\"That’salie，\"hesaiddistinctly。
\"I’dhaveshotyouforthatdownChiliway，\"snappedtheskipper。
\"Possibly，\"retortedtheartistdryly，\"butIhappentobehandywithmyrevolveralso。Isayagainthatyoulie。Randomisnotthemantocommitsofoulacrime。\"
\"Thenhowdidthemanuscriptgetintohisroom？\"questionedHervey。
\"Heistryingtolearn，and，whenhedoes，willcomeheretoletusallknow，CaptainHervey。ButIaskyouonwhatgroundsyouaccusehim？OhIknowallyousaidto-day，\"addedHopescornfully，wavinghishand；\"butyoucan’tprovethatRandomgotthemanuscript。\"
\"Ifit’sinhisroom，asyouacknowledge，Ican，\"saidHervey，speakinginamuchmorecultivatedtone。\"Seehere。AsIsaidbefore，thatcopymusthavebeenpassedalongwiththecorpsetotheMalteseman。Well，then，theProfessorhereboughtthecorpse，andwithitthemanuscript。\"
\"No，\"contradictedthelittleman，prodigiouslyexcited。\"Boltonwrotetomefullparticularsofthemummy，butsaidnothingaboutanymanuscript。\"
\"Well，hewouldn’t，\"repliedHerveycalmly，\"seeingthathe’dknowLatin。\"
\"HedidknowLatin，\"admittedBraddockuneasily；\"Itaughthimmyself。Butdoyoumeantosaythathegotthatmanuscriptandreaditandintendedtokeepthefactoftheemeraldssecret？\"
Herveynoddedthreetimes，andtwistedhischerootinhismouth。
\"Howelsecanyoufigurethebusinessout？\"hedemandedquietly，andwithhiseyesfixedontheexcitedProfessor。\"Boltonmusthavegotthatmanuscript，asIcan’trememberwhatIdidwithit，savepassitalongwiththecorpse。He-asyouadmit-doesn’ttellyouaboutitwhenhewrites。Well，then，IreckonhecalculatedgettingthiscorpsetoEngland，andintendedtostealtheemeraldswhensafelyashore。\"
\"Buthecouldhavedonethatontheboat，\"saidArchiequickly。
\"Iguessnot，withmeabout，\"saidHerveycoolly。\"I’dhavespottedhisgameandwouldhavehowledforshares。\"
\"Youdaretosaythat？\"demandedDeGayangosfiercely。
\"Keepyourhairon。Idaretosayanythingthatcomesupmydarnedback，youbet。I’mnotgoingtoknuckledowntoayellow-stomach-\"
OutflewDonPedro’slongarm，andHerveyslammedagainstthewall。Heslippedhishandaroundtohishippocketwithanuglysmile，butbeforehecouldusetherevolverheproduced，Hopedasheduphisarm，andtheballwentthroughtheceiling。
\"Lucy！\"criedtheyoungman，knowingthatthedrawing-roomwasoverhead，andinamomentwasoutofthedoor，racingupthestairsattopspeed。SomesenseofshameseemedtooverpowerHerveyashethoughtthathemighthaveshotthegirl，andhereplacedtherevolverinhispocketwithashrug。
\"Iclimbdownandapologize，\"hesaidtoDonPedro，whobowedgravely。
\"Hangyou，sir；youmighthaveshotmydaughter，\"criedBraddock。
\"Thedrawing-room，wheresheissitting，isrightoverhead，and-\"
Ashespokethedooropened，andLucycameinonArchie’sarm。
Shewaspalewithfright，buthadsustainednodamage。Itseemedthattherevolverbullethadpassedthroughthefloorsomedistanceawayfromwhereshewassitting。
\"Ioffermyhumbleapologies，miss，\"saidthecowedHervey。
\"I’llbreakyourneck，youruffian！\"growledHope，wholooked，andwas，dangerous。\"Howdareyoushoothereand-\"
\"It’sallright，\"interposedLucy，notwishingforfurthertrouble。\"Iamallsafe。ButIshallremainherefortherestofyourinterview，CaptainHervey，asIamsureyouwillnotshootagaininthepresenceofalady。\"
\"No，miss，\"mutteredthecaptain，andwhenagaininvitedbytheangryProfessortospeak，resumedhisdiscourseinlowtones。
\"Wal，asIwassaying，\"heremarked，sittingdownwithadoggedlook，\"Boltonintendedtoclearwiththeemeralds，butIguessSirFrankgotaheadofhimandpackedhiminthatblamedcase，whileheannexedtheemeralds。Hethentookthemanuscript，whichhelootedfromBolton’scorpse，andhiditamonghisbooks，asyousay，whilehelefttheblamedmummyinthegardenoftheoldladyyoutalkedabout。Iguessthat’swhatIsay。\"
\"It’salltheory，\"saidDonPedroinvexedtones。
\"Andthereisn’tawordoftruthinit，\"saidLucyindignantly，standingupforFrankRandom。
\"Itain’tformetocontradictyou，miss，\"saidHervey，whowasstillhumble，\"butIaskyou，ifwhatIsayain’ttrue，howdidthatcopyofthemanuscriptcometobeinthataristocrat’sroom？\"
Therewasnoreplymadetothis，andalthougheveryonepresent，saveHervey，believedinRandom’sinnocence，noonecouldexplain。Thereplycameaftersomefurtherconversation，bytheappearanceofthesoldierhimselfinmesskit。HewalkedunexpectedlyintotheroomwithDonnaInezonhisarm，andatonceapologizedtoDeGayangos。
\"Icalledtoseeyouattheinn，sir，\"hesaid，\"andasyouwerenotthere，Ibroughtyourdaughteralongwithmetoexplainaboutthemanuscript。\"
\"Ah，yes。Wetalkofthatnow。Howdiditcomeintoyourroom，sir？\"
RandompointedtoHervey。
\"Thatrascalplaceditthere，\"hesaidfirmly。
CHAPTERXX
THELETTER
AtthissecondinsultArchiequiteexpectedtoseetheskipperagaindrawhisrevolverandshoot。Hethereforejumpeduprapidlytooncemoreavertdisaster。ButperhapsthefieryAmericanwasawedbythepresenceofasecondlady-sincemenoftheadventuroustypeareoftenshywhenthefairsexisathand-
forhemeeklysatwherehewasanddidnotevencontradict。DonPedroshookhandswithSirFrank，andthenHerveysmiledblandly。
\"Iseeyoudon’tbelieveinmytheory，\"saidhescoffingly。
\"Whattheoryisthat？\"askedRandomhastily。
\"HerveydeclaresthatyoumurderedBolton，stolethemanuscriptfromhim，andconcealeditinyourroom，\"saidArchiesuccinctly。
\"Ican’tsuggestanyotherreasonforitspresenceintheroom，\"
observedtheAmericanwithagrimsmile。\"IfI’mwrong，perhapsthisalmightyaristocratwillcorrectme。\"
Randomwasabouttodoso，andwithsomepardonableheat，whenhewasanticipatedbyDonnaInez。Ithasbeenmentionedbeforethatthisyoungladywasofthesilentorder。Usuallyshesimplyornamentedanycompanyinwhichshefoundherselfwithouttroublingtoentertainwithhertongue。Buttheaccusationagainstthebaronet，whomsheapparentlyloved，changedherintoavolublevirago。BrushingasidethelittleProfessor，whostoodinherway，shelaunchedherselfforwardandspokeatlength。
Hervey，coweringinthechair，thusmetwithanantagonistagainstwhomhehadnoarmor。Hecouldnotuseforce；shedominatedhimwithhereyeandwhenheventuredtoopenhismouthhisfewfeeblewordswerespeedilydrownedbythetorrentofspeechwhichflowedfromthelipsofthePeruvianlady。Everyonewasasastonishedbythisoutburstasthoughadoghadspoken。ThatthehithertosilentDonnaInezdeGayangosshouldspeakthusfreelyandwithsuchpowerwasquiteasgreatamiracle。
\"You-areadogandaliar，\"saidDonnaInezwithgreatdistinctness，andspeakingEnglishexcellently。\"WhatyousayagainstSirFrankismadnessandfoolishtalk。InGenoamyfatherdidnotspeakofthemanuscript，nordidI，whotellyouthis。How，then，couldSirFrankkillthispoorman，whenhehadnoreasontoslayhim-\"
\"Fortheemeralds，\"falteredHerveyweakly。
\"Fortheemeralds！\"echoedtheladyscornfully。\"SirFrankisrich。Hedoesnotneedtostealtohavemuchmoney。Heisagentleman，whodoesnotmurder，asyouhavedone。\"
Herveystartedtohisfeet，dismayedbutdefiant，andsawthathewasringedwithunfriendlyfaces。
\"AsIhavedone。Why，Iam-\"
DonnaInezinterrupted。
\"Youareamurderer。Itrulybelievethatyou-yes，thatyou\"
shepointedascornfulfingerathim\"killedthispoormanwhowasbringingthemummytotheProfessor。Ifyouwereinmyowncountry，Ishouldhaveyoulashedlikethedogyouare。PigofaYankee，vilescumofthe-\"
\"Thatwilldo，Inez，\"saidDeGayangosimperiously。\"Wewishtomakethisgentlemantellthetruth，andthisisnotthewaytogoaboutthematter。\"
\"Gentleman，\"echoedtheangryPeruvian，\"heisnone。Truth！
Thereisnotruthinhim，thepigofpigs！\"andthen，herEnglishfailing，shetookrefugeinSpanish，whichisafairlycomprehensivelanguageforswearinginapoliteway。Thewordsfairlypouredfromhermouth，andshelookedasfierceasBellona，thegoddessofwar。
