouldclaimthemummyashisownproperty。
Still，inthateventhewouldhavetoprovehisclaim，andthatwouldnotbeeasy。
Theplumplittleprofessorhadnotyetunsealedthecase，andwhenDonPedroentered，hewasstandingbeforeitrubbinghisfathands，withagloatingexpressioninhisface。However，asCockatoohadbroughtinthePeruvian’scard，Braddockexpectedhisvisitorandwheeledtofacehim。
\"Howareyou，sir？\"saidhe，extendinghishand。\"Iamgladtoseeyou，asIhearthatyouknowallaboutthismummyofIncaCaxas。\"
\"Well，Ido，\"answeredDeGayangos，sittingdowninthechairwhichhishostpushedforward。\"ButmayIaskwhotoldyouthatthismummywasthatofthelastInca？\"
Braddockpinchedhisplumpchinandrepliedreadily，enough。
\"Certainly，DonPedro。IwishedtolearnthedifferenceinembalmingbetweentheEgyptiansandtheancientPeruvians，andlookedaboutforaSouthAmericancorpse。UnexpectedlyIsawinseveralEuropeannewspapersandintwoEnglishjournalsthatagreenPeruvianmummywasforsaleatMaltaforonethousandpounds。Isentmyassistant，SidneyBolton，tobuyit，andhemanagedtogetit，coffinandall，forninehundred。WhileinMalta，andbeforehestartedbackinTheDiverwiththemummy，hewrotemeanaccountofthetransaction。Theseller-whowasthesonofaMaltesecollector-toldBoltonthathisfatherhadpickedupthemummyinParissometwentyandmoreyearsago。ItcamefromLimasomethirtyyearsback，Ibelieve，and，accordingtothecollectorinParis，wasthecorpseofIncaCaxas。Thatisthewholestory。\"
DonPedronoddedgravely。
\"WasthereaLatinmanuscriptdeliveredalongwiththemummy？\"heasked。
Braddock’seyesopenedwidely。
\"No，sir。ThemummycamethirtyyearsagofromLimatoParis。
ItpassedtwentyyearsbackintothepossessionoftheMaltesecollector，andhissonsoldittomeafewmonthsago。Ineverheardofanymanuscript。\"
\"ThenMr。HopedidnotrepeattoyouwhatItoldhimtheothernight？\"
TheProfessorsatdownandhismouthgrewobstinate。
\"Mr。Hoperelatedsomestoryyoutoldhimandothersaboutthismummyhavingbeenstolenfromyou。\"
\"Frommyfather，\"correctedtheunsmilingPeruvian；keepingacarefuleyeonhishost；\"thatisreallythecase。IncaCaxasis，orwas，myancestor，andthismanuscript\"-DonPedroproducedthesamefromhisinnerpocket-\"detailsthefuneralceremonies。\"
\"Veryinteresting；mostinteresting，\"fussedBraddock，stretchingouthishand。\"MayIseeit？\"
\"YoureadLatin，\"observedDonPedro，surrenderingthemanuscript。
Braddockraisedhiseyebrows。
\"Ofcourse，\"hesaidsimply，\"everywell-educatedmanreadsLatin，orshoulddoso。Wait，sir，untilIglancethroughthisdocument。\"
\"Onemoment，\"saidDonPedro，astheProfessorbegantoliterallydevourthediscoloredpage。\"YouknowfromHope，Ihavenodoubt，howIchanceuponmyownpropertyinEurope？\"
Braddock，stillwithhiseyesonthemanuscript，mumbled\"Yourownproperty。Quiteso:quiteso。\"
\"Youadmitthat。Thenyouwillnodoubtrestorethemummytome。\"
BythistimethedriftofDonPedro’sobservationsentirelyreachedtheunderstandingofthescientist，andhedroppedthedocumenthewasreadingtoleaptohisfeet。
\"Restorethemummytoyou！\"hegasped。\"Why，itismine。\"
\"Pardonme，\"saidthePeruvian，stillgravelybutverydecisively，\"youadmittedthatitbelongedtome。\"
Braddock’sfacedeepenedtoafinepurple。
\"Ididn’tknowwhatIwassaying，\"heprotested。\"HowcouldI
sayitwasyourpropertywhenIhaveboughtitforninehundredpounds？\"
\"Itwasstolenfromme。\"
