Jasher cheerfully, and desperately anxious to learn more of
the new-comers. "You must come to see me, Donna Inez--yonder is
my cottage."
"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.
CHAPTER XI
THE MANUSCRIPT
It was certainly strange how constantly the subject of the
missing mummy came uppermost.
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