The Hippopotamus Pool - Elizabeth Peters [47]
‘If you have no duties for me this afternoon, I thought I might take a little walk,’ she said hesitantly. ‘I am so anxious to see the wonderful temples and the Colossi.’
‘You have been here before, though, haven’t you?’ I asked. ‘On the Cook’s Tour?’
‘Yes – yes, of course. I meant, see them again. The tours do not give one much time.’
‘Good heavens, Emerson, whata slave-driver you are,’ Howard said with a laugh. ‘An ardent student of Egypt who has not been allowed to explore? Insist on your rights, Miss Marmaduke. You will find Mrs Emerson a strong supporter.’
‘Leave off inspiring my staff to mutiny, Carter,’ growled Emerson.
Howard, who knew him well, only grinned, but Gertrude cried out, ‘Oh, sir, I did not mean –’
‘Then you should learn to say what you mean. You won’t get anywhere in this group by beating around the bush.’ But his irresistible smile and the softening of his keen blue eyes brought an answering smile and an even softer look to Gertrude’s face. Curse it, I thought, if Emerson goes on in this way he may find himself in an extremely embarrassing situation.
Do not suppose for a moment, Reader, that I was jealous. Jealously is an emotion I despise, and anyhow, it was obvious that Emerson had not the slightest interest in poor Gertrude.
It was agreed that we would escort Howard back to Deir el Bahri after luncheon and then show Gertrude some of the sights of Thebes. It would not have been sensible to let her go off on her own, for she had not the strength of character to resist beggars, importunate donkey drivers and antika sellers, and Howard’s jesting remark had made me realize we had rather neglected her. I still had no proof that Gertrude was a spy and an enemy; if my suspicions were in error we owed her the same courteous treatment any employee should receive.
That settled, Emerson turned the conversation to the subject that was his real concern. He thought he was being subtle, but it is impossible for Emerson to deceive me.
‘I trust that among your other projects you mean to stamp out the trade in illegal antiquities,’ was how he began.
Howard glanced at me. I gave him an encouraging nod, which emboldened him, I believe, to venture an opinion that, though correct, was bound to irritate Emerson. ‘Professor, you know as well as I do that it is impossible under present conditions. I will attempt as best I can to thwart or arrest tomb robbers and illicit diggers, but once the stolen antiquities reach the dealers, there is little I can do. They always claim they didn’t know the objects were acquired illegally, and I can hardly demand the arrest of the ones who are consular agents for foreign governments.’
‘True,’ I said sympathetically. ‘Nor can you arrest the foreign collectors who buy from the dealers.’
‘Arrest?’ Howard looked horrified. ‘Good heavens, no; what a scandal that would cause! It isn’t only private citizens, but officials of certain museums. I name no names, you understand.’
‘Why the devil not?’ Emerson demanded. ‘We all know you are referring to Budge. He is not the only offender, but he is certainly the worst. Confront the swine. Tell him –’
‘Emerson,’ I exclaimed. ‘You must not say such things. Howard, pay no attention. You will only get yourself in trouble if you follow my husband’s example. Tact, my dear Howard. You must be tactful.’
‘Well, of course,’ Emerson said virtuously. ‘That is my method. Tact, subtle persuasion.’
‘Such as calling Mr Budge a rascal and threatening to knock him flat?’
Howard’s long chin quivered as he strove to repress his amusement, but when he spoke it was with utter sincerity.
‘Professor, your forthright manners and absolute integrity have been an inspiration to us all. A man might do worse than to emulate you. I want you to know – that is, I am well aware that I owe this appointment in large part to you and Mrs Emerson. Your influence with M Maspero –’
‘Nonsense,’ said Emerson gruffly.
‘But, sir –’
‘Let us hear no more about it.’ Emerson reached for his pipe. ‘Has anything unusual turned up on the market lately?’
‘There is