\"Thathasgottobeproved，\"saidBraddockcaustically。
DonPedrorose，lookingmorelike，DonQuixotethanever。
\"Ihavethehonortogiveyoumywordand-\"
\"Yes，yes。Thatisallright。Icastnoimputationonyourhonor。\"
\"Ishouldthinknot，\"saidtheothercoldlybutstrongly。
\"Allthesame，youcanscarcelyexpectmetopartwithsovaluableanobject，\"Braddockwavedhishandtowardsthecase，\"withoutstrictinquiryintothecircumstances。Andagain，sir，evenifyousucceedinprovingyourownership，Iamnotinclinedtorestorethemummytoyoufornothing。\"
\"Butitisstolenpropertyyouarekeepingfromme。\"
\"Iknownothingaboutthat:Ihaveonlyyourbarewordthatitisso，DonPedro。AllIknowisthatIpaidninehundredpoundsforthemummyandthatitcostthebestpartofanotherhundredtobringittoEngland。WhatIhave，Ikeep。\"
\"Likeyourcountry，\"saidthePeruviansarcastically。
Precisely，\"repliedtheProfessorsuavely。\"EveryEnglishmanhasabull-dogtenacityofpurpose。Bragisagooddog，DonPedro，butHoldfastisabetterone。\"
\"ThenIunderstand，\"saidthePeruvian，stretchingouthishandtopickupthefallenmanuscript，\"thatyouwillkeepthemummy。\"
\"Certainly，\"saidBraddockcoolly，\"sinceIhavepaidforit。
Also，Ishallkeepthejewels，whichthemanuscripttellsme-
fromtheglanceIobtainedofit-wereburiedwithit。\"
\"Thesolejewelsburiedaretwolargeemeraldswhichthemummyholdsinitshands，\"explainedDonPedro，restoringthemanuscripttohispocket，\"andIwishforthemsothatImaygetmoneytorestorethefortunesofmyfamily。\"
\"No！no！no！\"saidBraddockforcibly。\"Ihaveboughtthemummyandthejewelswithit。TheywillselltosupplymewithmoneytofitoutmyexpeditiontothetombofQueenTahoser。\"
\"Ishalldisputeyourclaim，\"criedDeGayangos，losinghiscalmness。
Braddockwavedhishandwithsupremecontent。
\"Icangiveyoutheaddressofmylawyers，\"heretorted；\"anystepsyouchoosetotakewillonlyresultinloss，andfromwhatyouhintIshouldnotthinkthatyouhadmuchmoneytospendonlitigation。\"
DonPedrobithislip，andsawthatitwasindeedamoredifficulttaskthanhehadanticipatedtomakeBraddockyielduphisprize。
\"IfyouwereinLima，\"hemuttered，speakingSpanishinhisexcitement，\"youwouldthenlearnthatIspeaktruly。\"
\"Idonotdoubtyourtruth，\"answeredtheProfessorinthesamelanguage。
DeGayangoswheeledandfacedhishost，muchsurprised。
\"Youspeakmytongue，senor？\"hedemanded。
Braddocknodded。
\"IhavebeeninSpain，andIhavebeeninPeru，\"heanswereddryly，\"thereforeIknowclassicalSpanishanditscolonialdialects。AstobeinginLama，Iwasthere，andIdonotwishtogothereagain，asIhadquiteenoughofthoseuncivilizedpartsthirtyyearsago，whenthecountrywasmuchdisturbedafteryourcivilwar。\"
\"YouwereinLimathirtyyearsago，\"echoedDonPedro；\"thenyouweretherewhenVasastolethismummy。\"
\"Idon’tknowwhostoleit，orevenifitwasstolen，\"saidtheProfessorobstinately，\"andIdon’tknowthenameofVasa。Ah！
nowIremember。YoungHopedidsaysomethingabouttheSwedishsailorwhomyousaidstolethemummy。\"
\"Vasadid，andbroughtittoEuropetosell-probablytothatmaninParis，whoafterwardssoldittoyourMaltesescollector。\"
\"Nodoubt，\"rejoinedBraddockcalmly；\"butwhathasallthistodowithme，DonPedro？\"
\"Iwantmymummy，\"ragedtheother，andlookeddangerous。
\"Thenyouwon’tgetit，\"retortedBraddock，adoptingapugnaciousattitudeandquitecomposed。\"Thismummyhascausedonedeath，DonPedro，andfromyourlooksIshouldthinkyouwouldlikeittocauseanother。\"