Archie，listeningtoherwordsandwatchingherbeautifulfacedistortedoutofallloveliness，secretlycongratulatedhimselfuponthefactthathewasnotherprospectivebridegroom。HewonderedhowSirFrank，whowasamild，good-temperedmanhimself，coulddaretomakesuchafieryfemaleLadyRandom。
Perhapstheyoungmanthoughthimselfthatshewasgoingatrifletoofar，forhetouchedhernervouslyonthearm。AtoncetheangerofDonnaInezdieddown，andshesubmittedtobeledtoachair，whisperingasshewent，\"Itwasforyoursake，myangel，thatIwasangry，\"shesaid，andthenrelapsedintosilence，watchingallfutureproceedingswithflashingeyesbutcompressedmouth。
\"Wal，\"mutteredHerveywithhisinvariabledrawl，\"nowthattheladyhaseasedhermind，IshouldliketoknowwhythisaristocratsaysIplacedthatmanuscriptinhisroom。\"
\"Youshallknow，andatonce，\"saidRandompromptly。\"Didyounotcalltoseemeadayorsoago？\"
\"Idid，sir。IwishedtotellyouwhatIhaddiscovered，sothatyoumightpaymetoshutmymouthifyoufeltsoinclined。I
askedwhereyourroomwas，sir，andwalkedrightin，sinceyourflunkywasnotatthedoor。\"
\"Quiteso。Youwereinmyroomforafewminutes-\"
\"Sayfive，\"interpolatedtheAmericanimperturbably。
\"Andthencamedown。Youmetmyservant，whotoldyouthatI
wouldnotbebackforfiveorsixhours。\"
\"That’sjustasyoustate，sir。Iwassorrytomissyou，but，mytimebeingvaluable，IhadtogetbacktoPierside。Failingyou，IlatercametoseetheProfessorhere，andtoldhimwhatIhaddiscovered。\"
\"Youmerelydiscoveredamare’snest，\"saidRandomcontemptuously；\"butthisisnotthepoint。Ibelievethatyou，andyouonly，couldhavehiddenthatmanuscriptamongmybooks，intendingthatitshouldbediscovered，sothatImightbeimplicatedinthiscrime。\"
\"Didyourflunkytellyouthatmuch？\"inquiredHerveycoolly。
\"Myservanttoldmenothing，savethatyouhadbeeninmyroom，whereyouhadnorighttobe。\"
\"Then，\"saidtheAmericanquietlyanddecisively，\"Ican’tsee，sir，howyoucanplacetheticketonme。\"
\"Youaccuseme，sowhyshouldInotaccuseyou？\"retortedRandom。
\"Becauseyouareguilty，andIain’t，\"snappedtheAmerican。
\"Youjoinissue:youjoinissue，\"murmuredBraddock，rubbinghishands。
Randomtooknonoticeoftheinterruption。
\"IhaveheardfromMr。HopeandProfessorBraddockofthegroundsuponwhichyoubaseyouraccusation，andIhaveexplainedtothemhowIcametobeonboardyourshipandbothinandoutoftheSailor’sRest。\"
\"Andtheexplanationisquitesatisfactory，\"saidHopesmartly。
\"Iagree，\"DonnaIneznoddedwithverybrighteyes。\"SirFrankhasexplainedtomealso。Heknewnothingofthemanuscript。\"
\"Andyou，sir，\"saidDonPedroquietlytoCaptainHervey，\"apparentlydid，sinceyoustoleitalongwiththemummyfromLima。\"
\"Iconfessthetheft，butIdidn’tknowwhatthemanuscriptcontained，\"saidtheskipperdryly，\"orIreckonyouwouldn’thavetoaskwhostoletheemeralds。No，sir，Ishouldhavelootedthem。\"
\"Ibelieveyoudid，andmurderedBolton，\"criedRandomhotly。
\"Shucks！\"retortedHervey，risingwithashrug，\"ifIhadwishedtogetridofBolton，I’dnaveyankedhimoverboardandthenwouldhavewritten`accident’inmyblamedlog-book。\"
BraddocklookedatDonPedro，andArchieatSirFrank。Whattheskippersaidwasplausibleenough。NomanwouldhavebeensuchafoolastohavemurderedBoltonashore，whenhecouldhavedonesowithoutsuspiciononboardthetramp。Moreover，Herveyspokewithgenuineregret，sincehehadmissedtheemeraldsandassuredlywouldnothavehesitatedtostealthemevenatthecostofBolton’slife，hadheknownoftheirwhereabouts。Sofarhehadmadeagooddefense，and，seeingtheimpressionproduced，hestrolledtothedoor。Therehehalted。
\"Ifyougentswanttolynchme，\"hesaidleisurely，\"I’llbefoundattheSailor’sRestforthenextweek。ThenI’mgoingasskipperofTheFireflysteamer，Porto’London，toAlgiers。Youcansendthesheriffalongwheneveryouchoose。ButImeantohavemypicnicfirst，andto-morrowI’mgoingtoInspectorDatewithmyyarn。ThenIguessthatalmightyaristocratwiltfindhimselfinquod。\"
\"Waitamoment，\"criedBraddock，runningtothedoor。\"Letmetalktoyouandarrangewhatisbesttobedone。Ifyouwill-\"
Heproceedednofurther，forwithoutvouchsafinghimareply，Hervey，nowquitemasterofthesituation，passedthroughthedoor，andtheProfessorhastilyfollowedhim。Thosewhoremainedlookedatoneanother，scarcelyknowingwhattosay，orhowtoact。
\"Theywillarrestthee，myangel，\"criedDonnaInez，claspingRandom’sarm。
\"Letthem，\"retortedtheyoungmandefiantly。\"Theycanprovenothing。WithallmyheartandsoulIbelieveHerveytobetheguiltyperson。Hope，whatdoyousay？-andyou，MissKendal？\"
\"Herveyhascertainlymadeanexcellentdefense，\"saidArchiecautiously。\"Hewouldn’thavebeensuchafoolastomurderBoltonashorewhenhecouldhavedoneitsoeasilywhenonthenarrowseas。\"
\"Iagreewithyouthere，\"saidRandomquickly。\"Butifheisinnocent；ifhedidnotbringthemanuscriptintomyroom，whodid？\"
\"IwonderifWidowAnneherselfisguilty？\"saidLucyinamusingtone。
Allpresentturnedandlookedatthegirl。
\"WhoisWidowAnne？\"askedDonPedrowithapuzzledair，\"SheisthemotherofSidneyBolton，themanwhowasmurdered，\"
saidHopequickly。\"MydearLucy，whydoyousaythat？\"
Lucypausedbeforereplyingandthenansweredthequestionbyaskinganotherone。
\"DidyouaskSidneytogetyousomeclothesfromhismothertoclotheamodel？\"
\"Neverinmylife，\"saidHopepromptly，and，asLucy，saw，truly。
\"Well，IaccidentallymetMrs。Boltontoday，andsheinsistedthathersonhadborrowedfromheradarkshawlandadarkdressforyou。\"
\"Thatisnottrue，\"saidHopehotly。\"Whyshouldthewomantellsuchalie？\"
\"Well，\"saidLucyslowly，\"itstruckmethatthewomanwhospokewithSidneythroughtheSailor’sRestwindowmightbeWidowAnneherself，andthatshehasinventedthisstoryoftheclothesbeinglenttoaccountfortheirbeingworn，shouldshebediscovered。\"
\"It’scertainlyoddsheshouldspeaklikethis，\"saidRandomthoughtfully；\"butyouforget，MissKendal，thatsheprovedanalibi。\"
\"Whatofthat？\"criedDonPedrohurriedly，\"alibiscanbemanufactured。\"
\"Itwillbebesttoseethiswomanandquestionher，\"suggestedDonnaInez。
Archienodded。
\"Ishalldosoto-morrow。Bytheway，doessheevercometoyourroomintheFort，Random？\"
\"Ohyes，sheismylaundress，youknow，andattimesbringsbacktheclothesherself。Myservantisusuallyin，though。Iseewhatyoumean。ThatshemighthavereceivedthemanuscriptfromBolton，andhaveleftitinmyroom。\"
\"Yes，Ithinkthat，\"saidArchieslowly。\"IshouldnotbeatallsurprisedtolearnthataportionofHervey’stheoryiscorrect。
Boltonmayhavefoundthemanuscriptpackedupinthemummy，amongstthegraveclothes，infact。Ifhereadit-ashewouldandcould，seeingthathewasanexcellentLatinscholar，thankstoProfessorBraddock’straining-hemighthaveformedadesigntostealtheemeraldswhenhewasintheSailor’sRest。Thensomeonesavedhimthetrouble，andpackedhimofftoGartleyinsteadofthemummy。\"
\"ButwhyshouldWidowAnneleavethemanuscriptinmyroom？\"
arguedRandom。
\"Can’tyousee？BoltonknewthatyouwantedthemummyforDonPedro，andwasawarehowyouhad-sotospeak-usedthreatsinthepresenceofwitnesses，sinceyouspokeoutaloudonthedeck。\"
\"OnlytowarnBoltonagainsttheIndians，\"pleadedRandom。
\"Exactly；butyourwordswerecapableofbeingtwistedasHerveyhastwistedthem。Well，ifWidowAnnereallywenttoseeherson-andfromthelieabouttheborrowedclothesitlookslikeit-
hemayhavegivenherthemanuscript，soastothrowtheblameonyou。\"
\"Themurder？\"
\"No，no，\"saidArchietestily。\"Boltondidnotexpecttobemurdered。ButIreallybelievethatheintendedtoflywiththeemeralds，andhopedthatwhenthemanuscriptwasfoundinyourroomyouwouldbeaccused。Theideawassuggestedtohim，I
believe，byyourvisittoTheDiver。\"
\"Whatdoyouthink，MissKendal？\"askedRandomnervously。
\"Ifancythatitispossible。\"
SirFrankturnedtothePeruvian。
\"DonPedro，\"hesaidproudly，\"youhaveheardwhatHerveysays；
doyoubelievethatIamguilty？\"
