"And I turn amateur detective to-morrow and question Widow Anne," said

Hope, after which remark he had to explain matters to Braddock, who

had been out of the room when Mrs. Bolton's strange request had been

discussed.

Meanwhile Donna Inez had been whispering to her lover and pointing to

the mummy. Don Pedro followed her thoughts and guessed what she was

saying. Random proved the truth of his guess by, turning to him.

"Do you really want to take back the mummy to Peru, sir?" he asked

quietly.

"Certainly. Inca Caxas was my forefather. I do not wish to leave him in

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this place. His body must be restored to its tomb. All the Indians, who

look upon me as their present Inca expect me to bring the body back.

Although," added De Gayangos gravely, "I did not come to Europe to look

for the mummy, as you know."

"Then I shall buy the mummy," said Random impetuously. "Professor, will

you sell it to me?"

"Now that I have examined it thoroughly I shall be delighted," said the

little man, "say for two thousand pounds."

"Not at all," interposed Don Pedro; "you mean one thousand."

"Of course he does," said Lucy quickly; "and the check must be paid to

Archie, Sir Frank."

"To me! to me!" cried Braddock indignantly. "I insist."

"The money belongs to Archie," said Lucy obstinately. "You have seen

what you desired to see, father and as Archie only lent you the money,

it is only fair that he should have it again."

"Oh, let the Professor have it," said Hope good-naturedly.

"No! no! no!"

Random laughed.

"I shall make the check payable to you, Miss Kendal, and you can give

it to whomsoever you choose," he said; "and now, as everything has been

settled so far, I suggest that we should retire."

"Come to my rooms at the inn," said Don Pedro, opening the door. "I

have much to say to you. Good night, Professor; to-morrow let us go to

Pierside and see if we cannot get at the truth."

"And to-morrow," cried Random, "I shall send the check, sir."

When the company departed, Lucy had another wrangle with her father

about the check. As Archie had gone away, she could speak freely, and

pointed out that he was enjoying her mother's income and was about to

marry Mrs. Jasher, who was rich.

"Therefore," argued Lucy, "you certainly do not want to keep poor

Archie's money."

"He paid me that sum on condition that I consented to the wedding."

"He did nothing of the sort," she cried indignantly. "I am not going

to be bought and sold in this manner. Archie lent you the money, and it

must be returned. Don't force me to think you selfish, father."




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