"Your best plan," he said suggestively, "is to write a description of
Vasa--who, by the way, has probably changed his name--and hand it to the
police, with the promise of a reward if he is found."
"I am very poor, senor. Surely the Professor here--"
"I can offer nothing," said Braddock quickly, "as I am quite as poor as
you are, if not more so, Sir Frank might help," he added sarcastically.
"I shall not ask," said Don Pedro loftily. "If Sir Frank chooses to
become my son-in-law by purchasing back my royal ancestor, to which you
have no right, I am willing that it should be so. But, poor as I am,
I shall offer a reward myself, since the honor of the De Gayangoses is
involved in this matter. What reward do you suggest, Mr. Hope?"
"Five hundred pounds," said the Professor quickly.
"Too much," said Hope sharply--"far too much. Make the reward one
hundred pounds, Don Pedro. That is enough to tempt many a man."
The Peruvian bowed and noted down the amount.
"I shall go at once to Pierside and see Inspector Date, who had to do
with the inquest," he remarked. "Meanwhile, Professor, please do not
desecrate my royal ancestor's body more than you can help."
"I shall certainly not search for any more emeralds," retorted Braddock
dryly. "Now, clear out, both of you, and leave me to examine the mummy.
Cockatoo, show these gentlemen out, and let no one else in."
Don Pedro returned to the Warrior Hotel to inform his daughter of
what had taken place, with the intention of going in the afternoon to
Pierside. Meanwhile, he wrote out a full description of Vasa, making an
allowance for the lapse of years and explaining the scar and the
symbol on the left wrist. Hope also sought Lucy and related the latest
development of the case. The girl was not surprised, as she likewise
believed that the assassin had desired more than the mummy when he
murdered Sidney Bolton.
"Mrs. Jasher did not know about the emeralds?" she asked suddenly.
"No," replied Archie, much surprised. "Surely you do not suspect her of
having a hand in the devilment?"
"Certainly not," was the prompt answer. "Only I cannot understand how
the mummy came to be in her garden."
"It was brought up from the river, I expect."
"But why to Mrs. Jasher's garden?"
Hope shook his head.
"I cannot tell that. The whole thing is a mystery, and seems likely to
remain so."
"It seems to me," said the girl, after a pause, "that it would be best
for my father to return this mummy to Don Pedro, and have done with it,
since it seems to bring bad luck. Then he can marry Mrs. Jasher, and go
to Egypt on her fortune to seek for this tomb."