Nothing need be cut but the lacing, which could be replaced.

A little damage might be done in extracting the mummy and in introducing the deceased; but such cracks as might occur would all be at the back and would be of no importance.

For here again Fortune favoured me.

The whole of the back of the mummy-case was coated with bitumen, and it would be easy when once the deceased was safely inside to apply a fresh coat, which would cover up not only the cracks but also the new lacing.
"After careful consideration, I decided to adopt the plan.

I went downstairs and sent the caretaker on an errand to the Law Courts.