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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1a2c14d --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #55020 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55020) diff --git a/old/55020-0.txt b/old/55020-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 1a56893..0000000 --- a/old/55020-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8411 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Last Egyptian, by L. Frank Baum - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Last Egyptian - A Romance of the Nile - -Author: L. Frank Baum - -Illustrator: Francis P. Wightman - -Release Date: July 1, 2017 [EBook #55020] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAST EGYPTIAN *** - - - - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Chuck Greif, MFR, The -University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - -[Illustration: “Allahu akbar!” he said; “the stranger is welcome to all - that I possess” (See page 233)] - - - - - THE LAST - EGYPTIAN - - A ROMANCE - OF THE NILE - - ILLUSTRATIONS BY - - FRANCIS P. WIGHTMAN - - PHILADELPHIA - - EDWARD STERN & CO., INC. - - 1908 - - COPYRIGHT, 1907, BY - EDWARD STERN & CO., INC. - - PUBLISHED MAY 1, 1908 - - - THIS BOOK IS INSCRIBED TO - - Mr. Edward Stern - - A FELLOW TRAVELER IN THE - WILDS OF EGYPT, BY - - The Author - - - - -CONTENTS - - - PAGE - -CHAPTER I. Where the Desert Meets the Nile 9 - -CHAPTER II. Hatatcha 30 - -CHAPTER III. The Dragoman 39 - -CHAPTER IV. The Treasure of Ahtka-Rā 52 - -CHAPTER V. A Roll of Papyrus 63 - -CHAPTER VI. Kāra Bathes in the Nile 71 - -CHAPTER VII. A Step Toward the Goal 83 - -CHAPTER VIII. His Grandmother’s Mummy 95 - -CHAPTER IX. Aneth 104 - -CHAPTER X. Lord Cromer’s Reception 112 - -CHAPTER XI. Setting the Snares 122 - -CHAPTER XII. Nephthys 132 - -CHAPTER XIII. The Talisman of Ahtka-Rā 142 - -CHAPTER XIV. Rogues Ancient and Modern 150 - -CHAPTER XV. Winston Bey is Indignant 156 - -CHAPTER XVI. Kāra Threatens 177 - -CHAPTER XVII. Aneth Surrenders 187 - -CHAPTER XVIII. Finding a Way 194 - -CHAPTER XIX. The Abduction 217 - -CHAPTER XX. The Sheik Agrees 226 - -CHAPTER XXI. Lotus Eaters and Crocodiles 237 - -CHAPTER XXII. The Dragoman’s Inspiration 247 - -CHAPTER XXIII. Mother and Daughter 251 - -CHAPTER XXIV. The Sheik Demurs 256 - -CHAPTER XXV. The Bronze Bolts 266 - -CHAPTER XXVI. The Dragoman Wins 283 - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - - - OPPOSITE - PAGE - -“Allahu akbar!” he said; “the stranger is welcome -to all that I possess” 3 - -They went at a moderate pace, and bore the blistering -rays of the sun as none but natives of -Egypt can 50 - -He thrust his hand into the jar of rubies again, -and took all that his fingers could clutch 62 - -In the evening he crossed the great bridge of -Isma’il Pasha to the island of Gizireh 84 - -She smiled at herself, then laughed--shyly at first, -now with genuine delight 136 - -Following a moment’s horrified silence, the viscount -sprang up with an oath 154 - -“You shall not keep that promise!” declared -the woman 192 - -Consinor fell with a moan at her feet, drenching -the hard earth with a stream of blood 282 - - - - -The Last Egyptian - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -WHERE THE DESERT MEETS THE NILE. - - -The sun fell hot upon the bosom of the Nile and clung there, vibrant, -hesitating, yet aggressive, as if baffled in its desire to penetrate -beneath the river’s lurid surface. For the Nile defies the sun, and -relegates him to his own broad domain, wherein his power is undisputed. - -On either side the broad stream humanity shrank from Ra’s seething disc. -The shaduf workers had abandoned their skin-covered buckets and bamboo -poles to seek shelter from the heat beneath a straggling tree or a straw -mat elevated on stalks of ripe sugar-cane. The boats of the fishermen -lay in little coves, where the sails were spread as awnings to shade -their crews. The fellaheen laborers had all retired to their clay huts -to sleep through this fiercest period of the afternoon heat. - -On the Nile, however, a small steam dahabeah puffed lazily along, -stemming with its slow motion the sweep of the mighty river toward the -sea. The Arab stoker, naked and sweating, stood as far as possible from -the little boiler and watched it with a look of absolute repulsion upon -his swarthy face. The engineer, also an Arab, lay stretched upon the -deck half asleep, but with both ears alert to catch any sound that might -denote the fact that the straining, rickety engine was failing to -perform its full duty. Back of the tiny cabin sat the dusky steersman, -as naked and inert as his fellows, while under the deck awning reclined -the one white man of the party, a young Englishman clothed in khaki -knickerbockers and a white silk shirt well open at the throat. - -There were no tourists in Egypt at this season. If you find a white man -on the Nile in April, he is either attached to some exploration party -engaged in excavations or a government employee from Cairo, Assyut or -Luxor, bent upon an urgent mission. - -The dahabeah was not a government boat, though, so that our Englishman -was more likely to be an explorer than an official. It was evident he -was no stranger to tropical climes, if we judged by his sun-browned skin -and the quiet resignation to existing conditions with which he puffed -his black briar and relaxed his muscular frame. He did not sleep, but -lay with his head upon a low wicker rest that enabled him to sweep the -banks of the Nile with his keen blue eyes. - -The three Arabs regarded their master from time to time with stealthy -glances, in which wonder was mingled with a certain respect. The -foreigner was a fool to travel during the heat of the day; no doubt of -that at all. The native knows when to work and when to sleep--a lesson -the European never learns. Yet this was no casual adventurer exploiting -his folly, but a man who had lived among them for years, who spoke -Arabic fluently and could even cipher those hieroglyphics of the dead -ages which abound throughout modern Egypt. Hassan, Abdallah and Ali knew -this well, for they had accompanied Winston Bey on former expeditions, -and heard him translate the ugly signs graven upon the ugly stones into -excellent Arabic. It was all very wonderful in its way, but quite -useless and impractical, if their opinion were allowed. And the master -himself was impractical. He did foolish things at all times, and -sacrificed his own comfort and that of his servants in order to -accomplish unnecessary objects. Had he not paid well for his whims, -Winston Bey might have sought followers in vain; but the Arab will even -roast himself upon the Nile on an April afternoon to obtain the -much-coveted gold of the European. - -At four o’clock a slight breeze arose; but what matter? The journey was -nearly done now. They had rounded a curve in the river, and ahead of -them, lying close to the east bank, were the low mountains of Gebel Abu -Fedah. At the south, where the rocks ended abruptly, lay a small grove -of palms. Between the palms and the mountains was the beaten path -leading from the Nile to the village of Al-Kusiyeh, a mile or so inland, -which was the particular place the master had come so far and so fast to -visit. - -The breeze, although hardly felt, served to refresh the enervated -travelers. Winston sat up and knocked the ashes from his pipe, making a -careful scrutiny at the same time of the lifeless landscape ahead. - -The mountains of gray limestone looked very uninviting as they lay -reeking under the terrible heat of the sun. From their base to the river -was no sign of vegetation, but only a hardened clay surface. The desert -sands had drifted in in places. Even under the palms it lay in heavy -drifts, for the land between the Nile and Al-Kusiyeh was abandoned to -nature, and the fellaheen had never cared to redeem it. - -The water was deep by the east bank, for the curve of the river swept -the current close to the shore. The little dahabeah puffed noisily up to -the bank and deposited the Englishman upon the hard clay. Then it backed -across into shallow water, and Hassan shut down the engine while -Abdallah dropped the anchor. - -Winston now wore his cork helmet and carried a brown umbrella lined with -green. With all his energy, the transition from the deck of the dahabeah -to this oven-like atmosphere of the shore bade fair to overcome his -resolution to proceed to the village. - -But it would never do to recall his men so soon. They would consider it -an acknowledgment that he had erred in judgment, and the only way to -manage an Arab is to make him believe you know what you are about. The -palm trees were not far away. He would rest in their shade until the sun -was lower. - -A dozen steps and the perspiration started from every pore. But he kept -on, doggedly, until he came to the oblong shadow cast by the first palm, -and there he squatted in the sand and mopped his face with his -handkerchief. - -The silence was oppressive. There was no sound of any kind to relieve -it. Even the beetles were hidden far under the sand, and there was no -habitation near enough for a donkey’s bray or a camel’s harsh growl to -be heard. The Nile flows quietly at this point, and the boat had ceased -to puff and rattle its machinery. - -Winston brushed aside the top layer of sand with his hands, for that -upon the surface was so hot that contact with it was unbearable. Then he -extended his body to rest, turning slightly this way and that to catch -in his face the faint breath of the breeze that passed between the -mountains and the Nile. At the best he was doomed to an uncomfortable -hour or two, and he cast longing glances at the other bits of shade to -note whether any seemed more inviting than the one he had selected. - -During this inspection his eye caught a patch of white some distance -away. It was directly over the shadow of the furthest tree of the group, -and aroused his curiosity. After a minute he arose in a leisurely -fashion and walked over to the spot of white, which on nearer approach -proved to be a soiled cotton tunic or burnous. It lay half buried in the -sand, and at one end were the folds of a dirty turban, with faded red -and yellow stripes running across the coarse cloth. - -Winston put his foot on the burnous and the thing stirred and emitted a -muffled growl. At that he kicked the form viciously; but now it neither -stirred nor made a sound. Instead, a narrow slit appeared between the -folds of the turban, and an eye, black and glistening, looked -steadfastly upon the intruder. - -“Do you take me for a beast, you imbecile, that you dare to disturb my -slumbers?” asked a calm voice, in Arabic. - -The heat had made Winston Bey impatient. - -“Yes; you are a dog. Get up!” he commanded, kicking the form again. - -The turban was removed, disclosing a face, and the man sat up, crossing -his bare legs beneath him as he stared fixedly at his persecutor. - -Aside from the coarse burnous, sadly discolored in many places, the -fellow was unclothed. His skin showed at the breast and below his knees, -and did not convey an impression of immaculate cleanliness. Of slender -build, with broad shoulders, long hands and feet and sinewy arms and -legs, the form disclosed was curiously like those so often presented in -the picture-writing upon the walls of ancient temples. His forehead was -high, his chin square, his eyes large and soft, his cheeks full, his -mouth wide and sensual, his nose short and rounded. His jaws protruded -slightly and his hair was smooth and fine. In color the tint of his -skin was not darker than the tanned cuticle of the Englishman, but the -brown was softer, and resembled coffee that has been plentifully diluted -with cream. A handsome fellow in his way, with an expression rather -unconcerned than dignified, which masked a countenance calculated to -baffle even a shrewder and more experienced observer than Winston Bey. - -Said the Englishman, looking at him closely: - -“You are a Copt.” - -Inadvertently he had spoken in his mother tongue and the man laughed. - -“If you follow the common prejudice and consider every Copt a -Christian,” he returned in purest English, “then I am no Copt; but if -you mean that I am an Egyptian, and no dog of an Arab, then, indeed, you -are correct in your estimate.” - -Winston uttered an involuntary exclamation of surprise. For a native to -speak English is not so unusual; but none that he knew expressed himself -with the same ease and confidence indicated in this man’s reply. He -brushed away some of the superheated sand and sat down facing his new -acquaintance. - -“Perhaps,” said he--a touch of sarcasm in his voice--“I am speaking with -a descendant of the Great Rameses himself.” - -“Better than that,” rejoined the other, coolly. “My forefather was -Ahtka-Rā, of true royal blood, who ruled the second Rameses as cleverly -as that foolish monarch imagined he ruled the Egyptians.” - -Winston seemed amused. - -“I regret,” said he, with mock politeness, “that I have never before -heard of your great forefather.” - -“But why should you?” asked the Egyptian. “You are, I suppose, one of -those uneasy investigators that prowl through Egypt in a stupid endeavor -to decipher the inscriptions on the old temples and tombs. You can read -a little--yes; but that little puzzles and confuses you. Your most -learned scholars--your Mariettes and Petries and Masperos--discover one -clue and guess at twenty, and so build up a wonderful history of the -ancient kings that is absurd to those who know the true records.” - -“Who knows them?” asked Winston, quickly. - -The man dropped his eyes. - -“No one, perhaps,” he mumbled. “At the best, but one or two. But you -would know more if you first studied the language of the ancient -Egyptians, so that when you deciphered the signs and picture writings -you could tell with some degree of certainty what they meant.” - -Winston sniffed. “Answer my question!” said he, sternly. “Who knows the -true records, and where are they?” - -“Ah, I am very ignorant,” said the other, shaking his head with an -humble expression. “Who am I, the poor Kāra, to dispute with the -scholars of Europe?” - -The Englishman fanned himself with his helmet and sat silent for a -time. - -“But this ancestor of yours--the man who ruled the Great Rameses--who -was he?” he asked, presently. - -“Men called him Ahtka-Rā, as I said. He was descended from the famous -Queen Hatshepset, and his blood was pure. Indeed, my ancestor should -have ruled Egypt as its king, had not the first Rameses overthrown the -line of Mēnēs and established a dynasty of his own. But Ahtka-Rā, unable -to rule in his own name, nevertheless ruled through the weak Rameses, -under whom he bore the titles of High Priest of Āmen, Lord of the -Harvests and Chief Treasurer. All of the kingdom he controlled and -managed, sending Rameses to wars to keep him occupied, and then, when -the king returned, setting him to build temples and palaces, and to -erect monuments to himself, that he might have no excuse to interfere -with the real business of the government. You, therefore, who read the -inscriptions of the vain king wonder at his power and call him great; -and, in your ignorance, you know not even the name of Ahtka-Rā, the most -wonderful ruler that Egypt has ever known.” - -“It is true that we do not know him,” returned Winston, scrutinizing the -man before him with a puzzled expression. “You seem better informed than -the Egyptologists!” - -Kāra dipped his hands into the sand beside him and let the grains slip -between his fingers, watching them thoughtfully. - -“Rameses the Second,” said he, “reigned sixty-five years, and--” - -“Sixty-seven years,” corrected Winston. “It is written.” - -“In the inscriptions, which are false,” explained the Egyptian. “My -ancestor concealed the death of Rameses for two years, because -Meremptah, who would succeed him, was a deadly enemy. But Meremptah -discovered the secret at last, and at once killed Ahtka-Rā, who was very -old and unable to oppose him longer. And after that the treasure cities -of Pithom and Raamses, which my ancestor had built, were seized by the -new king, but no treasures were found in them. Even in death my great -ancestor was able to deceive and humble his enemies.” - -“Listen, Kāra,” said Winston, his voice trembling with suppressed -eagerness; “to know that which you have told to me means that you have -discovered some sort of record hitherto unknown to scientists. To us who -are striving to unravel the mystery of ancient Egyptian history this -information will be invaluable. Let me share your knowledge, and tell me -what you require in exchange for your secret. You are poor; I will make -you rich. You are unknown; I will make the name of Kāra famous. You are -young; you shall enjoy life. Speak, my brother, and believe that I will -deal justly by you--on the word of an Englishman.” - -The Egyptian did not even look up, but continued playing with the sand. -Yet over his grave features a smile slowly spread. - -“It is not five minutes,” he murmured softly, “since I was twice kicked -and called a dog. Now I am the Englishman’s brother, and he will make me -rich and famous.” - -Winston frowned, as if he would like to kick the fellow again. But he -resisted the temptation. - -“What would you?” he asked, indifferently. “The burnous might mean an -Arab. It is good for the Arab to be kicked at times.” - -Possibly Kāra neither saw the jest nor understood the apology. His -unreadable countenance was still turned toward the sand, and he answered -nothing. - -The Englishman moved uneasily. Then he extracted a cigarette case from -his pocket, opened it, and extended it toward the Egyptian. - -Kāra looked at the cigarettes and his face bore the first expression of -interest it had yet shown. Very deliberately he bowed, touched his -forehead and then his heart with his right hand, and afterward leaned -forward and calmly selected a cigarette. - -Winston produced a match and lighted it, the Egyptian’s eyes seriously -following his every motion. He applied the light to his own cigarette -first; then to that of Kāra. Another touch of the forehead and breast -and the native was luxuriously inhaling the smoke of the tobacco. His -eyes were brighter and he wore a look of great content. - -The Englishman silently watched until the other had taken his third -whiff; then, the ceremonial being completed, he spoke, choosing his -words carefully. - -“Seek as we may, my brother, for the records of the dead civilization of -your native land, we know full well that the most important documents -will be discovered in the future, as in the past, by the modern -Egyptians themselves. Your traditions, handed down through many -generations, give to you a secret knowledge of where the important -papyri and tablets are deposited. If there are hidden tombs in Gebel Abu -Fedah, or near the city of Al-Kusiyeh, perhaps you know where to find -them; and if so, we will open them together and profit equally by what -we secure.” - -The Egyptian shook his head and flicked the ash from his cigarette with -an annoyed gesture. - -“You are wrong in estimating the source of my knowledge,” said he, in a -tone that was slightly acrimonious. “Look at my rags,” spreading his -arms outward; “would I refuse your bribe if I knew how to earn it? I -have not smoked a cigarette before in months--not since Tadros the -dragoman came to Al Fedah in the winter. I am barefoot, because I fear -to wear out my sandals until I know how to replace them. Often I am -hungry, and I live like a jackal, shrinking from all intercourse with my -fellows or with the world. That is Kāra, the son of kings, the royal -one!” - -Winston was astonished. It is seldom a native complains of his lot or -resents his condition, however lowly it may be. Yet here was one -absolutely rebellious. - -“Why?” he asked. - -“Because my high birth isolates me,” was the reply, with an accent of -pride. “It is no comfortable thing to be Kāra, the lineal descendant of -the great Ahtka-Rā, in the days when Egypt’s power is gone, and her -children are scorned by the Arab Muslims and buffeted by the English -Christians.” - -“Do you live in the village?” asked Winston. - -“No; my burrow is in a huddle of huts behind the mountain, in a place -that is called Fedah.” - -“With whom do you live?” - -“My grandmother, Hatatcha.” - -“Ah!” - -“You have heard of her?” - -“No; I was thinking only of an Egyptian Princess Hatatcha who set -fashionable London crazy in my father’s time.” - -Kāra leaned forward eagerly, and then cast a half fearful glance around, -at the mountains, the desert, and the Nile. - -“Tell me about her!” he said, sinking his voice to a whisper. - -“About the Princess?” asked Winston, surprised. “Really, I know little -of her history. She came in a flash of wonderful oriental magnificence, -I have heard, and soon had the nobility of England suing for her favors. -Lord Roane especially divorced his wife that he might marry the -beautiful Egyptian; and then she refused to wed with him. There were -scandals in plenty before Hatatcha disappeared from London, which she -did as mysteriously as she had come, and without a day’s warning. I -remember that certain infatuated admirers spent fortunes in search of -her, overrunning all Egypt, but without avail. No one has ever heard of -her since.” - -Kāra drew a deep breath, sighing softly. - -“It was like my grandmother,” he murmured. “She was always a daughter of -Set.” - -Winston stared at him. - -“Do you mean to say--” he began. - -“Yes,” whispered Kāra, casting another frightened look around; “it was -my grandmother, Hatatcha, who did that. You must not tell, my brother, -for she is still in league with the devils and would destroy us both if -she came to hate us. Her daughter, who was my mother, was the child of -that same Lord Roane you have mentioned; but she never knew her father -nor England. I myself have never been a day’s journey from the Nile, for -Hatatcha makes me her slave.” - -“She must be very old, if she still lives,” said Winston, musingly. - -“She was seventeen when she went to London,” replied Kāra, “and she -returned here in three years, with my mother in her arms. Her daughter -was thirty-five when I was born, and that is twenty-three years ago. -Fifty-eight is not an advanced age, yet Hatatcha was a withered hag -when first I remember her, and she is the same to-day. By the head of -Osiris, my brother, she is likely to live until I am stiff in my tomb.” - -“It was she who taught you to speak English?” - -“Yes. I knew it when I was a baby, for in our private converse she has -always used the English tongue. Also I speak the ancient Egyptian -language, which you call the Coptic, and I read correctly the -hieroglyphics and picture-writings of my ancestors. The Arabic, of -course, I know. Hatatcha has been a careful teacher.” - -“What of your mother?” asked Winston. - -“Why, she ran away when I was a child, to enter the harem of an Arab in -Cairo, so that she passed out of our lives, and I have lived with my -grandmother always.” - -“I am impressed by the fact,” said the Englishman, with a sneer, “that -your royal blood is not so pure after all.” - -“And why not?” returned Kāra, composedly. “Is it not from the mother we -descend? Who my grandfather may have been matters little, provided -Hatatcha, the royal one, is my granddame. Perhaps my mother never -considered who my father might be; it was unimportant. From her I drew -the blood of the great Ahtka-Rā, who lives again in me. Robbed of your -hollow ceremonial of marriage, you people of Europe can boast no true -descent save through your mothers--no purer blood than I, ignoring my -fathers, am sure now courses in my veins; for the father, giving so -little to his progeny, can scarcely contaminate it, whatever he may -chance to be.” - -The other, paying little heed to this discourse, the platitudes of which -were all too familiar to his ears, reflected deeply on the strange -discovery he had made through this unconventional Egyptian. - -“Then,” said he, pursuing his train of thought, “your knowledge of your -ancestry and the life and works of Ahtka-Rā was obtained through your -grandmother?” - -“Yes.” - -“And she has not disclosed to you how it is that she knows all this?” - -“No. She says it is true, and I believe it. Hatatcha is a wonderful -woman.” - -“I agree with you. Where did she get the money that enabled her to amaze -all England with her magnificence and splendor?” - -“I do not know.” - -“Is she wealthy now?” - -Kāra laughed. - -“Did I not say we were half starved, and live like foxes in a hole? For -raiment we have each one ragged garment. But the outside of man matters -little, save to those who have nothing within. Treasures may be kept in -a rotten chest.” - -“But personally you would prefer a handsome casket?” - -“Of course. It is Hatatcha who teaches me philosophy to make me forget -my rags.” - -The Englishman reflected. - -“Do you labor in the fields?” he asked. - -“She will not let me,” said Kāra. “If my wrongs were righted, she holds, -I would even now be king of Egypt. The certainty that they will never be -righted does not alter the morale of the case.” - -“Does Hatatcha earn money herself?” - -“She sits in her hut morning and night, muttering curses upon her -enemies.” - -“Then how do you live at all?” - -Kāra seemed surprised by the question, and considered carefully his -reply. - -“At times,” said he, “when our needs are greatest, my grandmother will -produce an ancient coin of the reign of Hystaspes, which the sheik at -Al-Kusiyeh readily changes into piasters, because they will give him a -good premium on it at the museum in Cairo. Once, years ago, the sheik -threatened Hatatcha unless she confessed where she had found these -coins; but my grandmother called Set to her aid, and cast a spell upon -the sheik, so that his camels died of rot and his children became blind. -After that he let Hatatcha alone, but he was still glad to get her -coins.” - -“Where does she keep them?” - -“It is her secret. When she was ill, a month ago, and lay like one dead, -I searched everywhere for treasure and found it not. Perhaps she has -exhausted her store.” - -“Had she anything besides the coins?” - -“Once a jewel, which she sent by Tadros, the dragoman, to exchange for -English books in Cairo.” - -“What became of the books?” - -“After we had both read them they disappeared. I do not know what became -of them.” - -They had shifted their seats twice, because the shadow cast by the palms -moved as the sun drew nearer to the horizon. Now the patches were long -and narrow, and there was a cooler breath in the air. - -The Englishman sat long silent, thinking intently. Kāra was placidly -smoking his third cigarette. - -The rivalry among excavators and Egyptologists generally is intense. All -are eager to be recognized as discoverers. Since the lucky find of the -plucky American, Davis, the explorers among the ancient ruins of Egypt -had been on the qui vive to unearth some farther record of antiquity to -startle and interest the scholars of the world. Much of value has been -found along the Nile banks, it is true; but it is generally believed -that much more remains to be discovered. - -Gerald Winston, with a fortune at his command and a passion for -Egyptology, was an indefatigable prospector in this fascinating field, -and it was because of a rumor that ancient coins and jewels had come -from the Sheik of Al-Kusiyeh that he had resolved to visit that village -in person and endeavor to learn the secret source of this wealth before -someone else forestalled him. - -The story that he had just heard from the lips of the voluble Kāra -rendered his visit to Al-Kusiyeh unnecessary; but that he was now on the -trail of an important discovery was quite clear to him. How best to -master the delicate conditions confronting him must be a subject of -careful consideration, for any mistake on his part would ruin all his -hopes. - -“If my brother obtains any further valuable knowledge,” said he, -finally, “he will wish to sell it to good advantage. And it is evident -to both of us that old Hatatcha has visited some secret tomb, from -whence she has taken the treasure that enabled her to astound London for -a brief period. When her wealth was exhausted she was forced to return -to her squalid surroundings, and by dint of strict economy has lived -upon the few coins that remained to her until now. Knowing part of your -grandmother’s story, it is easy to guess the remainder. The coins of -Darius Hystaspes date about five hundred years before Christ, so that -they would not account for Hatatcha’s ample knowledge of a period two -thousand years earlier. But mark me, Kāra, the tomb from which your -grandmother extracted such treasure must of necessity contain much -else--not such things as the old woman could dispose of without -suspicion, but records and relics which in my hands would be invaluable, -and for which I would gladly pay you thousands of piasters. See what you -can do to aid me to bring about this desirable result. If you can manage -to win the secret from your grandmother, you need be her slave no -longer. You may go to Cairo and see the dancing girls and spend your -money freely; or you can buy donkeys and a camel, and set up for a -sheik. Meantime I will keep my dahabeah in this vicinity, and every day -I will pass this spot at sundown and await for you to signal me. Is it -all clear to you, my brother?” - -“It is as crystal,” answered the Egyptian gravely. - -He took another cigarette, lighted it with graceful composure, and rose -to his feet. Winston also stood up. - -The sun had dropped behind the far corner of Gebel Abu Fedah, and with -the grateful shade the breeze had freshened and slightly cooled the -tepid atmosphere. - -Wrapping his burnous around his tall figure, Kāra made dignified -obeisance. - -“Osiris guard thee, my brother,” said he. - -“May Horus grant thee peace,” answered Winston, humoring this disciple -of the most ancient religion. Then he watched the Egyptian stalk proudly -away over the hot sands, his figure erect, his step slow and methodical, -his bearing absurdly dignified when contrasted with his dirty tunic and -unwashed skin. - -“I am in luck,” he thought, turning toward the bank to summon Hassan and -Abdallah; “for I have aroused the rascal’s cupidity, and he will soon -turn up something or other, I’ll be bound. Ugh! the dirty beast.” - -At the foot of the mountains Kāra paused abruptly and stood motionless, -staring moodily at the sands before him. - -“It was worth the bother to get the cigarettes,” he muttered. Then he -added, with sudden fierceness: “Twice he spurned me with his foot, and -called me ‘dog’!” - -And he spat in the sand and continued on his way. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -HATATCHA. - - -The mountains of Abu Fedah consist of a low range about twelve miles -long and from two to three hundred feet in height. These hills are -wedge-shaped, and from a narrow, uneven ridge at the summit the sides -slope downward at a sharp angle on either side, affording little -apparent foothold to one who might essay to climb the steeps. At the -south end are pits wherein were found numbers of mummified crocodiles, -proving that these reptiles were formerly worshipped by the natives of -Al-Kusiyeh, which is the ancient city of Qes of the hieroglyphic texts, -and was afterward called Cusae by the Greeks. It was, in its prime, the -capital of the fourteenth nome or province of Upper Egypt, and a -favorite winter abode of the kings of the Middle Empire. The modern -village, as before explained, lies a mile or two from the Nile bank, in -a fertile valley watered by bubbling springs. The inhabitants are mostly -Arabs, or a mixture of the Arab blood with that of the native fellaheen, -which last, in common with the Copts, are direct descendants of the -ancient Egyptians. - -The early Egyptologists expected to find important tombs secreted in the -limestone cliffs of Gebel Abu Fedah; but careful search only revealed -the mummy crocodile pits and a few scattering and uninteresting -cavities roughly hewn in the rocks, which might have contained mummies -at one time, but had been rifled of their contents ages ago. The few -inscriptions remaining in these rock tombs indicated that they were the -burial places of ordinary citizens of Qes, and such cavities as were -observed all faced the Nile. The opposite slopes of the mountains, -facing the east, seemed never to have been utilized for tombs, fond as -the Egyptians were of such opportunities to inter their dead in rocky -places, above the reach of jackals or marauders. - -Kāra skirted the south end of the mountain and passed around the edge of -a bleak gray cliff. Here, close against the overhanging sandstone, was -clustered a nest of wretched hovels, built partially of loose fragments -of rock and partly of Nile mud baked in the sun. The place was called -Fedah by the natives, and its scant dozen of inhabitants were those of -pure Egyptian lineage, who refused to mingle with the natives of -Al-Kusiyeh. - -The most substantial of the dwellings was that occupied by Hatatcha and -her grandson. It had been built against a hollow or cave of the -mountain, so that the cane roof projected only a few feet beyond the -cliff. A rude attempt on the part of the builders to make the front wall -symmetrical was indicated by the fact that the stones bore quarry marks, -and at the entrance arch, which had never been supplied with a door, but -was half concealed by a woven mat, the stones were fully four feet in -thickness. - -The other huts, ranged beside and before this one, were far less -imposing in construction; but all had the appearance of great antiquity, -and those at the north and south edges of the huddle were unoccupied and -more or less ruined and neglected. Tradition said that Fedah, in spite -of its modern Arabic name, was as old as ancient Qes, and there was no -reason to doubt the statement. Its location was admirable in summer, for -the mountain shaded it during the long hot afternoons; but around it was -nothing but sand and rock, and the desert stretched in front as far as -the borders of Al-Kusiyeh. - -Kāra, entering the short and narrow street between the hovels, pushed a -goat from his path and proceeded calmly toward his dwelling. As he -entered its one room, he paused to allow his eyes to grow accustomed to -the gloom and then gazed around with an expression of mild surprise. - -In one corner, upon a bed of dried rushes, lay the form of an old woman. -Her single black cotton garment was open at the throat, displaying a -wrinkled, shrunken bosom that rose and fell spasmodically, as if the hag -breathed with great effort. Her eyes were closed and the scant, tousled -locks of fine gray hair surrounding her face gave it a weird and -witch-like expression. In spite of her age and the clime in which she ad -lived, Hatatcha’s skin was almost as white as that of Europeans, its -tint being so delicate as to be scarcely noticeable. - -Upon a short wooden bench beside the rushes sat a girl with a palm -branch, which she swayed back and forth to keep the flies from settling -upon Hatatcha’s face. She was, perhaps, fifteen years of age, but as -fully matured in form as an English girl of twenty-five. Her face was -remarkably handsome from the standpoint of regularity of contour, but -its absolute lack of expression would render it uninviting to a -connoisseur of beauty. Her dark eyes were magnificent, and seemed to -have depths which were disappointing when you probed them. She wore the -conventional black gown, or tunic, but because of the heat had allowed -it to slip down to her waist, leaving her shoulders and breasts bare. - -After a long and thoughtful look at his grandmother, Kāra sat down -beside the girl and put his arm around her, drawing her close to his -body. She neither resented the caress nor responded to it, but yielded -herself inertly to the embrace while she continued to sway the palm -branch with her free right arm. - -“Ah, my Nephthys,” said the man, lightly, in the Coptic tongue, “is our -Hatatcha in the grip of the devils again?” - -The girl made no reply, but at the sound of Kāra’s voice the old woman -opened her great eyes and gazed for an instant steadfastly upon her -grandson. Her hands, which had been nervously clutching her robe, were -raised in supplication, and she said in English, in a weak, hoarse -voice: - -“The draught, Kāra! Be quick!” - -The man hesitated, but released the girl and stood up. - -“It is the last, my Hatatcha. You know that no more can be procured,” he -said, in protest. - -“I shall need no more,” she answered, with much difficulty. “It is the -last time. Be quick, Kāra!” Her voice died away in an odd gurgle, and -her chest fluttered as if the breath was about to leave it. - -Kāra, watching her curiously, as a dog might, was impressed by the -symptoms. He turned to Nephthys. - -“Go out,” he commanded, in Coptic, and the girl arose and passed under -the arch. - -Then he went to a part of the wall and removed a loose stone, displaying -a secret cavity. From this he took a small vase, smooth and black, which -had a stopper of dull metal. Carrying it to Hatatcha, he knelt down, -removed the stopper and placed the neck of the vase to her lips. The -delicate, talon-like fingers clutched the vessel eagerly and the woman -drank, while Kāra followed the course of the liquid down her gullet by -watching her skinny throat. - -When it was done, he carried the empty vase back to the crypt and -replaced the loose stone. Then he returned to the bedside and sat down -upon the bench. A bowl containing some bits of bread stood near. He -stooped and caught a piece in his fingers, munching it between his -strong teeth while he stared down upon Hatatcha’s motionless form. - -It was quite dark in the room by this time, for twilights are short in -Egypt. But the pupils of the man’s eyes expanded like those of a cat, -and he could follow the slow rise and fall of the woman’s chest and -knew she was again breathing easily. - -An hour passed, during which Kāra moved but once, to drink from a jar -standing in the opposite corner. Hatatcha’s condition disturbed him. If -she died, he would be at a loss what to do. Unused to work and without -resource of any sort, life would become a burden to him. He was, -moreover, accustomed to be led by the strong old woman in all things, -and she had been the provider during all the twenty-three years of his -life. Kāra had been trained to think deeply upon many subjects, but here -was one which had never occurred to him before because Hatatcha had -never discussed it, and the matter of her death was until lately a thing -that did not need to be considered. But her condition was serious -to-night, and the precious life-giving elixir was gone to the last drop. - -All the people around Abu Fedah deferred to Hatatcha, because she -claimed, with some show of reason, to be of royal descent. But they did -not know the story of Ahtka-Rā, and her escapades in London years ago -were all unsuspected by them. Hatatcha only confided such things to -Kāra, and he would never dare breathe them to any except the Englishman, -from whose lips the tales would never be liable to return. - -But there was a great deal that Kāra himself did not know, and he -realized this as he gazed uneasily upon his sick grandparent. She ought -to tell him where the coins and jewels had come from, and if there were -any left. He would need some trifles of that sort when she was gone. -And the matter of her funeral--she had expressed strange desires, at -times, regarding the disposition of her body after death. How was he to -find means to carry out such desires? - -A voice, low and clear, fell upon his ear and made him start. Hatatcha’s -big eyes were open and he caught their sparkle even in the darkness. - -“Come nearer,” she said. - -He dropped upon the floor at her side and sat cross-legged near her -head, bending over to catch her slightest whisper. She spoke in English -to him. - -“Anubis calls me, my son, and I must join his kingdom. My years are not -great, but they have worn out my body with love and hatreds and plans of -vengeance. You are my successor, and the inheritor of my treasures and -my revenge and hates. The time is come when you must repay my care and -perform a mission for which I have trained you since childhood. Promise -me that you will fulfil my every wish to the letter!” - -“Of necessity, Hatatcha,” he responded, calmly. “Are you not my -grandmother?” - -She remained silent a moment. - -“You are cold, and selfish and cruel,” she resumed, her tone hardening, -“and I have made you so. You are intelligent, and fearless, and strong. -It is due to my training. Listen, then! Once I was young and beautiful -and loving, and when I faced the world it fell at my feet in adoration. -But one who claimed to be a man crushed all the joy and love from my -heart, and left me desolate and broken. Like a spurned hind, I crept -from the glare of palaces back to my mud hut, bearing my child in my -arms, and here I mourned and suffered for years and found no comfort. -Then the love that had destroyed my peace fell away, and in its place -Set planted the seeds of vengeance. These I have cherished, and lo! a -tree has sprouted and grown, of which you, my son, are the stalwart -trunk. The fruit has been long maturing, but it is now ripe. Presently -you, too, will face the world; but as a man--not like the weak woman I -was--and you will accomplish my revenge. Is it not so, my Kāra?” - -“If you say it, my Hatatcha, it is so,” he answered. But he wondered. - -“Then pay close attention to my words,” she continued, “and store them -carefully in your mind, that nothing shall be forgotten when it is -needed to assist you. I will explain all things while I have the -strength of the elixir, for when it leaves me my breath will go with it, -and then your labors will begin.” - -Kāra leaned still lower. For once his heart beat faster than was its -custom, and he felt a thrill of excitement pervading his entire being. -The climax in his life had at last arrived, and he was about to discover -what things he was destined to accomplish in the great unknown world. - -Hour after hour Hatatcha’s low voice continued to instruct her grandson. -Occasionally she would question him, to be sure that he understood, and -several names she made him repeat many times, until they were indelibly -impressed upon his memory. - -At last she took the forefinger of his right hand and with it made a -mystic sign upon her naked breast, making him repeat after her a -dreadful oath to obey her instructions in every way and keep forever -certain grave secrets. - -Then she fell back and lay still. - -Daybreak came in time, and a streak of light crept under the arch and -touched the group in the corner. - -The aged hag, filthy and unkempt, lay dead upon her couch of rushes, and -beside her sat Kāra, his face immobile, his eyes staring fixedly at the -opposite wall. - -He was thinking. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE DRAGOMAN. - - -Nephthys came from her mother’s hut in the cool of early morning, -bearing on her head an earthen jar. She was bound for the river, to -carry from thence their daily supply of water. - -As she passed Hatatcha’s dwelling she found Kāra standing in the -archway, and he drew the girl toward him and kissed her lips. They were -cold and unresponsive. - -“How is your grandmother?” she asked, indifferently. - -“She is with Isis,” he answered, holding her arm with one hand and -feeling her brown cheek with the other. - -The girl shuddered and glanced askance at the arch. - -“Let me go,” she said. - -Instead, he folded an arm around her and kissed her again, while she put -up a hand to steady the jar from falling. - -Then Kāra experienced a sudden surprise. His body spun around like a top -and was hurled with force against the opposite wall. At the same time -the jar toppled from Nephthys’ head and was shattered on the ground. The -girl staggered back and leaned against the stones of the arch, staring -at the path ahead. - -In front of her stood a young man most gorgeously arrayed. A red fez, -such as many wear in Egypt, was perched jauntily upon his head. Covering -his breast was a blue satin jacket elaborately braided with silver, and -where it parted in front a vest of white silk showed, with a line of -bright silver buttons. His knee breeches were of saffron pongee, wide -and flowing, like those of a Turk, and from there down to his yellow -slippers his legs were bare. Add a voluminous sash of crimson silk and a -flowing mantle suspended from his shoulders, and you can guess the -splendor of the man’s attire. - -His person was short and inclined to stoutness, and his face, with its -carefully curled black mustache, was remarkably regular and handsome. -His eyes were nearly as large and black as Kāra’s, and at the present -moment they flashed fire, while an angry frown distorted his brow. He -stood with his legs spread apart and his hands pressed upon his hips, -regarding the girl with a glance of sullen fury. - -Nephthys returned the look with one of stupor. Her face was quite as -expressionless as before, but her nostrils dilated a little, as if she -were afraid. - -“Tadros!” she muttered. - -Kāra lifted his tall form from the ground and stood scowling upon his -assailant. - -“The cursed dragoman again!” he exclaimed, with bitterness. - -Tadros turned his head slightly to direct a look of scorn upon his -enemy. Then he regarded the girl again. - -“What of your promise to me, woman?” he demanded, sternly. “Are you the -plaything of every dirty Egyptian when my back is turned?” - -Nephthys had no reply. She looked at the pattern of the silver braid -upon his jacket and followed carefully its curves and twists. The blue -satin was the color of lapis lazuli, she thought, and the costume must -have cost a lot of money--perhaps as much as fifty piasters. - -“Your mother shall answer for this perfidy,” continued the dragoman, in -Arabic. “If I am to be toyed with and befooled, I will have my betrothal -money back--every piaster of it!” - -The girl’s eyes dropped to her feet and examined the fragments of the -jar. - -“It is broken!” she said, with a wailing accent. - -“Bah! there are more at Keneh,” he returned, kicking away a bit of the -earthenware. “It will cost old Sĕra more than the jar if she does not -rule you better. Come!” - -He waved his hand pompously and strutted past her to the door of her -mother’s hut, paying no heed to the evil looks of Kāra, who still stood -motionless in his place. - -The girl followed, meek and obedient. - -They entered a square room lighted by two holes in the mud walls. The -furniture was rude and scanty, and the beds were rushes from the Nile. A -black goat that had a white spot over its left eye stood ruminating with -its head out of one of the holes. - -A little withered woman with an erect form and a pleasant face met -Tadros, the dragoman, just within the doorway. - -“Welcome!” she said, crossing her arms upon her breast and bending her -head until she was nearly double. - -“Peace to this house,” returned Tadros, carelessly, and threw himself -upon a bench. - -Sĕra squatted upon the earthen floor and looked with pride and -satisfaction at the dragoman’s costume. - -“You are a great man, my Tadros,” she said, “and you must be getting -rich. We are honored by your splendid presence. Gaze upon your affianced -bride, O Dragoman! Is she not getting fat and soft in flesh, and fit to -grace your most select harem?” - -“I must talk to you about Nephthys,” said the dragoman, lighting a -cigarette. “She is too free with these dirty Fedahs, and especially with -that beast Kāra.” - -His tone had grown even and composed by this time, and his face had lost -its look of anger. - -“What would you have?” asked old Sĕra, deprecatingly. “The girl must -carry water and help me with the work until you take her away with you. -I cannot keep her secluded like a princess. And there are no men in -Fedah except old Nikko, who is blind, and young Kāra, who is not.” - -“It is Kāra who annoys me,” said Tadros, puffing his cigarette lazily. - -“Kāra! But he is the royal one. You know that well enough. The -descendant of the ancient kings has certain liberties, and therefore -takes others, and he merely indulges in a kiss now and then. I have -watched him, and it does not worry me.” - -“The royal one!” repeated the dragoman scornfully. “How do we know old -Hatatcha’s tales are true?” - -“They must be true,” returned Sĕra, positively. “My mother served -Hatatcha’s mother, because she was the daughter of kings. For -generations the ancestors of Kāra have been revered by those who were -Egyptians, although their throne is a dream of the past, and they are -condemned to live in poverty. Be reasonable, my Tadros! Your own blood -is as pure as ours, even though it is not royal. What! shall we -Egyptians forget our dignity and rub skins with the English dogs or the -pagan Arabs?” - -“The Arabs are not so bad,” said Tadros, thoughtfully. “They have many -sensible customs, which we are bound to accept; for these Muslims -overrun our country and are here to stay. Nor are the simple English to -be sneered at, my Sĕra. I know them well, and also their allies, the -Americans and the Germans and French. They travel far to see Cairo and -our Nile, and drop golden sovereigns into my pockets because I guide -them to the monuments and explain their history, and at the same time -keep the clever Arabs from robbing them until after I am paid. Yes; all -people have their uses, believe me.” - -“Ah, you are wonderful!” ejaculated the old woman, with earnest -conviction. - -“I am dragoman,” returned the man, proudly, “and my name is known from -Cairo to Khartoum.” He tossed a cigarette at Sĕra, who caught it deftly -and put it between her lips. Then he graciously allowed her to obtain a -light from his own cigarette. - -Meantime, Nephthys, on entering the hut behind Tadros, had walked to the -further side of the room and lifted the lid of a rude chest, rough hewn -from eucalyptus wood. From this she drew a bundle, afterward closing the -lid and spreading the contents of the bundle upon the chest. Then she -turned her back to the others, unfastened her dusty black gown, and -allowed it to fall to her hips. Over her head she dropped a white tunic, -and afterward a robe of coarse gauze covered thickly with cheap -spangles. She now stepped out of the black gown and hung it upon a peg. -A broad gilt belt was next clasped around her waist--loosely, so as not -to confine too close the folds of spangled gauze. - -Tadros, during his conversation with Sĕra, watched this transformation -of his betrothed with satisfaction. When she had twined a vine of -artificial flowers in her dark hair, the girl came to him and sat upon -his knee. Her feet were still bare, and not very clean; but he did not -notice that. - -“I will speak to Hatatcha about Kāra,” remarked the old woman, inhaling -the smoke of her cigarette with evident enjoyment, “and she will tell -him to be more careful.” - -“Hatatcha is dead,” said Nephthys. - -Sĕra stared a moment and dropped her cigarette. Then she uttered a -shrill wail and threw her skirt over her head, swaying back and forth. - -“Shut up!” cried the dragoman, jerking away the cloth. “It is time -enough to wail when the mourners assemble.” - -Sĕra picked up her cigarette. - -“When did Hatatcha go to Anubis?” she asked her daughter. - -“Kāra did not say,” returned the girl. “I was with her at the last -sunset, and she was dying then.” - -“It matters nothing,” said the dragoman, carelessly. “Hatatcha is better -off in the nether world, and her rascally grandson must now go to work -or starve his royal stomach.” - -“Who knows?” whispered Sĕra, with an accent of awe. “They have never -worked. Perhaps the gods supply their needs.” - -“Or they have robbed a tomb,” returned Tadros. “It is much more likely; -but if that is so I would like to find the place. There is money in a -discovery of that sort. It means scarabs, and funeral idols, and -amulets, and vases and utensils of olden days, all of which can be sold -in Cairo for a good price. Sometimes it means jewels and gold ornaments -as well; but that is only in the tombs of kings. Go to Hatatcha, my -Sĕra, and keep your eyes open. Henf! what says the proverb? ‘The -outrunner of good fortune is thoughtfulness.’” - -The mother of Nephthys nodded, and drew the last possible whiff from her -cigarette. Then she left the hut and hurried under the heavy arch of -Hatatcha’s dwelling. - -Five women, mostly old and all clothed in deep black, squatted in a -circle around the rushes upon which lay the dead. Someone had closed -Hatatcha’s eyes, but otherwise she lay as she had expired. In a corner -Kāra was chewing a piece of sugar-cane. - -Sĕra joined the circle. She threw sand upon her head and wailed shrilly, -rocking her body with a rhythmical motion. The others followed her -example, and their cries were nerve-racking. Kāra looked at them a -moment and then carried his sugar-cane out of doors. - -For a time he stood still, hesitating. There was work for him to do, and -he had only delayed it until the mourners were in possession of the -house. But the sun was already hot and a journey lay before him. Kāra -sighed. He was not used to work. - -He walked to the north end of the huddle and entered the house of the -blind man, Nikko. A Syrian donkey, with a long head and solemn eyes, -stood near the door, and its owner was seated upon the ground rubbing -its feet with an old rag that had been dipped in grease. Kāra caught up -a bridle and threw it over the donkey’s head. - -“Who is it?” asked Nikko, turning his sightless eyes upward. - -Kāra made no reply, but swung the saddle across the animal’s back and -tried to strap the girth. The old man twined his thin legs around those -of the donkey and reached up a hand to pull the saddle away. - -“It is Hatatcha’s brute of a grandson!” cried Nikko, struggling to -resist. “No other would try to rob me of my dear Mammek. Desist, or I -will call the dragoman, who arrived this morning!” - -For answer Kāra dealt him a kick in his stomach and he doubled up with a -moan and rolled upon the ground. Then the royal one led Mammek out of -the door and lightly leaped upon the donkey’s back. - -“Oo-ah!” he cried, digging his heels into the animal’s flanks; and away -trotted Mammek, meek but energetic. - -There was no path in the direction he went and the desert sands seemed -interminable. Kāra sat sidewise upon the donkey and sucked his -sugar-cane, keeping the beast at a trot at the same time. An hour -passed, and another. Finally a heap of rocky boulders arose just ahead -of him, with a group of date palms at its foot. The heap grew bigger as -he approached, and resolved itself into a small mountain, seared by deep -fissures in the rocks. But there was verdure within the fissures, and -several goats lay underneath the trees. Kāra rode past them and up to -the foot of the mountain, where there was an overhanging entrance to a -cave. - -Throwing himself from the donkey, he ran into the cave and knelt at a -spring which welled sparkling and cool from the rocks. Mammek followed -and thrust his nozzle into the water beside Kāra’s face. They drank -together. - -Then the man stood up and called aloud: - -“Hi-yah, Sebbet; hi-yah!” - -Someone laughed behind him, and Kāra swung upon his heel. There stood -confronting him a curiously misshapen dwarf, whose snowy hair contrasted -strangely with his dark chocolate skin. He was scarcely as tall as -Kāra’s waist, but his body and limbs were so enormous as to convey the -impression of immense strength. He wore a spotless white burnous, which -fell from his neck to his feet, but his head was bare of covering. - -While the young man stared the dwarf spoke. - -“I know your mission,” said he, in ancient Egyptian. “Hatatcha is dead.” - -“It is true,” returned Kāra, briefly. - -“She swore I would live long enough to embalm her,” continued the dwarf, -rubbing his nose reflectively; “and she was right. A wonderful woman was -old Hatatcha, and a royal one. I will keep my compact with her.” - -“Can you do it?” asked Kāra, wondering. “Do you know the ancient process -of embalming?” - -“Why, I am no paraschites, you understand, for the trade is without -value in these degenerate days. But I successfully embalmed her -mother--your great-grandmother--and Hatatcha was greatly pleased with -the work. Does not your great-grandmother look natural? Have you seen -her?” - -Kāra shook his head. - -“Not yet,” he said. - -“And I have safely hoarded the store of aromatic gums and spices, the -palm wine and myrrh and cassia, and the natron, with which Hatatcha long -since entrusted me. The strips of fine linen for the bandages and the -urns for the entrails are still in my storehouse, where they have -remained since your grandmother gave them into my hands; so there is no -reason why her wishes should not be carried out.” - -“You will return with me?” asked Kāra. - -“Yes, and bring the dead to this desolate spot,” replied the dwarf. “It -is no longer Hatatcha, but the envelope which she used, and will use -again. Therefore it must be carefully preserved. The process will -require forty days, as you know. At the end of that time I will deliver -Hatatcha’s mummy into your hands. You must then give to me a flat, -oblong emerald that is graven with the cartouch of the mighty Ahtka-Rā. -Is not that the compact, my prince?” - -“It is, my Sebbet.” - -“And you know where to find it?” asked the dwarf, anxiously. - -“I know,” said Kāra. - -The dwarf seemed pleased, and retired to make preparations for his -journey. Kāra fell asleep in the cave, for the sun had been terribly hot -and the long ride had exhausted him. The blind man’s donkey also lay -down and slept. - -In the middle of the afternoon Sebbet awakened the young Egyptian and -gave him some cakes to eat and a draught of goat’s milk. Then he brought -out a stout donkey of a pure white color and mounted it with unexpected -agility. Kāra noticed a large sack fastened to the saddle-ring. - -A moment later they were riding together across the sands. - -“We must not reach Fedah before sundown,” remarked the dwarf, and Kāra -nodded assent. So they went at a moderate pace and bore the blistering -rays of the sun as none but natives of Egypt can. - -At sundown they sighted Gebel Abu Fedah, and it was dark when they -entered the narrow street of Fedah. Kāra dismounted from Mammek’s back -at its master’s hut, and at a slap on the thigh the donkey bolted -quickly through the doorway. Then the young man followed after the dwarf -to the threshold of his own dwelling. - -The mourners had gone home and Hatatcha lay alone; but someone had -placed a coarse cloth over her face to keep the flies away. - -The dwarf drew from his pocket a rush-candle and lighted it. Removing -the face-cloth he gazed for several minutes earnestly upon the features -of the dead woman. Then he sighed deeply, untied the sack from his -saddle and blew out the flame of the candle. - -Kāra stood in the archway, looking at the slender rim of the moon. In a -short time the dwarf’s white donkey paused beside him. The sack, now -bulky and - -[Illustration: They went at a moderate pace, and bore the blistering -rays of the sun as none but natives of Egypt can] - -heavy, hung limply across the saddle. Kāra could see it plainly in the -dim light. - -He put his hand on the sack. - -“Will it ride without tumbling off?” he asked. - -“I will hold it fast,” replied the dwarf, springing upon the donkey’s -back behind the burden. “Poor Hatatcha! She will not know we are taking -our last ride together in Khonsu’s company.” - -“Good-night,” said Kāra. - -“Good-night. In forty days, remember.” - -“In forty days.” - -“And the emerald?” - -“You shall have it then.” - -The donkey hobbled out of the archway and passed silently down the -little street. Presently it had faded into the night and was gone. - -Kāra yawned and looked attentively at the huts. In only one, that of old -Sĕra, a dim light burned. The man frowned, and then he laughed. - -“Let the dragoman have his Nephthys,” he muttered. “For me Cairo, London -and the great world beckon. And women? Bah! There are women everywhere.” - -He entered the house and unrolled the mat that hung across the archway, -fastening it securely to prevent intrusion. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE TREASURE OF AHTKA-RĀ. - - -Kāra went to the cavity beside the arch and took from it a small bronze -lamp. It was partly filled with oil, on the surface of which a cotton -wick floated. The lamp itself was of quaint design, and the young man -remembered it since the days of his childhood, but had rarely seen it in -use. - -Having lighted the wick and spread it with his fingers until it flamed -up brightly, Kāra turned his back to the arch and carefully examined the -rear wall of the room. The house, as has been explained, was built -against a shallow cave of the mountains; but, owing to the irregularity -of the hollow, part of the rear wall was of solid masonry, while the -other part was formed by the cliff itself. Kāra had never before paid -much attention to that fact, but now it struck him as very evident that -the masonry had been constructed to shut off an orifice too deep or too -irregular to be utilized as part of the dwelling. Otherwise, the -continuation of the cliff would have rendered a wall unnecessary. The -stones were of large size and were built up and cemented as far as the -overhanging rock that formed the greater portion of the roof. - -The Egyptian’s eyes rested upon the third layer of these stones, and he -counted from the corner to the seventh stone. In appearance this was -not different from the others; but Hatatcha’s directions had been exact, -and she knew. - -He walked to the spot and pressed hard against the right edge of the -stone. It moved, and gradually swung inward, the left edge being -supported by solid pivots of bronze at the top and bottom. - -The opening disclosed was about four feet long by three feet in height, -and Kāra at once crept through it, holding his lamp extended before him. -Yes; his surmise had been correct--a low, but deep and irregular cavern -was behind the wall. - -His first care was to close up the entrance by pressing the block of -stone back to its former position. There was a bronze handle on the -inner side that would permit him to open it again easily. - -The cavern felt damp and cool, and when he raised his lamp he saw some -deep fissures leading far under the mountain. He selected the second -from the left of these rifts and cautiously made his way along the rough -floor. At first it seemed that he had made a mistake, for this way was -less promising than several of the others; but when he stopped and -thought upon Hatatcha’s directions, he knew that he was right. - -The rift made a sudden turn and sank downward; but the rocks under his -feet were now more even and the way became easier to traverse. A hundred -paces farther, the passage ended abruptly in a sharp point where the -rock had originally split. - -The young Egyptian walked to the extreme end and then carefully measured -three paces back again. Raising his lamp, he examined the right wall of -the tunnel closely. It contained many irregular cracks and hollows, but -one indentation seemed, on observation, to be surrounded by a tiny -circle of black, or a color darker than the other portions of the rock. - -Kāra uttered an ejaculation of pleasure. He had feared he might not find -this spot, in spite of his grandmother’s assurances that it was plain to -keen eyes. - -Drawing a short, pointed dagger from the folds of his burnous--a weapon -he had found in the crypt beside the arch of the living-room--the -Egyptian thrust it into the orifice of the rock and pushed until it had -sunk in to the very hilt. Then he turned the handle, and a sharp “click” -was audible. - -Kāra stepped back a pace, and a part of the rock, circular in shape, -swung slowly out into the passage, revealing another tunnel running at -right angles with the first. Unlike the other, this was no natural -fissure of the rock, but an excavation cleverly made by the hands of -man. The roof was arched and the floor level and smooth. - -The man slipped through the opening and proceeded along the arched -passage. He did not close this door behind him, for Hatatcha had warned -him not to do so. The floor had a gradual slope and he knew that he was -going still farther beneath the mountain at every step. The atmosphere -now became hot and stifling and he found it difficult to breathe; but -he continued steadily walking for a matter of five minutes--which seemed -an hour--holding the lamp before him, until finally he noticed the blaze -of the wick flicker, as if a breath of fresher air had reached it. - -By this time his breast had seemed ready to burst, and his breathing was -fitful and gasping; but he hurried forward and now found the air cooler -and fresher and drew it into his lungs gratefully. - -The path was no longer downward, and before him he presently discovered -a huge pillar of rock, which at first sight seemed to block the tunnel. -Rude hieroglyphics were graven upon it. Passing around this at the left, -he found himself in a high, vaulted chamber, and stopped with a sigh of -satisfaction. - -The chamber was circular in shape, and not more than sixteen feet in -diameter. An air-shaft in the dome evidently led to some part of the -summit of the mountain, for Kāra found himself breathing naturally -again. - -“This,” said he, “must be the library that Hatatcha mentioned.” - -All around the walls of the vault were niches, cut in regular rows and -containing box-like receptacles covered with inscriptions and pictures -in gaudy colors. In the center of the room stood a large round slab of -granite, finely polished upon its upper surface. - -Kāra drew a box from its niche and set it upon the granite slab beside -his lamp. Then he took from it a roll of papyrus, which he examined with -interest. - -Yes; he had read it before. It was one of those so often mysteriously -produced by his grandmother to assist in his education. He examined -another roll, and a third, leisurely and with care. These also he knew -well. There were two hundred and eighteen rolls of papyrus in this -ancient library, and the knowledge they contained had all been absorbed -by the young Egyptian years before. He read them easily, and knew at -once from their context the different meanings of many signs that are -yet puzzling less-favored students of the hieroglyphics. - -The manuscripts dated from the fourth dynasty down to the days of the -Ptolemies, and, in a large cavity below the rolls of papyrus, were -ranged the earlier works of Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus, Manetho, -Horapello, Strabo and others, as well as the volumes on modern Egyptian -and European history that old Hatatcha had purchased in Cairo within the -last few years. Several historical stelæ of the earlier kings of Egypt -also leaned against the walls, arranged in chronological order, and this -library, founded by Ahtka-Rā, which had been preserved and added to for -so many centuries, was a veritable storehouse of the records of his -remarkable country. - -Kāra smiled queerly as he glanced around the room. - -“Others argue concerning ancient Egypt,” he muttered; “but I alone know -the truth.” - -A pile of papyrus rolls in another cavity seemed of less importance than -those so carefully arranged in boxes. Kāra brought an armful of them to -the central slab, dusted them with his rope, and selected fifteen of -their number after a cursory glance at their contents. The others he -restored to their place. This being accomplished, he took up his lamp -and returned to the passage, this time circling the pillar of rock to -the right. - -It led into an immense oblong chamber, so vast that the light of Kāra’s -bronze lamp seemed to penetrate the blackness but a few feet in advance. -But other lamps were suspended from huge bronze brackets, and several of -these the Egyptian proceeded to light, finding them nearly all supplied -with oil. - -Then, stepping backward, he gazed about him with an irrepressible -sensation of awe. The huge chamber was filled with mummy-cases, arranged -upon solid slabs of Aswan granite. Nearest to the entrance were a dozen -or so slabs that were unoccupied. Then appeared a splendid case of solid -ebony, elaborately carved upon every inch of its surfaces. This had been -made for Hatatcha in London, during her residence in that city, and -secretly transported to this place by devices only known to her. The -inscriptions were all in the sign language except the one word, -“Hatatcha,” which appeared in Roman letters upon the cover. It was -empty, of course, and Kāra proceeded to the next slab. Upon it lay the -mummy of his great-grandmother, Thi-Aten, the one so naturally embalmed -by the dwarf Sebbet. Her limbs were bandaged separately and the contour -of her face might be clearly seen through the thin and tightly-drawn -linen that covered it. Kāra sighed and made a profound obeisance to the -mummy before proceeding up the chamber. - -As he advanced, the mummies increased in age and also in the -magnificence of their cases and the importance of their inscriptions. -Some of the slabs were covered thickly with hieroglyphics relating the -life history of their occupants, while on them were crowded curious -ushabtiu figures, amulets and scarabs. Finally Kāra reached the end of -the chamber and paused beside the mummy of the great Ahtka-Rā, who, -while not king in name, had nevertheless ruled Egypt during his lifetime -through the weak Rameses II, whom men ignorantly call “the Great.” - -Long the Egyptian knelt before the remains of his great ancestor. -Rameses himself, and Seti his father, and many other kings of Egypt were -lying in the museum at Cairo, to be impudently stared at by crowds of -curious modern tourists; but this famous one had wisely provided for his -own seclusion and that of his posterity. It was Ahtka-Rā who had -constructed this hidden tomb during his lifetime, and he kept the secret -so well that no painted or graven record of it existed to guide a -meddling foreign race to its discovery in the years that were to come. - -Kāra’s eyes fairly gloated upon the mummy case of his wonderful -ancestor. It was studded thick with precious stones, any of which might -be deemed a fortune to one who, like himself, had existed so long in a -lowly condition. But he did not disturb these gems. Instead, he touched -a spring in the slab, a portion of which slid forward and revealed an -opening. - -Kāra took his lamp and crept into the aperture. There were seventeen -steps leading downward; then came a short passage, and he entered -another large chamber hewn from the solid rock. - -Here was the treasure house of Ahtka-Rā, its contents doubtless -primarily rifled from the treasure cities of Pithom and Raamses, which -after his death were found to have been despoiled. - -The entire room was faced with polished granite, and around the walls -were granite tables to hold the treasure, as well as immense -wide-mouthed vases of porphyry, malachite, lapis lazuli, carnelian and -bronze. Upon the tables were heaps of chains, bracelets, ornaments and -utensils of pure gold. In the center of the room stood twelve alabaster -pedestals, two rows of six each, and each pedestal supported a splendid -vase containing gems of various sorts. On the floor were numerous other -vases and receptacles for jewels and golden ornaments, and one of these -Kāra noticed was yet more than half filled with the precious coins of -Darius Hystaspes, some of which his grandmother had used to provide -herself with necessities because they were of a comparatively modern -date and would arouse no suspicion that the source of their supply was -the ancient tomb of Ahtka-Rā. - -Indeed, it was easy to be seen that many of Ahtka-Rā’s successors had -added to this treasure house instead of pilfering from it. The original -store, contained in the twelve great malachite vases, was practically -untouched, although Hatatcha must have drawn upon it at one time. All -the treasure littering the tables and floor had been added since -Ahtka-Rā had lain in his tomb. - -Kāra’s face was unmoved, but his eyes glistened brightly. He thrust his -hand into a jar and drew it out filled with rubies. They were of all -sizes and shades of coloring and were polished in flat surfaces instead -of being cut into rose facets according to modern methods. Some of the -stones had small characters graven upon them, but usually they were -smoothly polished. - -The Egyptian now turned to the wall tables. Here were also rubies, -diamonds, amethysts and emeralds, set in golden ornaments of many -designs. Some of the stones were of so great a size as to be extremely -valuable. A casket of dark wood inlaid with silver hieroglyphics -attracted Kāra’s attention. He threw back the lid and took from it a -massive chain of gold, which he threw over his head. Each link was -finely engraved with characters relating the name of some king and a -deed he had accomplished. Kāra read some of the inscriptions and was -amazed. The chain had originally been made in twelve links by -Bā-en-nĕter, the twelfth king dating from Mēnēs, during whose reign the -Nile flowed honey for eleven days. His successor, Uătch-nēs, took the -chain and added another link, and so the chain had grown through -succeeding ages down to the time of Ahtka-Rā. No wonder it was long and -heavy! - -Kāra did not like to replace this marvelous chain. He dropped its links -inside his burnous and left it hanging around his neck. - -After an hour or more devoted to the inspection of these treasures, -which the young man naturally regarded as his own, forgetting that -Hatatcha had warned him he but held them in trust, Kāra reluctantly -prepared to leave the chamber. First, however, he selected twenty-three -great diamonds from a jar and concealed them in the folds of his turban. -The turban is called the Egyptian’s pocket, because a burnous seldom has -pockets, and many things can be secreted in the voluminous cloth of a -turban. - -“Here is one diamond for every year I have lived,” said Kāra. “Surely I -am entitled to that many.” - -But it did not satisfy him. He thrust his hand into the jar of rubies -again and took all that his fingers could clutch. He loved the color of -the rubies. They appealed to him. - -Then he crept up the stairs, reëntered the mummy chamber, and closed the -secret slide in the malachite slab upon which lay the mighty Ahtka-Rā. - -Who, not initiated, would ever suspect the enormous wealth lying so -close at hand? Kāra sighed deeply and held himself proudly erect. He -was just beginning to realize his own importance. - -Extinguishing the lights of the lamps he had kindled in this chamber, he -retraced his steps to the library, where he gathered up the fifteen -rolls of papyrus, carrying them in the front breadth of his burnous -while he held fast to the hem. In this way he returned along the arched -passage until he came to the rock door which he had left ajar. He -climbed through the opening and thrust the rock back into place, -listening while the heavy bolt fastened itself with a sharp click. - -He was now in the natural fissure of the mountain cavern, and it did not -take him long to reach the stone wall which alone separated him from -Hatatcha’s dwelling. - -He paused a moment, with his ear to the wall; but hearing no sound, he -extinguished his light and then caught the handle imbedded in the stone -and swung the block upon its pivots. In a moment he was in the -living-room, and the wall through which he had passed seemed solid and -immovable. - -He must have been absent for several hours during his exploring -expedition into the mountain, and the night was now far advanced. - -Kāra flung the papyri into a corner, covered them with loose rushes from -his grandmother’s couch, and then threw himself upon his own bed to -sleep. He had been awake the better part of two nights, and his eyelids -were as heavy as if weighted with lead. - -[Illustration: He thrust his hand into the jar of rubies again, and took -all that his fingers could clutch] - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -A ROLL OF PAPYRUS. - - -At daybreak the dragoman thrust his head stealthily through the arch and -looked at Kāra’s sleeping form with suspicion. He had visited the young -man’s house in the evening and found him absent and Hatatcha’s body also -gone. He came again later, and once more at midnight, and still -Hatatcha’s dead form and her grandson’s quick one were alike missing. - -Then the dragoman, wishing to know to what secret place the old woman’s -remains had been taken, and from which direction Kāra returned, and -having a fair share of oriental shrewdness, had stretched two threads -across the narrow street--one on either side the arch--and afterward -returned to his couch in the house of old Sĕra to sleep. - -Daybreak found him awake and stirring. He discovered both his threads -unbroken, yet the young Egyptian was sound asleep within the room. The -dragoman scratched his left ear in perplexity and shook his head. Kāra -was doubtless clever, but his unusual actions led Tadros to believe -there was something important afoot. And that matter of the coins and -the ancient jewel of old Hatatcha was well worth investigating. - -He sat down cross-legged in the cool arch and waited. Kāra slept on. The -girl Nephthys brought the dragoman a cake for his breakfast, silently -placed it in his hand, and carried her jar to the river. On her return -she paused to allow her master to drink and then left him again. - -Tadros lighted a cigarette and smoked it to the end. Then he pushed -aside the mat and looked into the room long and steadily. Kāra lay like -one dead; in some strange manner the lazy one must have exhausted his -strength--perhaps in carrying his grandmother’s corpse to some far-away -tomb. Ah, that was the secret place, doubtless, from whence the coins -and the jewel had come. Kāra must know of it, and therefore it would be -well for Tadros to win his confidence. What was that heap of rushes in -the corner, and why had they been taken from Hatatcha’s former couch? -The dragoman was suddenly interested. He unfastened a portion of the mat -and crept into the room. Kāra did not hear him. Softly he advanced on -hands and knees to the corner. He felt among the rushes and drew out a -roll of papyrus. - -For a moment the dragoman sat still, his heart beating wildly. Here was -a find, indeed! He knew of a dozen scholars who would willingly bankrupt -themselves to discover a new papyrus roll. - -He crawled slowly back to the arch and seated himself where a ray of -light came between the mat and the gray stones. Here he unrolled the -manuscript and examined it eagerly. He did not claim to be much of a -student, but he could read hieroglyphics a little and was a judge of -ancient picture-writing. Here was doubtless a scroll of great antiquity -and value, relating incidents of the war of Rameses against the Kheta, -and its state of preservation was wonderful. In this place was a list of -captives brought back to Thebes; in that was the expense account of the -army. Here was told the-- - -“Henf!” - -The sharp, quick cry was followed by a sudden rustle of the rushes, and -with a spring like that of a panther, Kāra was upon the impudent -intruder into his domain. Before Tadros could rise, his assailant was -kneeling upon his body and with lithe, delicate fingers clutching -viciously at his throat. The dragoman struggled to free himself, but -could not. He tried to breathe, without effect. The skin of his bronzed -face grew black, and his eyes protruded from their sockets with a look -of horror and fear. - -Seeing this, Kāra’s set face suddenly relaxed and lost its look of -murderous determination. He released his hold of the dragoman and pushed -away the mat to allow more air to get to him. - -Slowly the other, gasping and uttering low moans, recovered his breath. -Kāra’s fingers had left great discoloured blotches upon his neck; but -that did not matter. From certain death he was coming back to life, and -the transition was one to evoke gratitude and joy. Life was sweet to the -dragoman--the sweetest thing he possessed. - -Kāra, standing erect, looked down upon him with arms folded in repose -and a countenance very thoughtful. Two reasons had stayed his vengeful -hands. To murder Tadros would get him into trouble with the authorities, -and so cause him great annoyance at this critical juncture, when liberty -of action and freedom from espionage was important. In the second place, -his half-formed plans included the use of the dragoman for his own -advantage. Tadros was both clever and well known. He would become a good -servant when he knew it would further his personal interest to be -faithful, and so it was best that the dragoman should live--for a time. - -He had now almost recovered from the shock of Kāra’s assault, and began -to grow angry. - -“What do you mean, you dog, by felling me like a wild beast and trying -to throttle me?” he demanded, with his first breath. - -“What do you mean by stealing into my house and prying into my private -affairs?” returned Kāra brusquely. - -The dragoman’s eyes fell upon the papyrus at his feet, and his face -changed its expression. - -“Where did you get it?” he asked, quickly. “Are there more of them? Is -it a tomb or a temple? Tell me, Kāra, tell me all about it.” - -The Egyptian smiled, grimly. - -“There are more of them,” he said. “Look! in that corner are fourteen -other rolls; but whether they came from a tomb or a temple I do not -know. They are my inheritance from Hatatcha. Where she found them she -alone could have told; but she carried the secret to the nether world.” - -Tadros mused for a time. - -“Where have they been kept all these years?” he asked in a tone of -disbelief. - -“Hidden underneath the rushes of her bed. I dragged them all out last -night, as you can see.” - -“Were there any more of the coins?” - -“A few.” He showed some in his hand. - -“Ah!” - -The dragoman drew a deep breath. - -“You are rich, my prince,” said he. “Fifteen papyri of the ancient -days!--they are worth a fortune in any event.” - -“How much?” asked Kāra, amused. - -“This one,” said Tadros, picking it up and partly unrolling it to glance -again at the writing, “I could sell in Cairo for five hundred -piastres--perhaps a thousand. It is wonderfully clear and well -preserved.” - -“You may keep it for yourself,” said Kāra. - -Tadros stared. - -“I will exchange it for the girl Nephthys,” continued the young man, -coolly. “For her you have paid to old Sĕra two hundred and fifty -piastres already. You must pay a like sum to take the girl away with -you, and afterward you must pay for her support. Very well; I will -relieve you of the burden. You will not only save your money, but you -will get a papyrus worth four times what you have invested.” - -Tadros frowned and looked glum. - -“But the girl is mine!” he exclaimed. - -“And the papyrus is mine,” returned Kāra. “Perhaps I could buy two or -three like Nephthys with it; but never mind, it shall be yours in the -way of exchange.” - -Tadros moved uneasily and cast a longing glance at the roll. - -“I like not this barbaric traffic in womankind,” he muttered, with -indecision. - -“Nor I,” agreed Kāra. “It is Sĕra who is to blame. If she has a fat -daughter, she will want a fat price for her. Otherwise, how can she be -recompensed for the girl’s keep? But five hundred is too much for -Nephthys. I would have to give her mother the other two hundred and -fifty piastres myself--and you would have the roll. By Isis, ’tis a bad -bargain! Here; let us say no more about it. Give me the papyrus.” - -“Wait--wait!” cried Tadros. “Why are you so unjust in your conclusions? -The bargain is made. No one but a sneaking Arab goes back on his word.” - -“It is as you say,” replied Kāra, stretching his long arms and yawning. -“But it is a fine papyrus, Tadros--all about the Kheta and King -Rameses.” - -“I know; I know!” returned the dragoman, nervously tucking his prize -under his arm. “Come with me at once. I will inform Sĕra of the -transfer of my property.” - -He rose to his feet a little unsteadily, because his throat still hurt -him, and led the way. - -Kāra quietly followed. - -In Sĕra’s hovel mother and daughter were weaving upon a rude cane loom. - -“See here,” announced the dragoman; “this Nephthys is too free with her -favors, and I cannot be coming forever to this forsaken village to look -after her. Besides, I must get back to Cairo to attend to my business, -so I have sold the girl to my friend Kāra here, and when he takes her -away from you, if ever he does, he is to pay the other two hundred and -fifty piastres I promised.” - -Sĕra seemed surprised, but nodded her head cheerfully. - -“It is all the same to me,” she replied. “If the royal one has the money -to satisfy you, it is none of my business, I am sure. An alliance with -the descendant of the great Ahtka-Rā is something to be proud of.” - -The girl had broken a thread. As she prepared to retie it, she glanced -from one to the other of the two men with a look of indifference. - -“I do not promise to make Nephthys a wife,” said Kāra, slowly, -“although, of course, it may come to that. My plans are not formed for -the future. But I have acquired the girl in betrothal through my compact -with Tadros, and his rights are hereafter mine.” - -“She grows plumper every day,” said Sĕra, glancing at Nephthys -critically. “You will seek long, my Kāra, before you find a more -desirable wife. Yet I am in no hurry to lose my daughter, believe me, -even for the money she will bring. Take your time about deciding the -matter.” - -“I will,” responded Kāra, briefly. - -“And now, tell me, what has become of your grandmother, Hatatcha?” - -“I have carried her into the desert to be embalmed.” - -And then, to avoid further questioning, he went away. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -KĀRA BATHES IN THE NILE. - - -Tadros followed him into the street again. - -“Those other papyri,” he said--“do you wish me to sell them for you?” - -“They are already sold,” replied Kāra, regardless of truth. - -“Indeed! To whom?” - -“Winston Bey, the Englishman.” - -Tadros uttered an exclamation of annoyance. - -“Where have you met him?” he asked. - -“Here, at the Nile landing. His boat will come to-night for the papyrus -rolls.” - -Many thoughts passed rapidly through the dragoman’s mind. Here was bad -news, indeed. He had planned on getting all those wonderful rolls into -his own hands, and his disappointment was keen to find that this -isolated Egyptian of an out-of-the-way rock village had already been -approached and bought up by one of those rascally scientists, before he, -the clever dragoman, had even known of the existence of the treasures. - -“He will rob you,” he ventured to suggest. - -“Very well,” replied Kāra, indifferently. - -Tadros was in despair. Yet one thing was plainly evident--if Winston Bey -was about to unload fourteen newly found rolls of papyrus upon the -directors of the museum in Cairo, it would be well for him, the -dragoman, to get his one roll in first, at the highest possible price. -That could easily be accomplished. Winston’s dahabeah would consume four -or five days on the downward voyage. Tadros could cross the Nile in a -small boat and catch the railway on the other bank, which would land him -in Cairo the next day. He promptly decided to take the railway. - -“I expect,” said Kāra, “to be in Cairo myself shortly. If you are there, -I would like to hire your services as dragoman.” - -Tadros, aroused from his meditations, gave a start, and wonderingly -examined the speaker from his dirty bare feet all the way up his soiled -burnous to his strong, calm face and faded turban. He had been a native -of Fedah himself, and had known “the royal one,” as he scornfully called -Kāra, from boyhood. Until now he had regarded him as a permanent fixture -of the little village; a listless, lazy do-nothing, supported in some -mysterious way by his grandmother and destined to grow old amid his -solitary surroundings. - -Some slight importance Kāra had doubtless acquired through his -inheritance of the papyri; but that he should think of visiting Cairo -and employing the brilliantly appareled dragoman was a marvel that -fairly astounded Tadros. Yet, why not? He would have money. Tadros could -assuredly teach him how to spend it. Kāra might become an incident in -his career--an element in his future prosperity. - -“Call upon me at any time,” he said, condescendingly. “You shall have -the advantage of my experience and knowledge of the world.” - -“That is what I want,” returned the Egyptian, “and I will pay you -liberally for it.” - -He passed into his dwelling, and the dragoman, watching him go, decided -to make speedy preparation for his own departure. - -He felt much easier in his mind than at first. What if Winston Bey -purchased the papyrus rolls? Would not Tadros be the young man’s guide? -Very good. Very good, indeed! - -Kāra lay down again and slept until after noon. Then he went to the hut -of Nefert, who baked the bread for the village, and bargained with her -for a loaf and a bowl of milk. Also he acquired from her a large, coarse -sack. In exchange he gave her Hatatcha’s water jar, which had come from -Keneh, and an old scarf his grandmother had worn over her head. - -He ate the loaf and drank the milk, feeling much refreshed. Then he -carried the sack to his dwelling and placed the papyrus rolls in it. - -From the secret cavity beside the arch he took the bronze vase with the -metal stopper, a scarab ring that his grandmother had sometimes worn, -and a slender dagger with a steel blade. The bronze dagger that served -as a key to the rock door he left in the cavity, as well as the lamp. - -Having replaced the stone, he glanced around to see whether there was -anything that might be disturbed or stolen during his absence; but the -room was bare of anything to tempt a thief or a despoiler. So he swung -the sack over his shoulder and walked out and around the end of the -mountain on his way to the Nile. - -Winston Bey had kept his word. On the chance that the strange Egyptian -he had encountered would manage to secure either valuable information or -some ancient relics from his mysterious grandmother, he had kept his -dahabeah in the neighborhood, ignoring the protests of his unhappy Arab -crew. The afternoon following his interview with Kāra, he landed near -the group of palms an hour before sunset, and waited until darkness fell -without obtaining a sight of the Egyptian. Then he dropped down the -stream to Tel El Armana, where the dahabeah remained until the next -noon. - -To-day he figured on another disappointment; but when Gerald Winston had -an object in view he pursued it with dogged determination, and he had -resolved to keep his appointment each day for a week at least before -considering his future actions. There was no question but he was on the -track of an important discovery, and he did not intend to abandon the -quest lightly. - -On this second day, therefore, when he approached the grove and saw a -white-robed figure sitting in the shade, his heart gave a joyful bound. -He hurried forward and recognized Kāra, who remained motionless until -the Englishman had saluted him. Then he bowed his head gravely. - -Winston’s eyes were on the sack that rested beside the Egyptian, and his -voice sounded eager in spite of his effort to restrain it. - -“Well, my brother?” he exclaimed. - -“My grandmother, Hatatcha, is dead,” said Kāra. - -The Englishman shrank back in horror. - -“You have killed her?” - -“Oh, no; not at all,” answered the other composedly. “She was dying when -I returned home after my conversation with you. It would not pay me to -kill Hatatcha, you know.” - -“What did you learn from her?” - -“Nothing. She was beyond questioning. But she whispered that I should -seek under the rushes of her bed for my inheritance, and then Anubis -took her to his kingdom. Her secret, if she had one, she carried with -her.” - -Winston was deeply chagrined. He reproached himself for not having -interviewed the old woman in person and endeavored to wrest her secret -from her. Now, alas, it was too late! - -“What have you in the sack?” he inquired, almost indifferently. - -“My inheritance,” said Kāra. - -“Of what does it consist?” - -“I have fourteen rolls of ancient papyrus manuscript.” - -“Fourteen rolls?” cried Winston, trembling with sudden excitement. “Let -me see them, man--let me see them!” - -Kāra did not move. - -“I am going to Cairo,” said he. “Will you take me with you in your -boat?” - -“Yes; to be sure. Come to the boat at once.” - -“That is better,” declared the Egyptian. “You can then examine the -papyri at your leisure and determine whether they are of interest to -you.” - -He slowly arose to his feet and swung the sack across his shoulder. -Winston eagerly preceded him. The stifling heat was all forgotten. -Hatatcha’s unfortunate death was forgotten. A treasure had been -unearthed at last, and surely from fourteen manuscripts much important -information might be gleaned. - -On the deck of his dahabeah he glanced at the papyri with amazement. -Each one was perfectly preserved and unrolled without danger of -breaking. - -“Their condition is extraordinary!” he observed. “Where, did you say, -you found them?” - -“In a hollow of earth, covered by the rushes of Hatatcha’s couch.” - -Winston raised his head to look at the speaker closely. - -“Then they have not been there long, I am sure.” - -“That,” said Kāra, with a shrug, “is a matter of which I have no -knowledge.” - -The scientist carefully unrolled a manuscript. - -“This,” he said, musingly, “is a poem by the poet Pen-ta-urt. And it is -a composition I have never seen before.” - -He began reading it, and soon Kāra corrected him in a passage and -explained how he should properly translate it. Winston’s eyes sparkled. -This Egyptian really knew the hieroglyphics better than he did. His -assistance might be invaluable in some ways. Perhaps the man would prove -as remarkable a find as the manuscripts. - -The next writing was an address to his soldiers by Amenhotep III, on the -eve of his invasion of Syria. It was beautifully executed, and would -prove a valuable addition to the literature of the fifteenth century -before Christ. - -Far into the night Winston pored over the writings, finding in some -veritable treasures and in others little of worth save for their age and -beauty of execution. Still, as a collection, the fourteen rolls -constituted a remarkable library of ancient literature, and its -fortunate discoverer slept but little on that eventful night. - -Before daybreak the dahabeah was wheezing and puffing down stream on its -way to Cairo, and Kāra, who had slept well extended upon the deck, was -given a breakfast such as he had never before tasted. The fragrant -coffee was a revelation to him, and the chops and fruit made his eyes -sparkle; yet so sedate was the Egyptian’s demeanor that Winston was -unaware that