ForanswerDeGayangostookhisdaughter’shandandplaceditinthatoftheyoungsoldier。
\"ThatwillshowyouwhatIthink，\"hesaidgravely。
\"Thankyou，sir，\"saidRandom，moved，andshookhisfuturefather-in-lawheartilybythehand，whileDonnaInez，throwingallrestrainttothewinds，kissedherloverexultinglyonthecheck。InthemidstofthissceneProfessorBraddockreturned，lookingverypleased。
\"IhaveinducedHerveytoholdhistongueforafewdaysuntilwecanlookintothismatter，\"hesaid，rubbinghishands\"thatis，ifyouthinkitwise，allofyou。Otherwise，Iamquitewillingtogomyselfto-morrowandtellthepolice。\"
\"No，\"saidArchierapidly，\"letusthreshoutthematterourselves。WewillsaveSirFrank’snamefromapolicecourtsluratallevents。\"
\"IdonotthinkthereisanychanceofSirFrankbeingarrested，\"
saidDonPedropolitely；\"theevidenceisinsufficient。Andattheworsthecanprovideanalibi。\"
\"Iamnotsosureofthat，\"saidRandomanxiously。\"IwenttoLondoncertainly，butIdidnotgotoanyplacewhereIamknown。
However，\"headdedcheerfully，\"IdaresayI’llbeabletodefendmyself。Still，thefactremainsthatwearenonearertolearningwhokilledBoltonthanwewere。\"
\"IamsendingCockatootoPiersideto-morrowtostopattheSailor’sRestforatime，\"saidBraddockquickly。\"HewillwatchHervey，andifthereisanythingsuspiciousabouthismovements，weshallsoonknow。\"
\"AndIturnamateurdetectiveto-morrowandquestionWidowAnne，\"
saidHope，afterwhichremarkhehadtoexplainmatterstoBraddock，whohadbeenoutoftheroomwhenMrs。Bolton’sstrangerequesthadbeendiscussed。
MeanwhileDonnaInezhadbeenwhisperingtoherloverandpointingtothemummy。DonPedrofollowedherthoughtsandguessedwhatshewassaying。Randomprovedthetruthofhisguessby，turningtohim。
\"DoyoureallywanttotakebackthemummytoPeru，sir？\"heaskedquietly。
\"Certainly。IncaCaxaswasmyforefather。Idonotwishtoleavehiminthisplace。Hisbodymustberestoredtoitstomb。
AlltheIndians，wholookuponmeastheirpresentIncaexpectmetobringthebodyback。Although，\"addedDeGayangosgravely，\"IdidnotcometoEuropetolookforthemummy，asyouknow。\"
\"ThenIshallbuythemummy，\"saidRandomimpetuously。
\"Professor，willyousellittome？\"
\"NowthatIhaveexamineditthoroughlyIshallbedelighted，\"
saidthelittleman，\"sayfortwothousandpounds。\"
\"Notatall，\"interposedDonPedro；\"youmeanonethousand。\"
\"Ofcoursehedoes，\"saidLucyquickly；\"andthecheckmustbepaidtoArchie，SirFrank。\"
\"Tome！tome！\"criedBraddockindignantly。\"Iinsist。\"
\"ThemoneybelongstoArchie，\"saidLucyobstinately。\"Youhaveseenwhatyoudesiredtosee，fatherandasArchieonlylentyouthemoney，itisonlyfairthatheshouldhaveitagain。\"
\"Oh，lettheProfessorhaveit，\"saidHopegood-naturedly。
\"No！no！no！\"
Randomlaughed。
\"Ishallmakethecheckpayabletoyou，MissKendal，andyoucangiveittowhomsoeveryouchoose，\"hesaid；\"andnow，aseverythinghasbeensettledsofar，Isuggestthatweshouldretire。\"
\"Cometomyroomsattheinn，\"saidDonPedro，openingthedoor。
\"Ihavemuchtosaytoyou。Goodnight，Professor；to-morrowletusgotoPiersideandseeifwecannotgetatthetruth。\"
\"Andto-morrow，\"criedRandom，\"Ishallsendthecheck，sir。\"
Whenthecompanydeparted，Lucyhadanotherwranglewithherfatheraboutthecheck。AsArchiehadgoneaway，shecouldspeakfreely，andpointedoutthathewasenjoyinghermother’sincomeandwasabouttomarryMrs。Jasher，whowasrich。
\"Therefore，\"arguedLucy，\"youcertainlydonotwanttokeeppoorArchie’smoney。\"
\"HepaidmethatsumonconditionthatIconsentedtothewedding。\"
\"Hedidnothingofthesort，\"shecriedindignantly。\"Iamnotgoingtobeboughtandsoldinthismanner。Archielentyouthemoney，anditmustbereturned。Don’tforcemetothinkyouselfish，father。\"
TheupshotoftheargumentwasthatLucygotherownway，andtheProfessorratherunwillinglyagreedtopartwiththemummyandrestorethethousandpounds。Butheregretteddoingso，ashewishedtogetallthemoneyhecouldtogotowardshisproposedEgyptianexpedition，andMrs。Jasher’sfortune，asheassuredhisstep-daughter，wasnotsolargeasmightbethought。However，Lucyoverruledhim，andretiredtobed，congratulatingherselfthatshewouldsoonbeabletomarryHope。ShewasbeginningtogrowatriflewearyoftheProfessor’sselfishnature，andwonderedhowhermotherhadputupwithitforsolong。
NextdayBraddockdidnotgowithDonPedrotoPierside，ashewasverybusyinhismuseum。ThePeruvianwentalone，andArchie，afteramorning’sworkathiseasel，soughtoutWidowAnnetoaskquestions。LucyandDonnaInezpaidanafternoonvisittoMrs。Jasherandfoundherinbed，asshehadcaughtamildsortofinfluenza。TheyexpectedtofindSirFrankhere，butitseemedthathehadnotcalled。Thinkingthathewasdetainedbymilitarybusiness，thegirlsthoughtnothingmoreofhisabsence，althoughDonnaInezwassomewhatdowncast。
ButRandomwasdetainedinhisquartersbyaletterwhichhadarrivedbythemid-dayhost，andwhichsurprisedhimnotalittle。ThepostmarkwasLondon，andthewriting，evidentlyadisguisedhand，wasalmostillegibleinitscrudeness。Thecontentsranasfollows，anditwillbenoticedthatthereisneitherdatenoraddress，andthatitiswritteninthethirdperson:
\"IfSirFrankRandomwantshischaractertobeclearedandallsuspicionofmurdertoberemovedfromhim，hecanbecompletelyexoneratedbythewriter，ifhewillpaythesamefivethousandpounds。IfSirFrankRandomiswillingtodothis，lethimappointameeting-placeinLondon，andthewriterwillsendamessengertoreceivethemoneyandtohandovertheproofswhichwillclearSirFrankRandom。IfSirFrankRandomplaysthewriterfalse，orcommunicateswiththepolice，proofswillbeforthcomingwhichwillprovehimtobeguiltyofSidneyBolton’sdeath，andwhichwillbringhimtothescaffoldwithoutanychanceofescape。AcoupleoflinesintheAgonyColumnofTheDailyTelegraph，signed`Artillery，’andappointingameeting-place，willsuffice；butbewareoftreachery。\"
CHAPTERXXI
ASTORYOFTHEPAST
Mrs。Jasher’sinfluenzaprovedtobeverymildindeed。
WhenDonnaInezdeGayangosandLucypaidavisittoherontheafternoonofthedaysucceedingtheexplanationsinthemuseum，shewascertainlyinbed，andexplainedthatshehadbeentheresincetheProfessor’svisitonthepreviousday。Lucywassurprisedatthis，asshehadleftMrs。Jasherperfectlywell，andBraddockhadnotmentionedanyailmentofthewidow。Butinfluenza，asMrs。Jasherobserved，wasveryrapidinitsaction，andshewasalwayssusceptibletodiseasefromthefactthatinJamaicashehadsufferedfrommalaria。Still，shewasfeelingbetterandintendedtorisefromherbedonthatevening，ifonlytolieonthecouchinthepinkdrawing-room。Havingthusdetailedherreasonsforbeingill，thewidowaskedfornews。
AsnoprohibitionhadbeenplaceduponLucywithregardtoHervey’svisitandasMrs。JasherwouldbeoneofthefamilywhenshemarriedtheProfessor，MissKendalhadnohesitationinreportingallthathadtakenplace。ThenarrativeexcitedMrs。
Jasher，andshefrequentlyinterruptedwithexpressionsofwonder。EvenDonnaInezgreweloquent，andtoldthewidowhowshehaddefendedSirFrankagainsttheAmericanskipper。
\"Whatadreadfullywickedman！\"saidMrs。Jasher，wheninpossessionofallthefacts。\"IreallybelievethathedidkillpoorSidney。\"
\"No，\"saidLucydecisively，\"Idon’tthinkthat。Hewouldhavemurderedhimonboardhadheintendedthecrime，ashecouldhavedonesowithmoresafety。HeisasinnocentasSirFrank。\"
\"Andnoonedaresayawordagainsthim，\"criedDonnaInezwithflashingeyes。
\"Hehasagooddefender，mydear，\"saidthewidow，pattingthegirl’shand。
\"Ilovehim，\"saidDonnaInez，asifthatexplainedeverything，andperhapsitdid，sofarasshewasconcerned。
Mrs。Jashersmiledindulgently，thenturnedforfurtherinformationtoLucy。
\"Canitbepossible，\"shesaid，\"thatWidowAnneisguilty？\"
\"Oh，Idon’tthinkso。Shewouldnotmurderherownson，especiallywhenshewassoveryfondofhim。Archietoldme，justbeforewecamehere，thathehadcalledtoseeher。ShestillinsiststhatSidneyborrowedtheclothes，sayingthatArchiewantedthem。\"
