“I am sending Cockatoo to Pierside to-morrow to stop at the Sailor’s Rest for a time,” said Braddock quickly.  “He will watch Hervey, and if there is anything suspicious about his movements, we shall soon know.”

“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 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.”