\"Willyounotbehonest？\"
\"I’llknockyourheadoffifyoubringmyhonestyintoquestion，\"
criedtheProfessor，standingontip-toelikeabantam。\"Thebestthingtodowillbetotakethematterintocourt。Thenthelawcandecide，andIhavelittledoubtbutwhatitwilldecideinmyfavor。\"
TheEnglishmanandthePeruvianglaredatoneanother，andCockatoo，whowascrouchingonthefloor，glancedfromoneangryfacetoanother。Heguessedthatthewhitemenwerequarrelingandperhapswouldcometoblows。Itwasatthismomentthataknockcametothedoor，andaminutelaterArchieentered。
Braddockglancedathim，andtookasuddenresolutionashesteppedforward。
\"Hope，youarejustintime，\"hedeclared。\"DonPedrostatesthatthemummybelongstohim，andIassertthatIhaveboughtit。Weshallmakeyouumpire。Hewantsit:Iwantit。Whatistobedone？\"
\"Themummyismyownfleshandblood，Mr，Hope，\"saidDonPedro。
\"Preciouslittleofeitheraboutit，\"saidBraddockcontemptuously。
Archietwistedachairroundandstraddledhislonglegsacrossit，withhisarmsrestingonitsback。Hisquickbrainhadrapidlycomprehendedthesituation，and，beingacquaintedwithbothsidesofthequestion，itwasnotdifficulttocometoadecision。IfitwashardthatDonPedroshouldlosehisancestor’smummy，itwasequallyhardthatBraddock-orratherhimself-shouldlosethepurchasemoney，seeingthatithadbeenpaidingoodfaithtothesellerinMaltaforapresumablyrighteouslyacquiredobject。OnthesepremisestheyoungSolonproceededtodeliverjudgment。
\"Iunderstand，\"saidhejudiciously，\"thatDonPedrohadthemummystolenfromhimthirtyyearsago，andthatyou，Professor，boughtitundertheimpressionthattheMalteseownerhadarighttopossessit。\"
\"Yes，\"snappedBraddock，\"andIdaresaytheMalteseownerthoughtsotoo，sinceheboughtitfromthatcollectorinParis。\"
Hopenodded。
\"AndifVasasoldittothemaninParis，\"saidhecalmly，\"hecertainlywouldnottellthepurchaserthathehadlootedthemummyinLima，andthepoormanwouldnotknowthathewasreceivingstolengoods。Isthatright，DonPedro？\"
\"Yes，sir，\"saidthePeruvian，whohadrecoveredhistemperandhisgravity；\"butIdeclaresolemnlythatthemummywasstolenfrommyfatherandshouldbelongtome。\"
\"Noonedisputesthat，\"saidArchiecheerfully；\"butitoughttobelongtotheProfessoralso，sincehehasboughtit。Now，asitcan’tpossiblybelongtotwopeople，wemustsplitthedifference。You，Professor，mustsellbackthemummytoDonPedroforthepriceyoupaidforit，andthen，DonPedro，youmustrecompenseProfessorBraddockforhisloss。\"
\"Ihavenotmuchmoney，\"saidDonPedrogravely；\"still，Iamwillingtodoasyousay。\"
\"Idon’tknowthatIam，\"protestedBraddocknoisily。\"Therearethetwoemeraldswhichareofimmensevalue，asDonPedrosays，andtheybelongtome，sincethemummyismyproperty。\"
\"Professor，\"saidArchiesolemnly，\"youmustdoright，evenifyoulosebyit。IbelievethestoryofSenorDeGayangos；andthemummywithitsjewelsbelongstohim。Besides，youonlywishtoseetheway，inwhichtheIncaraceembalmedtheirdead。
Well，then，unpackthemummyhereinthepresenceofDonPedro。
Whenyouhavesatisfiedyourcuriosity，andwhenSenorDeGayangossignsacheckforonethousandpounds，hecantakeawaythecorpse。Youhavehadsomuchtroubleoverit，thatIwonderyourarenotanxioustoseethelastofit。\"
\"ButtheemeraldswouldsellformuchmoneyandwoulddefraytheexpensesofmyexpeditionintoEgypttosearchforthatQueen’stomb。\"