\"Whatdoyoumakeofthat，mydear？\"
\"Well，\"saidMissKendal，pondering，\"eitherWidowAnneherselfwasthewomanwhotalkedtoSidneythroughtheSailor’sRestwindow，andhasinventedthisstorytosaveherself，orSidneydidgettheclothesandintendedtousethemasadisguisewhenhefledwiththeemeralds。\"
\"Inthatcase，\"saidMrs。Jasher，\"thewomanwhotalkedthroughthewindowstillremainsaproblem。Again，ifSidneyBoltonintendedtostealtheemeralds，hecouldhavedonesoinMalta，oronboardtheboat。\"
\"No，\"saidLucydecisively。\"ThemummyWastakendirectlyfromtheseller’shousetotheboat，andperhapsSidneydidnotfindthemanuscriptuntilhelookedatthemummy。ThenCaptainHerveykeptaneyeonSidney，sothathecouldnotopenthemummytostealtheemeralds。\"
\"Still，accordingtoyourownshowing，Sidneylookedattheactualmummy-heopenedthemummycase，thatis，elsehecouldnothavegotthemanuscript。\"
Lucynodded。
\"Ithinkso，butofcoursewecannotbesure。Butthepackingcaseinwhichthemummywasstowedwasplacedintheholdofthesteamer，andifSidneyhadwishedtostealtheemeralds，hecouldnothavedonesowithoutexcitingCaptainHervey’ssuspicions。\"
\"ThenletussaythatSidneyrobbedthemummywhenintheSailor’sRest，andtooktheclothesheborrowedfromhismotherinordertoflyindisguise。Butwhatofthewoman？\"
Lucyshookherhead。
\"Icannottell。Wemaylearnmorelater。DonPedrohasgonetoPiersidetosearch，andmyfathersaysthathewillsendCockatootherealsotosearch。\"
\"Well，\"sighedMrs。Jasherwearily，\"Ihopethatallthistroublewillcometoanend。Thatgreenmummyhasprovedmostunlucky。Leavemenow，deargirls，asIfeelsomewhattired。\"
\"Good-bye，\"saidLucy，kissingher。\"Ihopethatyouwillbebetterthisevening。Don’tgetupunlessyoufeelquiteable。\"
\"Oh，Ishalltakemyeaseinthedrawing-room。\"
\"Ithoughtyoualwayscalledittheparlor，\"laughedthegirl。
\"Ah，\"Mrs。Jashersmiled，\"youseeIampracticingagainstthetimewhenIshallbemistressofthePyramids，Youcan’tcallthatlargeroomthereaparlor，\"andshelaughedweakly。
Altogether，Mrs。JasherimpressedbothLucyandDonnaInezwiththefactthatshewasveryweakandscarcelyable，assheputit，todrawonelegaftertheother。BoththegirlswouldhavebeensurprisedtoseewhataheartymealMrs。Jashermadethatevening，whenshewasupanddressed。Perhapsshefeltthatherstrengthneededkeepingup，butshecertainlypartooklargelyofthedelicatedinnerprovidedbyJane，whowasamostexcellentcook。
Afterdinner，Mrs。Jasherlayonapinkcouchinthepinkparlorbyasplendidfire，forthenightwascoldandrawwithapromiseofrain。Thewidowhadasmalltableatherelbow，onwhichstoodacupofcoffeeandaglassofliquor。Therose-coloredcurtainsweredrawn，therose-shadedlampswerelighted，andthewholeinteriorofthecottagelookedverycomfortableindeed。
Mrs。Jasher，inacrocus-yellowtea-gowntrimmedwithrichblacklace，reclinedonhercouchlikeCleopatrainherbarge。Inthepinklightshelookedverywellpreserved，althoughherfaceworeananxiousexpression。Thiswasduetothefactthatthemailhadcomeinandthethreelettersbroughtbythepostmanhadtodowithcreditors。Mrs。Jasherwasalwaystryingtomakebothendsmeet，andhadahardstruggletokeepherheadabovewater。
Certainly，sinceshehadinheritedthemoneyofherbrother，thePekinmerchant，sheneednothavelookedsoworried。Butshedid，andmadenodisguiseofit，seeingthatshewasquitealone。
Afteratimeshewenttoherdeskandtookoutabundleofbillsandsomeotherletters，alsoanaccountbookandabankbook。
Overthesesheporedforquiteanhour。Theclockstruckninebeforeshelookedupfromthisunpleasanttask，andshefoundherfinancialpositionanythingbutsatisfactory。Withawearysighsheroseandstaredatherselfinthemirroroverthefireplace，frowningasshedidso。
\"UnlessIcanmarrytheProfessoratonce，Idon’tknowwhatwillhappentome，\"shemusedgloomily。\"Ihavemanagedverywellsofar，butthingsarecomingtoacrisis。Thesedevils，\"shealludedtohercreditors，\"willnotkeepoffmuchlonger，andthenthecrashwillcome。IshallhavetoleaveGartleyaspooraswhenIcame，andtherewillbenothingleftbuttheoldnightmarelifeofdespairandhorror。Iamgettingoldereveryday，andthisismylastchanceofgettingmarried。ImustforcetheProfessortohaveaspeedymarriage。Imust！Imust！\"andshebegantopacethetinyroominafrenzyofterrorandwell-foundedalarm。
Asshewastryingtocalmherselfandsucceedingverybadly，Janeenteredtheroomwithacard。ItprovedtohethatofSirFrankRandom。
\"Itisratheralatehourforavisit，\"saidMrs。Jashertotheservant。\"However，Ifeelsobored，thatperhapshewillcheermeup。Askhimtocomein。\"
WhenJaneleft，shestoodstillforamomentorso，tryingtothinkwhytheyoungmanhadcalledatsountowardanhour。Butwhenhisfootstepswereheardapproachingthedoor，shesweptthebooksandthebillsandthelettersintothedeskandlockeditquickly。WhenRandomappearedatthedoor，shewasjustleavingthedesktogreethim，andnoonewouldhavetakenthesmiling，plump，well-preservedwomanforthecreaturewholatelyhadlookedsohaggardandcareworn。
\"Iamgladtoseeyou，SirFrank，\"saidMrs。Jasher，noddinginafamiliarmanner。\"Sitdowninthisverycomfortablechair，andJaneshallbringyousomecoffeeandkummel。\"
\"No，thankyou，\"saidRandominhisusualstiffway，butverypolitely。\"Ihavejustleftthemess，whereIhadagooddinner。\"
Mrs。Jashernodded，andsankagainonthecouch，whichwasoppositethechairwhichshehadselectedforhervisitor。
\"Iseeyouareinmesskit，\"shesaidgayly；\"quiteaglorifiedcreaturetoappearinmypoorlittleparlor。WhyareyounotwithDonnaInez？IhaveheardallaboutyourengagementfromLucy。ShewasheretodaywithSenoritaDeGayangos。\"
\"SoIbelieve，\"saidRandom，stillstiffly；\"butyouseeIwasanxioustocomeandseeyou。\"
\"Ah！\"saidMrs。Jasherequably，\"youheardthatIwasill。Yes；
Ihavebeeninbedeversinceyesterdayafternoon，untilacoupleofhoursago。ButIamnowbetter。Mydinnerhasdonemegood。
Passmethatfan，please。Thefireissohot。\"
SirFrankdidashewastold，andsheheldthefeatherfanbetweenherfaceandthefire，whilehestaredather，wonderingwhattosay。
\"Don’tyoufindthisatmosphereverystuffy？\"heremarkedatlength。\"Itwouldbeagoodthingtohavethewindowsopen。\"
Mrs。Jashershrieked。
\"Mydearboy，areyoumad？Ihaveatouchoftheinfluenza，andanopenwindowwouldbringaboutmydeath。Why，thisroomisdelightfullycomfortable。\"
\"Thereissuchastrongperfumeaboutit，\"sniffedRandompointedly。
\"Ishouldthinkyouknewthatscentbythistime，SirFrank。I
usenootherandneverhavedone。Smell！\"andshepassedaflimsyhandkerchiefoflace。
Randomtookthehandkerchiefandplacedittohisnostrils。Ashedidsoastrangeexpressionoftriumphcreptintohiseyes。
IthinkyoutoldmeoncethatitwasaChineseperfume，\"hesaid，returningthehandkerchief。
Mrs。Jashernodded，wellpleased。
\"IgetitfromafriendofmylatehusbandwhoisintheBritishEmbassyatPekin。Nooneusesitbutme。\"
\"Butsurelysomeotherpersonusesit？\"
\"NotinEngland；andIdonotknowwhyyoushouldsayso。Itisaspecialtyofmine。Why，\"sheaddedplayfully，\"ifyoumetmeinthedarkyoushouldknowme，bythisscent。\"
\"Canyouswearthatnooneelsehaseverusedthisperfume？\"
askedRandom。
Mrs。Jasherliftedherpenciledeyebrows。
\"Idonotknowwhyyoushouldaskmetoswear，\"shesaidquietly，\"butIassureyouthatIkeepthisperfumewhichcomesfromChinatomyself。NotevenLucyKendalhasit，althoughshegreatlydesiredsome。Wewomenareselfishinsomethings，mydearman。It’samostdeliciousperfume。\"
\"Yes，\"saidSirFrank，staringather，\"andverystrong。\"
\"Whatdoyoumeanbythat？\"’
\"Nothing。OnlyIshouldthinkthatsuchaperfumewouldbegoodforthecoldyoucontractedbygoingtoLondonlastnight。\"
Mrs。Jasherturnedsuddenlypaleunderherrouge，andherhandclenchedthefansotightlyastobreakthehandle。
\"IhavenotbeentoLondonforquiteamonth，\"shefaltered。