his guest had never before eaten a properly prepared meal. - -The Englishman’s satisfaction this morning was so great that he also -bestowed upon Kāra one of his choicest cigars, and again the Egyptian -tasted a luxury hitherto unknown to him. - -While they were quietly enjoying their smoke Winston said: - -“Will you sell me the rolls?” - -“Yes,” replied Kāra. - -“I will give you a thousand Egyptian pounds for them. That, you know, is -about a hundred thousand piastres.” - -Kāra made a mental calculation and frowned darkly. - -“Perhaps it is not enough,” added Winston, quickly; “but on the other -hand it may be too much altogether. Until I have examined the writings -with more care I cannot value them accurately.” - -“I will accept your offer,” said the Egyptian, still frowning. “I am -sure it is fair, and even liberal. What annoys me is that I have made a -fool of myself.” - -“In what way?” - -“I purchased a girl yesterday, and paid three times what she is worth.” - -Winston smiled. - -“Do not let it bother you,” he said, in an amused tone. “Few women are -worth what they cost, believe me, and where their sex is concerned men -are often fools.” - -“My brother’s speech is wise,” returned the grave Kāra. “I will conceal -my annoyance, for some day I may be indemnified.” - -“Had Hatatcha any of the coins of Darius Hystaspes left?” inquired -Winston, after a moment’s thought. - -“Here are seven,” said the other, producing them. - -The Englishman was delighted. - -“I will pay you five pounds each for these,” said he. - -“Then they are yours,” declared Kāra. - -Afterward he showed the Englishman the bronze vase, which also changed -hands at a liberal purchase price. - -“And is this all?” asked Winston. - -“It is all,” said Kāra. - -“You will be rich, my brother. Here are ten pounds in English gold to -seal our bargain. After we arrive in Cairo I will take you to my banker -and transfer to your account the entire amount due you. You may draw -then upon the bank as you require your money, in any sums that suit your -convenience--so long as it lasts.” - -“I thank you,” replied the Egyptian. - -As they proceeded down the river, Kāra noted the spotless tunics and -trousers of the Arabs, who one and all regarded “the dirty Copt” with -open contempt. He also examined intently the Englishman’s dress. When -the boat tied up at Assyut to allow Winston to visit a friend who was -convalescent at the excellent hospital maintained there, Kāra walked -through the bazaars, and returned to the dahabeah bearing several bulky -packages. - -That night he bathed in the river while the others all lay asleep. -Afterward he stealthily transferred the contents of his turban to a -chamois bag, which he fastened around his neck. Then he flung the old -burnous and the turban overboard. - -In the morning they found the Egyptian transformed. He wore an English -shirt, with collar and necktie all of white, loose linen trousers that -were gathered at the ankles in Arab style, and over these a flowing -white burnous of spotless purity. Upon his head was a red fez; upon his -feet red slippers from Algiers; about his neck hung the massive chain of -the kings; upon his finger was his grandmother’s ring set with the -scarab of Ahtka-Rā. - -Winston was astonished, and gazed upon the Egyptian with approval. Then -his eye caught the chain, and he uttered an exclamation of wonder. - -“Where did you get it?” he asked, clutching at the chain to examine one -of its exquisitely engraved links. - -“It is also a part of my inheritance, but an heirloom that I dare not -part with,” returned Kāra. “It is the record of the kings, my ancestors, -from Mēnēs to Ahtka-Rā,” and he explained the meaning of the chain to -Winston, and assisted him to decipher some of the inscriptions upon the -heavy links. - -“But this is a priceless treasure!” exclaimed the savant, filled with -unbounded amazement at what he beheld. - -“It is proof of my contention that I am of royal blood,” answered the -other, proudly. “While I live I will not be separated from it.” - -“You are right,” agreed Winston, promptly; and from that moment he -entertained a new respect for this humble descendant of the ancient -rulers of Egypt. - -Not one of the manuscripts mentioned Ahtka-Rā; but the chain had at its -end the link of that astute leader of men, and his identity was thus -established beyond a doubt. The scarab, of unquestionable antiquity, was -likewise a proof that Kāra’s ancestor was a descendant of kings. -Immediately the young Egyptian became a person of consequence. - -Kāra now smoked cigarettes, having purchased several boxes at Assyut. -This was the most satisfactory luxury that attended his new condition, -and conspired, more than anything else, to render him pleased with his -lot. - -The dahabeah arrived in Cairo on the morning of the fourth day. - -Winston at once took a carriage and drove Kāra to the bank, where he -placed the sum agreed upon to the young Egyptian’s credit. Kāra, who -wrote English in a clear and delicate hand, was given a cheque book and -registered his signature as follows: “Prince Kāra.” - -“Residence?” inquired the banker. - -“I have just arrived, and am not yet located,” was the answer. -“To-morrow I will send you my address.” - -“Let me also know where you are to be found,” said Winston, “for I must -introduce you to the Egyptologists here.” - -Then he left his new acquaintance to drive post haste to the museum, -there to show his new-found treasures to his many friends. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -A STEP TOWARD THE GOAL. - - -Kāra wandered about the streets. Cairo is a marvel to the most blasé -traveler; it could not fail to impress an inexperienced native. But the -Egyptian masked the astonishment under an expression cold and reserved -and a manner dignified and undemonstrative. No one must suspect he was -fresh from the desert and the Nile country. The shops of the jewelers -especially attracted his attention, and he stopped many times to examine -the splendid gems displayed in the windows. Some were priced, and he -wondered at their value. It is said that no capital in the world -contains so many rare and costly gems as Cairo. - -In the evening he crossed the great bridge of Isma’il Pasha to the -island of Gizireh, staring at the procession of carriages, camels, -automobiles and donkeys that at twilight followed on one another’s -heels. In the carriages and automobiles rode Syrians, Turks, Copts and -Arabs, clothed in conventional European dress, save for the red fez -everywhere prevalent. The burnous and native dress had been abandoned by -these aristocrats, and this met with Kāra’s full approval. He was not -averse to innovations upon the ancient customs in which he had been -reared. If the dominant people of his country and age were English, then -the manners and customs of the English should be adopted by those who -wished to compete with them in importance. - -Also he began to understand that it is more dignified to ride than to -walk. At Gizireh he hailed a carriage and in it returned across the -bridge, avoiding the dust and heat and mingling with a procession of -beautifully costumed women and handsomely dressed men. His own costume -was poor enough in comparison, but his magnificent chain drew the eye of -more than one curious observer. - -And now Cairo was ablaze with lights, and the population seemed gathered -upon the sidewalks before the cafés and restaurants. Kāra discovered -that he was hungry. He dismissed his carriage and seated himself at one -of the outdoor tables, ordering liberal refreshment. Opposite him sat a -young English girl with a vacant-faced man for escort. Kāra, as he ate, -examined this girl critically, for she was the first of her class he had -seen at close range. Her dress was dainty and beautiful; but she was not -fat at all. She was vivacious, and talked and laughed with unrestrained -liberty. She seemed to imagine herself on an equality with the man -beside her, who, despite his inanity, was still a man. Altogether, Kāra -was disappointed in her, although his grandmother had warned him that -the training of European women imbued them with peculiar ideas, to which -he must defer in his association with them. - -As he watched the girl, Nephthys rose several degrees in Kāra’s -estimation. Nephthys was certainly - -[Illustration: In the evening he crossed the great bridge of Isma’il -Pasha to the island of Gizireh] - -fat and soft of flesh, and she did not talk much. The possession of such -a woman was quite desirable, and perhaps he had not paid an extravagant -price for Nephthys after all. These independent, chattering Western -women must be tolerated, however, until he had accomplished his mission; -so it would be well to begin at once to study their ways. - -Presently someone touched his shoulder familiarly, causing Kāra to -shrink back with an indignant gesture. Tadros, the dragoman, stood -smilingly beside him, more gorgeously arrayed than ever. Tadros was in -an excellent humor. He had not been obliged to take his roll of papyrus -to the museum for a market, but had disposed of it to a private -collector for a price far exceeding his expectations, which had not been -too modest. Altogether he had made an excellent trade, and there might -be other pickings in this unsophisticated fellow-townsman of his, whose -very presence in Cairo was warrant that he had money to part with. - -Before accosting Kāra the dragoman had observed the change in his -appearance and demeanor. The former recluse was no longer disgustingly -filthy, but seemed clean in person and was gowned in a snowy and -respectable burnous. The objectionable turban had given place to the -fez; the red slippers were of excellent morocco. Best of all, the chain -around his neck was rich and heavy and of remarkable workmanship. Kāra -was not only presentable, but his manner was dignified and well bred. - -All this indicated suddenly acquired wealth--that mysterious old -Hatatcha must have left to her grandson much more than the papyrus -rolls; and although Kāra might endeavor to be secret and -uncommunicative, he was bound to betray himself before very long. Now -was the heated term, and even gay Cairo was listless and enervated. The -dragoman would have ample leisure to pick this bone skilfully before the -tourist season arrived. - -Kāra’s first angry exclamation was followed by a word of greeting. He -was glad Tadros had found him, for as yet he had secured no place of -residence, and the bigness of the city somewhat bewildered him in spite -of his assumed reserve. - -The dragoman agreed to take him to a respectable rooming-house much -frequented by Copts of the better class. When they had arrived there, -Kāra’s guide made a mystic sign to the proprietor, who promptly charged -his new guest double the usual rate, and obtained it because the -Egyptian was unaware he was being robbed. The room assigned him was a -simply furnished, box-like affair; yet Kāra had never before occupied an -apartment so luxurious. He examined the door with care and was pleased -to find that it was supplied with a stout bolt as well as a lock and -key. - -“Now,” said the dragoman, “it is yet early; we have barely crossed the -edge of the evening. I will take you to the theatre to see the dancing -girls, and later to a house where they wager money upon a singular and -interesting game of red and black. We can afterward eat our supper at a -restaurant and listen to a fine band composed of Hungarian gypsies. How -will that suit you?” - -“Not at all,” replied Kāra, coldly. “I am going to bed. Be here to -receive my orders at seven o’clock in the morning.” - -Tadros fairly gasped with astonishment. - -“Seven o’clock is too early,” he said, a little sullenly. “The city is -asleep at that hour.” - -“When does it awaken?” - -“Well, the shops are open at about nine.” - -“Come to me, then, at nine. Good night.” - -This summary dismissal was a severe disappointment to the dragoman, yet -he had no alternative but to take his leave. Strange that Kāra had -refused the dancing girls and the game table; but perhaps he was really -tired. Tadros must not expect too much from his innocent at first. - -At nine o’clock the next morning he found that the young Egyptian had -breakfasted and was impatiently awaiting him. - -“Take me to the leading jeweler in town,” said Kāra. - -The dragoman frowned, but presently brightened again and took his -employer to a second-rate shop, where his commissions were assured. - -“Not here,” said Kāra. “I have seen much better shops.” - -Tadros tried again, but with no better success; so he altered his plans -and took Kāra direct to Andalaft’s, trusting to luck to exact a -commission afterward. - -“Now, then,” said he, briskly, “what shall we examine first?” - -But Kāra ignored him, asking to see the proprietor in private. Mr. -Andalaft graciously consented to the interview, and when the Egyptian -entered the great jeweler’s private room Tadros was left outside. - -Kāra laid a splendid ruby upon the merchant’s table. The latter pounced -upon it with an eager exclamation. - -“It is very old,” said the Egyptian. “Tell me, sir, is there any one in -Cairo who can recut it in the modern fashion?” - -“But it will be a shame to alter this exquisite gem,” protested -Andalaft. “It is the square, flat cutting of the ancients, and shows the -stone to be absolutely pure and flawless. Such specimens are rare in -these days. Let it alone.” - -Kāra shook his head with positiveness. - -“I must have it recut,” said he, “and by the best man obtainable.” - -“Ah, that is Van der Veen, the Hollander. He does all my important work. -But Van der Veen will himself argue against the desecration. He is a man -of judgment.” - -“Where can I find him?” asked the prince. - -The merchant reflected. - -“I will give you a letter to him,” said he. “If the stone must be recut, -I want Van der Veen to do it himself. He has three sons who are all -expert workmen, but no one in the world can excel the father.” - -He wrote the note, addressed it, and gave it to Kāra. Then he again -picked up the ruby and examined it. - -“If you would but sell it,” he suggested, with hesitation, “I could -secure for you a liberal price. The Khedive has placed with me an order -for a necklace of the ancient Egyptian gems; but in two years I have -been unable to secure more than three stones, none of which compare with -this in size or beauty. Allow me.” - -He opened a drawer and displayed the three antique stones--two emeralds -and an amethyst. Kāra smiled, and putting his hand in a pocket -underneath his burnous, he drew out five more rubies, but little -inferior in size to the one he had first shown. - -“Tell me,” said he, “what price you will pay for these, to add to the -Khedive’s necklace.” - -Andalaft was amazed, but concealed his joy and eagerness as much as -possible. Carefully he examined the gems under a glass and then weighed -each one in his scales. - -“I will give you,” said he, after figuring a little, “four hundred -pounds for the five stones.” - -Kāra shrugged his shoulders and picked up the rubies. - -“That may be the price for ordinary gems,” he remarked; “but their age -and cutting give these an added value. I am holding them at eight -hundred pounds.” - -The merchant smiled. - -“It is easy to understand,” said he, with politeness, “that you are a -connoisseur of precious stones; but, because you love the antique, your -partiality induces you to place an undue value upon your rubies. Come! -let us say six hundred.” - -“I will not bargain,” returned the Egyptian; “nor do I urge you to buy. -If you cannot afford to pay my price I will keep the rubies,” and he -made a motion to gather them up. - -“Stay!” exclaimed the jeweler. “What does it matter? The Khedive wishes -them, and I must make the sacrifice for his pleasure.” - -With a hand he vainly endeavored to render steady he wrote a check for -the sum demanded, and Kāra took it and went away. Andalaft had made an -excellent bargain; yet the Egyptian, for all his cleverness, did not -know that he had been victimized. - -At the house of the diamond-cutter, on a quiet side street at the lower -end of the Mouski, Kāra had a long interview with Van der Veen and his -three sons. As a result they agreed, after examining the magnificent -diamonds shown them, to devote their exclusive services to Prince Kāra -for a full year, he promising to keep them busy with the work of -recutting his collection of ancient gems. - -Afterward he sent Tadros with notes to Gerald Winston and the banker, -informing them of his temporary address, as he had promised. Then he had -an excellent luncheon and smoked a Cuban cigar. In the afternoon he -followed his imploring dragoman into several shops where he made simple -purchases, and returned early to his hotel to find Winston impatiently -awaiting him. - -“You must accompany me at once to see my friend Professor Daressy, with -whom I am already disputing concerning the new papyri. He is much -interested in your method of interpreting the manuscripts, but requires -a better proof of its accuracy than I can give him. Will you come?” - -“It will give me pleasure,” answered Kāra--he drove with Winston to the -curator’s house. His knowledge of the hieroglyphics was well founded, -and he was not averse to an argument with the two savants. Indeed, they -found his explanations so clear and concise that they were equally -amazed and delighted. - -The Egyptian dined with them in a private room, where the discussion -could not be interrupted, and it was late in the evening when he -returned thoughtfully to his own humble lodging. - -“Tadros,” said he, “find me a comfortable house in a good part of the -city. Something like that of Professor Daressy will do.” - -“It will cost a lot of money,” objected the dragoman. - -“Never mind; I will pay the price,” returned the prince, haughtily. - -So the next day Tadros rented a furnished house near the Ezbekieh -Gardens for twelve hundred piastres a month, and charged Kāra two -thousand piastres for it. The prince moved in, and for three or four -weeks devoted himself to watching the Van der Veens recut his treasures, -to long conversations with those Egyptologists who were spending the -heated term in Cairo, and to a study of the collection of ancient relics -in the great museum which Maspero had founded under Said Pasha. -Incidentally he observed the social life and manners of those with whom -he came in contact, and acquired a polish of his own in a surprisingly -short period. - -At the end of the month he returned to Fedah, taking his dragoman with -him. Tadros went without protest, for he was making excellent profits -from his old-time friend and had perfected a system of robbery that -almost doubled Prince Kāra’s expenses. - -They traveled by train and crossed the river in a boat, arriving in the -evening at the tiny village. Tadros carried Kāra’s large traveling case -and walked behind him, as was fitting in a paid retainer. - -And so they entered the narrow street of the village, where all the -dozen or so inhabitants stood in their doorways to stare and nod gravely -at their returned fellow-citizens. - -Kāra bade his dragoman leave the luggage in his own dwelling and seek a -lodging for himself with old Nefert or Amenka. He then walked on to -where Sĕra and her daughter awaited him. - -He pinched Nephthys’ fat cheeks, felt of her round bare arms, and -finally kissed her lips, declaring that she was steadily improving in -condition and would put to shame many of the women of Cairo. - -Nephthys allowed the caresses listlessly, her eyes only brightening -slightly when the gaily dressed dragoman came near and stood watching -the proceedings. He wore a green jacket with gold embroidery to-day, and -the girl observed it with evident approval. - -“I sold her too cheaply, Kāra,” remarked the dragoman, stroking his thin -mustache reflectively. - -“In that I do not agree with you,” answered Kāra. - -“I will pay double the price for her return,” said Tadros. - -“The girl is not for sale. And see here, my man, keep your hands off her -while you are in Fedah, or I will be obliged to kill you.” - -“Never fear; I know my duties,” replied the dragoman, turning on his -heel. It would not be wise to offend Kāra just now. The bone was not yet -picked. - -Nephthys put on her spangled gown and sat upon Kāra’s knee, while her -mother brought cakes and milk for their refreshment. Kāra threw a chain -of beads over the girl’s head, and she laughed for very pleasure. Sĕra -felt of the beads and counted them. They were blue, and had cost five -piastres, but the two women were delighted with them and would enjoy -their possession for many days. - -It was late when Kāra left Sĕra’s hut. - -“In the winter,” said he, “I will doubtless come for the girl and take -her to Cairo. Then you shall have the rest of your money. Meantime, here -is backshish to console you.” - -He gave her a piece of gold--the first she had ever possessed--and went -away to his dwelling. - -“Nephthys,” said the mother, “I am proud of you. You have made us both -rich!” - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -HIS GRANDMOTHER’S MUMMY. - - -When Fedah seemed asleep, Kāra took the lamp and the bronze dagger from -their hiding place and swung back the stone in the rear wall, passing -through into the mountain cavern. Then, replacing the stone, he made his -way along the crevice, through the circular rock door into the arched -passage, and down the latter to the mummy chamber. - -Here he removed the lid of Hatatcha’s mummy case and carefully dusted -the interior. The forty days were ended. The case might have its -occupant before morning. - -Within the splendidly carven casket Kāra found an oblong green stone, -with polished flat surfaces. On one of these surfaces was the cartouche -of Ahtka-Rā, as follows: - -[Illustration: hyroglyphic cartouche] - -The Egyptian examined this relic carefully and placed it in his pocket. -It was the emerald that Hatatcha had promised the dwarf Sebbet in -payment for embalming her body. How Andalaft’s eyes would sparkle could -he but see this wonder! - -But this thought reminded Kāra that he was loitering. He picked up his -lamp and went to the mummy of Ahtka-Rā, sliding back the slab of -malachite and descending through the opening to the treasure chamber -hidden below. - -His first act was to inventory carefully the contents of the twelve -great vases that stood upon their alabaster pedestals. From these vases -he abstracted choice specimens of emeralds, sapphires, diamonds and -rubies, filling with them several small leathern sacks he had brought -concealed upon his person. Perhaps he had taken a fortune in this -careless manner; but so vast was the treasure that the contents of the -vases seemed scarcely disturbed. - -In one of the numerous jars resting upon the granite floor, and which -had doubtless been added to the hoard at a much later period than that -of Ahtka-Rā, the Egyptian found a quantity of pearls of a size and -quality that rendered them almost peerless among the treasures of the -world. The jar contained a full quart, and Kāra took them all. At the -moment he did not comprehend their value, although Hatatcha had told him -that a single one of these pearls would be sufficient to ransom a -kingdom. - -The gems he had already secured were enough to weigh heavily upon his -person; but Kāra was greedy. He examined the contents of many jars and -vases, choosing here and there a jewel that appealed to his fancy, and -adding to his selection a number of exquisite ornaments of wrought -gold; but at last he was forced to admit that he had taken enough from -the treasure chamber to answer his present purposes, and so he -reluctantly returned to the vault above. - -As he closed the slab, his eye fell upon a strange jewel set in the -mummy case of Ahtka-Rā. It was surrounded by a protecting band of chased -gold, and sparkled under the rays of Kāra’s lamp in a manner that -distinguished it from any of the thousands of other gems that literally -covered the mummy case of the great Egyptian; for at first this odd -jewel had a dark steely lustre, which changed while Kāra’s eyes rested -upon it to a rich transparent orange, and then to an opal ground with -tongues of flame running through it. A moment later the color had faded -to a dull gray, which gradually took on a greenish tinge. - -Kāra set down the lamp and pried the stone from its setting with the -point of his dagger, placing it afterward in a secure inner pocket of -his robe. As he did so, a golden bust of Isis that stood upon the mummy -case toppled and fell to the pavement, and from a hollow underneath the -bust rolled a small manuscript of papyrus. This Kāra took also, and -replaced the bust in its former position. His nerves must have been of -iron, for the uncanny incident had not even startled him. - -Now he made his way back to the entrance and along the passage, finally -emerging with his treasure into the room that had been his former -dwelling-place. All was silent and dark. A mild bray from the blind -Nikko’s donkey was occasionally heard, and at times the far-away hoot -of a desert owl; but those within the village seemed steeped in slumber. - -Kāra divided his burden by placing the greater part in his traveling -case, which he locked securely. Then he reclined upon the rushes and was -about to compose himself to sleep when the mat across the archway was -thrust aside and Sebbet entered. - -“I am here, most royal one!” he announced. - -Kāra sat up. - -“And my grandmother?” he inquired. - -“Here also, my prince. Ah, how natural is Hatatcha! You will be -delighted. It is a skilful and almost perfect piece of work, even though -I praise my own craft in saying so.” - -With these words the dwarf led in the donkey. Upon its back was the form -of a swaddled mummy, which was bound to a flat plank to hold it rigidly -extended. - -“I will show you the face,” continued Sebbet, in an eager tone, as he -lifted the mummy and placed it upon the ground. - -“Do not trouble yourself,” said Kāra. “I will look upon my grandmother -at my leisure. The night is waning. Take your price and go your way.” - -He handed the dwarf the emerald, holding the lamp, which he had -relighted, while Sebbet examined the stone with great care. - -“Yes; it is the great emerald with the cartouche of Ahtka-Rā,” said the -embalmer, in a low, grave voice. “Osiris be praised that at last it is -my own! Hatatcha was a wise woman, and she kept her word.” - -Kāra extinguished the light, but the moon was shining and sent some of -its rays through the arch to relieve the gloom. - -“Good-night,” said he. - -The dwarf stood still, thinking deeply. Finally he said, glancing at the -mummy: - -“Where will my old friend repose?” - -“It is her secret,” returned the prince, brusquely. “She trusted you not -to ask questions.” - -“And yourself? Will you not wish to be mummified when your course is -run?” - -Kāra laughed. - -“Ah, my Sebbet, are you immortal?” he asked. “Do you expect to live to -embalm all the generations? You made a mummy of my great-grandmother and -of my grandmother. Your hairs are now white. Be content, and think upon -your own future.” - -“That has already occupied my mind,” answered the dwarf, quietly. -“Farewell, then, prince of a royal line. Your ancestors thought first of -the tomb, then of the life preceding it. You are indulging in life, with -no thought of the tomb and the resurrection. It is the new order of -things, the trend of a civilization that forgets its dead and hides the -silent ones in the earth, that they may putrify and decay and become -mere dust. Very well; the age is yours, not mine. May Osiris guide thy -life, my prince!” - -He turned to his donkey and led the ghost-like animal out into the -night. Kāra stood still, and in a moment he could hear their footsteps -no longer. - -Then he secured the mat before the arch and for a second time swung back -the stone in the wall. This done, he felt in the dusk for the mummy of -Hatatcha, and lifting it in his arms, bore it through the opening and -replaced the stone. The body was heavy, and he panted as he paused to -light his lamp. - -It was nearly an hour before Kāra, weary and perspiring, finally -deposited the mummy of his grandmother beside its elaborately -constructed case. He then unfastened the straps that bound it to the -board, and by exercising great care succeeded in placing the body in its -coffin without breaking or injuring it. Next he removed the outer strips -of linen that swathed the head until the outlines of Hatatcha’s face -showed clearly through its mask of tightly drawn bandages. Then he stood -aside, and holding up the lamp, gazed long and earnestly upon the calm -features. - -“I promised,” he murmured, “here to repeat my oath: That I will show no -mercy to any one of Lord Roane’s family; that I will hunt them down, -every one, as a tiger hunts his prey, and crush and humble them in the -eyes of all men; that not one shall finally escape my vengeance, and -that all shall know in the end that it was Hatatcha who destroyed them. -So be it. By Āmen-Rā, the Sun-God who gave me being; by Ahtka-Rā, whose -blood now courses through my veins; by my hope of peace on earth and in -the life to come, I swear that Hatatcha’s will shall be obeyed!” - -His voice was cold and even of tone; his face grave, but unmoved. He -placed his hand upon the breast of the mummy and repeated the mystic -sign he had used at her death-bed. This done, he raised the heavy carved -lid of the case and placed it in position. - - * * * * * - -Next morning Kāra gave Nephthys a kiss and returned across the river on -his way to Cairo. The dragoman carried the traveling bag and grumbled at -its weight. He was in a bad humor. It is all very well to make money, -and Kāra is a veritable mine; but had Tadros realized that Nephthys was -so fat and flabby, it would have required much more than a roll of -papyrus to induce him to part with her. True, he had managed, while her -master was asleep, to stealthily meet the girl and embrace her; but he -lacked the satisfaction that exists in proprietorship. One should be -careful about selling young women. They are like untried camels--liable -to develop unexpected and valuable qualities. - -These reflections engrossed the dragoman all the way to Cairo; but there -were other things to demand his attention. Prince Kāra announced his -intention of taking the next steamer to Naples, and then traveling to -Paris and London. He asked Tadros to accompany him. - -“But that is impossible!” was the reply. “I am a dragoman of Egypt, the -chief of my profession, a guide unequaled for knowledge, intelligence -and fidelity in all the land! But take me away from my own country, and -what am I? Take me from the poor tourists, and what will become of -them?” - -“I need you in Europe, to do things in my service that I would not dare -propose to anyone else. I believe,” said the prince, coolly, “that you -are an unprincipled scoundrel. You lie easily and without hesitation; -you rob me cheerfully every day that you are in my employ; you have no -conscience and no morality, except that you are afraid of the law. I -have studied your character with care, and I have estimated it aright.” - -Tadros first looked shame-faced, then humble, then indignant. - -“By every god of Egypt,” he cried, earnestly, “I am an honest man!” - -“That is proof of my assertion to the contrary,” replied the unmoved -Kāra. “Now, I need a scoundrel to assist me, and you are the man of my -choice. Continue to fleece me, if you like; I do not mind. But if you -serve me faithfully in some delicate matters that will soon require my -attention, I will make you the richest dragoman alive, so that Raschid -and the Haieks will all turn green with envy. On the other hand, should -you choose to betray me, you will not require riches, for the nether -world has no commerce.” - -Tadros thought it over. - -“We are Egyptians,” he said, at last. “Your enemies are equally mine. -Very well; command and I will obey. Are you not a prince of my people? -And why should I ever wish to betray you?” - -“Because wise men sometimes become fools. In your case a lapse from -wisdom means death. Others may bribe you with an equal amount of money, -but I alone will exact the penalty for betrayal. I think you will remain -wise.” - -“Ah, that is certain, my prince!” declared Tadros, with conviction. - -And so Kāra sailed from Alexandria, taking with him the great diamonds -which the Van der Veens had already recut, the wonderful pearls which no -eye but his had yet beheld, and the priceless treasures of Ahtka-Rā. - -The dragoman followed him, humble and obedient. