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By Root 1395 0

could only increase her value in my eyes; for, as she explained, she had come out on a Cook’s Tour and fallen in love with Egypt. Hearing from mutual acquaintances of our imminent arrival and our need of someone to educate the children, she had delayed her departure in the hope of obtaining a position with us – and, as she shyly explained, learning something about the antiquities of the country. This pleased Emerson, who had not been much taken with her when he first met her. He had hoped to begin training a lady Egyptologist but had been unable to find a suitable candidate. There were few women students at that time, since most professors would rather have had a homicidal maniac in their classes than a female. Miss Marmaduke had also some secretarial experience, and was quite willing to assist in the clerical duties all properly conducted archaeological excavations require.

(And the fact that Emerson had not been much taken with her was an additional point in her favour. Emerson is a very modest man. He has no idea of the effect he has on females.)

When the next waltz began and Emerson approached me I rose to meet him, determined to forget care in the pleasures of the dance. However, instead of leading me onto the floor he tucked my arm in his.

‘Will you come with me, Peabody? I am sorry to rob you of your terpsichorean pleasures, but I feel sure that if given a choice, you would prefer the alternative I propose.’

‘My dear Emerson,’ I exclaimed, blushing. ‘The activity to which I assume you refer would always be my first choice, but can’t it wait? It would not be proper to leave the children unchaperoned.’

Emerson gave me a surprised look and then burst out laughing. ‘That activity will certainly have to be postponed – though, my dear Peabody, I hope not for long. We have an appointment. It may be a complete waste of time, but there is an outside chance that the fellow has useful information. Now don’t ask questions, we are already late. And don’t fuss about the children. They are old enough to behave themselves, and Miss Marmaduke’s presence should satisfy the proprieties. That’s why she is here, hang it, to watch over the children.’

‘Who is the individual we are about to meet?’

‘I don’t know. But,’ Emerson said, forestalling the objection I was about to make, ‘the message I received from him this morning contained some intriguing information. Knowing where I plan to excavate this season, he offered –’

‘He knows more than I, then,’ I said sharply. ‘When did you decide that, Emerson, and why is a total stranger more familiar with your thoughts than your own wife and professional partner?’

Pulling me along, Emerson crossed the landing and started up the last flight of stairs. ‘Cursed if I know, Peabody. That was one of the things that provoked my curiosity. It was a deuced odd communication; the writer was clearly a man of intelligence and education, but he was equally clearly in a state of some agitation, demanding secrecy and hinting at unspecified but horrible dangers that threatened him. His claim that he knows the location of an unrobbed tomb is undoubtedly balderdash –’

‘What?’ The word came out in a high-pitched squeak, for the rapidity of his movements had left me short of breath. ‘Where?’ I demanded. Emerson stopped and looked at me reproachfully.

‘You needn’t scream, Peabody. At Thebes, of course. Specifically . . . but that is what we are about to discover. Come along, my dear, come along, or this mysterious individual may have second thoughts.’

A man stood before the door of our sitting room. He was not Emerson’s mysterious visitor; he wore the uniform that distinguishes the employees of Shepheard’s, and I recognized him as the suffragi who was on duty during the night hours. Seeing us, he sprang to attention. ‘Emerson Effendi! See, I have done as you asked. I have guarded your door. This person –’

‘What person?’ Emerson demanded, looking up and down the deserted hall.

Before Ali could reply, a form emerged from behind a turn in the corridor. It moved as silently as the spectre it resembled; enveloped