\"IunderstoodfromLucythatMrs。Jasherintendedtofinancethatexpeditionwhenshebecameyourwife。\"
\"Humph！\"mutteredBraddock，strokinghisfatthin。\"IsaidafewfoolishthingstoherlastnightwhenIwasheatedup。Shemaynotforgiveme，Hope。\"
\"Awomanwillforgiveanythingtothemansheloves，\"saidArchie。
Braddockwasnofool，andcouldnothelpcastingaglanceathistubbyfigure，whichwasreflectedinanearmirror。ItseemedincrediblethatMrs。Jashercouldlovehimforhislooks，andthefactthathemightsomedaybeabaronetdidnotstrikehimatthemomentasaconsideration。However，heforesawtroubleandexpenseshouldDonPedrogotolaw，asheseemeddeterminedtodo。Takingallthingsintoconsideration，BraddockthoughtthatArchie’sjudgmentwasagoodone，andyielded。
\"Well，\"hesaidafterreflection，\"letusagree。Ishallopenthecaseandexaminethemummy，whichafterallisthereasonwhyIboughtit。WhenIhavesatisfiedmyselfastothedifferencebetweenthemodesofembalming，DonPedrocangivemeacheckandtakeawaythemummy。IonlyhopethathewillhavelesstroublewithitthanIhavehad，\"and，sospeaking，Braddock，signingtoCockatootobringallthenecessarytools，laidhandsonthecase。
\"Iamcontent，\"saidDonPedrobriefly，andseatedhimselfinachairbesidetheyoungDanielwhohaddeliveredjudgment。
HopeofferedtoassisttheProfessortoopenthecase，butwasdismissedwithanabruptrefusal。
\"ThoughIamgladyouarepresenttoseethemummyunpacked，\"
saidBraddock，laboringatthelidofthecase，\"foriftheemeraldsaremissing，DonPedromightaccusemeofstealingthem。\"
\"Whyshouldtheemeraldsbemissing？\"askedHopequickly。
Braddockshruggedhisshoulders。
\"SidneyBoltonwaskilled，\"saidheinalowvoice，\"anditwasnotlikelythatanyonewouldcommitamurderforthesakeofthismummy，andthenleaveitstrandedinMrs。Jasher’sgarden。
Ihavemydoubtsaboutthesafetyoftheemeralds，elseIwouldnothaveconsentedtosellthethingbackagain。\"
Withthishonestspeech，theProfessorvigorouslyattackedthelidofthecase，andinsertedasteelinstrumentintothecrackstoprizeupthecovering。Thelidwasclosedwithwoodenpegsinanantiquebutperfectlysafemanner，andapparentlyhadnotbeenopenedsincethedeadIncahadbeenlaidtorestthereinhundredsofyearsagoamongtheAndeanmountains。DonPedrowincedatthisdesecrationofthedead，but，ashehadgivenhisconsent，therewasnothinglefttodobuttogrinandbearit。Inawonderfullyshortspaceoftime，consideringtheneatnessoftheworkmanshipandtheholdingpowerofthewoodenpegs，thelidwasremoved。Thenthefouron-lookerssawthatthemummyhadbeentamperedwith。Swathedingreen-stainedllamawool，itlayrigidinitscase。Buttheswathingshadbeencut；thehandsprotrudedandtheemeraldsweregone-tornrudelyfromthehardgripofthedead。
CHAPTERXV
ANACCUSATION
BothDonPedroandProfessorBraddockwereamazedandangryatthedisappearanceofthejewels，butHopedidnotexpressmuchsurprise。Consideringthefactsofthemurder，itwasjustwhatheexpected，althoughitmustbeconfessedthathewaswiseaftertheevent。
\"Ireferyoutoyourownwordsimmediatelybeforethecasewasopened，Professor，\"heremarked，afterthefirstsurprisehadsubsided。
\"Words！words！\"snappedBraddock，whowasanythingbutpleased。
\"Whatwordsofminedoyoumean，Hope？\"
\"Yousaidthatitwasnotlikelythatanyonewouldcommitamurderforthesakeofthemummyonly，andthenleaveitstrandedinMrs。Jasher’sgarden。Also，youdeclaredthatyouhadyourdoubtsabout，thesafetyoftheemeralds，elseyouwouldnothaveconsentedtosellthemummyagaintoitsrightfulowner。\"
