head bent on his breast.

Mrs. Jasher was used to Braddock's vagaries by this time, and
merely continued to fan herself placidly.

"I wish I could help you with the expedition," she said quietly.
"I should like to have some of that lovely Egyptian jewelry
myself. But I am quite a pauper, until my brother dies, poor
man. Then--" She hesitated.

"What then?" asked Braddock, wheeling.

"I shall aid you with pleasure."

"It's a bargain!" Braddock stretched out his hand.

"A bargain," said Mrs. Jasher, accepting the grasp somewhat
nervously, for she had not expected to be taken so readily at her
word. A glance at Lucy revealed her nervousness.

"Do sit down, father, and finish your dinner," said that young
lady. "I am sure you will have more than enough to do when the
mummy arrives."

"Mummy--what mummy?" murmured Braddock, again beginning to eat.

"The Inca mummy."

"Of course. The mummy of Inca Caxas, which Sidney is bringing
from Malta. When I strip that corpse of its green bandages I