What the devil would a woman want with my mummy?"

"Be more respectful, Professor."

"Then talk sense, doctor," and the two glared at one another.

After a moment or two the situation was adjusted in silence, and
the Coroner asked a few questions, pertinent to the matter in
hand.

"Had the deceased any enemies?"

"No, sir, he hadn't, not being famous enough, or rich enough, or
clever enough to excite the hatred of mankind. He was simply an
intelligent young man, who worked excellently when supervised by
me. His mother is a washerwoman in this village, and the lad
brought washing to my house. Noting that he was intelligent and
was anxious to rise above his station, I engaged him as my
assistant and trained him to do my work."

"Archaeological work?"

"Yes. I don't wash, whatever Bolton's mother may, do. Don't ask
silly questions."

"Be more respectful," said the Coroner again, and grew red.
"Have you any idea as to the name of anyone who desired to obtain
possession of this mummy?"

"I daresay dozens of scientists in my line of business would have