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."
"Why should the emeralds be missing?" asked Hope quickly.
Braddock shrugged his shoulders.
"Sidney Bolton was killed," said he in a low voice, "and it was
not likely that any one would commit a murder for the sake of
this mummy, and then leave it stranded in Mrs.
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