The Hippopotamus Pool - Elizabeth Peters [182]
‘It hurt me deeply,’ Emerson declared, ‘when you reproached me for not purchasing the little statue of Tetisheri for you.’
‘Oh, that,’ I said, trying not to sound too relieved. ‘I was only joking, my dear.’
‘Hmph,’ said Emerson. ‘My dear Peabody, have I ever thwarted a desire of yours? Have I ever failed to anticipate and satisfy your slightest wish?’
‘Well, Emerson, since you ask –’
‘I had a damned good reason for not buying that statue, and it had nothing to do with my principles. I have sacrificed them often enough for you, my dear.’
‘What reason, Emerson?’
‘It was a forgery, Peabody.’
It was I who stopped this time, catching hold of his shirt and forcing him to face me. ‘One of Hamed’s copies, do you mean? The one you saw at the antika shop ten years ago? The one Mr Budge bought for . . . Emerson! Are you telling me that the statue in the British Museum is a fake, and that you have always known it? Why haven’t you informed them?’
‘Why should I? They are enamoured of Budge and his brilliant coups. One day someone – myself, if I so decide – will enlighten them, and Budge will look almost as foolish as he really is.’ Emerson’s eyes glowed sapphire with anticipatory pleasure. ‘Who knows, we may be able to unearth the original. Wouldn’t that do Budge one in the eye?’
It was impossible not to share his boyish amusement. We enjoyed a hearty laugh together, and then I glanced at my lapel watch.
‘Goodness gracious, it is almost teatime. Let us collect the children. I promised I would read them my little fairy tale.’
‘Oh, so you have finished the hippopotamus story?’ Emerson took my arm and we strolled towards the stairs. ‘How, if I may ask? There is only a small part of the original remaining.’
‘It is only conjecture,’ I said modestly. ‘However, I believe it is psychologically sound. I refer to ancient Egyptian psychology, of course.’
‘Of course,’ said Emerson, smiling.
‘You remember where the original leaves off – with the king and his courtiers at a loss as to how to reply to the insulting demand that they slaughter the bellowing hippopotami? Yes. Well, as they sit in baffled silence, up from her throne rises the king’s mother, the dowager queen Tetisheri, the wise, the revered one, and addresses the arrogant messenger in ringing tones. I have composed rather a nice little speech for her; I modelled it on one of Queen Elizabeth’s addresses to her troops before the arrival of the Armada.’
‘An excellent model,’ said Emerson.
‘I had to change some of the wording, naturally. “Servant of the Evil One, be gone,” Tetisheri cries. “Our hippopotami will eat up the crocodiles of Set!” Inspired by her courage, her son also defies the messenger. The tale ends with the Egyptian armies setting forth, trumpets blaring and pennants flying, to drive the invaders from the sacred soil of Egypt.’
‘That would be a good place to end it,’ Emerson agreed gravely. ‘In view of the fact that her son lost his life in the ensuing battle, and most probably lost the battle as well.’
‘I thought that would be too depressing – and not at all in keeping with ancient Egyptian psychology.’
‘Have I mentioned recently that I adore you, Peabody?’
‘I never tire of hearing it, my dear. Now, Emerson, don’t do that; not just now. There is Ramses’ room, and . . . and someone in the room is screaming! Good heavens, what an unearthly sound!’
I hastened towards the door, but before I reached it I beheld Ramses coming towards me from the far end of the corridor. His shadow – I refer to David – was close on his heels.
‘Ramses!’ I cried, tugging at the handle. ‘Unlock this door at once. What on earth is going on in there?’
Ramses, visibly perturbed, began rummaging in his pockets. ‘Anubis must have crept in while I was not looking. That is Bastet’s voice. She is very angry.’
‘Er – Peabody,’ said Emerson, behind me.
‘How could you have been so careless!’ I cried, snatching the key from Ramses. ‘They despise one another! They are fighting. They –’
I flung the door open and stood transfixed.
‘They are not,’ said Emerson, ‘fighting.