The Green Mummy - Page 98/191

"I have not much money," said Don Pedro gravely; "still, I am willing to

do as you say."

"I don't know that I am," protested Braddock noisily. "There are the two

emeralds which are of immense value, as Don Pedro says, and they belong

to me, since the mummy is my property."

"Professor," said Archie solemnly, "you must do right, even if you lose

by it. I believe the story of Senor De Gayangos; and the mummy with its

jewels belongs to him. Besides, you only wish to see the way in which

the Inca race embalmed their dead. Well, then, unpack the mummy here in

the presence of Don Pedro. When you have satisfied your curiosity, and

when Senor De Gayangos signs a check for one thousand pounds, he can

take away the corpse. You have had so much trouble over it, that I

wonder your are not anxious to see the last of it."

"But the emeralds would sell for much money and would defray the

expenses of my expedition into Egypt to search for that Queen's tomb."

"I understood from Lucy that Mrs. Jasher intended to finance that

expedition when she became your wife."

"Humph!" muttered Braddock, stroking his fat chin. "I said a few foolish

things to her last night when I was heated up. She may not forgive me,

Hope."

"A woman will forgive anything to the man she loves," said Archie.

Braddock was no fool, and could not help casting a glance at his tubby

figure, which was reflected in a near mirror. It seemed incredible that

Mrs. Jasher could love him for his looks, and the fact that he

might some day be a baronet did not strike him at the moment as a

consideration. However, he foresaw trouble and expense should Don

Pedro go to law, as he seemed determined to do. Taking all things into

consideration, Braddock thought that Archie's judgment was a good one,

and yielded.

"Well," he said after reflection, "let us agree. I shall open the case

and examine the mummy, which after all is the reason why I bought it.

When I have satisfied myself as to the difference between the modes of

embalming, Don Pedro can give me a check and take away the mummy. I only

hope that he will have less trouble with it than I have had," and,

so speaking, Braddock, signing to Cockatoo to bring all the necessary

tools, laid hands on the case.

"I am content," said Don Pedro briefly, and seated himself in a chair

beside the young Daniel who had delivered judgment.

Hope offered to assist the Professor to open the case, but was dismissed

with an abrupt refusal.

"Though I am glad you are present to see the mummy unpacked," said

Braddock, laboring at the lid of the case, "for if the emeralds are

missing, Don Pedro might accuse me of stealing them."