\"Whatastrangeremark！\"
\"Atrueone，\"saidthebaronet，fumblinginthepocketofhisjacket。\"YouwenttoLondonlastnightbytheseveno’clocktraintopostthis，\"andheheldouttheanonymousletter。
Thewidow，nowquitepale，andlookingyearsolder，satuponthecouchwith’apainfuleffort，whichsuggestedfoldage。
\"Idon’tunderstand，\"shesaid，tryingtospeakcalmly。\"IwasnotinLondon，andIdidnotpostanyletter。Ifyoucameheretoinsultme-\"
\"Therecanbenoinsultinaskingafewquestions，\"saidRandom，throwingasidehisstiffnessandspeakingdecisively。\"I
receivedthisletter，whichbearsaLondonpostmark，bythemid-daypost。Thehandwritingisdisguised，andthereisneitheraddressnorsignaturenordate。Youmanufacturedyourcommunicationverycleverly，Mrs。Jasher，butyouforgotthattheChineseperfumemightbetrayyou。\"
\"Theperfume！theperfume！\"Mrs。Jashergaspedandsawinamomenthowthelateconversationhadledhertofallintoatrap。
\"Theletterretainstracesoftheperfumeyouuse，\"wentonthebaronetrelentlessly。\"Ihavearemarkablykeensenseofsmell，and，asscentisamostpowerfulaidtomemory，Ispeedilyrecollectedthatyouusedthisespecialperfume。Youtoldmeafewmomentsagothatnooneelseusedit，andsoyouhaveprovedthetruthofmy，statementthatthisletter\"-hetappedit-\"iswrittenbyyou。\"
\"It’salie-amistake，\"stutteredMrs。Jasher，nowatbayandlookingdangerous。Hersocietyveneerwasstrippedoff，andtheadventuresspureandsimplecametothesurface。
Indignantatthewayinwhichshehaddeceivedeveryone，andhavingmuchatstake，Randomdidnotspareher。
\"Itisnotamistake，\"heinsisted；\"neitherisitalie。WhenIbecameawarethatyoumusthavewrittentheletter，IdroveatoncetoJessumtoseeifyouhadgonetoLondon，asyouhadposteditthere。Ilearnedfromthestationmasterandfromaporterthatyouwenttotownbytheseveno’clocktrainandreturnedbythemidnight。\"
Mrs。Jasherleapedtoherfeet。
\"Theycouldnotrecognizeme。Iwore-\"Thenshestopped，confusedathavingsoplainlybetrayedherself。
\"Youworeaveil。Allthesame，Mrs。Jasher，youaretoowellknownhereaboutsforanyonetofailtorecognizeyou。Besides，yourremarkjustnowprovesthatIamright。Youwrotethisblackmailingletter，andIdemandanexplanation。\"
\"Ihavenonetogive，\"mutteredthewomanfiercely，andfightingeveryinch。
\"Ifyourefusetoexplaintomeyoushalltothepolice，\"saidSirFrank，risingandmakingforthedoor。
Mrs。Jasherflungherselfforwardandclungtohim。
\"ForGod’ssake，don’t！\"
\"Thenyouwillexplain？Youwilltellme？\"
\"Tellyouwhat？\"
\"WhomurderedSidneyBolton。\"
\"Idonotknow。IswearIdonotknow，\"shecriedfeverishly。
\"Thatisridiculous，\"saidRandomcoldly。\"Yousayinthisletterthatyoucanhangmeorsaveme。AsyouknowthatIaminnocent，youmustbeawarewhoisguilty。\"
\"It’sallbluff。Iknownothing，\"saidMrs。Jasher，releasinghisarmandthrowingherselfonthecouch。\"Ionlywishedtogetmoney。\"
\"Fivethousandpounds-eh？Ratheralargeorder，\"sneeredRandom，replacingtheletterinhispocket。\"Youwouldnotaskthatsumfornothing:youmustbeawareofthetruth。I
suspectedmanypeople，Mrs。Jasher，butneveryou。\"
Thewomanroseandflungoutherarms。
\"No，\"shesaidinadeepvoice，andfightinglikearatinacorner。\"Itrickedyoualldownhere。SirFrank，Iwilltellyouthetruth。\"
\"Aboutthemurder？\"
\"Iknownothingofthat。Aboutmyself。\"
Randomshruggedhisshoulders。
\"I’llhearaboutyourselffirst，\"hesaid。\"Icanlearndetailsconcerningthemurderlater。Goon。\"
\"Iknownothingofthemurderorofthetheftoftheemeralds-\"
\"Yetyouhidthemummyinthishouse，andafterwardsplaceditinyourarbortobefoundbytheProfessor，forsomereason。\"
\"Iknownothingaboutthateither，\"mutteredMrs。Jasherdoggedly，andwithverywhitelips。\"Thatletteryouhavetracedtomeisallbluff。\"
\"Thenyouadmithavingwrittenit？\"
\"Yes，\"shesaidsullenly。\"Youknowtoomuch，anditisuselessformetodenythetruthinthefaceoftheevidenceyoubringagainstme。Iwouldfightthough，\"sheadded，raisingherheadlikeasnakeitscrest，\"ifIwasnotsickandtiredoffighting。\"
\"Fighting？\"
\"Yes，againsttroubleandworryandmoneydifficultiesandcreditors。Oh，\"shestruckherbreast，\"whatdoyouknowoflife，yourich，easy-goingman？Ihavebeeninthedepths，andnotthroughmyownfault。Ihadabadmother，abadhusband。I
wasdraggedinthemirebythosewhoshouldhavehelpedmetorise。Ihavestarvedfordays；Ihaveweptforyear’s；inallGod’searththereisnomoremiserableacreaturethanIam。\"
\"Kindlytalkwithoutsomuchmelodrama，\"saidRandomcruelly。
\"Ah，\"Mrs。Jashersatdownandlockedherhandstogether，\"youdon’tbelieveme。Idaresayyoudon’tunderstand，forlife，reallife，isasealedbooktoyou。Itisuselessformetoappealtoyoursympathy，foryouaresoveryignorant。Letussticktofacts。Whatdoyouwishtoknow？\"
\"WhokilledSidneyBolton:whohastheemeralds。\"
\"Ican’ttellyou。Listen！Withmypastlifeyouhavenothingtodo。IwillcommencefromthetimeIcamedawnhere。Ihadjustlostmyhusband，andImanagedtoscrapetogetherafewhundredpounds-oh，quiteinarespectableway，Iassureyou，\"
sheaddedscoffingly，onseeingherlistenerwince。\"Icameheretotryandlivequietly，and，ifpossible，tosecurearichhusband。IknewthattheFortwashereandthoughtthatImightmarryanofficer。However，theProfessor’spositionattractedme，andIdecidedtomarryhim。Iamengaged，andbutforyourclevernessintracingthatletterIshouldbeMrs。Braddockwithinaveryshorttime。Ihaveexhaustedallmymoney。Iamdeeply，indebt。Icannotholdoutlonger。\"
\"Butthemoneyyouinherited-\"
\"Thatisallbluffalso。Ineverhadabrother。Iinheritnomoney。IknownothingofPekin，savethatafriendofminesendsthatscenttomeasayearlyChristmaspresent。Iamanadventuress，butperhapsnotsobadasyouthinkme。LucyandDonnaInezhaveheardnowickednessfrommylips。Ihavealwaysbeenagoodwomaninonesense-amoralwoman，thatis-andI
didwishtomarrytheProfessorandliveahappylife。SeeingthatIwasattheendofmyresources，andthatProfessorBraddockexpectedalegacywithmebeforemarriage，Ilookedroundto，seehowIcouldgetthemoney。IheardthatyouwereaccusedbyCaptainHervey，andsolastnightIwrotethatletterandposteditinLondon，thinkingthatyouwouldyieldtosaveyourselffromarrest。\"
Randomlaughedcynically。
\"Youmusthavethoughtmeweak，\"diemuttered。
\"Idid，\"saidMrs。Jasherfrankly。\"Totellyouthetruth，I
thoughtthatyouwereafool。Butbytracingthatletterandwithstandingmydemand，youhaveprovedyourselftobemorecleverthanItookyoutobe。Well，thatisall。Iknownothingofthemurder。Myletterissheerblufftoextortfromyoufivethousandpounds。HadyoupaidIshouldhavepasseditofftotheProfessorasthemoneylefttomebymybrother。Butnow-\"
\"Now，\"saidRandom，risingtogo，\"IshalltellwhatyouhavetoldmetotheProfessor，and-\"
\"Andhandmeovertothepolice，\"saidMrs。Jasher，shruggingherplumpshoulders，\"Well，Iexpectedthat。YetIfanciedforoldtimes’sakethatyoumighthavebeenmorelenient。\"
\"Wewereneveranythingbutacquaintances，Mrs。Jasher，\"saidRandomcoldly，\"soIfailtoseewhyyoushouldexpectmercyafterthewayinwhichyouhavebehaved。Youexpecttoblackmailme，andyetgofree。Imustpunishyousomehow，soIshalltellProfessorBraddock，asyoucertainlycannotmarryhim。ButI
shallnothandyouovertothepolice。\"
\"Youwon’t？\"Mrs。Jasherstared，scarcelyabletobelieveherears。
\"No。Givemeadaytothinkovermatters，andIshallarrangewhattodowithyou。Ithinkthereissomegoodinyou，Mrs。
Jasher，andsoIshallseeifIcan’tassistyou。InthemeantimeIshallhaveyourcottagewatched，sothatyoumaynotrunaway。\"
\"Inthatcase，youmayaswellhandmeovertothepolice，\"shesaidbitterly。
\"Notatall，\"rejoinedRandomcoolly。\"Icantrustmyservant，Whoisstupidbuthonestandisdevotedtome。I’llseethateverythingiskeptquiet。ButifyouattempttorunawayIshallhaveyouarrestedforblackmail。Youunderstand？\"
\"Yes。Youaretreatingmeverywell，\"shegasped。\"WhenshallI
