"Thank you, madame: you are very good."
Meanwhile Don Pedro was talking to the two young men.
"Yes, I did arrive here earlier than I expected," he was remarking, "but
I have to return to Lima shortly, and I wish to get my business with
Professor Braddock finished as speedily as possible."
"I am sorry," said Lucy politely, "but my father is absent."
"And when will he return, Miss Kendal?"
"I can scarcely say--in a week or a fortnight."
Don Pedro made a gesture of annoyance.
"It is a pity, as I am so very pressed for time. Still, I must remain
until the Professor returns. I am so anxious to hear if the mummy has
been found."
"It is not found yet," said Hope quickly, "and never will be."
Don Pedro looked at him quietly.
"It must be found," said he. "I have come all the way from Lima to
obtain it. When you hear my story you will not be surprised at my desire
to regain the mummy."
"Regain it?" echoed Hope and Random in one breath.
Don Pedro nodded.
"The mummy was stolen from my father," he said.