TheProfessornodded。
\"Quiteso:quiteso。AndwhatIsayIholdto，\"heretorted，\"especiallyasIhaveprovedmyselfatrueprophet。Youcanbothseeforyourselves，\"hewavedhishandtowardstherifledcase，\"thatpoorSidneymusthavebeenkilledforthesakeoftheemeralds。Thequestionis，whokilledhim？\"
\"Thepersonwhoknewaboutthejewels，\"saidDonPedropromptly。
\"Ofcourse:butwhodidknow？Iwasignorantuntilyoutoldmeaboutthemanuscript。Andyou，Hope？\"HesearchedArchie’sface。
\"Doyouintendtoaccuseme？\"questionedtheyoungmanwithaslightlaugh。\"Iassureyou，Professor，thatIwasignorantofwhathadbeenburiedwiththecorpse，untilDonPedrorelatedhisstorytheothernighttomyselfandRandom，andtheladies。\"
BraddockturnedimpatientlytoDeGayangos，ashedidnotapproveofArchie’sapparentflippancy。
\"Doesanyoneelseknowofthecontentsofthismanuscript？\"hedemandedirritably。
DonPedronursedhischinandlookedmusinglyontheground。
\"ItisjustpossiblethatVasamay。\"
\"Vasa？Vasa？Ohyes，thesailorwhostolethemummythirtyyearsagofromyourfatherinLima。Pooh！pooh！pooh！YoutellmethatthismanuscriptiswritteninLatin，andevidentlyinmonkishLatinatthat，whichisoftheworst。Yoursailorcouldnotreadit，andwouldnotknowthevalueofthemanuscript。Ifhehad，hewouldhavecarrieditoff。\"
\"Senor，\"saidthePeruvianpolitely，\"Ihaveanideathatmyfathermadeatranslationofthismanuscript，oratalleventsacopy。\"
\"ButIunderstood，\"putinHope，stillastrideofhischair，\"thatyoudidnotfindtheoriginalmanuscriptuntilyourfatherdied。\"
\"Thatisquitetrue，sir，\"assentedtheotherreadily，\"butI
didnottellyoueverythingtheothernight。MyfatheritwaswhofoundthemanuscriptatCuzco，andalthoughIcannotstateauthoritatively，yetIbelieveIamcorrectinsayingthathehadacopy。made。Butwhetherthecopywasmerelyatranscriptoractuallyatranslation，Icannottell。Ithinkitwastheformer，asifVasa，readingatranslation，hadlearnedofthejewels，heundoubtedlywouldhavestolenthembeforesellingthismummytotheParisiancollector。\"
\"Perhapshedid，\"saidBraddock，pointingtotherifledcorpse。
\"Youseethattheemeraldsaremissing。\"
\"Yourassistant’sassassinstolethem，\"insistedDonPedrocoldly。
\"Wecannotbesureofthat，\"retortedtheProfessor，\"althoughI
admitthatnomanwouldjeopardizehisneckforthesakeofacorpse。\"
Archielookedsurprised。
\"Butanenthusiastsuchasyouare，Professor，mightrisksomuch。\"
ForonceinhislifeBraddockmadeagood-humoredreply。
\"No，sir。NotevenforthismummywouldIplacemyselfinthepowerofthelaw。AndIdonotthinkthatanyotherscientistwouldeither。Wesavantsmaynotbeworldly，butwearenotfools。However，thefactremainsthatthejewelsaregone，andwhethertheywerestolenbyVasathirtyyearsago，orbypoorSidney’sassassintheotherday，Idon’tknow，and，whatismore，Idon’tcare。Ishallexaminethemummyfurther，andinacoupleofdaysDonPedrocanbringmeacheckforonethousandandremovehisancestor。\"
\"No！no！\"criedthePeruvianhurriedly；\"sincetheemeraldsaremissing，IamnotinapositiontopayyouonethousandEnglishpounds，sir。IwanttotakebackthebodyofIncaCaxastoLima；
asonemustshowrespecttoone’sancestors。Butthefactis，I
cannotpaythemoney。\"
\"Yousaidthatyoucould，\"shoutedtheexasperatedProfessorinhisbullyingway。