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -ANETH. - - -Charles Consinor, ninth Earl of Roane, was considerably discouraged at -the moment when Luke the butler placed the big blue government envelope -upon his table, thoughtfully leaving it at the top of the daily heap of -missives from impatient creditors. - -During a gay and dissipated life, his lordship had seen the ample -fortune left him by his father gradually melt away, until now, in his -old age, he found it difficult to secure sufficient funds to enable him -to maintain a respectable position in the world. He had been ably -assisted in his extravagances by his only son, the Viscount Roger -Consinor, who for twenty years past had performed his full share in -dissipating the family fortunes. - -Aside from their mutual prodigality, however, the two men had little in -common. The father was reckless, open-handed and careless of -consequences, indulging himself frankly in such dissipations as most men -are careful to hide. The son was reserved and sullen, and posed as a man -eminently respectable, confining his irregularities mainly to the gaming -table. Between them they had loaded the estates with mortgages and sold -every stick and stone that could be sold. At last the inevitable -happened and they faced absolute ruin. - -There seemed no way out of their difficulties. The viscount had -unfortunately married a wife with no resources whatever, although her -family connections were irreproachable. The poor viscountess had been a -confirmed invalid ever since her baby girl was born, some eighteen years -before, and was merely tolerated in the big, half-ruined London mansion, -being neglected alike by her husband and her father-in-law, who had both -come to look upon her as a useless incumbrance. More than that, they -resented the presence of a young, awkward girl in the house, and for -that reason banished Aneth at twelve to a girl’s school in Cheshire, -where she had remained, practically forgotten, until her eighteenth -year. Then the lady preceptress shipped her home because her tuition fee -was not promptly paid. - -Aneth found her mother so confirmed in the selfish habits of the -persistent invalid, that the girl’s society, fresh and cheery though it -proved, only irritated her nerves. She found her father, the morose -viscount, absolutely indifferent and unresponsive to her desire to be -loved and admitted into his companionship. But old Lord Roane, her -grandfather, had still a weakness for a pretty face, and Aneth was -certainly pretty. Moreover, she was sweet and pure and maidenly, and no -one was better able to admire and appreciate such qualities than the -worn-out roué whose life had been mainly spent in the society of light -women. So he took the girl to his evil old heart, and loved her, and -tried to prevent her discovering how unworthy he was of her affection. -The love for his granddaughter became the one unselfish, honest love of -his life, and it assisted wonderfully in restoring in him some portion -of his long-lost self-respect. - -Aneth, finding no other friend in the gloomy establishment that was now -her home, soon became devoted, in turn, to her grandsire, and although -she was shrewd enough, in spite of her inexperience, to realize that his -life had been, and still was, somewhat coarse and dissipated, she fondly -imagined that her influence would, to an extent, reclaim him--which it -actually did, but only to an extent. - -There was little concealment in the family circle as to the state of -their finances. Father and son quarreled openly about the division of -what little money could be raised on the overburdened estates, and the -girl was not long in realizing the difficulties of their position. If -the viscount had nothing to gamble with, he became insufferable and -almost brutal in his manner; if Lord Roane could not afford to dine at -the club and amuse himself afterward, he was irritable and abusive to -all with whom he came in contact, save only his granddaughter. The -household expenses were matters of credit, and the wages of the servants -were greatly in arrears. - -And so, when the affairs of the family had become well-nigh desperate, -the big blue envelope with the government stamp arrived, and like magic -all their difficulties dissolved. - -A newly appointed cabinet minister--a man whom Lord Roane had reason to -consider an enemy rather than a friend--had for some surprising and -unknown reason interested himself in Roane’s behalf, and the result was -a diplomatic post for him in Egypt under Lord Cromer, and a position for -the viscount in the Egyptian Department of Finance. The appointments -were lucrative and honorable, and indicated the Government’s perfect -confidence in both father and son. - -Lord Roane was astounded. Never would he have dared demand such -consideration, and to have these honors thrust upon him at a time when -they would practically rescue his name and fortune from ruin was almost -unbelievable. - -He accepted the appointment with alacrity, joyful at the prospect of a -winter in gay Cairo. Roger shared his father’s felicity, because the -gaming in the oriental city would be more fascinating than that of -London, where people had begun to frown when he entered a room. The -invalid viscountess hoped Egypt would benefit her health. Aneth welcomed -any change from the horrible condition in which they had existed -latterly. - -“Grandfather,” said she, gravely, “our gracious Queen has given to you -and to my father positions of great trust. I am sure that you will -personally do your duty loyally, and with credit to our honored name; -but I’m afraid for father. Will you promise me to keep him from -card-playing and urge him to lead a more reputable life?” - -“Phoo! Nonsense, child. Roger will behave himself, I am sure, now that -he will have important duties to occupy him. The Minister of Finance -will keep him busy, never fear, and he will have neither time nor -inclination for folly. Don’t worry, little one. Our fortunes have -changed; we shall now be able to pay the butcher and baker and -candlestick-maker, and there is little doubt the Consinors will speedily -become the pride of the nation. Ahem! Tell Luke, my dear, to fetch my -brandy and soda as you go out. And, stay! Remember, we are to leave -London on the fourth of October and you must have both your mother and -yourself ready to depart promptly. I depend upon you, Aneth.” - -She kissed him and went away without further comment, reflecting, with a -sigh, that her fears and warnings were alike unheeded. - -Lord Roane, left to himself, began wondering anew to what whim of fate -he owed his good fortune. Really, there seemed no clue to the mystery. - -It was a complicated matter, even to one on the inside, so it is no -wonder the old nobleman failed to comprehend it. - -Many years ago the cabinet minister and Lord Roane had been intimate -friends; then the former fell madly in love with a little Egyptian -princess who was the rage of the London season, and sought her hand in -marriage. Roane also became enamored of the beautiful Hatatcha, and went -so far as to apply for a divorce from his wife, that he might wed her. -The fascinating Egyptian, guileless of European customs and won by the -masterful ardor of Roane, chose him from among all her suitors, and -casting aside the honest love of Roane’s friend, fell unconsciously into -the trap set for her and became the mistress of the man who promised her -such rare devotion. Presently, however, the heartless roué tired of his -easy conquest and carelessly thrust her aside, although the divorce for -which he had applied on false representations had now been granted, and -he was free to marry his victim had he so wished. - -All London was indignant at his act at the time, and no one was more -enraged than Roane’s former friend. He searched everywhere for the -Egyptian princess when Hatatcha fled from London to hide her shame, and -on his return from the unsuccessful quest, he quarreled with Roane and -would have killed him had not mutual friends interposed. - -Time had, of course, seared all these old wounds, although the hatred -between the two men would endure to the grave. The betrayer was careless -of criticism and wealthy enough to defy it. The man who had truly loved -was broken-hearted, and from that time avoided all society and -especially that of women. But he plunged into politics for diversion, -and in that field won for himself such honor and renown in future years -that at last he became a member of Her Majesty’s cabinet, second in -power only to the Premier himself. - -Thus Prince Kāra found him. The Egyptian had only to use the magic name -of Hatatcha to secure a private audience with the great man, who -listened quietly while Kāra demanded vengeance upon his grandmother’s -betrayer. - -“In England,” said the minister, “there is no vendetta. The rage I -fostered thirty-odd years ago, when my heart was wrung with despair, has -long since worn itself out. Time evens up these old scores without human -interference. Roane is to-day on the verge of ruin. His only son is a -confirmed gambler. Their race is nearly run, and the gray hairs of -Hatatcha’s false lover will go dishonored to the grave. Is that not -enough?” - -“By no means,” returned Prince Kāra, with composure. “They must be made -to suffer as my grandmother suffered, but with added agony for the years -of impunity that have elapsed. It was her will--the desire of her long, -miserable life. Will you, her old friend, deny her right to be avenged?” - -A flood of resentment swept into the heart of the listener. Years may -sear a wound; but if it is deep, the scar remains. - -“What do you ask of me?” he answered. - -Before replying, Kāra reflected for some time, his eyes steadily fixed -upon the floor. - -“Are there no women in Lord Roane’s family?” he asked, finally. - -“There are two, I believe--his son’s wife, who is an invalid, and his -granddaughter.” - -“Ah!” The long-drawn exclamation was one of triumphant satisfaction. -Again the Egyptian relapsed into thought, and the minister was growing -impatient when his strange visitor at last spoke. - -“Sir,” said he, “you ask me what you can do to assist me. I will tell -you. Obtain for Lord Roane a diplomatic post in Cairo, under Lord -Cromer. Obtain some honorable place for his son as well. That will take -the entire family to Egypt--my own country.” - -“Well?” - -“In London there is no vendetta. Crimes that the law cannot reach are -allowed to go unpunished. In Egypt we are Nature’s children. No false -civilization glosses our wrongs or denies our right to protect our -honor. I implore you, my lord, as you respect the memory of poor -Hatatcha, to send Lord Roane and his family to Egypt.” - -“I will,” said the minister, with stern brow. - -And so it was that the Government remembered old Lord Roane, and -likewise his illustrious son, the Viscount Roger Consinor, and sent them -to Egypt on missions of trust. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -LORD CROMER’S RECEPTION. - - -It was but natural that Lord Cromer, with his intense loyalty to the -home Government, should endeavor to show every honor to the latest -recipients of Her Majesty’s favor. He gave a splendid dinner to Lord -Roane and his family, which was followed by a reception attended by -nearly every important personage then in Cairo. - -At the dinner Gerald Winston was introduced to Aneth Consinor, and had -the good fortune to be selected to escort her to the table. She won the -big Englishman with the first glance from her clear, innocent eyes, and -he was delighted to find that she conversed easily and with intelligence -upon the themes that most interested him. - -Winston knew something of the reputation of Lord Roane at home, and -remembered not only his intrigue with the Egyptian princess in his -youth, but the gossip of many more recent escapades that were distinctly -unsavory. He had also heard whispers concerning his son, the viscount, -that served to cast more or less discredit upon a name already sadly -tarnished; but no one could look into Aneth’s candid eyes without being -convinced that she was innocent of the sins of her fathers. Winston -exonerated her at once of any possible contamination from such sources, -rejoicing exultantly that the English maiden was unconscious of the -smirch of her environments. However, as he listened to the girl’s bright -chatter, an incongruous thought struck him and made him frown -involuntarily. He remembered that she was a cousin--on the left hand, to -be sure, but no less an unrecognized second cousin--to that dirty -Egyptian whom he had lately discovered under the palms of Fedah, and who -had since, by an astonishing evolution, become Prince Kāra. Lord Roane -was grandfather to them both. It was not Aneth’s fault--perhaps she -would never know of the illicit relationship; but his own knowledge of -the fact rendered him uneasy for her sake, and he began to wish she had -never been allowed to set foot in Egypt. - -But here she was, and apparently very happy and contented by his side. - -“Perhaps I am wrong in my estimate of Cleopatra,” she was saying; “but -the inscriptions on the temple at Dendera seem to prove her to have been -religious and high-minded to a degree. Perhaps it is Shakespeare’s -romance of Antony and Cleopatra that has poisoned our minds as to the -character of a noble woman.” - -“Have you been to Dendera?” he asked; “and can you read the -inscriptions?” - -“I have penetrated into Egypt no farther than Cairo, Mr. Winston,” she -responded, with a laugh; “therefore my acquaintance with the temples is -confined to what I have read. But at my school was a teacher -passionately fond of Egyptology, and around her she gathered a group of -girls whom she inspired with a similar love for the subject. We have -read everything we could procure that might assist us in our studies, -and--don’t laugh, sir!--I can even write hieroglyphics a bit myself.” - -“That is quite simple,” said he, smiling; “but can you decipher and -translate the sign language?” - -“No; so many individual signs mean so many different things, and it is -so impossible to decide whether the inscription begins to read from -right to left, or in the middle, or up or down!” - -“That may well puzzle more experienced heads than yours, Miss Consinor,” -said he. “Indeed, I know of but one man living who reads the -hieroglyphics unerringly.” - -“And who is that?” she asked, with eager interest. - -He bit his lip, blaming himself for the thoughtless slip of his tongue. -Nothing should induce him to mention Kāra by name to this girl. - -“A native whom I recently met,” he answered, evasively. “But tell me, -are you not going to make the Nile trip?” - -“I hope so, when my grandfather has time to take me; but he says his new -duties will require all his present attention, and unfortunately they -are connected with the new works in the Delta rather than with upper -Egypt.” She glanced across at Lord Roane, who was conversing lightly -with two high dignitaries, and his eyes followed hers. “But won’t you -tell me something of your own experiences in the Nile country?” she -asked. “I am told you are a very great discoverer, and have lately -unearthed a number of priceless ancient papyri.” - -“They are interesting,” returned Winston, modestly, “but not so -extraordinary as to deserve your comment. Indeed, Miss Consinor, -although I have been many years in Egypt, engaged in quiet explorations, -I cannot claim to have added much to the vast treasures that have been -accumulated.” - -“But His Grace the Khedive has made you a Bey,” she persisted. - -He laughed frankly and without affectation. - -“The Khedive has this cheerful way of rewarding those who will spend -their money to make his ancient domain famous,” he replied. “Beys are as -plentiful in Egypt as are counts in France.” - -“But you have made _some_ discoveries, I am sure. The wonderful papyri, -for instance--where did you find them?” - -“I bought them, Miss Consinor, with good English money.” - -She appeared disappointed, but brightened a moment later. - -“At least it was you who discovered and excavated the birth-house at Kom -Ombos. I have read your article concerning it in the _Saturday Review_.” - -“Then you know all about it,” said he. “But see; nearly opposite us is -the great Maspero himself--the man who has done more for Egypt than all -the rest of us combined. Does he not look the savant? Let me tell you -something of his most important work.” - -Here was a subject he could talk on fluently and with fervor, and she -listened as attentively as he could desire. - -After dinner they repaired to the great hall of the palace, to -participate in the reception. Lord Cromer was soon gracefully greeting -his guests and presenting them to Lord Roane, Viscount Consinor and the -Honorable Aneth Consinor. - -Gerald Winston, standing at a distance from the group, gave an -involuntary shiver as he saw Prince Kāra brought forward and presented. - -Lord Roane greeted the Egyptian with the same cordiality he had bestowed -uniformly upon his host’s other guests. Why should he not? Only Winston, -silently observant in the background, knew their relationship--except -Kāra. Yes; Kāra knew, for he had said so that day beneath the palms of -Fedah. But now his demeanor was grave and courteous, and his countenance -composed and inscrutable. - -Aneth smiled upon the handsome native as he passed slowly on to give -place to others. - -Kāra, who now affected European dress, wore the conventional evening -costume; but he was distinguished by the massive and curious chain that -hung from his neck, as well as by a unique gem that he wore upon a -finger of his left hand. It had no real color, yet it attracted every -eye as surely as if it possessed a subtile magnetism that was -irresistible. No one saw it in the same aspect, for one declared it -blue, another gray, a third brown and the next one green. But all agreed -that it had a strange, fascinating gleam, and declared that it radiated -tiny tongues of flame. - -It was the stone Kāra had picked from the burial case of Ahtka-Rā. - -Later in the evening the Egyptian found opportunity for a short -conversation with Aneth, who was plainly attracted by this -distinguished-appearing native. He found her curious concerning the -chain of the kings, and proudly explained it to her, reading some of the -inscriptions upon the links. - -“Some time,” said he, “it will give me pleasure to go over all the links -with you, for in them is condensed the history of the great kings of the -early dynasties. There is not another such record in existence.” - -“I can well believe it,” replied the girl. “You must honor me with a -call, Prince Kāra, for I am an ardent Egyptologist, although a very -ignorant one.” - -“I thank you,” said Kāra, bowing low; “I shall esteem it a privilege to -enlighten you so far as I am able. My country has a wonderful history, -and much of it is not yet printed in books.” - -Shortly after this he left the reception, although many of the ladies -would have been delighted to lionize him. He had become known in the -capital as the last of the descendants of the ancient kings of Egypt; -and while more than one was skeptical of the truth of this statement, -its corroboration by the natives who knew of his lineage, the wide -advertisement given his claims by Tadros, the dragoman, and the enormous -wealth the Prince was reputed to possess, all contributed to render him -a most interesting figure in Cairoene society. It is certain that had he -cared to remain at Lord Cromer’s reception, he would have met with no -lack of attention; but his object in attending was now accomplished, and -he left the assemblage and found his carriage awaiting him in the -driveway. - -“Home!” said he, in Coptic, and his dragoman nodded cheerfully and -sprang upon the box. The journey was made in moody silence. - -Meantime Winston rejoined Aneth and found her a seat in a quiet corner, -where they could converse undisturbed. He had watched Kāra uneasily -while the Egyptian was addressing the English girl, and now inwardly -resolved to counteract any favorable impression the native prince might -have made upon her unsophisticated mind. - -Why he should interest himself so strangely in this young woman he could -not have explained. Many a fair maid had smiled upon Gerald Winston -without causing his heart to beat one jot the faster. Nay, they had at -times even practiced their arts to win him, for the bluff, good-looking -young Englishman was wealthy enough to be regarded a good catch. But the -society of fashionable ladies was sure to weary him in time, and here -in Egypt he met only butterflies from England and America, or the -coarse-featured, stolid native women, who had no power to interest any -European of intelligence. - -But Aneth Consinor seemed different from all the others. Not because she -was fresh and sweet and girlish, for he had seen nice girls before; not -that she was beautiful, because many women possess that enviable gift; -not that she was gracious and intelligent, with a fascinating charm of -manner, although that counts for much in winning men’s hearts. Perhaps, -after all, it was her sincerity and the lights that lay in the clear -depths of her wonderful eyes that formed her chief attraction. The eyes, -he remembered, had impressed him at first, and they were destined to -retain their power over him to the last. - -And the strangest thing of all, it occurred to him, as he sat pleasantly -chatting with her, was the fact that she was Lord Roane’s granddaughter -and the child of Lord Consinor. A remark that Kāra had once made flashed -across his mind: “The father, giving so little to his progeny, can -scarce contaminate it, whatever he may chance to be.” Perhaps this was -more logical than he had hitherto cared to believe. - -Aneth mentioned Prince Kāra presently, and asked whether he knew him. - -“Yes,” he answered; “it was I who discovered him. Kāra is one of my few -finds.” - -“And where was he discovered?” she asked, amused at his tone. - -“In a mud village on the Nile bank, clothed in rags and coated with -dirt. But he was very intelligent, for he had been educated by a clever -relative who had once lived in the world; and, in some way, he and his -people had access to an ancient hoarded treasure, so that the man was -rich without knowing how to utilize his wealth. I purchased his -treasure--or a part of it, at least--and brought him to Cairo. He was -observant and quick to adapt himself to his new surroundings. He sold -more treasure, I have since learned, and visited Paris and London. In -six months the dirty Nile dweller has become a man of the world, and -society accepted him because he is rich and talented.” - -“How curious!” she exclaimed. “And is he, indeed, a descendant of the -ancient kings?” - -“So I believe--on his mother’s side, for the Egyptians trace their -descent only from their mothers. Yet they are so inconsistent that it is -of their fathers they boast. The Egyptian women have usually been poor -creatures, listless and unintelligent. In this they differ from the -women of almost every other semi-tropical country.” - -“They must have been different in the olden times,” said the girl, -gravely; “for it is not likely that the first real civilization of the -world sprang from a stupid race. And think for how many centuries these -poor creatures have been enslaved and trodden into the dust. I am -inclined to think the contempt with which the Saracens regarded women -is responsible for their present condition in Egypt. Have you found none -of them clever or womanly, as we understand the latter term?” - -He thought of Hatatcha. - -“There are doubtless a few exceptions, even in these days,” he answered. -“And you are right about ancient women having had their place in -Egyptian history. Besides poor Cleopatra, whom you so bravely defended -at dinner, there was Queen Hatasu, you know; and Nitocris, Hatshepset -and others who rendered themselves immortal. Have you visited our museum -yet?” - -“Only for a glance around; but that glance was enough to fill me with -awe and wonder. I mean to devote many days to the study of its -treasures.” - -“Let me go with you,” he begged. “It would please me to watch your eager -enjoyment of the things I know so well. And I can help you a little.” - -“You are very good, indeed,” said the girl, delighted at the suggestion. -“We will go to-morrow afternoon, if you can spare the time.” - -“May I call for you?” he asked. - -“If you please. I will be ready at one o’clock, for I must take full -advantage of my opportunity.” - -So he went home filled with elation at the promise of to-morrow. And -never before had Gerald Winston given a thought to a woman after leaving -her presence. - -To-night he dreamed, and the dream was of Aneth. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -SETTING THE SNARES. - - -Kāra also dreamed. The girl’s eyes haunted him. He saw her bright, eager -glance, her appealing smile, the graceful pose of her beautiful head -wherever he might chance to look. And he cursed the persistent vision -and tried to exorcise it, well knowing it might lead to his undoing. - -The Egyptian’s present establishment consisted of a handsome villa on -the Shubra road which at one time had been owned by a high Turkish -official. It was splendidly furnished, including many modern -conveniences, and had a pretty garden in the court that led from the -master’s quarters to the harem. Tadros, the dragoman, proudly boasted to -himself--he dared not confide in others--that the furnishing of this -villa had enabled him to acquire a snug fortune. Kāra allowed him a free -hand, and much gold refused to pass through the dragoman’s fingers. - -Tadros had ceased to bemoan the loss of his beloved tourists by this -time. Even a dozen profligate Americans could not enrich him as his own -countryman was doing. And the end was not yet. - -A few days after the reception Kāra lunched at the Lotus Club and met -there Lord Consinor. Later the prince played a game of écarté with -Colonel Varrin, of the Khedivial army, and lost a large sum. Consinor -watched the game with interest, and after the colonel had retired -proposed to take a hand with the Egyptian himself. To this Kāra politely -assented. He was a careless player, and displayed little judgment. The -result was that he lost again, and Consinor found himself the richer by -a hundred pounds. - -The prince laughed good-humoredly and apologized for his poor playing. - -“The next time you favor me with a game,” said he, “I will try to do -better.” - -Consinor smiled grimly. To meet so wealthy and indifferent a victim was -indeed rare good luck. He promised himself to fleece the inexperienced -Egyptian with exceptional pleasure. - -The Lotus Club was then, as now, the daily resort of the most prominent -and at the same time the fastest set in Cairo. Both Roane and Consinor -had been posted for membership, although the former seldom visited the -place until after midnight, and then only to sup or indulge in a bottle -of wine when there was nothing more amusing to do. It appeared that Lord -Roane was conducting himself with exceptional caution since his arrival -in Cairo. His official duties were light, and he passed most of his days -at the rooms in the Savoy, where his party was temporarily located until -a suitable house could be secured and fitted up. He left Aneth much -alone in the evenings, however, and the girl was forced to content -herself with the gaieties of the fashionable hotel life and the -companionship of those few acquaintances who called upon her. As for the -viscount, he was now, as always, quite outside the family circle, and -while he seemed attentive to his desk at the Department of Finance, the -office hours were over at midday and he was free to pass the afternoons -and evenings at the club. The viscountess remained languidly helpless -and clung to her own apartment, where she kept a couple of Arab servants -busy waiting upon her. - -Consinor had told Aneth that he would not touch a card while he remained -in Egypt; but if he had ever had an idea of keeping his word the -resolution soon vanished. He found Kāra irresistible. Sometimes, to be -sure, the prince had luck and won, but in that event it was his custom -to double the stakes indefinitely until his opponent swept all his -winnings away. - -This reckless policy at first alarmed Consinor, who was accustomed to -the cautious play of the London clubs; but he observed that Kāra -declined ever to rise from the table a winner. No matter with whom he -played, his opponent was sure to profit in the end by the Egyptian’s -peculiar methods. For this reason no man was more popular at the club or -more eagerly sought as a partner in “a quiet game” than Prince Kāra, -whose wealth seemed enormous and inexhaustible and whose generosity was -proverbial. - -But the rich Egyptian seemed to fancy Consinor’s society above all -other, and soon it came to be understood by the club’s habitués that -the two men preferred to play together, and the viscount was universally -envied as a most fortunate individual. - -Yet Kāra was occupying himself in other ways than card-playing during -the weeks that followed the arrival of Lord Roane’s party in Egypt. The -victims of Hatatcha’s hatred had been delivered into his net, and it was -now necessary to spin his web so tightly about them that there could be -no means of escape. The oriental mind is intricate. It seldom leads -directly to a desired object or accomplishment, but prefers to plot -cunningly and with involute complexity. - -One of Lord Roane’s few responsibilities was to audit the claims against -the Egyptian Government of certain British contractors who were engaged -in repairing the Rosetta Barrage and the canals leading from it. This -barrage had originally been built in 1842, but was so badly done that -important repairs had long been necessary. At one place a contractor -named McFarland had agreed to build a stone embankment for two miles -along the edge of a canal, to protect the country when the sluice-gates -of the dam were opened. This man found, when he began excavating, that -at one time a stone embankment had actually been built in this same -place, although not high enough to be effective, for which reason it had -become covered with Nile mud and its very existence forgotten. Finding -that more than half of the work he had contracted to perform was already -accomplished, the astute McFarland kept his lucky discovery a secret -and proceeded to complete the embankment. Then he presented his bill for -the entire work to be audited by Roane, after which he intended to -collect from the Government. The matter involved the theft of eighteen -thousand pounds sterling. - -Kāra, whose well-paid spies were watching every official act of Lord -Roane, learned of the contractor’s plot by means of its betrayal