seeyou？\"
\"To-morrowevening。ImusttalkthematteroverwithBraddock。
To-morrowIshallarrangewhattodo，andprobablyIshallgiveyouachanceofleadinganewlifeinsomeotherpartoftheworld。Whatdoyousay？\"
\"Iaccept。Indeed，thereisnothingelseleftformetodo。\"
\"Thatisanungratefulspeech，\"saidRandomseverely。
\"Idaresay。However，wecantalkofgratitudetomorrow。
Meanwhile，pleaseleaveme。\"
SirFrankwenttothedoorandtherepaused。
\"Remember，\"hesaiddistinctly，\"thatyourcottageisbeingwatched。TrytoescapeandIshallhaveyouarrested。\"
Mrs。Jashergroanedandburiedherfaceinthesofacushion。
CHAPTERXXII
AWEDDINGPRESENT
Mrs。JasherhadthoughtRandomexceedinglycleverinactingashehaddonetotrapher。Shewouldhavethoughthimstillmorecleverhadsheknownthathetrustedtothepowerofsuggestiontopreventherfromtryingtoescape。SirFrankhadnottheslightestintentionofsettinghissoldier-servanttowatch，assuchwasnotthedutyforwhichsuchservantsarehired。Buthavingimpressedfirmlyontheadventuress’smindthathewouldactinthisway，hedeparted，quitecertainthatthewomanwouldnotattempttorunaway。Althoughnoonewaswatchingthecottage，Mrs。Jasher，believingwhathadbeentoldher，wouldthinkthatsharpeyeswereonherdoorsandwindowsdayandnight，andwouldfirmlybelievethatifshetriedtogetawayshewouldbecapturedforthwithbythePiersidepolice，orperhapsbythevillageconstable。LikeanEasternenchanter，thebaronethadplacedaspellonthecottage，anditactedadmirably。Mrs。
Jasher，althoughlongingtoescapeandhideherself，remainedwhereshewas，cowedbyaspywhodidnotexist。
ThenextdayRandomwenttothePyramidsassoonashisdutiespermittedandsawtheProfessor。Totheprospectivebridegroomheexplainedallthathadhappened，anddisplayedtheanonymousletter，withanaccountofhowhehadprovedMrs。Jashertobethewriter。Braddock’shaircouldnotstandonend，ashehadnone，buthelosthistempercompletely，andragedupanddownthemuseuminawaywhichfrightenedCockatoooutofhisbarbaricwits。Whenmorequiethesatdowntodiscussthematter，andpromptlydemandedthatMrs。Jashershouldbehandedovertothepolice。ButhemighthaveguessedthatSirFrankwouldrefusetofollowthisextremeadvice。
\"Shehasactedbadly，Iadmit，\"saidtheyoungman。\"Allthesame，Ithinksheisabetterwomanthanyoumaythink，Professor。\"
\"Think！think！think！\"shoutedthefierylittleman，gettinguponcemoretotrotupanddownlikeaninfuriatedpoodle。\"I
thinksheisabadwoman，awickedwoman。Todeceivemeintothinkingherrichand-\"
\"Butsurely，Professor，youwishedtomarryheralsoforlove？\"
\"Nothingofthesort，sir:nothingofthesort。Ileaveloveandsuch-liketrashtothoselikeyourselfandHope，whohavenothingelsetothinkabout。\"
\"Butamarriagewithoutlove-\"
\"Pooh！pooh！pooh！Don’targuewithme，Random。Loveisallmoonshine。Ididnotlovemyfirstwife-Lucy’smother-andyetwewereveryhappy。HadImadeMrs。Jashermysecond，weshouldhavegotonexcellently，providedthemoneywasforthcomingformyEgyptianexpedition。WhatamItodonow，I
askyou，Random？EventhethousandpoundsyoupayforthemummygoesbacktothatinfernalHopebecauseofLucy’ssillyideas。I
havenothing-absolutelynothing，andthattombisamongstthoseEthiopianhills，Iswear，waitingtobeopened。Oh，whatachanceIhavemissed！-whatachance！ButIshallseeMrs。
Jashermyself。Sheknowsaboutthismurder。\"
\"Shedeclaresthatshedoesnot。\"
\"Don’ttellme！don’ttellme！\"vociferatedtheProfessor。\"Shewouldnothavewrittenthatletterhadsheknownnothing。\"
\"Thatwasbluff。Iexplainedallthat。\"
\"Bluffbehanged！\"criedBraddock，onlyheusedamorevigorousword。\"Idonotbelievethatshewouldhavedaredtoactonsuchaslightfoundation。Ishallseehermyselfthisveryafternoonandforcehertoconfess。InonewayoranotherIshallfindtheassassinandmakehimdisgorgethoseemeraldsunderthepenaltyofbeinghanged。ThenIcansellthemandfinancemyEgyptianexpedition。\"
\"Butyouforget，Professor，thattheemeralds，whenfound，belongtoDonPedro。\"
\"Theydon’t，\"raspedthelittleman，turningpurplewithrage。
\"Irefusetolethimhavethem。Iboughtthemummy，andthecontentsofthemummy，includingthoseemeralds。Theyare，mine。\"
\"No，\"saidRandomsharply。\"Ibuythemummy，fromyou，sotheypassintomypossessionandbelongtoDeGayangos。Ishallgivethemtohim。\"
\"You’llhavetofindthemfirst，\"saidBraddocksavagely；\"andastothemummy，youshan’thaveit。Ideclinetosellit。Sothere！\"
\"Ifyoudon’t，\"saidRandomverydistinctly，\"DonPedrowillbringanactionagainstyou，andCaptainHerveywillbecalledasawitnesstoprovethatthemummywasstolen。\"
\"DonPedrohasn’tthemoney，\"saidBraddocktriumphantly；\"hecan’tpaylawyer’sfees。\"
\"ButIcan，\"rejoinedtheyoungmanverydryly。\"AsIamgoingtomarryDonnaInez，itisonlyjustthatIshouldhelpmyfuturefather-in-lawineveryway。HehasaromanticfeelingaboutthisrelicofpoorhumanityandwishestotakeitbacktoPeru。Heshalldoso。\"
\"Andwhataboutme？-whataboutme？\"
Well，\"saidRandom，speakingslowlywiththeintentionofstillfurtherirritatingthelittleman，whoseselfishnessannoyedhim，\"ifIwereyouIshouldmarryMrs。Jasherandsettledownquietlyinthishousetoliveonwhatincomeyouhave。\"
Braddockturnedpurpleagainandspluttered。
\"Howdareyoumakeapropositionlikethattome，sir？\"hebellowed。\"Youaskmetomarrythislowwoman，thisadventuress，this-this-this-\"Wordsfailedhim。
OfcourseRandomhadnointentionofadvisingsuchamarriage，althoughhedidnotthinksobadlyofMrs。JasherasdidtheProfessor。Butthelittlemanwassovenomousthattheyoungmantookadelightinstirringhimup，usingthewidow’snameasaredragtothisparticularbull。
\"IdonotthinkMrs。Jasherisabadwoman，\"heremarked。
\"What！what！what！Afterwhatshehasdone？Blackmail！
blackmail！blackmail！\"
\"Thatisbad，Iadmit，butshehasfailedtogetwhatshewanted，and，afterall，youindirectlyarethecauseofherwritingthatblackmailingletter。\"
\"Iam？-Iam？Howdareyou？\"
\"Yousee，shewantedtogetfivethousandoutofmeasherdowry。\"
\"Yes，andtoldmeliesaboutherdamnedbrotherwhowasaPekinmerchant，whenafterallheneverexisted。\"
\"Oh，Idon’tdefendthat，\"saidRandomcoolly。\"Mrs。Jasherhasbehavedbadlyonthewhole。Still，Professor，Ithinkthereisgoodinher，asIsaidbefore。Sheevidentlyhadbadparentsandabadhusband；but，sofarasIcangather，sheisnotanimmoralwoman。Thepoorwretchonlycameheretotryanddragherselfoutofthemire。IfshehadmarriedyouIfeelsurethatshewouldhavemadeyouamostexcellentwife。\"
TheProfessorwasinsucharagethathesuddenlybecamecalm。
\"Ofcourseyoutalkabsoluterubbish，\"hesaidcaustically。\"HadImywaythiswomanwouldbewhippedatacart’stailfortheshamefulwayinwhichshehasdeceivedusall。However，Ishallseeherto-dayandmakeherconfesswhomurderedBolton。\"
\"DonPedrowillbegreatlyobligedifyoudo。Hewantsthoseemeralds。\"
\"SodoI，andifIgetthemIshallkeepthem，\"snappedBraddock；
\"andifyouhaven’tanythingmoretosayyoucanleaveme。I’mbusy。\"
Astherewasnothingmoretobedonewiththecholericlittleman，SirFranktookthehintanddeparted。HewentforthwithtotheWarriorInntoseeDonPedroandalsoDonnaInez。ButitsohappenedthatthegirlhadgonetothePyramidsonavisittoMissKendal，andRandomwassorrythathehadmissedher。
However，itwasjustaswell，ashecouldnowtalkfreelytoDeGayangos。TohimherelatedthewholestoryofMrs。Jasher，anddiscoveredthatthePeruvianalso，asBraddockhaddone，insistedthatMrs。Jasherknewthetruth。
\"Shewouldnothavewrittenthatletterifshedidnotknowit，\"
saidDonPedro。
\"Thenyouthinkthatsheshouldbearrested？\"
\"No。Wecandealwiththismatterourselves。Atpresentsheisquitesafe，asshecertainlywillnotleavehercottage，seeingthatshethinksitisbeingwatched。LetuspermitBraddocktointerviewher，andseewhathecanlearn。Thenwecandiscussthematterandcometoadecision。\"
Randomnoddedabsently。
