The Hippopotamus Pool - Elizabeth Peters [72]
‘The tomb of which I speak is in El-Dira. It has been known to certain men of Gurneh for several years. The Father of Curses and I found it tonight. He and Ramses have gone back to guard it, with our men. Now, David, it is late and you need to rest. Only answer one question. If you didn’t know about the tomb, why did Hamed try to murder you?’
‘I not . . .’ He hesitated, glancing at Nefret, and went on slowly, ‘I do not know. I leave him. He try to make me stay. I said he was a . . .’
Again he hesitated, this time, I thought, because he had remembered Emerson’s instruction on using improper language in the presence of females. The boy had a quick retentive mind and commendable ambition. We might make something of him – if we could keep him alive.
Leaving Yusuf, another of Abdullah’s innumerable offspring, on guard, I sent Nefret off to get a few hours’ sleep, though I doubted she would. As for me, how could I close my eyes when Emerson might be in danger?
I did because I knew I must, but I was awake with the dawn and ready for duty. Emerson had entrusted me with a number of vital errands and I performed them with my customary efficiency, though every particle of my being ached with the desire to abandon duties whose interest paled by comparison to the thrilling activities he was enjoying. It was mid-morning before I was able to mount my donkey and urge it (with words alone, since I have never struck an animal) towards the hills north of Deir el Bahri. Nefret and Gertrude accompanied me; I felt it advisable to keep the latter individual under my observant eyes from now on.
It was not difficult to locate the spot I sought. A goodsized crowd had gathered. I was amused to see among the onlookers members of several of the more notorious tomb-robbing families of Gurneh, trying without success to look pleased. Hussein Abd er Rasul greeted me with effusive congratulations and offered the assistance of himself and his brothers. I declined the offer.
Conspicuous by their European dress were Emerson and Howard Carter. His eyes shining with excitement, Howard congratulated me and then began to scold me. ‘Honestly, Mrs E., you must not do this sort of thing! It is horribly dangerous. Why didn’t you come to me?’
‘You know Emerson,’ I replied.
‘Yes, and I know you,’ Howard said forcibly.
‘Not now, Howard.’Iturnedtomyhusband, who was shouting orders at Abdullah. ‘Good morning, Emerson.’
‘Oh,’ said Emerson. ‘So there you are, Peabody. What kept you?’ Without waiting for an answer, he cupped his hands round his mouth and called, ‘Ramses, come down from there this instant! I told you you would have to wait until Nefret and your mama arrived before you enter the tomb.’
‘So you have not been back inside?’ I inquired. ‘Thank you, Emerson; it was good of you to wait for me.’
Sleeves rolled to the elbow, bared black head shining in the sunlight, Emerson looked as fresh as if he had slept for eight solid hours, but affectionate concern prompted my next suggestion. ‘I brought tea and food, my dear; have something to eat and tell me of your plans.’
Emerson put a casual arm around me and drew me out of the path of a boulder that went rumbling down the hillside. The spectators scattered and then reassembled, like a group of ants around spilled sugar.
‘As you can see, Peabody, I am clearing the lower entrance. We can’t continue climbing up and down that bloo – er – blooming rope. If the passage is widened we can use ladders or build stairs.’
He accepted a cup of tea, and Ramses, who had joined us, remarked, ‘It may be possible to open the lower part of the passage entirely, Father. I believe it was an avalanche or earthquake that closed it in ancient times. Good morning, Mother. Good morning, Nefret. Good morning, Miss Marmaduke.’
Emerson cut the civilities short. ‘At any rate, we won’t be able to begin work in the tomb itself for several more days. Oh – here is your parasol, Peabody. You left it on top last night.’
‘Thank you, my dear, I am glad to have it back. You sent some of the men up to guard the upper entrance?