Inspector Delland expressed his intention to rouse the household and question each servant one by one, but it was clear from his subdued manner that his rational theories had suffered a severe blow. As it was by now very late, Miss Wilton agreed to return to St John’s Wood with us, and to occupy one of Van Helsing’s guest rooms that night. Before we left we arranged with the Inspector that he would call on us at ten o’clock on the following morning, when Sarah would be able to present him with her translation of the inscription in the canopic jars. * Just before the appointed hour on Saturday morning, Mina and I were seated in Van Helsing’s drawing room awaiting the arrival of Sarah, the Professor and Inspector Delland. An hour earlier a telegram had arrived for Mina – a maid had brought it up to our bedroom – and she had read it with evident interest. As she had not been inclined to volunteer the contents I decided not to give her the satisfaction of a direct request, as I was sure that she would reveal the secret later that morning.
