I immediately made inquiries,
thinking that this was the long-lost body of Inca Caxas. But it
so happened that I was too late, as already the mummy had been
sold to Professor Braddock, and had been taken to England on
board The Diver by Mr. Bolton. Chance, which had pointed out the
whereabouts of the mummy, also brought me at Genoa into relations
with Sir Frank Random"--Don Pedro bowed his head to the baronet
--"and, as it appeared that he knew Professor Braddock, I
thankfully accepted his offer to introduce me. Hence I am here,
but only to hear that the mummy is again lost. That is all," and
the Peruvian gentleman dramatically waved his arm.
"A strange story," said Archie, who was the first to speak, "and
it certainly solves at least one part of the mystery."
"What is that?" demanded Mrs. Jasher quickly.
"It shows that the mummy was stolen on account of the emeralds."
"Pardon me, but that is impossible, sir," said Don Pedro, drawing
up his lean figure. "No one but myself knew that the mummy held
two emeralds in its dead hands, and I learned that only a few
years ago from the manuscript which I had the honor of showing
you."
"There is that objection assuredly," replied Hope with composure.
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