The Green Mummy - Page 57/191

Some weeks had now elapsed since the death and burial of Sidney Bolton,

and the excitement had simmered down to a gentle speculation as to who

had killed him. This question was discussed in a half-hearted manner

round the winter fires of Gartley, but gradually people were ceasing to

interest themselves in a crime, the mystery of which would apparently

never be solved. Life went on in the village and at the Pyramids much

in the same way, save that the Professor attended along with Cockatoo to

his museum and did not engage another assistant.

Archie and Lucy were perfectly happy, as they looked forward to being

married in the spring, and Braddock showed no desire to interfere with

their engagement. They knew, of course, that he had called upon Sir

Frank, but were ignorant of what had taken place. Random himself called

at the Pyramids to congratulate Miss Kendal on her engagement, and

seemed so very pleased that she was going to marry the man of her

choice, that, woman-like, she grew rather annoyed. As the baronet had

been her lover, she thought that he should wear the willow for her

sake. But Random showed no disposition to do so, therefore Lucy shrewdly

guessed that his broken heart had been mended by another woman. The

Professor could have confirmed the truth of this from the hints which

Random had given him, but he said nothing about his interview with the

young man, nor did he mention that a Spanish gentleman from Peru was

seeking for the famous green mummy.

Considerably vexed that Random should be so cheerful, Lucy cast round to

learn the truth. She could scarcely ask the baronet himself, and Archie

professed himself unable to explain. Miss Kendal did not dream of

cross-examining Braddock, as it never entered her mind that the

dry-as-dust scientist would know anything. It then occurred to this

inquisitive young lady that Mrs. Jasher might be aware of Random's

secret, which made him so cheerful. Sir Frank was a great friend of

the plump widow, and frequently went to take afternoon tea at her small

house, which was situated no great distance from the Fort. In fact,

Mrs. Jasher entertained the officers largely, as she was hospitable

by nature, and liked to have presentable men about her for flirting

purposes. With good-looking youth she assumed the maternal air, and in

the role of a clever woman of the world professed to be the adviser of

one and all. In this way she became quite a favorite, and her little

parlor--she liked the old English word--was usually, well filled at the

hour of afternoon tea.

Twice already Lucy had called on Mrs. Jasher after the commotion caused

by the crime, as she wished to speak to her about the same; but on each

occasion the widow proved to be absent in London. However, the third

visit proved to be more lucky, for Mrs. Jasher was at home, and

expressed herself happy to see the girl.