\"Iadmitit，senor，butIhadhopedtodosowhenIsoldtheemeralds，which-asyoucansee-arenotavailable。ThereforethebodyofmyroyalancestormustremainhereuntilIcanprocurethemoney。AnditmaybethatSirFrankRandomwillhelpmeinthismatter。\"
\"Hewouldn’thelpme，\"snappedBraddock，\"sowhyshouldhehelpyou？\"
DonPedro，lookingmoredignifiedthanever，drewhimselfuptohistallheight。
\"SirFrank，\"hesaid，inastatelyway，\"hagdonemethehonorofseekingtobemyson-in-law。Asmydaughterloveshim，Iamwillingtopermitthemarriage，butnowthatIhavelearnedtheemeraldsarelost，IshallnotconsentuntilSirFrankbuysthemummyfrontyou，Professor。Itisonlyrightthatmydaughter’shandshouldredeemherregalforefatherfrompurelyscientificsurroundingsandthatsheshouldtakethemummybacktobeburiedinLima。Atthesametime，sir，ImustsaythatIamtherightfulownerofthedead，andthatyoushouldsurrenderthemummytomefreeofcharge。\"
\"What，andloseathousandpounds！\"criedBraddockfuriously。
\"No，sir，Ishalldonothingofthesort。Youonlywantedthemummyforthesakeofthejewels，andnowthattheyarelost，youdonotcarewhatbecomesofyourconfoundedancestor，andyou-\"
TheProfessorwouldhavegoneonstillmorefuriously，butthatHope，seeingDonPedrowasgrowingangryattheinsult，chimedin。
\"Letmethrowoilonthetroubledwaters，\"hesaid，smoothly。
\"DonPedroisnotabletoredeemthemummyuntiltheemeraldsarefound。Assuchisthecase，wemustfindtheemeraldsandenablehimtodowhatisnecessary。\"
\"Andhowarewetofindthejewels？\"askedBraddockcrossly。
\"Byfindingtheassassin。\"
\"Howisthattobedone？\"askedDeGayangosgloomily。\"IhavebeendoingmybestatPierside，butIcannotfindasingleclue。
Vasaisnottobefound。\"
\"Vasa！\"exclaimedArchieandtheProfessor，bothprofoundlyastonished。
DonPedroraisedhiseyebrows。
\"Certainly。Vasa，ifanyone，musthavekilledyourassistant，sincehealonecouldhaveknownthatthejewelswereburiedwithIncaCaxas。\"
\"But，mydearsir，\"arguedHopegood-naturedly，\"ifVasastolethemanuscript，whethertranslatedornot，hecertainlymusthavelearnedthetruthlong，longago，sincethirtyyearshaveelapsed。Inthateventhemusthavestolenthejewels，asProfessorBraddockremarkedlately，beforehesoldthemummytotheParisiancollector。\"
\"Thatmaybeso，\"saidDonPedroobstinately，whiletheProfessormutteredhisapproval，\"butwecannotbecertainonthatpoint。
Noone-IagreewiththeProfessorinthis-wouldhaveriskedhisnecktostealameremummy，thereforethemotiveforthecommittalofthecrimemusthavebeentheemeralds。OnlyVasaknewoftheirexistenceoutsidemyselfandmydeadfather。He，therefore，mustbetheassassin。Ishallhuntforhim，and，whenIfindhim，Ishallhavehimarrested。\"
\"Butyoucan’tpossiblyrecognizethemanafterthirtyyears？\"
arguedBraddockdisbelievingly。
\"IHavearoyalmemoryforfaces，\"saidDonPedroimperturbably，\"andinthepastIsawmuchofVasa。Hewasthenayoungsailoroftwenty。\"
\"Humph！\"mutteredBraddock。\"Heisnowfifty，andmusthavechangedinthirtyyears。You’llneverrecognizehim。\"
\"Oh，Ithinkso，\"saidthePeruviansmoothly。\"Hiseyeswerepeculiarlyblueandfulloflight。Also，hehadascarontherighttemplefromablowwhichhereceivedinastreetriotinwhichIalsowasconcerned。Finally，gentlemen，Vasalovedapeongirlonmyfather’sestate，andsheinducedhimtohavethesunencircledbyaserpent-aPeruviansymbol-tattooedonhisleftwrist。Withallthesemarks，andwithmymemoryforfaces，whichneveryethasfailedme，IhavenodoubtbutwhatIshallrecognizetheman。\"