\"IwonderifMrs。JasherwasthewomanwhotalkedtoBoltonthroughthewindow？\"heremarked。
\"Itisnotimpossible。AlthoughthatdoesnotexplainwhyBoltonborrowedafemaledisguisefromthismother。\"
\"Mrs。Jashermighthavewornit。\"
\"ThatwouldarguesomeunderstandingbetweenBoltonandMrs。
Jasher，andaknowledgeofthemanuscriptbeforeBoltonleftforMalta。WeknowthathecouldonlyhaveseenthemanuscriptforthefirsttimeatMalta。Itwasevidentlystowedawayintheswathingsofthemummybymyfather，whoforgotallaboutitwhenhegavemetheoriginal。\"
\"Herveyforgotalso。Iwonderifthatistrue？\"
\"Iamcertainitis，\"saidDonPedroemphatically，\"for，ifHervey，orVasa，orwhateveryouliketocallhim，hadfoundthatmanuscriptandhadgotittranslated，hecertainlywouldhaveopenedthemummyandhavesecuredtheemeralds。No，SirFrank，I
believethathistheoryispartlytrue。Boltonintendedtorunawaywiththeemeralds，andsendtheemptymummytoProfessorBraddock；for，ifyouremember，hearrangedthatthelandlordoftheSailor’sRestshouldforwardthecasenextmorning，evenifhehappenedtobeaway。Boltonintendedtobeaway-withtheemeralds。\"
\"ThenyoudonotbelievethatHerveyplacedthemanuscriptinmyroom？\"
\"Hedeclaredmostemphaticallythathedidnot，\"saidDonPedro，\"whenatPiersideyesterdayIwenttotheSailor’sRestandsawhim。HetoldBraddockonlytheotherdaythathehadlosthischanceofasailingvessel，and，asyet，hadnotgotanotherone。
ButwhenhereturnedtoPiersidehefoundaletterwaitinghim-
sohetoldme-givinghimcommandofafourthousandtontrampsteamercalledTheFirefly。Heistosailatonce-to-morrow，I
believe。\"
\"Thenwhatishegoingtodoaboutthismurderbusiness？\"
\"Hecandonothingatpresent，as，ifheremainsinPierside，hewilllosehisnewcommand。To-morrowhedropsdownstream，butmeantimeheintendstowriteoutthewholestoryofthetheftofthemummy。Ihavepromisedtogivehimfiftypoundsfordoingso，asIwanttogetbackthemummy，freeofcharge，fromBraddock。\"
\"IthinkBraddockwillsticktothemummyinanyevent，\"saidRandomgrimly。
\"NotwhenHerveywritesouthisevidence。Hewillnothaveitcompletedbythetimehesails，asheisverybusy。ButhehaspromisedtosendoffaboattothejettyneartheFortto-morrowevening，whenheisdroppingdownstream。Ishallbetherewithfiftypoundsingold。\"
\"Supposinghefailstostoporsendtheboat？\"
\"Thenhewillnotgethisfiftypounds，\"retortedDonPedro。
\"Themanisarascal，anddeservesprisonratherthanreward，butsincethemummywasstolenbyhimthirtyyearsback，healonecanprovemyownership。\"
\"Butwhytakeallthistrouble？\"arguedthebaronet。\"IcanbuythemummyfromBraddock。\"
\"No，\"saidDonPedro。\"Ihavearighttomyownproperty。\"
Randomlingereduntillateintheafternoonanduntildarknessfell，ashewasanxioustoseeDonnaInez。Butshedidnotappearuntillate。MeanwhileArchieHopeputinanappearance，havingcometoseeDonPedrowithanaccountofhisinterviewwithWidowAnne。BeforecomingtotheinnhehadcalledonProfessorBraddock，andfromhimhadheardallaboutthewickednessofMrs。Jasher。Hissurprisewasverygreat。
\"Ishouldnothavebelievedit，\"hedeclared。\"Poorwoman！\"
\"Ah，\"saidRandom，ratherpleased，\"youaremoremercifulthantheProfessor，Hope。Hecallsherabadwoman。\"
\"Humph！Idon’tthinkthatBraddockissogoodthathecanaffordtothrowastone，\"saidArchierathersourly。\"Mrs。
Jasherhasnotbehavedwell，butIshouldliketohearhercompletestorybeforejudging。Theremustbealotofgoodinher，orLucy，whohasbeenwithheragreatdeal，wouldhavefoundheroutlongago。Igobyawoman’sjudgmentofawoman。
ButMrs:Jashermusthavebeenanxioustomarry。\"
\"Shewas；asProfessorBraddockknows，\"saidRandomquickly。
\"IamnotthinkingofthatsomuchasofwhatWidowAnnetoldme。\"
\"Oh，\"saidDonPedro，lookingupfromwherehewasseated，\"soyouhaveseenthatoldwoman？Whatdoesshesayabouttheclothes？\"
\"Shestickstoherstory。Sidney，shedeclares，borrowedtheclothestogivetomeforamodel。Now，IneveraskedBoltontodothis，soIfancythedisguisemusthavebeenintendedforhimself，orforMrs。Jasher。\"
\"ButwhathadMrs。Jashertodowithhim？\"demandedRandomsharply。
\"Well，it’sodd，\"repliedHopeslowly，\"butMrs。BoltondeclaresthathersonwasinlovewithMrs。Jasher，andwhenhereturnedfromMaltaintendedtomarryher。\"
\"Impossible！\"criedSirFrank。\"SheengagedherselftoBraddock。
\"ButonlyafterBolton’sdeath，remember。\"
DonPedronodded。
\"Thatistrue。Butwhatyousay，Mr。Hope，provesthetruthofHervey’stheory。\"
\"Inwhatway？\"
\"Mrs。Jasher，asweknowfromwhatRandomtoldus，wantedmoney。
Shewouldnotmarryamanwhowaspoor。Boltonwaspoor，butofcoursetheemeraldswouldmakehimwealthy，astheyareofimmensevalue。Probablyheintendedtostealtheminordertomarrythiswoman。ThisimplicatesMrs。Jasherinthecrime。\"
\"Yes，\"assentedSirFrank，nodding。\"ButasBoltondidnotknowthattheemeraldsexistedbeforeheboughtthemummyinMalta，I
donotseewhyheshouldborrowadisguisebeforehandforMrs。
JashertomeethimattheSailor’sRest。\"
\"Thethingiseasilysettled，\"saidHopeimpatiently。\"LetusbothgotoMrs。Jasher’sthisevening，andinsistuponthetruthbeingtold。IfsheconfessesabouthersecretengagementtoSidneyBolton，shemayadmitthattheclotheswereborrowedforher。\"
\"Andshemayadmitalsothatsheplacedthemanuscriptinmyroom，\"saidSirFrankafterapause。\"Herveydidnotplaceitthere，butitisjustpossiblethatMrs。Jasher，havinggotitfromBoltonwhensheTalkedtohimthroughthewindow，mayhavedoneso。\"
\"Nonsense！\"saidHopewithvigorouscommonsense。\"Mrs。Jasherwouldbespottedinamomentifshehadgonetoyourquarters。
Shehadtopassthesentry，remember。Then，again，wehavenotyetprovedthatshewasthewomaninMrs。Bolton’sclotheswhospokethroughthewindow。Thatcanallbesettledifwespeaktoherthisevening。\"
\"Verygood。\"Randomglancedathiswatch。\"Imustgetback。DonPedro，willyoutellInezthatIshallcomeinthisevening？Wecanthentalkfurtheraboutthesematters。Hope？\"
\"Ishallstophere，asIwishtoconsultDonPedro。\"
Randomnoddedandtookareluctantdeparture。Hedearlywished，asanengagedlovershould，toremainonthechancethatDonnaInezmightreturn，butdutycalledhimandhewasforcedtoobey。
Thenightwasverydark，althoughitwasnotparticularlylate。
Buttherewasnorain，andRandomwalkedrapidlythroughthevillageanddowntheroadtotheFort。HecaughtaglimpseofthelightsofMrs。Jasher’scottagetwinklinginthedistance，andsmiledgrimlyashethoughtoftheinvisiblespellhehadplacedthereon。NodoubtMrs。JasherwasshiveringinherLouisQuinzeshoesattheideaofbeingwatched。Butthen，shedeservedthatmuchpunishmentatleast，asRandomtrulythought。
WhenenteringtheFort，thesentrysalutedasusual，andRandomwasabouttopass，whenthemansteppedforward，holdingoutabrownpaperpackage。
\"Please，sir，Ifoundthisinmysentrybox，\"hesaid，saluting。
SirFranktookthepacket。
\"Whoplaceditthere？andwhydoyougiveittome？\"hedemandedinsurprise。
\"Please，sir，it’sdirectedtoyou，sir，andIdon’tknowwhoputitinmybox，sir。Iwasonduty，sir，andI’sposesomeonemusthavedroppeditonthefloorofthebox，sir，whenIwasattheotherendofmybeat，sir。Itwasasdarkasthis，sir，andI
sawnothingandheardnothing。WhenIcomeback，sir，Isteppedintotheboxoutoftherainandfeltitwithmy，feet。Istruckalight，sir，andfounditwasforyou。\"
SirFrankslippedthepackageintohispocketandwentawayafteragrimwordorsotothesentry，advisinghimtobemoreonthealert。Hewaspuzzledtothinkwhohadleftthepacketinthesentrybox，andcurioustoknowwhatitcontained。Assoonashegottohisownroom，hecutthestringwhichboundlooselythebrownpaper。Then，inthelamplight，thererolledoutfromthecarelessly-tiedparcelaglorioussea-greenemeraldofgreatsize，radiatinglightlikeasun。Ascrapofwhitepaperlayinthebrownwrapping。Onitwaswritten，\"AweddinggiftforSirFrankRandom。\"
CHAPTERXXIII
JUSTINTIME
