are the real treasures," Samir said." The bodies of the Kings. This is but a fraction of what has been saved from pillage and from time."
Ramses had paused. He was examining a Ptolemaic mummy case, one of those curious hybrid creations which consisted of an Egyptian coffin with a realistic Greek face painted upon it, rather than the stylized mask of earlier centuries. This was the coffin of a woman.
"Egypt," Ramses whispered." Suddenly I cannot see the present for the past. I can't embrace this age until I have said my farewells to those years completely."
Samir found himself shivering in the dark. The sweet sadness gave way to fear again, a deep silent terror of this unnatural thing which he knew now to be true. There could be no error.
The King turned his back on the Egyptian rooms." Lead me out, my friend," he said." I am lost in this maze. I do not like the concept of a museum."
Samir walked quickly at his side, the beam shining on the floor directly before them.
"Sire, if you desire to go to Egypt, do it now. That is my advice to you, though I know you do not ask it. Take Julie Stratford if you will. But leave England."
"Why do you say this?"
"The authorities know that coins have been stolen from the collection! They want to reclaim the mummy of Ramses the Great. There is much talk and suspicion."
Samir could see the menace hi Ramses' face." The accursed Henry Stratford," he said under his breath, quickening his pace ever so slightly." He poisoned his uncle, a man of learning and wisdom. His own flesh and blood. And stole from mat man a golden coin as the body lay dying."
Samir stopped. The shock was more than he could bear. Instantly he knew it was true. He had known when he saw the body of his friend that something was terribly wrong. It had not been a natural death. But he had believed Henry Stratford a coward. Slowly he caught his breath. He looked at the tall shadowy figure standing beside him.
"You tried to tell me this earlier tonight," he whispered." I didn't want to believe it."
"I saw it, my beloved servant," the King said." With my own eyes. Just as I saw you come to the body of your friend Lawrence and begin to weep. These things were mixed with my waking dreams; but I remember them most clearly."
"Ah, but this cannot go unavenged." Samir was trembling.
Ramses placed a hand on his shoulder. They proceeded slowly.
"And this Henry Stratford knows my secret," Ramses said." The tale he told was true. For when he tried by the same means to take the life of his cousin, I came out of the coffin to prevent it. Oh, if only I had had my full strength, I would have finished it, there and then. I should have embalmed him myself and wrapped him up and put him in the painted coffin for all the world to see as Ramses."
Samir smiled bitterly." A just reward," he said under his breath. He felt the tears on his face, but there was none of the relief that tears should bring." And what will you do now, sire?"
"Kill him, of course. For Julie's sake and for my sake. There is no other possibility."
"You wait for the opportunity?"
"I wait for permission. Julie Stratford has the delicate conscience of one unused to bloodshed. She loves her uncle; she shrinks from violence. And I understand her reasoning, but I grow impatient. And angry. I want this Henry to threaten us no more."
"And what of me? I too know your secret now, sire. Will you kill me to protect it?"
Ramses stopped in his tracks." I don't ask kindnesses of those I mean to harm. But tell me. On your honour, who else knows the truth?"
"Lord Rutherford, the cither of the young man who courts Julie. ..."
"Ah, the one called Alex, with the gentle eyes."
"Yes, sire. The father is a man to be reckoned with. He suspects. More significantly, he may believe, more earnestly even than young Stratford."
"This knowledge is poison! As deadly as the poisons in my tomb. First there will be fascination, then greed, and finally desperation."
They had reached the side door. The rain was coming down. Samir could see it through the thick glass, though he could not hear it.
"Tell me why this knowledge isn't poison to you," Ramses asked.