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By Root 1200 0

effect of this depressing conclusion was to inspire me with even greater determination. When I reached Giza, I found the others hard at work. I stopped for a moment to gloat over the painted reliefs, for they were really lovely. However, I would be the first to admit that my primary interest lay in the burial chamber, or chambers. There were two of them connected with the mastaba; we had located the tops of the deep shafts that led down to them, but Emerson did not intend to dig them out until after he had finished with the mastaba itself. The outer chamber, or chapel, had been cleared, but the doorway leading to a second room was still blocked with debris.

Nefret was at the wall, electric torch in hand, comparing the drawings Ramses had made from her photographs with the originals and emending them when she found errors. This would certainly lead to an argument, for Ramses did not accept correction graciously and Nefret was not the most tactful of critics. An involuntary sigh escaped my lips when I thought of the days when David had been our copyist; no one had his touch, and even Ramses deferred to him when there was a disagreement. How foolish and how petty of me to regret such minor losses, I thought, and offered up a silent little prayer. Only let them finish their dangerous job alive and unharmed, and I would ask nothing more of the Power that guides our lives. Not until next season, anyhow.

“Where is Emerson?” I asked.

Selim, holding a reflector that cast additional light, only shook his head. Nefret glanced round. “He said he wanted to consult the records at Harvard Camp.”

“What about?”

“He did not condescend to inform me,” said Nefret. “Ramses has gone to Zawaiet. Daoud went with the Professor. Aunt Amelia, may I be excused for a few hours this afternoon? I want to go into Cairo to do some shopping.”

“You had better ask Emerson.”

“He said to ask you.”

She looked and sounded rather sulky. Rapidly I weighed the advantages and disadvantages of acceding to her request. If she was out of the way when David returned, the transfer of identities would be much easier, but I did not really believe she wanted to shop. Could I follow her without being observed? Could I insist on accompanying her? Maternal affection exerted a powerful pull; I yearned to be with my son, caring for him, making certain he did precisely what I wanted him to do, which he would not unless I made him. And what of Emerson? It was not like him to absent himself from his work. Was he really consulting the records of Mr. Reisner, or had he gone off on some absurd errand of his own? Ramses had said Russell must be informed. . . .

These conflicting and confusing ideas passed through my mind with the rapidity that marks my cogitations. There was, I believe, scarcely a pause before I replied.

“I have a few purchases to make too. I will go with you.”

“If you like.”

I could always change my mind after I had conferred with Emerson.

He did not return for over an hour. I had given up all pretense of accomplishing any useful work, and was outside, watching for him.

“What the devil are you doing, Peabody?” he exclaimed. “Gawking at the pyramid again? You should be sifting debris.”

The black scowl that accompanied his grumble did not disturb me for a moment. He was only trying to distract me.

“I will not allow you to distract me, Emerson,” I informed him. “Where have you been?”

“I wanted to consult—”

“No, you didn’t.”

One of the men emerged from the tomb entrance carrying a basket. I drew Emerson aside. “Where did you go?”

“Back to the house. I wanted to use the telephone.”

“To ring Russ—”

He clapped a hand over my mouth—or, to be precise, the entire lower half of my face. Emerson has very large hands. I peeled his fingers off.

“Really, Emerson, was that wise? I had intended to speak to him this afternoon, in private.”

“I thought you would.” Emerson removed his pith helmet, dropped it onto the ground, and ran his hand through his hair. “That is why I determined to anticipate you. Don’t worry, I gave nothing away.”

“You must have had to go