Ofallthesurprisesinconnectionwiththetragedyofthegreenmummy，thiswassurelythegreatest。SidneyBoltonhadundoubtedlybeenmurderedforthesakeoftheemeralds，andtheassassinhadescapedwiththespoil，forwhichhehadsoldhissoul。YetherewasoneofthejewelsreturnedanonymouslytoRandom，whocouldpassonthesametoitsrightfulowner。InthemidstofhisamazementSirFrankcouldnothelpchucklingwhenhethoughthowenragedProfessorBraddockwouldbeatDonPedro’sgoodfortune。Attheeleventhhour，asitwere，thePeruvianhadgotbackhisown，oratleastaportionofhisown。
Placingtheemeraldinhisdrawer，Randomgaveorderstohisservantthatthesentry，whenoffduty，shouldbebroughtbeforehim。JustasRandomfinisheddressingformess-andhedressedveryearly，soastodevotehisentireattentiontosolvingthisnewproblem-thesoldierwhohadbeenonguardappeared。Buthecouldtellnothingmorethanhehadalreadyrelated。Whendoingsentry-goimmediatelyoutsidethegateoftheFort，thepackethadbeenslippedintothebox，whilethemanwasatthefarendofhisbeat。Itwasquitedarkwhenthiswasdone，andthesoldierconfessedthathehadnotheardasound，muchlesshadheseenanyone。Thepersonwhohadbroughtthegloriousgemhadwatchedhisopportunity，and，soft-footedasacat，hadstolenforwardinthedarknesstodropthepreciousparcelonthefloorofthesentry-box。Therethemanhadfounditbythefeelofhisfeet，whenhesteppedinsometimelatertoescapeashower。Butwhattimehadelapsedfromtheplacingoftheparceltoitsdiscoverybythesentryitwasimpossibletosay。Itmust，however，asRandomcalculated，havebeenwithinthehour，since，beforethen，itwouldnothavebeendarkenoughtohidetheapproachoftheperson，whethermaleorfemale，whocarriedaking’sransominthebrownpaperparcel。
AtfirstRandomwasinclinedtoplacethesentryunderarrestforhavingfailedsomuchinhisdutyastoallowanyonetoapproachsoneartheFort；but，ashehadalreadyreprimandedtheman，and，moreover，wishedtokeepthefactoftherecoveredjewelquiet，hesimplydismissedhim。Whenalone，hesatdownbeforethefire，wonderingwhocouldhavedaredsoverygreatly，andforwhatreasontheemeraldhadbeenhandedtohim。IfithadbeensenttoDonPedro，oreventoProfessorBraddock，itwouldhavebeenmuchmorereasonable。
ItfirstoccurredtohimthatMrs。Jasher，outofgratitudeforthewayinwhichhehadtreatedher，hadsenthimthejewel。
Rememberinghisformerexperience，hesmelttheparcel，butcoulddetectnosignofthefamousChinesescentwhichhadprovedacluetotheletter。Ofcoursethedirectiononthepacketandtheinscribedslipofpaperwereinfeignedhandwriting，sohecouldgathernothingfromthat。Still，hedidnotthinkthatMrs。Jasherhadsenttheemerald。Shewasdesperatelyhardup，andifshehadbecomepossessedofthegembymurder-presuminghertohavebeenthewomanwhotalkedtoBoltonthroughthewindow-sheassuredlywouldhavesoldittosupplyherownneeds。Certainly，ifguilty，shewouldstillpossesstheotheremerald，ofequalvalue；butundoubtedly，hadsheriskedhernecktogainafortune，shewouldhavekepttheentireplunderwhichwaslikelytocosthersodear。No；whomsoeveritwaswhohadrepentedattheeleventhhourMrs。Jasherwasnottheperson。
PerhapsWidowAnnewasthewomanwhohadtalkedthroughthewindow，andwhohadrestoredtheemerald。Butthatwasimpossible，sinceMrs。Boltonhabituallytookmoreliquorthanwasgoodforher，andwouldnothavethenervetodeliverthejewel，muchlesscommitthecrime，themoreespeciallyasthevictimwasherownson。OfcourseshemighthavefoundoutSidney’sschemetorunawaywiththejewels，andsowouldhaveclaimedhershare。ButifshehadbeeninPiersideonthatevening-andherpresenceinGartleyhadbeensworntobythreeorfourcronies-shewouldhaveguessedwhohadstrangledherboy。Ifso，notallthejewelsintheworldwouldhavepreventedherdenouncingthecriminal。Withallherfaults-andtheyweremany-Mrs。Boltonwasagoodmother，andlookeduponSidneyastheprideandjoyofhersomewhatdissipatedlife。Mrs。BoltonwascertainlyasinnocentasMrs。Jasher。
ThereremainedHervey。Randomlaughedaloudwhenthenamecameintohispuzzledhead。Thatbuccaneerwasthelastpersontosurrenderhisplunderortofeelcompunctionincommittingacrime。Oncetheskippergothisgripontwojewels，worthendlessmoney，hewouldneverletthemgo-notevenoneofthem。
Arguingthus，itseemedthatHerveywasoutoftherunning，andRandomcouldthinkofnooneelse。Inthisdilemmaherememberedthattwoheadswerebetterthanone，and，beforegoingintodinner，hesentanotetoArchieHope，askinghimtocometotheFortasspeedilyaspossible。
SirFrankwassomewhatdullatdinneronthatevening，andscarcelyrespondedtothejokingremarksofhisbrotherofficers。
Thesejocularlyputhispreoccupationdowntolove，foritwasanopensecretthatthebaronetadmiredthefairPeruvian，althoughnooneasyetknewthatRandomwaslegallyengagedwithDonPedro’sconsent。Theyoungmangood-humoredlystoodallthechaffhurledathim，butseizedtheopportunitytoslipawaytohisquartersassoonascoffeecameonthetableandthesmokingbegan。Itwasnineo’clockbeforehereturnedtohisroom，andherehefoundHopewaitingforhimimpatiently。
\"IseeyouhavebeendiningatthePyramids，\"saidRandom，seeingthatHopewasineveningdress。
Archienodded。
\"Yes。Idon’tputonthiskittohavemyhumblechopatmylodgings。ButtheProfessoraskedmetodinnertotalkovermatters。\"
\"Whatdoeshesay？\"askedRandom，lookingforthecigarettebox。
\"Oh，heisveryangrywithMrs。Jasher，andconsidersthatshehasswindledhim。Hecalledtoseeherthisafternoon，and-sohesays-hadastormyinterviewwithher。\"
\"Idon’twonderatthat，ifhespeaksashegenerallydoes，\"saidtheothergrimly，andpushingalongthecigarettes，\"Thereyouare！Thewhiskyandsodaareonyondertable。Makeyourselfcomfortable，andtellmewhattheProfessorintendstodo。\"
\"Well，\"saidArchie，turninghalfroundfromthesidetablewherehewaspouringoutthewhisky，\"hehadalreadystartedaction，bysendingCockatootoliveattheSailor’sRestandspyonHervey。\"
\"Whatrubbish！Herveyis，goingawayto-morrowinTheFirefly，boundforAlgiers。Nothingistobelearnedfromhim。\"
\"SoItoldtheProfessor，\"saidHope，returningtothearmchairnearthefire，\"andImentionedthatDonPedrohadinducedtheskippertowriteoutafullaccountofthetheftofthemummyfromLimathirtyyearsago。IalsosaidthatthesignedpaperwouldbehandedinattheGartleyjettywhenTheFireflycamedownstreamto-morrownight。\"
\"Humph！AndwhatdidBraddocksaytothat？\"
\"Nothingmuch。HemerelystatedthatwhateverHerveysaidtowardprovingtheownershipofyourfuturefather-in-law，thatheintendedtosticktotheembalmedcorpseofIncaCaxas，andalsothatheintendedtoclaimtheemeraldswhentheyturnedup。\"
Randomroseandwenttothedrawerofhisdesk。
\"Iamafraidhehaslostoneemerald，atallevents，\"hesaid，unlockingthedrawer。
\"What’sthat？\"saidHopesharply。\"Whydidyou-oh，gosh！\"HejumpedupwithanamazedlookasRandomheldupthemagnificentgem，fromwhichstreamedvividlygreenflamesinthemellowlamplight。\"Oh，gosh！\"gaspedtheartistagain。\"wherethedevildidyougetthat？\"
\"Isentforyoutotellyou，\"saidSirFrank，givingthejewelintohisfriend’shandandcomingbacktohisseat。\"Itwasfoundinthesentrybox。\"
Hopestaredatthegreatjewelandthenatthesoldier。
\"Whatdoyoumeanbythat？\"hedemanded。\"Howthedickenscoulditbefoundinasentrybox？Youmustbemakingamistake。\"
\"Notabitofit。Itwasfoundontheflooroftheboxbythesentry，asItellyou，andIhavesenttoconsultwithyouastohowthedeuceitgotthere。\"
\"Hervey，\"mutteredArchie，fascinatedbythegem。
Randomshruggedhissquareshoulders。
\"CatchthatYankeeShylockreturninganythinghegothisgripon，evenasaweddingpresent。\"
\"Aweddingpresent，\"saidHope，moreatseathanever。\"Ifyoudon’tmindgivingmedetails，oldchap，myheadwouldbuzzless。\"
\"Iratherthinkthatitwillbuzzmore，\"saidRandomdryly，and，producingthebrownpaperinwhichthegemhadbeenwrapped，andtheinscribedpaperfoundwithin，herelatedallthathadhappened。