\"Andthen？\"
\"AndthenIshallhavehimarrested\"
Hopeshruggedhissquareshoulders。HehadnotmuchbeliefinDonPedro’sboastedroyalmemory，anddidnotthinkthathewouldrecognizeayoungsailoroftwentyinwhatwouldcertainlybeagrizzledoldsaltoffiftyyears。However，itwaspossiblethatthemanmightberightinhissurmise，sinceVasaalonecouldhaveknownabouttheemeralds。Theonlydoubtwaswhetherhewouldhavewaitedforthirtyyearsbeforelootingthemummy。
Archiesaidnothingofthesethoughts，astheywouldonlyservetoprolonganunprofitablediscussion。Buthemadeonesuggestion。
\"Yourbestplan，\"hesaidsuggestively，\"istowriteadescriptionofVasa-who，bytheway，hasprobablychangedhisname-andhandittothepolice，withthepromiseofarewardifheisfound。\"
\"Iamverypoor，senor。SurelytheProfessorhere-\"
\"Icanoffernothing，\"saidBraddockquickly，\"asIamquiteaspoorasyouare，ifnotmoreso，SirFrankmighthelp，\"headdedsarcastically。
\"Ishallnotask，\"saidDonPedroloftily。\"IfSirFrankchoosestobecomemyson-in-lawbypurchasingbackmyroyalancestor，towhichyouhavenoright，Iamwillingthatitshouldbeso。But，poorasIam，Ishallofferarewardmyself，sincethehonoroftheDeGayangosesisinvolvedinthismatter。Whatrewarddoyousuggest，Mr。Hope？\"
\"Fivehundredpounds，\"saidtheProfessorquickly。
\"Toomuch，\"saidHopesharply-\"fartoomuch。Maketherewardonehundredpounds，DonPedro。Thatisenoughtotemptmanyaman。\"
ThePeruvianbowedandnoteddowntheamount。
\"IshallgoatoncetoPiersideandseeInspectorDate，whohadtodowiththeinquest，\"heremarked。\"Meanwhile，Professor，pleasedonotdesecratemyroyalancestor’sbodymorethanyoucanhelp。\"
\"Ishallcertainlynotsearchforanymoreemeralds，\"retortedBraddockdryly。\"Now，clearout，bothofyou，andleavemetoexaminethemummy。Cockatoo，showthesegentlemenout，andletnooneelsein。\"
DonPedroreturnedtotheWarriorHoteltoinformhisdaughterofwhathadtakenplace，withtheintentionofgoingintheafternoontoPierside。Meanwhile，hewroteoutafulldescriptionofVasa，makinganallowanceforthelapseofyearsandexplainingthescarandthesymbolontheleftwrist。HopealsosoughtLucyandrelatedthelatestdevelopmentofthecase。
Thegirlwasnotsurprised，asshelikewisebelievedthattheassassinhaddesiredmorethanthemummywhenhemurderedSidneyBolton。
\"Mrs。Jasherdidnotknowabouttheemeralds？\"sheaskedsuddenly。
\"No，\"repliedArchie，muchsurprised。\"Surelyyoudonotsuspectherofhavingahandinthedevilment？\"
\"Certainlynot，\"wasthepromptanswer。\"OnlyIcannotunderstandhowthemummycametobeinhergarden。\"
\"Itwasbroughtupfromtheriver，Iexpect。\"
\"ButwhytoMrs。Jasher’sgarden？\"
Hopeshookhishead。
\"Icannottellthat。Thewholethingisamystery，andseemslikelytoremainso。\"
\"Itseemstome，\"saidthegirl，afterapause，\"thatitwouldbebestformyfathertoreturnthismummytoDonPedro，andhavedonewithit，sinceitseemstobringbadluck。ThenhecanmarryMrs。Jasher，andgotoEgyptonherfortunetoseekforthistomb。\"
\"IdoubtverymuchifMrs。JasherwillmarrytheProfessornow，afterwhathesaidlastnight。\"
\"Nonsense，myfatherwasinarageandsaidwhatfirstcameintohismind。Idaresaysheisangry。However，Ishallseeherthisafternoon，andputmattersright。\"
\"YouareveryanxiousthattheProfessorshouldmarrythelady。\"
\"Iam，\"repliedLucyseriously，\"asIwanttoleavemyfathercomfortablysettledwhenImarryyou。ThesoonerhemakesMrs。
