ruffled by the apparent antagonism of the Coroner. "The criminal
has vanished, and no one can guess his name or occupation, or
even the reason which led him to slay the deceased."

Coroner: "The reason is plain. He wanted the mummy."

Inspector: "Why should he want the mummy?"

Coroner: "That is what we wish to find out."

Inspector: "Exactly, sir. We wish to learn the reason why the
murderer strangled the deceased."

Coroner: "We know that reason. What we wish to know is why the
murderer stole the mummy. And I would point out to you, Mr.
Inspector, that, as yet, we do not even know the sex of the
assassin. It might be a woman who murdered the deceased."

Professor Braddock, who was seated near the door of the
coffee-room, being even more irascible than usual, rose to
contradict.

"There isn't a scrap of evidence to show that the murderer was a
woman."

Coroner: "You are out of order, sir. And I would point out that,
as yet, Inspector Date has produced no witnesses."

Date glared. He and the Coroner were old enemies, and always
sparred when they met. It seemed likely, that the peppery little