The Green Mummy - Page 103/191

"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."