Jasherhiswife，thereadierwillhebetoletmego，andIwanttomarryyouassoonasIpossiblycan。IamtiredofGartleyandofthispresentlife。\"
OfcoursetothisspeechArchiecouldmakeonlyoneanswer，andasthattooktheformofkissing，itwasentirelysatisfactorytoMissKendal。ThentheydiscussedthefutureandalsotheproposedengagementofSirFrankRandomtothePeruvianlady。
Butbothleftthesubjectofthemummyalone，astheywerequitewearyofthematter，andneithercouldsuggestasolutionofthemystery。
MeanwhileProfessorBraddockhadpassedaverypleasanthourinexaminingtheswathingsofthemummy。Buthispleasurewasdestinedtobecutshortsoonerthanhedesired，asCaptainHiramHerveyunexpectedlyarrived。AlthoughCockatoo-ashehadbeeninstructed-didhisbesttokeephimout，thesailorforcedhiswayin，andheraldedhisappearancebythrowingtheKanakahead-foremostintothemuseum。
\"Whatdoesthismean？\"demandedthefieryProfessor，whileCockatoo，withanangryexpression，struggledtohisfeet，andHervey，smokinghisinevitablecheroot，stoodonthethreshold-
\"howdareyoutreatmypropertyinthiscarelessway。\"
\"Guessyourpropertyshouldbehaveitselfthen，\"saidthecaptainincarelesstones，andsaunteredintotheroom。\"D’ythinkI’mgoin’tobechuckedoutbyameaslyniggerand-GreatScott！\"-
thislatterexclamationwasextortedbythesightofthemummy。
BraddockmotionedtothestillangryCockatootomoveaside，andthennoddedtriumphantly。
\"Youdidn’texpecttoseethat，didyou？\"heasked。
Herveycametoanchoronachairandturnedthecherootinhismouthwithanoddlookatthemummy。
\"Whenwillhebehanged？\"
Braddockstared。
\"Whenwillwhobehanged？\"
\"Themanasstolethatthing。\"
\"Wehaven’tfoundhimyet，\"Braddockinformedhimswiftly。
\"Thenhowincreationdidyouannexthecorpse。\"
TheProfessorsatdownandexplained。Thelean，longmarinerlistenedquietly，onlynoddingatintervals。HedidnotseemtobesurprisedwhenheheardthatthecorpseoftheheadIncahadbeenfoundinMrs。Jasher’sgarden，especiallywhenBraddockexplainedthewhereaboutsoftheproperty。
\"Wal，\"hedrawled，\"thatdon’tmakemyhairstandonend。I
guessthegardenwasonhiswayandheuseditforacemetery。\"
\"Whatareyoutalkingabout？\"demandedtheperplexedscientist。
\"Aboutthemanwhostrangledyourhelpandyankedawaythecorpse。\"
\"ButIdon’tknowwhoheis。Nobodyknows。\"
\"Goslow。Ido。\"
\"You！\"BraddockstartedandflunghimselfacrosstheroomtoseizeHerveybythelapelsofhisreefercoat。\"Youknow。Tellmewhoheis，sothatIcangettheemeralds。\"
\"Emeralds！\"HerveyremovedBraddock’splumphandsandstaredgreedily。
\"Don’tyouknow？No，ofcourseyoudon’t。Buttwoemeraldswereburiedwiththemummy，andtheyhavebeenstolen。\"
\"Whoby？\"
\"Nodoubtbytheassassinwhomurderedpoor\"Sidney。\"
Herveyspatonthefloor，andhisweather-beatenfacetookonanexpressionof，profoundregret。
\"IguessI’mafoolofthebest。\"
\"Why？\"askedBraddock，againpuzzled。
\"Tothink，\"saidHervey，addressingthemummy，\"thatyouwereonboardmyboat，andIneverlootedyou。\"
\"What！\"Braddockstamped。\"Wouldyouhavecommittedtheft？\"
\"Theftbehanged！\"wasthereply。\"Itain’tthievingtolootthedead。Iguessacorpsehasn’tgotanyuseforjewels。YoubetI’dhavegummedstraightwaysontothatmummy，whenIbroughtitfromMaltaintheoldDiver，hadIknownitwasajeweler’sshopofsorts。Huh！Twoemeralds，andIneverknew。Icouldkickmyself。\"
\"Youareablackguard，\"gaspedtheastonishedProfessor。
