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statement to the newspapers in due course.’
    ‘Let me explain exactly why we are here’, Van Helsing said to Harris, who was clearly taken aback by my news. ‘We would like to ensure that the Wilton Collection remains complete. We therefore wish to buy back the coffin of Karnos II, repaying you exactly what you gave for it.’
    I looked at the Professor in some surprise. If Harris agreed to our request, and Mrs Flinzer – who had presumably inherited her husband’s estate – was not inclined to acquire the coffin, how did he intend to proceed? I was aware that my friend was a wealthy man, so could only assume he would in those circumstances find the money himself. However, Harris’s response made my speculations irrelevant.
    ‘I’m afraid that would be quite impossible!’ the Director exclaimed, his veneer of urbanity dissolving rapidly. ‘Our main benefactor, Mr Orville Culkin, is most enthusiastic about the purchase. Indeed he hopes to make it the nucleus of an important new repository of Ancient Egyptian relics, to be called the Culkin Collection.’
    ‘As you may know,’ I said, ‘my profession is that of a solicitor. In strictly legal terms I should point out that Mr Culkin has no veto over the disposal of objects owned by your Institute. That is a matter for your board of trustees. Perhaps you could put our request to them? There may be certain dangers associated with your retention of the coffin, which might make it prudent for you to relinquish ownership of it.’
    ‘Dangers!’ Harris exclaimed scornfully. ‘I must tell you that I am fully aware of the absurd rumours which have been in circulation for some years regarding the Wilton Collection. However, the Clarendon Institute prides itself on its scientific modernity. We have no interest in djinns, genies or other such bugaboos here, Mr Harker. Now, if I cannot be of further assistance, I must bid you good day.’
    As the Director ushered us to the door, I paused and turned towards him. ‘May I ask if the coffin is kept in a secure place within the Clarendon?’ I asked.
    ‘I can assure you that our storeroom is kept locked at all times,’ Harris answered with a trace of self-satisfaction. ‘Also – as I am a bachelor – the trustees have kindly allowed me to reside here in the Institute, in a set of rooms on the second floor. So, you see, the building is never left unoccupied. Farewell, gentlemen. I am truly sorry I have been unable to help you.’
     
    *
     
    Moments later Van Helsing and I walked through the grand portico of the Clarendon Institute and stepped out into Great Russell Street.
    ‘Truly sorry!’ Van Helsing snorted. ‘What an odious little man! I’m sure the only time he would be truly sorry would be if his favourite brand of Makassar oil became unobtainable. I will make a point of checking his credentials. I’ll wager he’s never crossed the threshold of a respectable university, or published anything more scholarly than a receipt or invoice.’
    I chuckled. ‘Do not be despondent, Professor. We may have failed in our endeavours, but perhaps Mina and Miss Wilton will have been more successful.’
     
    *
     
    When my wife and her friend joined us at Van Helsing’s house just before luncheon, it seemed at first that they, too, had been unsuccessful. The two ladies consumed several cups of restorative tea, then told us what had occurred.
    ‘Mrs Flinzer is clearly very shocked by the tragic death of her husband’, Mina said, at which Sarah nodded in assent. ‘I would not put her age at more than twenty-six or -seven: she is a pretty young woman, and very neatly turned out, despite her mourning clothes. I cannot imagine that she will continue to wear them for quite so long as our current Monarch.’
    ‘Mr Flinzer’s qualities could hardly have rivalled those of the late Prince Albert,’ I said. ‘How did the young widow respond to your questions?’
    Sarah took up the story. ‘The woman was very courteous,’ she