to one -of his men by McFarland himself, who, in an unguarded moment, when he -was under the influence of drink, confided his good fortune to “his dear -friend.” But it was evident that Roane had no suspicion of the imposture -and was likely to approve the fulfilment of the contract without -hesitation. - -Here was just the opportunity that the Egyptian had been seeking. One -morning Tadros, being fully instructed, obtained a private interview -with Lord Roane and confided to him his discovery of the clever plan of -robbing the Government which McFarland was contemplating. Roane was -surprised, but thanked the informer and promised to expose the swindle. - -“That, my lord, would be a foolish thing to do,” asserted the dragoman, -bluntly. “The Egyptian Government is getting rich, and has ample money -to pay for this contract and a dozen like it. I assure you that no one -is aware of this secret but ourselves. Very well! Are we fools, my lord? -Are there no commissions to be exacted to repay you for living in this -country of the Turks, or me for keeping my ears open? I do not want -your thanks; I want money. For a thousand pounds I will keep silent -forever. For the rest, you can arrange your own division with the -contractor.” - -Roane grew angry and indignant at once, asserting the dignity of his -high office and blustering and threatening the dragoman for daring to so -insult him. Tadros, however, was unimpressed. - -“It is a mere matter of business,” he suggested, when he was again -allowed to proceed. “I am myself an Egyptian, but the Egyptians do not -rule Egypt. Nor do I believe the English are here from entirely -unselfish motives. To be frank, why should you or I endeavor to protect -the stupid Turks, who are being robbed right and left? In this affair -there is no risk at all, for if McFarland’s dishonesty is discovered no -one can properly accuse you of knowing the truth about the old -embankment. Your inspector has gone there now; on his return he will say -that the work is completed according to contract. You will approve the -bill, McFarland will be paid, and I will then call upon you to collect -my thousand pounds. Of your agreement with the contractor I wish to know -nothing; so, then, the matter is settled. You can trust to my -discretion, my lord.” - -Then he went away, leaving Roane to consider the proposition. - -The old nobleman’s career was punctured with such irregularities that -the contemplation of this innocent-looking affair was in no way -appalling to his moral sense. He merely pondered its safety, and decided -the risk of exposure was small. Cairo was an extravagant city to live -in, and his salary was too small to permit him to indulge in all the -amusements he craved. The opportunity to acquire a snug amount was not -to be despised, and, after all, the dragoman was correct in saying it -would be folly not to take advantage of it. - -The next day Kāra personally interviewed the contractor, telling him -frankly that he was aware of all the details of the proposed swindle. -McFarland was frightened, and protested that he had no intention of -collecting the bill he had presented. - -But the prince speedily reassured him. - -“You must follow out your plans,” said he. “It is too late to withdraw -now. When you go to Roane he will inform you that he has discovered the -truth. You will then compromise with him, offering him one-half of the -entire sum you intend to steal, or a matter of nine thousand pounds. -Give him more, if necessary; but remember that every piastre you allow -Roane I will repay to you personally, if you can get my lord to sign a -receipt to place in my hands.” - -“I see,” said McFarland, nodding wisely. “You want to get him in your -power.” - -“Precisely; and I am willing to pay well to do so.” - -“But when you expose him you will also implicate me.” - -“I shall not expose him. It will merely be a weapon for me to hold over -him, but one I shall never use. You can depend upon that. Take your -eighteen thousand pounds and go to England, where it will enable you to -live in peace and affluence.” - -“I will,” said the contractor. “I’ll take the chances.” - -“There are none,” returned Kāra, positively. - -So it was that Lord Roane bargained successfully with the contractor and -won for himself twelve of the eighteen thousand pounds for auditing the -bill. The money was promptly paid by the Government and the division of -spoils followed. Tadros called for his thousand pounds and gave a -receipt for it that would incriminate himself if he ever dared divulge -the secret. Roane also gave a receipt to McFarland, although -reluctantly, and only when he found the matter could be arranged in no -other way. - -This receipt passed into the hands of Kāra. The contractor at once -returned to England, and my lord secretly congratulated himself upon his -“good luck” and began to enjoy his money. - -While this little comedy was being enacted, Kāra found opportunity to -call more than once upon Miss Aneth Consinor, who was charmed by his -graceful speech and his exceptional knowledge of Egyptian history. Even -Winston, whom Kāra met sometimes in the young lady’s reception-room, -could not deny the prince’s claim to superior information concerning the -ancients, and he listened as eagerly as Aneth to the man’s interesting -conversations, while impotently resenting the Egyptian’s attention to -the girl. - -Aneth, however, knowing no reason why she should not admire the handsome -native, whose personal attractions were by no means small, loved to draw -him into discussions on his favorite themes and watch his dark, glowing -eyes light up as he explained the mysteries of the priestly rites of the -early dynasties. Whatever might be the man’s secret designs, he always -treated the English girl with rare gentleness and courtesy, although the -bluntness of his speech and the occasional indelicacy of his allusions -betrayed the crudeness of his early training. Winston grew to dislike -and even to fear Kāra; for while he had nothing tangible with which to -reproach the Egyptian, his experience of the native character led him to -distrust the man intuitively. - -Kāra doubtless felt this mistrust, for a coolness grew up between the -two men that quickly destroyed their former friendship, and they soon -came to mutually understand that they were rivals for Aneth’s favor, and -perhaps her affections. - -Neither, however, had any idea of withdrawing from the field, and Aneth -distributed her favors equally between them because she had no thought -beyond her enjoyment of the society of the two men who had proved so -especially agreeable. The girl had no chaperone except a young English -lady whose rooms adjoined her own and with whom she had established a -friendship; but Mrs. Everingham took a warm interest in the lonely girl -and was glad to accompany her in many an excursion from which Aneth -would otherwise have been debarred. The visits to the museum with -Winston were frequent and of absorbing interest, for the handsome young -Egyptologist was a delightful guide. Following an afternoon examining -the famous relics, they would repair to the terrace at Shepheard’s for -five-o’clock tea, and here Kāra frequently joined them. The prince had -brought from Paris an automobile, together with a competent French -chauffeur, and in this machine many pleasant excursions were made to the -pyramids, Heliopolis, Sakkara and Helwan, the Egyptian roads being -almost perfection. Winston and Mrs. Everingham always joined these -parties, and neither could fail to admit that Kāra was a delightful -host. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -NEPHTHYS. - - -Kāra’s plans were now maturing excellently, save in one particular. He -did not wish to acquire a fondness for the girl who was his proposed -victim, yet from the first she had cast a powerful spell over him, which -all his secret struggles failed to remove. Waking or sleeping, her face -was always before him, nor could he banish it even when engaged in play -with her father at the club. - -The Egyptian was shrewd enough to recognize danger in this extraordinary -condition, and it caused him much uneasiness. - -Finally, during a wakeful night, he thought of a means of escape. - -“Tadros,” said he to his dragoman in the morning, “go to Fedah and fetch -Nephthys here. I have an empty harem at present; she shall be its first -occupant.” - -Even the dragoman was surprised. He had begun to look upon his master as -one affecting the manners and customs of the Europeans rather than the -followers of the lax Muslim faith; but his face showed his pleasure at -receiving the command. - -“Most certainly, my prince,” said he, with alacrity. “I will take the -first train to Fedah, and the beauty shall be in your harem within three -days.” - -Kāra caught the tone and the look. - -“On second thought, Tadros,” he said, gravely, “I will send Ebbek in -your place. I may need your services here in Cairo.” - -“Ebbek! that doddering old Arab! He will never do at all,” cried the -dragoman, blusteringly. “I alone know Fedah, and I alone know how to -deal with Sĕra, and how to bring her fat daughter to you in safety. It -is I who will go!” - -“Send Ebbek to me.” - -“Not so; I will go myself to Fedah.” - -“Am I the master, Tadros?” - -“You think so, because you are rich. If I knew of the tombs you are -plundering, it is I who would be the master!” - -“You are in great danger, my poor dragoman.” - -Tadros, who had been glaring defiantly upon the other, dropped his eyes -before the cold look of Kāra. - -“Besides, some one must pay old Sĕra the two hundred and fifty piastres -due her,” he muttered, somewhat confused. “It was the contract, and she -will not let the girl come unless she has the money.” - -“Send Ebbek to me.” - -The dragoman obeyed. He did not like Kāra’s manner. He might, in truth, -be in danger if he persisted in protesting. No one was so deep as he in -his master’s confidence. But what did he know? Merely enough to cause -him to fear. - -Ebbek performed the mission properly. He not only paid Sĕra her due, but -gave her five gold pieces into the bargain, by his master’s -instructions; and he brought the girl, closely veiled, to Cairo and -delivered her to Kāra’s housekeeper. - -The rooms of the harem had been swept and prepared. They were very -luxurious, even for Cairo, and Nephthys was awed by the splendor of the -apartments to be devoted to her use. Her dark, serious eyes, glorious as -those attributed to the houris of Paradise, wandered about the rooms as -she sank upon a divan, too dazed to think or speak. - -Neither faculty was a strong point with Nephthys, however. Meekly she -had obeyed the summons from the master who had purchased her. She did -not try to consider what that summons might mean to her. What use? It -was her fate. Perhaps at times she had dimly expected such a change. -Kāra had once mentioned to her mother the possibility of his sending for -her; but she had not dwelt upon the matter at all. - -In the same listless manner that she had carried water from the Nile and -worked at the loom she followed old Ebbek to Cairo, leaving her mother -to gloat over her store of gold. - -The journey across the river was a new experience to her--the journey by -railway was wonderful; but she showed no interest. The great eyes calmly -saw all, but the brain was not active enough to wonder. She had heard of -such things and knew that they existed. Now she saw them--saw marvelous -Cairo, with its thousand domes and minarets, its shifting kaleidoscope -of street scenes, its brilliant costumes and weird clamor--and the -medley of it all dulled her senses. - -In a way she was really amused; but the amusement was only sensual. This -costume was more gorgeous than the braided jacket of Tadros the -dragoman, she observed; that house was better than the one old Hatatcha -had lived in. But beyond this vague comparison, the sights were all -outside her personal participation in them. The part she herself was -playing on the world’s great stage, the uncertainty of her immediate -future, the reason why this tall, gray-bearded Arab was escorting her to -Cairo, were all things she failed to consider. - -So it was that on her entry into Kāra’s splendid harem the girl could -not at first understand that the luxury surrounding her was prepared for -her especial use. Had she comprehended this fact, she would still have -been unable to imagine why. - -She rested upon the cushions and gazed stupidly, yet with childish -intentness, at the rich draperies and rugs, the gilded tables and -chairs, the marble statuary and the tinkling perfumed fountain in the -corner, as if fearing the vision would presently dissolve and she would -awake from a dream. - -She had brought a bundle under her dark blue shawl, a bundle containing -her cotton tunic, the spangled robe and the wreath of artificial -flowers. The blue beads Kāra had once given her were around her -neck--all but one, which she had carefully removed and given to Sĕra her -mother for an amulet. - -She scarcely noticed when the old hag who acted as Kāra’s housekeeper -tossed her precious bundle scornfully into a corner and began to disrobe -her. The shawl, the black cotton dress, the coarse undergown, were one -by one removed, and then the flat-bottomed home-made shoes. - -When she was nude, the hag led her to an adjoining chamber, where her -bath was prepared. Nephthys wondered, but did not speak. Neither did old -Tilga, the housekeeper. She saw that the girl needed a scrubbing rather -than a bath, and gave it to her much as if she were washing a child. - -Afterward, when the fat, soft skin was dried, and annointed, and -properly perfumed, Tilga led Nephthys to the robing-room, and dressed -her in underclothing of silken gauze and a marvelous gown that was -fastened with a girdle of cloth of gold. Pink stockings were drawn -snugly over her chubby legs, and pink satin slippers, with silver -bead-work, adorned her feet. - -Then Tilga dressed the girl’s magnificent hair, placing a jeweled -butterfly against its lustrous coils. - -When Nephthys was led before a great mirror, she could scarcely believe -the image reflected therein was her own. But the woman in her was at -last aroused. - -[Illustration: She smiled at herself, then laughed--shyly at first, now -with genuine delight] - -She smiled at herself, then laughed--shyly at first, now with genuine -delight. She could have remained hours before the mirror admiring the -gorgeous vision; but the hag pulled her away, dragging her by one wrist -back to the boudoir, with its gilded furniture and the fountain. - -As she sank again upon the divan her eyes saw a tabouret at her side, -upon which was a bronze lamp with a floating wick and a tray of -cigarettes. She seized one of the latter eagerly, with a half-defiant -look at old Tilga, and lighted it from the tiny flame of the lamp. Then -she leaned back upon the cushions and inhaled the smoke with perfect -enjoyment. - -Tilga nodded approval, surveying her new charge the while critically. -She had much experience with harems, and wondered where Prince Kāra -could have found this exquisite creature; for, to Oriental eyes, at -least, Nephthys was rarely beautiful, and, perhaps, few men of Europe -would have gazed upon her perfect features and great velvet eyes without -admiration. - -The rich dress transformed the Nile girl. Her luxurious surroundings but -enhanced her beauty. Seemingly she was born for a harem, and fate had -qualified her for this experience. - -The afternoon that Nephthys arrived, Kāra was at the club, playing -écarté with Lord Consinor. He was steadily winning, and in compliance -with his usual custom, he declared he would continue to double until he -lost. - -“I’m not anxious to get your money, Consinor,” he remarked, carelessly. -“There will doubtless come a change in the luck before long.” - -The viscount was visibly disturbed. In all his experience he had never -seen a man win so persistently. Already the stakes, because of Kāra’s -system of doubling, were enormous, and the game had attracted a group of -spectators, who were almost as eager as the participants. - -Gradually the afternoon waned, until at length the prince announced in a -low voice that the stakes were ten thousand pounds. Consinor shivered: -but with his eyes on the flame-lit ring of the prince, he cut the cards -and played his hand as well as he was able. Kāra won, and the viscount -threw down the cards with a white face. Already he was ruined, and to -risk a deal for twenty thousand pounds was more than his nerves could -bear. - -“I’m done, Prince,” said he, hoarsely. - -“Bah! it is nothing,” returned Kāra, lightly. “We will merely postpone -the play until a more favorable time, when this cursed streak of -luck--which I deplore more than you do--is broken. We will start afresh, -and you shall have a chance to win your money back. Sign me a note of -hand and I will go.” - -The viscount drew a sheet of paper toward him and signed a note of hand -for ten thousand pounds. According to the rules of the club, the paper -must be witnessed by two members, so Colonel Varrin and Ering van Roden -penciled their initials upon it. - -Kāra stuffed the document carelessly into a side pocket; but a moment -after, as if struck by a sudden thought, he pulled out a paper and -rolled it into a taper. This he lighted from the blaze of a lamp and -with it relit his cigar, afterward holding the taper in his fingers -until it was consumed to a fine ash. Not a word was spoken. The others -watched him silently, but with significant looks, never suspecting he -had substituted another paper for the note of hand, while Consinor, as -the ash was brushed to the floor, breathed more freely. - -“The pleasure of winning ought to be enough for any man,” remarked the -prince, and, rising from the table, he sauntered from the room. - -“Nevertheless, it is a debt of honor,” said Colonel Varrin, gravely. -“But it is fortunate, Consinor, you were playing with Prince Kāra. The -fellow is so confoundedly rich that money means nothing to him, and he -will not take his winnings unless you force him to accept them.” - -“I know that,” returned the viscount. “I would never have allowed -another man to double the stakes during a winning streak. Perhaps I -should not have allowed the prince to do so.” - -Then he also left the club, for, despite Kāra’s seeming generosity in -destroying the note, his own insidious nature led him to suspect every -man he had dealings with, and the amount involved was so enormous that -it would swallow up double the sum his father’s crippled estates were -now worth. On his own account he had nothing at all beyond the salary he -drew from the Ministry of Finance; so he realized his danger, and could -not resist feeling that he had been led into a trap. - -Meantime Tadros had not forgotten, as his master had done, the probable -arrival of Nephthys by the afternoon train. He should have waited in the -ante-room of the club for Kāra’s orders; but instead he returned to the -house and found that the girl had already been there for an hour. - -“I will see her,” he muttered, and disregarding old Ebbek, who would -have stopped him, he entered the harem. - -Thrusting aside the draperies, Tadros coolly stalked into the girl’s -boudoir and then stopped short in undisguised astonishment at what his -eyes beheld. Nephthys was reclining upon the divan, smoking her -cigarette, resplendent in her fleecy silks, the golden braid and the -sparkling jewels. - -She smiled and nodded as she saw her old friend the dragoman, but Tilga -burst into a flood of angry protestations and curses, rushing at the -intruder and trying to drive him from the room with futile pushes of her -lean hands. - -Tadros resisted, and when the hag started to scream he covered her mouth -with his hand, holding her fast at the same time. - -“Listen, old imbecile!” he muttered. “Do you wish to lose your place -with Prince Kāra? Be sensible, then. You are under my orders--the -orders of Tadros the dragoman, and you must obey me.” - -“I obey only the prince,” retorted Tilga, sullenly. “You will not be -dragoman when the master hears you have violated his harem.” - -“Ah, but he will not hear! It is to be our secret, Tilga. You are going -to enter my service, and I will make you rich in a few months. See! here -are five hundred piastres--five golden pounds in good English money. It -is only a promise of more to come. Take it, Tilga.” - -The hag took it, but with reluctance. - -“If the prince discovers--” she began. - -“But he won’t,” declared Tadros, promptly. “He will discover nothing. -Just now I left him at the club, playing cards with an Englishman. Go -outside, my Tilga, and watch in the courtyard.” - -She hobbled away, still muttering protests, and the dragoman seated -himself upon the divan beside Nephthys. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -THE TALISMAN OF AHTKA-RĀ. - - -Kāra found he had only time to dress for a dinner with Mrs. Everingham. -Aneth was to be there also, and he must not neglect the intrigue he was -conducting to obtain an ascendency over the girl. That was the reason, -he told himself, why he was so anxious to attend. - -His plans were progressing well at this time. The only adverse element -was the obvious infatuation of Gerald Winston for Miss Consinor; but the -Egyptian had carefully gauged the depths of the young girl’s character. -She was interested in antiquities, and therefore encouraged Winston, who -was a noted scholar; but there was no danger in that. Kāra knew more of -Egyptology than all the scholars in Cairo, and had often seen Aneth’s -face brighten when he told her some strange and interesting bit of -unwritten history. To be sure, Winston was her own countryman, and had -an advantage in that; yet Mrs. Everingham had once said in his hearing -that a handsome foreigner was always fascinating to an Englishwoman, and -he had remembered the careless remark and pondered its truth until he -had come to believe it. - -He had a better argument than any of these in reserve, however. If the -Englishman really succeeded in winning Aneth’s love in the end, then -Kāra knew how to compel the girl to obedience. - -As he left his room he found the dragoman leaning against a pillar of -the courtyard. - -“Is Nephthys here?” he inquired. - -“I suppose so,” answered the dragoman, yawning sleepily. “She was due to -arrive this afternoon, wasn’t she?” - -Kāra looked at him with sudden suspicion. - -“Have you seen her?” he demanded. - -“Am I the keeper of your harem?” retorted Tadros, indignantly. “Old -Tilga has been hidden in the women’s quarters for hours. Probably she is -attending to your Nephthys.” - -He eyed his master disdainfully, and Kāra walked on and entered the -carriage. He had barely time to join the company at dinner, and Nephthys -could wait. - -Winston was not present this evening, and the prince found Aneth -unusually gracious. She chatted so pleasantly, her manner was so -friendly and her clear eyes so sweet and intelligent, that Kāra gave way -to the moment’s enchantment and forgot all else in the delight of her -society. - -Nor did he recover readily from the spell. After returning home he paced -the floor for an hour, recalling the English girl’s fair face and every -change of its expression. Then he gave a guilty start as a recollection -of Hatatcha swept over him, impressing upon his memory his fearful -oath. - -Kāra’s nature, despite his cold exterior, was fervid in the extreme. He -had sworn to hate this girl, yet to-night he loved her passionately. But -Hatatcha’s training had not entirely failed. He calmed himself, and -examined his danger critically, as an outsider might have done. - -To yield to his love for Aneth would mean enslavement by the enemy, a -condition from which his judgment instinctively revolted. To steel his -heart against her charms would be difficult, but its necessity was -obvious. He determined to pursue his plot with relentless hatred, and to -raise between the girl and himself as many bars as possible. He scorned -his own weakness, and since he knew that it existed, he resolved to -conquer it. - -Once Hatatcha had said to him: “You are cold, selfish and cruel, and I -have made you so.” True; these qualities had been carefully instilled -into his nature. He was proud that he possessed them, for he had a -mission to fulfil. And if he desired any peace in his future life, that -mission must be fully accomplished. - -In the morning he went to see Nephthys, and his face brightened as he -realized how remarkably beautiful she was. The Orientals generally -admire only the form of a woman, being indifferent to the face; but Kāra -was modern enough to appreciate beauty of feature, while holding to an -extent the Eastern prejudice that a fat and soft form is the chief -attraction of the female sex. So he found Nephthys admirable in every -way; and if her indifference and perfect subjection to his will in any -way annoyed him, he was at this time unaware of the fact. He wished this -girl to replace Aneth Consinor in his affection and esteem, and would -forgive much in Nephthys if she could manage to bring about this -excellent result. - -After this he devoted much of his attention to the Nile girl, striving -in his association with her to exclude all outside interests. He -purchased for her marvelous costumes and hired two Arab maidens to -attend her and keep her royally attired. Kāra’s most splendid diamonds -and rubies were set by Andalaft in many coronets, brooches and bracelets -to deck her person, and many of the wonderful pearls he had brought from -the secret tomb were carefully sized and strung to form a necklace for -the Egyptian girl’s portly neck. - -Nephthys was pleased with these possessions. They drew her from the dull -lassitude in which she had existed, and aroused in her breast a womanly -exultation that even her mother could never have imagined her able to -develop. It may be the girl began to think and to dream; yet if so, -there was little outward indication of the fact. To comprehend any -woman’s capabilities is difficult; to comprehend those of Nephthys -seemed impossible. She was luxury-loving by nature, as are all -Orientals, and accepted the comforts of her surroundings without -questioning why they were bestowed upon her. Whatever sensibilities she -possessed had long lain dormant. They might be awakening now; her -delight in adornment seemed the first step in that direction. - -Kāra purposely remained away from the club for several evenings -following that in which he had won Consinor’s ten thousand pounds. -Perhaps he wished his enemy to become uneasy and fret at the delay in -wiping out the debt, and if so, it would have gratified him to know the -feverish anxiety with which the viscount haunted the club, and watched -every new arrival in the hope that Kāra would appear. - -At last the Egyptian judged that he had waited long enough, and prepared -to still further enmesh his victim. In his room that evening he took -from a secret drawer of his cabinet a small roll of papyrus, on which -were closely written hieroglyphics. To refresh his memory he read the -scroll carefully, although it was not the first time he had studied it -since it had fallen at his feet when the bust of Isis was overturned at -the tomb of Ahtka-Rā. - -Freely translated, the writing was as follows: - -“Being finally prepared to join Anubis in the nether world, I, Ahtka-Rā, -son of the Sun and High Priest of Āmen, have caused to be added to the -decoration of my sarcophagus the precious Stone of Fortune given to me -by the King of Kesh[A] in return for having preserved him and his people -from the wrath of Rameses. It is my belief that this wondrous stone will -guard my tomb when my spirit has departed, and by its powers preserve -my body and my treasure from being despoiled, until that time when I -shall return to Qemt[B] to live again. Let no descendant of my house -remove it from its place, for the Stone of Fortune is mine, and I -bequeath it not to any of those who may come after me. In time of need -my children may take of the treasure what they require, but to disturb -my Stone of Fortune will be to draw upon the offender the bitterest -curse of my spirit. It may be known to all from its changing color, -being never the same for long; and the color of it is not bright, as is -the ruby or the carnelian or amethyst, but ever gloomy and mysterious. -That none may mistake its location, I have embedded it in a triple band -of gold, and it is placed at the head of my sarcophagus. There shall it -remain. Since it came into my possession I have ever worn it in my -bosom, and by its magic I have been able to control Rameses the son of -Seti, to rule his kingdom as if it were my own, to confound all my -enemies and accusers, and to amass such riches as no man of Qemt has -ever before possessed. Also has it brought to me health and many years -in which to accomplish the purpose of my present existence. For this -reason do I refuse to part with it in the ages during which I await the -new life. Whatever else may happen to my tomb, I implore those who live -in the days to come to leave to me this one treasure.” - - [A] Ethiopia. - - [B] Egypt. - -It was signed by Ahtka-Rā and sealed with his seal, being doubtless the -work of his own hand. - -Kāra rerolled the papyrus and put it away, pausing to glance with a -smile at the strange ring he wore upon his hand. - -“My great ancestor was selfish,” he murmured, “and wished to prevent any -of his descendants from becoming as famous as he himself was. -Nevertheless, had I read the script before I removed the stone from the -sarcophagus, I would have respected Ahtka-Rā’s wish; but I did not know -what treasure I had gained until afterward, when it was too late to -restore the stone without another visit to the tomb. A curse is a -dreadful thing, especially from one’s ancestor, and it is even to avoid -Hatatcha’s curse that I am now fulfilling her vengeance. But Ahtka-Rā -may rest content; I have merely borrowed his talisman, and it shall be -returned to him when I have obtained full satisfaction from my -grandmother’s enemies. Meantime, the stone will protect me from evil -fortune, and when it is restored the curse will be averted.” - -Something in this expression struck him as incongruous. He thought -deeply for a moment, a frown gathering upon his brow. Then he said: “I -must not deceive myself with sophistries. What if the curse is already -working, and because of it the English girl has turned my strength to -weakness? But that cannot be. Whenever I have worn this ring I have -mastered all difficulties and triumphed as I desired; and I will triumph -in my undertaking to-night, in spite of the reproach I can already see -in Aneth’s eyes. I am still the controller of my own destiny as well as -the destinies of others; for if the talisman did so much for Ahtka-Rā as -he claims, it will surely prove stronger than any curse.” - -With a laugh he shook off the uncanny feeling that had for the moment -oppressed him, and went to the club. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -ROGUES ANCIENT AND MODERN. - - -Consinor arrived early at the Lotus Club and took his seat at a small -table facing the doorway, where he whiled away the time by playing -solitaire. - -Presently Kāra entered and greeted him cordially, seeming to be in an -especially happy mood. - -“Well, shall we try our luck?” he said, seating himself at the opposite -side of the table. - -Nodding assent, Consinor gathered up the cards and shuffled them. -Several loungers who knew of the previous game and wondered what the -next meeting between the two men would evolve, clustered around the -table to watch the result. - -Kāra won the cut and dealt. He played rather carelessly and lost. The -stakes were a pound sterling. - -“Double!” he cried, laughing, and again the viscount nodded. - -The luck had shifted, it seemed, for the prince repeatedly lost. At -first he chatted gaily with those present and continued to double with -reckless disregard of his opponent’s success; but by and by he grew -thoughtful and looked at his cards more closely, watching the game as -shrewdly as his adversary. The stakes had grown to four hundred pounds, -and a subtle thrill of excitement spread over the little group of -watchers. Was Consinor going to win back his ten thousand pounds at one -sitting? - -Suddenly Kāra, in dealing, fumbled the cards and dropped one of them. In -reaching to pick it up it slipped beneath his foot and he tore it into -two. It was the queen of hearts. - -“How stupid!” he laughed, showing the pieces. “Here, boy, bring us a -fresh pack of cards,” addressing an attendant. - -Consinor scowled and reached out his hand for the now useless deck. Kāra -slipped the cards into his pocket, including the mutilated one. - -“They are mine, prince,” said the viscount; “I use them for playing my -game of solitaire.” - -“Pardon, but I have destroyed their value,” returned Kāra. “I shall -insist upon presenting you with a new deck, since my awkwardness has -rendered your own useless.” - -Consinor bit his lip, but made no reply, watching silently while the -prince tore open the new deck and shuffled the cards. - -The viscount lost the next hand, and the score was evened. He lost -again, and still a third time. - -“The luck has changed with the new cards,” said he. “Let us postpone the -game until another evening, unless you prefer to continue.” - -“Very well,” Kāra readily returned, and throwing down the cards, he -leaned back in his chair, selected a fresh cigar from his case and -carefully lighted it. - -Consinor had pushed back his own chair, but he did not rise. After -watching Kāra’s nonchalant movements for a time, the viscount drew from -his pocket three curious dice, and after an instant’s hesitation tossed -them upon the table. - -“Here is a curiosity,” he remarked. “I am told these cubes were found in -an Egyptian tomb at Thebes. They are said to be three thousand years -old.” - -The men present, including Kāra, examined the dice curiously. The spots -were arranged much as they are at the present day, an evidence that this -mode of gambling has been subjected to little improvement since the -early Egyptians first invented it. - -“They are excellently preserved,” said van Roden. “Where did you get -them, viscount?” - -“I picked them up the other day from a strolling Arab. They seemed to me -very quaint.” - -“There are several sets in the museum,” remarked Pintsch, a German in -charge of the excavations at Dashur. “It is very wonderful how much -those ancients knew.” - -Lord Consinor drew the dice toward him. - -“See here, Prince,” said he, “let us try our luck with these -antiquities. It is quicker and easier than écarté.” - -“Very well,” consented Kāra. “What are the stakes?” - -“Let us say a hundred pounds the throw.” - -This suggestion startled the group of spectators; but Kāra said at once: - -“I will agree to that, my lord.” - -He lost once, twice, thrice. - -Then, as Consinor, with a triumphant leer, pushed the dice toward him, -Kāra thrust his hands in his pockets and said in a quiet voice to the -onlookers: - -“Gentlemen, I call upon you to witness that I am playing with a rogue. -These dice are loaded.” - -Following a moment’s horrified silence, the viscount sprang up with an -oath. - -“This is an insult, Prince Kāra!” he cried. - -“Sit down,” said Colonel Varrin, sternly. “No mere words can condemn -you, sir. Let us examine the dice.” - -The others concurred, their faces bearing witness to their dismay and -alarm. Such a disgraceful occurrence had never before been known within -those eminently respectable walls. The honor of the club was, they felt, -at stake. - -The cubes were carefully tested. It was as Kāra had charged--they were -loaded. - -“Can you explain this, Lord Consinor?” asked one of the party. - -“I cannot see why I should be called upon to explain,” was the reply. -“In purchasing the dice, I was wholly ignorant of their condition. It -was a mere impulse that led me to offer to play with them.” - -“It is well known that these ancient dice are frequently loaded,” -interrupted Pintsch, eagerly, as if he saw a solution of the affair. -“Two of the sets exhibited in the museum have been treated in the same -clever manner.” - -“That is true,” agreed Varrin, nodding gravely. - -“In that case,” said Consinor, “I am sure you gentlemen will exonerate -me from any intentional wrong. It is simply my misfortune that I offered -to play with the dice.” - -“Was it also your misfortune, my lord,” returned Kāra, calmly, “that you -have been playing all the evening with marked cards? I will ask you to -explain to these gentlemen why this deck, which you have claimed in -their presence to be your private property, bears secret marks that -could only have been placed there with one intent--to swindle an -unsuspecting antagonist.” - -He drew the cards from his pocket as he spoke and handed them to Colonel -Varrin, who examined them with a troubled countenance and then turned -them over to his neighbor for inspection. - -While the cards passed around, Consinor sat staring blankly at the -group. The evidence against him was so incontrovertible that he saw no -means of escape from the disgrace which was sure to follow. - -“Gentlemen,” said Kāra, when the last man had examined the cards and -laid them upon the table again, “I trust you will all bear evidence that -it is not my usual custom or desire to win money from those I play with. -Rather do I prefer to lose, for in that way I obtain the - -[Illustration: Following a moment’s horrified silence, the viscount -sprang up with an oath] - -amusement of playing, without the knowledge that I may have -inconvenienced my friends. But when a common trickster and cheat -conspires to rob me, my temper is different. Lord Consinor owes me ten -thousand pounds, and I demand from him in your presence prompt payment -of the debt. Also, I depend upon you to protect me and my fellow-members -from card sharpers in the future, which I am sure you will gladly do. -For the rest, the matter is in your hands. Good evening, gentlemen.” - -He bowed with dignity and withdrew. The others silently followed, -scattering to other rooms of the club. Varrin, as a club official, took -with him the incriminating dice and the marked cards. - -Lord Consinor, knowing well that he was ruined, sat muttering curses -upon Kāra and his own “hard luck” until he noticed the deserted room and -decided to go home. The disaster had fairly dazed him, so that he failed -to realize the fact that as he called for his hat and coat in the lobby -the groups of bystanders ceased their eager talk and carefully turned -their backs in his direction. - -The viscount had never heard of Hatatcha; yet it was her vengeance that -had overtaken him. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -WINSTON BEY IS INDIGNANT. - - -In their rooms at the Savoy next morning Lord Roane and his son -quarreled violently. The day’s paper contained a full account of the -affair at the club, and while no names were mentioned, there was no -misunderstanding who the culprit was. “An English nobleman who had -lately arrived to fill an important position in the Ministry of Finance -was detected playing with marked cards and loaded dice by a well-known -Egyptian gentleman of wealth and high station, who promptly exposed the -fraud in the presence of several reputable club members. Fortunately, -the Englishman’s name had only been posted and he had not yet been -admitted to membership in the club, so that his trickery and consequent -disgrace in no way reflects upon that popular and admirably conducted -institution, etc.” - -Lord Roane was vastly chagrined and indignant as he read the account. - -“You low, miserable scoundrel!” he roared, facing his son; “how dare you -drag the name of your family in the mire, just as we are assuming an -indisputable position of respectability in Cairo? To be a gambler is -despicable enough, but to become a common cheat and swindler is utterly -unpardonable. What have you to say for yourself?” - -“Nothing,” said Consinor, sullenly. “I am innocent. It was a plot to -ruin me.” - -“Pah! a plot of yours to ruin others rather. Speak up, man! Have you -nothing to say to excuse or palliate your shame and dishonor?” - -“What use?” asked the viscount, apathetically. “You will not believe -me.” - -“Do you believe him, Aneth?” asked the old man, turning to gaze upon the -girl’s horrified face. “Do you believe that this cur, who is my son and -your father, is innocent?” - -“No,” she answered, shrinking back as Consinor looked up curiously to -hear her reply. “He has deceived me cruelly. He promised me he would not -touch a card again, or play for money, and he has broken his word. I -cannot believe him now.” - -“Of course not,” her father retorted, reddening for the first time. “My -precious family is so rotten throughout that even its youngest member -cannot give a Consinor credit for being honest or sincere.” - -“See here, Roger; I will not have Aneth insulted, even by you. I’m not a -saint, I’ll admit; but I’ve never been guilty of petty swindling, and -your daughter is pure enough to shame us both. As for you, I’ve done -with you, and you must from this time work out your salvation in your -own way. You’ve dissipated any inheritance you might have had; but I’ll -give you a thousand pounds in cash if you’ll take your ugly face out of -Cairo and promise not to come near us again. I’ll take care of your -wife and daughter, neither of whom, I am positive, will miss you for a -single hour.” - -“It’s a good offer,” said Consinor, quickly, “and I’ll accept it. Where -did you get the thousand pounds?” - -“That,” declared my lord, stiffly, “is none of your accursed business! -Now go. Leave your resignation with the Minister of Finance and then -make yourself scarce. Here, I’ll write you a check now.” - -Consinor took the paper. - -“If it is good, and the bank will cash it,” he said, slowly, “I’ll do as -I have agreed, and not trouble you again. Good-by, Aneth. Look out for -that snakey Egyptian who is following you around. He alone is -responsible for this affair, and you cannot afford to trust him; and -give my fond farewell to your mother. She won’t mind if I do not appear -in person to irritate her nerves.” - -“Where will you go?” asked Lord Roane. - -“That, sir, to repeat your own words, is none of your accursed -business.” - -With this filial response he left the room, and Aneth burst into a flood -of tears. Never had she felt so wretched and humiliated as at this -discovery of her father’s infamy, and although Roane tried to comfort -his granddaughter by pointing out the fact that Roger had long been a -gambler with a character not above suspicion, the girl had so fondly -hoped for her father’s regeneration that her disappointment was indeed -bitter. - -“It won’t hurt us so very much, my child,” continued the old nobleman, -stroking her head soothingly. “The world will know we have repudiated -Roger, and will sympathise with our distress. In a few months the -scandal will be forgotten, and we may again hold up our heads. I’m -afraid I’ve lived a rather wicked life, my dear; but for your sake I -would like to retrieve my good name and die possessed of the honor and -respect of all my fellow-men. And this, I believe, I can accomplish. -Don’t worry, little one! Be brave, and the blow will not hurt half so -much.” - -There were tears in his own eyes as he marked her distress, and he -continued to encourage her until the young girl had partly recovered her -self-control and the first shock of her sudden misfortune had been -blunted. Then he kissed her tenderly and went away to his office. - -The account in the morning paper had likewise caused Gerald Winston -considerable amazement and dismay. His first thought was of Aneth and -the trouble that had come to her; his next a feeling of resentment -toward Kāra. After pacing the floor restlessly for an hour, he called -for his saddle-horse and rode down the Shubra road to interview the -Egyptian at his villa. - -Kāra was at home and received his visitor with cold politeness, which -Winston passed unnoticed. He was not in a mood to be affected by -trifles. - -“I understand that you accused Consinor of cheating at the club last -night,” he began, impetuously. - -“Well?” said Kāra, lifting his brows inquiringly. - -“Why did you do it?” - -“Because it was true. He was robbing me.” - -“You know what I mean, sir! You have been posing as a friend of Miss -Consinor. To expose her father to public shame was the act of a cowardly -enemy.” - -“What would you have done in my place?” asked Kāra, calmly. - -“I? I would have concealed the discovery and allowed the man to go, -refusing to play with him again,” declared Winston. - -“And so have allowed him to rob others, perhaps?” - -“If necessary, yes, that his daughter’s good name might be protected. -But a private warning would have induced him to abandon further -trickery.” - -“He is an old offender, I believe,” said Kāra, leaning back in his chair -and regarding the other with an amused expression. “It might benefit you -to reflect that Miss Consinor’s good name has not been acquired on -account of her father’s respectability, any more than through the -reputation of her grandsire, who has grown old in iniquity. Therefore, I -cannot believe that I have injured her in any way.” - -A tinge of passionate hatred in the man’s voice as he referred to Lord -Roane aroused Winston’s attention. Then, suddenly, a light broke upon -him. - -“See here, Kāra,” he said, sternly, “are you persecuting these people -and plotting against them because of the old wrong that Roane did your -grandmother, Hatatcha?” - -“I am neither persecuting nor plotting against them,” declared Kāra. -“Consinor has ruined himself unaided. As for his daughter, I have every -object in protecting her from scandal.” - -“What do you mean by that, sir?” - -“I intend to marry her.” - -At this cool statement Winston stared aghast. Then he gave a bitter -laugh. - -“That is absurd and impossible,” he said. - -“Why so?” - -“You are cousins.” - -“She does not know that, and you will not tell her because you have so -much regard for her grandfather’s good name,” with a sneer. - -“I see. It is your plot to ruin her; but it will fail, because she will -never consent to marry you,” he continued. - -“How do you know that?” asked Kāra. - -“It is improbable that she can love you.” - -“In that, sir, I am inclined to differ with you. Even if Aneth -discovered our relationship, it would not matter. In olden days our -Egyptian kings married their sisters. And I suppose that Lord Roane -would emphatically deny the assertion that I am his grandson. I would -myself deny it, and you have no proof to back your statement of the -fact.” - -“You told me the story with your own lips.” - -“To be sure--and the story was true. I do not mind acknowledging it at -this moment, because there are no witnesses present; but if you repeat -the statement in public, I will deny it absolutely.” - -For a moment Winston remained thoughtfully silent. Then he said: - -“You are proposing a dreadful crime, Kāra, but it will avail you nothing -to defy morality in this way. There is another reason why Miss Consinor -will refuse to marry you, and it is entirely distinct from the subject -of your relationship.” - -“To what do you refer?” - -“To the woman you are keeping, even now, in your harem. It is a matter -of public scandal, and I am surprised that society has not already -ostracized you for your audacious defiance of propriety. You are neither -an Arab nor a Mohammedan. Doubtless the offense has not yet come to Miss -Consinor’s ears; but if it does, have you any idea she would place her -happiness in the hands of a man of your character?” - -Kāra frowned. Here was a weapon against him that he had never before -recognized. - -“I suppose you will take pains to inform Miss Consinor that I have a -slave-girl among my servants,” he said, mockingly. - -“I shall ask Mrs. Everingham to tell her the truth concerning your -domestic relations,” returned Winston, decidedly. - -The Egyptian arose. - -“I think it will be as well to end this interview, Winston Bey,” he -said. “You are yourself a pretender for the hand of my future bride, and -it is useless to endeavor to fairly discuss matters wherein you are so -selfishly concerned.” - -“Do you choose to defy my warnings?” asked Winston, angrily. - -“By no means. I merely ignore your implied threats. They can in no way -interfere with my plans.” - -“I believe,” said Winston, striving to control his indignation, “that -those plans are inspired by hatred rather than love. I shall do my best -to oppose them.” - -“Naturally. It is your privilege, sir.” - -Winston turned to go. - -“I shall always regret,” he remarked, bitterly, as a parting shot, “that -I was so foolish as to bring a filthy native from out the natural -environment of his mud village.” - -“The filthy native would have found other means of escape had you not -brought him; so you need not reproach yourself,” returned Kāra, with a -smile. “But the trifle you have mentioned should not be your deepest -regret, my stupid Englishman!” - -“Did I do anything more foolish?” - -“Yes.” - -“What was it?” - -“You kicked me twice beneath the palms of Fedah.” - -“Ah! I should not have restrained myself to two kicks.” - -“Be content, sir. Twice was sufficient, since it is liable to cause you -much unhappiness. I had it in mind, had you kicked me again, to kill -you.” - -Winston left the villa more thoughtful than he had been on his arrival. -The matter involved much more, it seemed, than the loss of Lord -Consinor’s reputation. Kāra’s confident tone had not failed to impress -his rival, and the Englishman was more uneasy than he cared to admit -even to himself. His love for Aneth was sincere and unselfish, and he -could imagine no greater calamity for the girl than to acquire a -fondness for the treacherous native whose presence he had just left. -Such a contingency had not occurred to him before, and for this reason -Kāra’s claims were as startling as they were revolting. He longed to go -to the girl at once and strive to comfort her in this, her hour of -sorrow; but a natural delicacy restrained him. She would like to be -alone, at first, until she had somewhat recovered from the humiliation -she would be sure to suffer at the public exposure of her father’s -misdeeds. Afterward he could assure her of his confidence and -friendship, and, when the proper time came, of his love. Meantime he -contented himself by sending Aneth a basket of the most beautiful roses -to be found in Cairo. - -No such delicacy of feeling influenced Kāra. In the afternoon he went to -the Savoy and sent up his card. - -Aneth was alone, Mrs. Everingham having just left her for a drive. The -girl received the Egyptian almost with eagerness. - -“Can you forgive me, Prince?” she asked, by way of greeting, as she -stood before him with scarlet cheeks and downcast eyes. - -“Forgive you for what, Miss Aneth?” he replied, gently. - -“For--for the wrong my father did you,” she stammered. - -Kāra smiled, and she glanced up shyly in time to catch his expression of -amusement. - -“Let us sit down and talk it over,” he said, taking her hand and leading -her to a chair. “But it will be unnecessary, I am sure, for me to say -that I have nothing to forgive, since you have in no way offended.” - -“But my father--” she began, timidly, again dropping her eyes in shame. - -“Yes, I know, Miss Aneth,” said he. “Your father did a foolish thing, -for which people will justly condemn him. I am very sorry that it was -through me he was detected, but I assure you I was powerless to prevent -it. Others saw the marked cards and forced the accusation against him. -Believe me, I would have saved him if possible; but I could not.” - -“I believe you, Prince Kāra,” she said. “It was all my father’s fault, -and his punishment is only such as he deserved.” - -“I am deeply grieved for your sake,” continued Kāra, and indeed the -sight of her sweet face, convulsed with anguish, so appealed to him at -the moment that his speech was almost sincere. “I know what this -disgrace will mean to you, Aneth--the avoidance of your former -associates, and the jeers, perhaps, of those who have envied you. The -world is heartless always, and visits the sins of the fathers upon their -children; so that your innocence will not be considered save by your -truest friends.” - -He paused, for she was crying now, softly but miserably, and the tears -moved him strangely. - -“That is why I have come,” he continued, his voice trembling with -earnestness, “to assure you of my faith in you and of my steadfast -friendship. Nay, more; I offer to protect you against the sneers of all -the world, if you will grant me the right.” - -The girl started, glancing nervously and almost affrightedly into his -face. - -“I--I do not understand you, Prince Kāra,” she murmured. - -“Then I must speak more plainly,” he quickly rejoined, springing up to -stand before her with sparkling eyes and outstretched hands. - -“Aneth, my sweet one, I love you! To me you represent the joys of earth -and the delights of paradise. Only in your presence do I find happiness -and content. Be my wife, Aneth; give me yourself, and I will guard you -so well and place you so high that all the world will bow at your feet.” - -The speech shocked her, for there was no mistaking the man’s -earnestness. Nor did she know how to reply, the proposal being as -unexpected as it was inopportune. Aneth may have had vague dreams of -love, as maidens will and should have; but she had been so happy in -Cairo that she had not thought the attentions of Kāra meant more than -the kindly good-fellowship of the other men she had met. Indeed, she had -not considered such a subject at all, and at this hour, when her heart -was wrung with grief, she found in it no response to her suitor’s fervid -appeals. - -“I cannot reply to you just now, Prince Kāra,” she said, with -hesitation; “it is all new to me, and quite unexpected, and--and I do -not wish to marry anyone.” - -His face hardened as he gazed upon her timid, shrinking form, but the -longing in his dark eyes remained. With all his lately acquired polish, -the native failed to comprehend that an English girl does not yield -herself to the demands of any man unless her heart and inclinations lead -her to acknowledge his authority. But he was wise enough to perceive -that the difficulties of the situation required tact if he wished to -succeed. - -“Aneth,” said he, more quietly, “this is no time for evasions or -misunderstandings between us. I have told you that I love you, that my -earnest desire is to make you my wife. You need a protector at this -moment, and a delay is as foolish as it is dangerous to your interests. -If you love me at all, you can tell me so to-day as well as later.” - -“Ah, that is it, Prince! I’m afraid that I do not love you in the way -that you wish,” answered the girl, aroused to a more dignified tone by -his persistence. “I am very grateful to you, Prince Kāra, and -appreciate the honor of your proposal; but I have nothing more to offer -you than my sincere friendship.” - -“Then I will accept that as sufficient for the time being,” said he. “I -will marry your friendship, Aneth, and perhaps the love will some time -follow.” - -“Oh, I cannot allow that!” she cried, distressed. “I am sorry to hurt -you when you are so kind to me; but can’t you see that I am unnerved and -unhappy to-day, and that if you force me to answer you, I can only say -‘no’?” - -He grew thoughtful at this, studying her features carefully. After a -moment he replied: - -“I will not press the question further now, but will give you two days -for consideration. Will you answer me at the end of that time?” - -She hesitated, knowing already what the answer would be and that it was -best he understood her at once. Yet to her inexperienced mind it seemed -more easy to postpone the matter until she had time to collect her -thoughts and reply to Kāra more gently and effectively. - -“Yes,” said she, answering him; “come to me in two days, please.” - -To her surprise he bowed gravely and at once left the room; but the -relief she experienced made her glad that she had found this simple way -to evade her present difficulties. In two days she would know better -what to say to him. - -Kāra was astonished at his own forbearance. Where he might have -threatened and compelled he had merely implored, and he could not in the -least understand the mood that had swayed his actions. But while in the -girl’s presence he seemed not to be himself, or even to know himself. - -If only Aneth would love him, how gladly would he shield her from the -inheritance of his grandmother’s malignant vengeance! Even if she could -not love him, he was determined to win her for his wife, for the longing -of his heart was at this time too great to be denied. - -In her tears and distress the girl had seemed more lovely than ever, -and, as he drove slowly homeward, he dwelt upon her with an ecstasy of -adoration that seemed entirely foreign to his cold and calculating -nature. At this moment perhaps he really loved Aneth; but the Eastern -lover is prone to sudden fits of intense passion that soon exhaust -themselves, and the reaction is apt to restore them to their native -apathy with surprising abruptness. - -When Kāra arrived home he at once crossed the courtyard and entered the -quarters devoted to women. Ever since Winston had sneered at his -relations with Nephthys that morning, the thing had rankled in his mind, -and now, fresh from Aneth’s presence, he reproached himself for his -folly in bringing the stupid Nile girl to Cairo. For, in spite of his -efforts to amuse himself in her society, Nephthys had not only proved -unable to destroy his love for Aneth, but her quiescent indifference, -beautiful though she was, served rather to disgust him by its sharp -contrast with the English girl’s brightness and innocence. - -Never doubting that he would shortly install Aneth in Nephthys’ place, -he suddenly resolved to have done with the Egyptian girl, who had been -so great a disappointment to him. - -There was a dark scowl upon Kāra’s face as he pushed aside the draperies -and entered the apartment of Nephthys. He found the girl seated upon her -divan, with the dragoman comfortably established beside her. Both were -smoking cigarettes and Tadros was holding Nephthys with one arm loosely -clasped around her waist. - -They did not notice the master’s presence for a moment; but when they -looked up, Kāra was standing before them with folded arms. The frown had -vanished, and his expression was one of positive content; for here was -his excuse. - -“Tadros,” said he, in a soft voice, “be good enough to go into the -courtyard. You may wait there for me.” - -The dragoman stood up and flicked the ash from his cigarette. He was -evidently much disturbed. - -“If you think, Kāra--” he began, in a very loud, boisterous voice. - -“Go into the courtyard, please,” interrupted the other, quietly. - -Tadros hesitated and glanced at Nephthys. The girl was staring with -frightened eyes into her master’s face. Following her gaze, the -dragoman gave a shudder. Kāra’s countenance was as cold and inexpressive -as that of a statue. Tadros had learned to fear that expression. Softly -he tiptoed from the room, and the draperies fell behind him. - -Clinging to the curtains of the arch leading to the next room, appeared -old Tilga, who was trembling violently. Had the master been an Arab, her -life was already forfeited. She was not sure what an Egyptian would do -under the circumstances. - -Kāra beckoned her to approach. Then, pointing a finger at Nephthys, he -said: - -“Remove those jewels and ornaments.” - -As the old woman eagerly attempted to obey, Nephthys stood up and asked -in a low, horrified voice: - -“What are you going to do?” - -Kāra did not reply. He watched Tilga’s nervous fingers rapidly removing -the diadem, earrings, brooches and bracelets, which she cast in a heap -upon a table. Nephthys submitted quietly until the hag seized her string -of pearls; then she shrank away and clutched at her throat to save her -treasure, loving the pearls better than all else. - -Kāra grasped her wrists firmly and drew her hands down to her side, -while Tilga unwound the triple row of priceless pearls from the girl’s -neck and added it to the heap upon the table. He continued to hold her -fast until the housekeeper had stripped from her fingers the rings of -diamond, ruby and emerald. Then he let her go, and Nephthys moaned and -covered her face with her hands. - -“Take off her robes,” commanded Kāra, sternly. - -Tilga rushed to do his bidding, and, when Nephthys resisted, the hag -struck her across the face with her open hand. She literally tore away -the exquisite gown, as well as the silken hose and satin slippers, until -the girl stood shorn of all her finery except the fleecy underclothing. - -“Leave her that,” said Kāra. “And now, where is her black cotton dress?” - -Tilga hurriedly fetched it from a closet in the robing chamber. She -brought the head-shawl and the coarse shoes also. - -Nephthys was sobbing now as miserably as a child that has been robbed of -its toys. - -“I won’t wear them! I won’t have them! Take them away!” she wailed, as -the old Fedah garments were produced. - -But the woman shook her angrily and slapped her again, covering her with -the crude, soiled gown, and then pushing her back upon the divan while -she placed the flat shoes upon the girl’s bare feet. Tears were still -standing in Nephthys’ great eyes, but she submitted to the inevitable -with a resumption of her old obedient manner. - -“Call Ebbek,” said the master; and Tilga displayed such activity that -she quickly returned, dragging the Arab after her. - -“You will take this woman back to Fedah, whence you brought her, and -deliver her over to her mother again. There is a train at sundown, and -you will be able to catch it if you are prompt. Drive to the station in -a carriage.” - -Ebbek bowed without betraying surprise at his master’s unexpected -command. Perhaps he had been observant, and knew the reason for the -girl’s dismissal. - -“Must old Sĕra return your money?” he asked. - -“No; tell her she may keep it. Here is gold for your expenses. Feed -Nephthys at the railway station, if you have time, and buy her some -cigarettes. Now hasten.” - -Ebbek took the girl’s arm to lead her away. As she passed Kāra she -halted to say, with despairing intensity: - -“I hate you! Some day I will kill you.” - -Kāra laughed. He was in a pleased mood. - -“Good-by, Nephthys,” he rejoined, complacently. “Tell Sĕra I present you -to her with my compliments.” - -Then he left the room and found Tadros standing stiffly outside the -door. - -“Follow me,” he said, and the dragoman obeyed. - -He led the way to his own room and sat down facing the dragoman. - -Tadros remained standing. He held in his hand the stump of a half-burned -cigarette, which he eyed critically and with an air of absorbing -interest. - -Kāra, being amused, remained silent. - -After a time the dragoman coughed to clear his throat. - -“You see, Kāra,” he began, “I bought the girl first, and paid good money -for her when I was desperately poor--a fact that deserves some -consideration; yet you forced me to sell her.” - -“Indeed!” - -“Yes, for an insignificant roll of papyrus. I don’t complain, having -accepted the bargain; but you mustn’t blame me for all that has -happened. By the beard of Osiris! is a man’s heart to be bought and sold -like a woman’s body? It is absurd.” - -He paused, shifting from one foot to the other. Then he lifted his eyes, -and was pained to find Kāra staring at him fixedly. - -“There should be no quarrel between us,” he continued, striving to speak -confidently. “I have been your jackal, and did your dirty work for a -fair amount of pay. What then? To ruin me will cause your own downfall. -You dare not do it. But I am honest with you, and a good servant. You -need not fear me in the future, for I will promise you on my word to -avoid your harem--the word of Tadros the dragoman!” - -As he spoke, a shrill scream reached their ears. Tadros bounded to the -window, and through the lattice saw Ebbek pushing the unhappy Nephthys -into a carriage. He turned a frowning face toward his master. - -“What are you doing to the girl?” he demanded, fiercely. - -“Sending her back to Sĕra.” - -The dragoman uttered a curse and made for the door. - -“Come here!” cried Kāra, sternly. - -Tadros stopped, hesitated, and then returned. He realized that he could -do nothing. - -“Very well,” said he, sullenly. “She will be safer in Fedah than in -Cairo. But you have been cruel, Kāra. A man who is really a man would -not treat a beast as you have treated Nephthys. To teach her the -splendid luxury of a palace and then thrust her back into a mud hut on -the forsaken Nile bank is a positive crime! I suppose you have also -taken away her fine clothes and her pretty ornaments?” - -“Yes.” - -“Poor child! But there--one does not argue with a snake for fear of its -venom. I am likewise in your power,” said the dragoman, gloomily. - -Kāra actually laughed at his rueful expression. - -“You were born a fool, my Tadros,” said he, “and a fool you will die. -Look you! there is no excuse in all your chatter to me of your own -treachery--the crime that our customs declare merits death. You simply -accuse me of harshness in sending away a faithless woman. Tell me, then, -some plausible reason why I should not kill you.” - -Tadros grew pale. - -“There are two reasons,” he replied, seriously. “One is that murdering -me would cause you to get into trouble with the police. The other is -that you have need of me.” - -“Very good. The first argument does not count, because you could be -killed secretly, with no personal danger to me; and that, without doubt, -is the manner in which I shall kill you some day. But your present -safety, my Tadros, lies in your second reason. I still need your -services, and will permit you to remain alive until I am quite sure to -have no further use for you.” - -The dragoman drew a long breath. - -“Let us forget it, Kāra,” said he. “I admit that I have been somewhat -indiscreet; but what then? All men are indiscreet at times, and you will -cease to blame me when you discover how faithful I am to your -interests.” - -Kāra did not reply. The carriage had long since driven away. The -dragoman again shifted his position uneasily. - -“May I go?” he asked. - -“Yes.” - -And Tadros withdrew, his heart filled with fear and hatred; but the -hatred remained long after the fear had subsided. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -KĀRA THREATENS. - - -Those two days were uneasy ones to Kāra. He felt no dread of Aneth’s -final answer, but the waiting for it was wearisome. Their arrangements -might easily have been concluded at the last interview had he not been -weak enough to defer to the girl’s foolish desire to postpone the -inevitable. Since he had come from Fedah, the world had been his -plaything, and he found it in no way difficult to accomplish those -things he determined upon. He had, therefore, acquired unbounded -confidence in the powers of Ahtka-Rā’s remarkable Stone of Fortune, -which he believed to have a strong influence over all his undertakings. -So the Egyptian merely sought to occupy his time to good advantage until -he could bring his bride--willing or unwilling mattered little--home to -his handsome villa. - -He sent Tadros to summon the most famous merchants of Cairo to wait upon -him, and arranged to have the women’s quarters redecorated in regal -fashion. He selected many rich silks and embroideries for Aneth’s use -when she should need them, and secured an increased corps of Arab -servants, well trained in their duties, to attend the slightest wish of -their new mistress. He realized that the establishment must hereafter be -conducted more upon the plan of a modern European household, and that -the apartments of the harem must be transformed into parlors, -reception-halls and drawing-rooms. - -In marrying Aneth he determined to abandon all Oriental customs and -adopt the manners of the newer and broader civilization. He would -exhibit his wife in society, and, through her, gain added distinction. -His villa would become renowned for its fêtes and magnificent -hospitality. Such a life appealed to his imagination, and a marriage -with the English girl rendered it possible. - -Hatatcha had educated and trained Kāra for a purpose; but now her -mission and his oath to fulfil it were alike disregarded. He had given -the matter considerable thought recently, and decided that his love for -Aneth Consinor canceled all obligations to persecute her or her people -further. Hatatcha was dead and forgotten by the world, and her wrongs -could never be righted by any vengeance that he might inflict upon her -enemies. She could not appreciate the justice of retribution, since her -spirit was far away in the nether world with Anubis, and her body in the -tombs of Fedah. He had, at first, been conscientious in his -determination to accomplish his grandmother’s will, but a girl’s eyes -had thwarted him, and Hatatcha had herself proved weak when love -assailed her. Even as all his schemes were approaching fruition and his -grandmother’s revenge was nearing accomplishment, the compelling power -of his love arrested his hand and induced him to cast aside everything -that might interfere with his prospective happiness. - -On the afternoon of the second day he dressed himself carefully and -ordered his chauffeur to be ready to drive him to the Savoy; but as he -was about to leave his room, a note was brought to him from Aneth. He -tore it open and eagerly read the message-- - - Dear Prince Kāra:--I am not going to risk another unpleasant - interview, because I am anxious we should remain in the future, as - in the past, good friends and comrades. But please do not again ask - me to marry you, for such a thing is utterly impossible. While I am - glad to enjoy your friendship, I can never return the love you - profess to bear me, and without love a true woman will not marry. - So I beg you will forget that such a thing has ever been discussed - between us, and forbear to refer to it again. - - Your friend, - - ANETH CONSINOR. - -As he read the note Kāra’s face grew set and stern and his dark eyes -flashed ominously. He read it a second time, with more care, trying to -find some word of hope or compromise in the frankly written epistle. But -there was none. - -He experienced a sensation of disappointment and chagrin, tinged with -considerable astonishment. Strange as it may seem, he had never for a -moment anticipated such a positive refusal. But his nature was impetuous -and capricious, and presently anger drove all other feelings from his -heart; and the anger grew and expanded until it was hot and furious and -took full possession of him. - -Perhaps it was the blow to his self-esteem that was most effective in -destroying the passion he had mistaken for love. Anyway, the love -dissolved with startling rapidity, and in a half hour there was little -tenderness remaining for the English girl who had repulsed him. He -accepted her answer as conclusive, and began at once to revive his -former plans of vengeance. One transport was liable to prove as sweet -and exciting as another to him, and he began to revel in the -consciousness that he was the supreme master of the fate of all the -Consinors. Hatatcha was right after all. These English were cold and -faithless, and unworthy the consideration of one of his noble race. He -had been incautious and weak for a time, but now he resolved to fulfil -his oath to the dead woman to the very letter. - -He tore the offending paper into fragments, and left the room with a -resumption of his old inscrutable demeanor. It was the look that Tadros -had learned to fear. - -“Drive me to the Savoy,” he said to his chauffeur. - -Lord Roane had reserved one small room on the first floor of the hotel -as an office, and here he transacted such business matters as came under -his jurisdiction. Kāra found him unoccupied, and Roane, who knew his -visitor but slightly, greeted the man with cordial politeness. - -“Pray be seated, Prince,” said he, offering a chair; “I am entirely at -your service.” - -The other bowed coldly. - -“I fear my mission may prove somewhat disagreeable to you, my lord,” he -began, in quiet, even tones. - -Roane gave him a shrewd glance. - -“Ah, I hear that my son is largely indebted to you for losses in -gambling,” he returned, thinking that he understood Kāra’s errand. “So -far, it is merely a rumor that has reached me; but if you come to me to -plead that case, I beg to assure you that I am in no way responsible for -Consinor’s debts of honor.” - -The Egyptian shrugged his shoulders as a Frenchman might have done. - -“That is another matter, sir, which I do not care to discuss at this -time,” he answered. “My present business is to obtain your consent to -marry your granddaughter.” - -Roane was startled with amazement. - -“Aneth! You wish to marry Aneth?” he asked, as if he could not have -heard aright. - -“Yes, my lord.” - -So confident was the prince’s tone that Lord Roane, although much -unnerved by its suddenness, began involuntarily to consider the -proposition. The fellow was handsome and dignified and reputed to be as -rich as Crœsus; but the Englishman had a natural antipathy to -foreigners, especially the dark-skinned ones. The idea of giving Aneth -to an Egyptian was revolting. - -“Ahem! This is indeed a surprise, Prince,” he said, haltingly. “The -child is hardly old enough yet to think of marriage.” - -Kāra did not reply to this observation. - -“Have you--ah--approached her with this proposal as yet?” inquired -Roane, after a few moments’ reflection. - -“I have, sir.” - -“And what did she say?” - -“She refused to marry me, giving as her reason the fact that she does -not love me,” was the calm reply. - -Roane stared at him. - -“Then why the devil do you come to me?” he demanded, angrily. - -“Because the girl must not be allowed to choose for herself,” said Kāra. - -“Must not, sir?” - -“Decidedly not, Lord Roane. Too much depends upon her refusal. At -present your granddaughter stands disgraced in the eyes of all the -world, because of that dishonest father, who, as you remarked a moment -ago, owes me ten thousand pounds.” - -“Aneth disgraced!” cried Roane, indignantly; “by no means, sir! Even -your vile insinuations cannot injure that pure and innocent girl. But -Consinor has gone away, and his daughter is now under my personal -protection. I will see that she is accorded the respect and -consideration to which she is entitled, despite her father’s misdeeds.” - -“Such an assertion, my lord, is, under the circumstances, ridiculous,” -replied Kāra, with a composure equal to the other’s irritation. “In the -near future, when you are yourself disgraced and imprisoned, who will -then be left to protect your granddaughter’s good name?” - -Roane uttered a roar of exasperation. - -“You infernal scoundrel!” he exclaimed, “how dare you come here to -browbeat and insult me! Leave my presence, sir!” - -“I think you will be glad to hear more,” remarked Kāra, without changing -his position. “Perhaps you are not aware that your robbery of the -Government through the contractor, McFarland, is fully known to me.” - -Roane fell back in his chair, white and trembling. - -“It’s a lie!” he muttered. - -“It is not a lie,” said the imperturbable Egyptian. “The proofs are all -in my hands. I hold your receipt to McFarland for the stolen money.” - -Roane glared at him, but had not a word to reply. He felt like a rat in -a trap. From the most unexpected source this blow had fallen upon him -when least expected, and already he bitterly regretted his lapse from -honesty. - -“The Egyptian Government, when it learns the facts,” continued Kāra, -“will show you no mercy. Even Lord Cromer will insist upon your -punishment, for he will resent any embezzlement in office that would -bring the English colony here into disrepute. You must be aware of your -danger without the necessity of my calling your attention to the fact; -so that you have, absolutely, no hope of escape except through my -clemency.” - -“What do you mean?” asked the old nobleman, hoarsely. - -“That at present the secret is in my sole possession. It need never be -disclosed. Give me Aneth in marriage, and you will not only secure your -safety, but I will see that you want for nothing in the future. I am -wealthy enough to promise this.” - -“The girl has refused you.” - -“Never mind. You will force her to accept me.” - -“No, by God, I will not!” cried Roane, springing to his feet. “Hell and -all its imps shall not induce me to drag that innocent child to my own -level. I am a felon because I am an ass, and an ass because I have no -moral stamina; but even then, my heart is not as black as yours, Prince -Kāra!” - -The Egyptian listened unmoved. - -“The matter deserves more careful consideration,” said he. “Sentiment is -very pretty when it does not conflict with personal safety. An -examination of your case reveals comfort and prosperity on the one hand, -disgrace and prison on the other.” - -“They weigh nothing against Aneth’s happiness,” returned the old man, -promptly. “Expose me as soon as you like, sir, for nothing will ever -induce me to save myself from the fruits of my folly at the expense of -that poor girl. And now, go!” - -Kāra smiled with quiet scorn. - -“It is quite refreshing to witness your indignation,” said he. “If it -were equaled by your honesty, you would have no reason to fear me.” - -“Nor do I fear you now,” retorted Lord Roane, defiantly. “Do your worst, -you infamous nigger, for you cannot bribe me in any way to abet your -shameful proposals.” - -Kāra reddened at the epithet, but did not reply until he had risen and -started to move toward the door. Then he half turned and said: - -“It will enable you to appreciate your danger better, Lord Roane, if I -tell you that I am but the instrument of an Egyptian woman named -Hatatcha, whose life and happiness you once carelessly ruined. She did -not forget, and her vengeance against you and yours will be terrible, -believe me, unless you engage me to defeat it instead of accomplishing -it. My personal interest induces me to bargain with you. What do you -say, my lord? Shall we discuss this subject more fully, or do you wish -me to go?” - -Roane was staring at him with affrighted eyes. A thousand recollections -flashed through his mind at the mention of Hatatcha’s name, attended by -a thousand terrors as he remembered his treatment of her. So lost was he -in fear and wonder that Kāra had to speak again. - -“Shall I go, my lord?” - -“Yes,” was the answer. It seemed to be wrenched from the old man’s -throbbing breast by a generosity that conquered his cowardice. - -Kāra frowned. He was disappointed. But further argument was useless, and -he went away, leaving Roane fairly stunned by the disclosures of the -interview. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -ANETH SURRENDERS. - - -Kāra went straight to Aneth’s apartments, insisting that he must see -her. - -The girl was much distressed by this sudden visit, and, thinking that -the Egyptian wished merely to renew his protestations and appeals, tried -hard to evade the ordeal of an interview. Mrs. Everingham was with her -at the time, and in her perplexity Aneth confided to her in a few brief -words Kāra’s infatuation, and asked her advice how to act under such -trying circumstances. - -Mrs. Everingham was a woman of strong character and shrewd judgment. She -was tall and admirably formed, with undoubted claims to beauty and a -carriage queenly and dignified. The wife of a prominent engineer, -she had lived much in the Orient and was accustomed to its -unconventionalities as well as to its most representative social life. -Although so much older than Aneth, the lady had manifested a fondness -for the lonely girl from their first meeting, and had gladly taken her, -as she expressed it, “under her wing,” as well as to her sympathetic -heart; so that Aneth had come to rely upon her friend in many ways, and -now turned to her in this emergency. - -“I think it will be best for you to see him,” advised Mrs. Everingham, -after a thoughtful consideration of the case. “If you evade the -explanation he doubtless wishes to force upon you, he is the sort of man -to annoy you persistently until you grant him an interview. Better have -it over at once; and be positive with him, my dear, as well as gentle, -so that you leave no hope alive to warrant his renewing his suit.” - -“Won’t you stay with me, Lola?” begged Aneth. - -“That would hardly be fair to Prince Kāra,” smiled Mrs. Everingham, “for -my presence would embarrass and humiliate him unnecessarily. No; I will -withdraw into the next room, where I shall be within call, but -invisible. Be brave, Aneth dear. These disagreeable duties are often -thrust upon women who, like yourself, have a faculty of unconsciously -winning men’s hearts, and are exacted as inevitable penalties. I am -sorry for the poor prince, but he is not of our race and had no business -to fall in love with an English girl.” - -Then she kissed her protégé and retired to the adjoining room, taking -pains to leave the door ajar. Aneth sighed, and called her Arab to admit -Kāra. - -When the Egyptian entered, his manner in no way indicated the despair of -a rejected lover, or even the eagerness of one who hoped to successfully -appeal his case. Instead, he bowed coldly, but with profound deference, -and said: - -“You must pardon me, Miss Aneth, for forcing this interview upon you; -but it was necessary.” - -“Forgive me, also, Prince Kāra,” faltered the girl. “I am sorry you -came, for my answer was final. I can never--” - -He waved his hand with a gesture of insolent indifference that arrested -her words. - -“You will not be called upon to repeat the dismissal conveyed in your -letter,” said he. “I may ask you to reverse your decision, but it will -be a matter of business between us, in which inclination will have no -part.” - -“Sir,” she replied, shrinking back before his stern look, “I--I fear I -do not understand you!” - -“Be seated,” he requested, “and I will explain.” - -She obeyed silently, with a partial recovery of her self-control. -Strange as the Egyptian’s words proved, they were, after all, more -bearable than his endearing protestations would have been, and in her -ignorance she welcomed any topic but love. - -Kāra spoke with brutal frankness. - -“The scandal caused by your father’s dishonesty is too recent for you to -have yet escaped its contamination,” he began. “Lord Consinor has left -Cairo owing me money, a matter of some ten thousand pounds. That you may -have no cause to doubt my word, please to examine this note of hand. It -is witnessed by two respectable gentlemen residing in this city.” - -He handed her the paper and she took it mechanically, wondering what it -meant. - -“According to our laws,” he resumed, “I can bring an action to recover -this money against any member of Consinor’s family. I am assured such -an action would ruin Lord Roane completely.” - -She was afraid of him now, but drew herself up proudly. - -“That will not matter in the least, sir,” she replied. “Lord Roane will -gladly meet any just obligation, even though it may leave him penniless -to do so.” - -“My lord does not express himself quite so honorably as that,” replied -Kāra, with an open sneer. “But this note of hand is really unimportant. -I merely mentioned it to emphasize the debt that you and your -grandfather already owe me. Your father has cleverly escaped the result -of his misdeeds by absconding. Unfortunately, Lord Roane is unable to do -the same thing.” - -“No one will blame Lord Roane for his son’s faults,” she protested, -greatly distressed by the cruelty of Kāra’s remarks. - -“That is not my meaning,” he replied. “Roane’s own misdeeds are so much -more serious than those of his son that, when they are discovered, he -cannot escape a prison cell.” - -Aneth gasped in horror. The accusation was at first beyond belief; but -Kāra’s tone was positive and a sudden recollection of her grandfather’s -doubtful life flashed over her and made her dread to question further. - -It was not needful. The man continued calmly to enlighten her concerning -McFarland’s crime and her grandfather’s participation in it, while the -girl sat with wide-open eyes and a look of despair upon her white face. - -Finally Kāra produced a second paper. - -“This, Miss Aneth,” he said, more gently, “is the receipt signed by Lord -Roane for his share of the stolen money. It is proof positive against -him, and you will, of course, recognize his signature. Besides, I can -produce two witnesses to the crime--a crime for which the penalty is, as -I have hinted, a long term of imprisonment as well as dishonor through -all the ages to come. But this is only for discovery. There is no -penalty exacted for an undiscovered crime. Personally, I do not wish to -see Lord Roane disgraced and sent to prison, or your invalid mother -impoverished, and you, yourself, left to the mercies of a reproachful -world; so I have come here to-day to save you all from these -consequences of Roane’s folly, if you will let me.” - -Aneth tried to control her bewilderment. She wanted to think calmly. So -vividly had Kāra described Lord Roane’s offense, that she saw it all -before her as in a dream, and knew that the old man’s feet were -stumbling at the edge of a bottomless pit. But the last words of the -Egyptian, if she heard them aright, seemed to promise a chance of her -awakening and exorcising the nightmare. - -“How can you save us?” she asked, wearily. - -“By making you my wife,” he answered. “It all rests with you, Miss -Aneth. I alone can protect Lord Roane from any possibility of discovery, -and I will do so if you now promise to marry me. More than that, I will -pay off all the mortgages on your grandfather’s estates, so that he may -live in comfort during the remainder of his life, honored and respected -by all. And you shall have your father’s note of hand for the ten -thousand pounds as soon as I receive your promise, as an earnest of my -good faith.” - -“And if I refuse?” she suggested, trembling. - -“Then you render me powerless to aid, and plunge your aged grandfather -into prison, disgraced and humiliated beyond any hope of redemption.” - -“No, no! I cannot do that,” she wailed, miserably. “He has been so good -to me and loved me so fondly that I dare not--I will not--sacrifice him -to secure my own happiness!” - -“It is as I hoped,” said Kāra, a note of triumph in his voice. “Do you -promise, sacredly and on your honor, that you will marry me in return -for my shielding your grandfather from the consequences of his crime?” - -“Yes,” she answered, clasping her hands with a shudder. - -“And you will come to me any day and hour that I may appoint?” - -“Yes.” - -“Aneth! Aneth! what have you said? What have you done?” cried Mrs. -Everingham, running from her hiding-place to clasp the terrified girl in -her arms. - -“What have I done?” repeated Aneth, vacantly. “Why, Lola, I have saved -my dear grandfather from disgrace and ruin.” - -[Illustration: “You shall not keep that promise!” declared the woman] - -“You shall not keep that promise!” declared the woman, turning fiercely -to confront Kāra. “It was wrung from you by threats--by blackmail--and -this scoundrel is playing upon your generous and loving heart. You shall -never keep so absurd a promise.” - -“Yes,” returned Aneth, bravely; “I have given my word, and I shall keep -it.” - -Kāra laid a paper upon the table. - -“There is your father’s note, Miss Aneth. You may destroy it.” He -hesitated an instant, and then added the second paper. “And here is your -grandfather’s receipt for the stolen money. So fully do I trust to your -good faith that I leave the incriminating evidence all in your own -hands. Good afternoon, Miss Aneth.” - -With a bow, grave and courteous, he passed from the room, and Mrs. -Everingham lifted the girl in her strong arms and carried her into the -adjoining chamber to lay her tenderly upon her bed. The strain had been -severe, and Aneth had fainted. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -FINDING A WAY. - - -Gerald Winston endured several miserable, uneasy days following that of -Lord Consinor’s public disgrace. He longed to call upon Aneth, but dared -not intrude, and so compromised by sending her a daily gift of flowers. -At last, however, he decided to see Mrs. Everingham and endeavor to -ascertain Aneth’s condition, and whether her father’s fault was making -her as sorrowful as he feared. - -He found Mrs. Everingham at her rooms in the Savoy, and was admitted at -once. - -“I want to ask you about Miss Consinor,” he said, after he had been -warmly greeted, for they were good friends and she was glad he had come. - -“Aneth is very unhappy,” was the sober reply. - -“I can understand her humiliation, of course,” he continued, with a -sigh; “although I hoped she would be brave, and not take the unfortunate -circumstance too much to heart.” - -“She is young,” answered Mrs. Everingham, evasively, “and cannot view -these things as composedly as we do. Moreover, you must remember that -Lord Consinor’s trouble touches her more deeply than anyone else.” - -“Unless it is the viscountess,” he suggested. - -“Oh, the poor viscountess knows nothing of it! She passes her time in an -exclusive consideration of her own ailments, and will scarcely see her -own daughter at all. Do you know, Gerald, I sometimes wonder how the -child can be so sweet and womanly when her surroundings are so -dreadful.” - -“I know what you mean,” he said. “Consinor has always borne a doubtful -reputation at home, and in past years Roane’s life has also been more or -less disgraceful. But the old fellow seems to be conducting himself very -properly since he came to Egypt, and it is possible he has reformed his -ways.” - -She did not reply at once, but sat musing until she asked, with -startling abruptness: - -“Gerald, do you love Aneth?” - -He flushed and stammered in his endeavor to find words to reply. Since -his interview with Kāra he had confessed to himself that he did love -Aneth; but that another should discover his secret filled the big fellow -with confusion. - -“Why do you ask?” he faltered, to gain time. - -“Because the girl needs true and loving friends more at this moment than -in all her life to come,” said she, earnestly. - -“I will be her true friend in any event,” he returned. - -“But I must know more than that,” persisted Mrs. Everingham. “Tell me -frankly, Gerald, do you love her?” - -“Yes.” - -“Well enough to wish to make her your wife, in spite of her family’s -shady history?” - -“Yes,” he said again, looking at her inquiringly. - -“Then I shall confide to you a great secret; for it is right that you -should be apprised of what is going on; and only you--with my -assistance, to be sure--can hope to defeat the cunning plot that -threatens to separate Aneth from you forever.” - -Thereupon she related to him the details of the interview she had -overheard between Kāra and the girl, and told of the promise Aneth had -made to save her grandfather from disgrace by marrying the Egyptian. - -“But this is nonsense!” he exclaimed, angrily. “The man is a fool to -wish to force any woman to marry him, and a scoundrel to use such means -to accomplish his purpose.” - -“I know; I have discussed this matter with Aneth long and earnestly, but -all in vain. She is determined to sacrifice herself to save Lord Roane -from this disgrace; and Prince Kāra is inflexible. For some unknown -reason he has determined to make this girl his wife, although he did not -talk like a lover, and she told him frankly she could never love or even -esteem him. Really, it seems incomprehensible.” - -“I know his reason well enough,” answered Winston, moodily. “He is -acting under the influence of the strongest and most evil human -passion--revenge. If you will kindly listen, my friend, I will relate a -bit of romance that should enable you to understand the Egyptian’s -purpose.” - -He proceeded to recount the story of Hatatcha and Lord Roane, adding his -grounds for believing that Kāra had from the first contemplated the ruin -of the entire Consinor family. - -“This is horrible!” cried Mrs. Everingham, indignantly. “If what you say -is true, this native prince is himself a grandson of Roane, and -therefore Aneth’s cousin.” - -“I have called his attention to that fact, and he declares it is no bar -to his marrying her. I imagine his real meaning is that the relationship -is no bar to his prosecuting his nefarious plans. Does Lord Roane know -of this proposed sacrifice of his granddaughter for his sake?” - -“No; and Aneth has made me promise to keep the secret from him. I cannot -see that he would be able to assist us in any way, if he knew all that -we know.” - -“Perhaps not. Is the story true? Has Roane actually embezzled this -money?” - -“I do not know.” - -“It seems to me,” said the young man, thoughtfully, “that our first -action should be to discover the truth of Kāra’s assertion. He may have -trumped up the charge to work upon Aneth’s feelings, and lead her to -consent to marry him against her will.” - -“That is true,” she said. “How can we investigate the matter?” - -“Very easily. I will go to-morrow to the Rosetta Barrage and examine the -embankment. Afterward I can look up the records and discover what sort -of contract this man McFarland had, and how much money he collected for -its execution. That will give us the truth of the matter, and I can -accomplish it all in two days’ time.” - -“Then go; but make haste, for every day is precious. We do not know when -the prince may call upon Aneth to fulfil her promise.” - -They discussed the situation a while longer, and then Winston withdrew -to prepare for taking the early morning train. - -The second evening after, he again called upon Mrs. Everingham. - -“Well,” she inquired, eagerly, “what did you discover?” - -“It is all true,” he answered, despondently. “The swindle has been -cleverly consummated, and in just the way Kāra explained it to Aneth. -There is no doubt of Lord Roane’s guilt; neither can we doubt that Kāra -has both the power and the will to expose and imprison him if it suits -his purpose to do so.” - -“Then,” said Mrs. Everingham, firmly, “we must find another way to save -Aneth. The poor child is heart-broken, and moans every moment that she -is left alone with her misery. Lord Roane tries earnestly to comfort -her, for I am sure he loves her as well as one of his character is -capable of loving. But he imagines she grieves over her father, and -does not suspect the truth.” - -“Is she still resolved upon keeping her promise?” he inquired. - -“Yes; and that in spite of all I can say to move her. The girl has a -gentle and loving nature, but underneath it is a will of iron and a -stubbornness such as the early martyrs must have possessed. She holds -her own happiness as nothing when compared with her grandfather’s -safety.” - -“Then what can we do?” he asked, pacing the floor nervously. - -“We must resort to a cunning equal to Kāra’s in order to induce Aneth to -break her foolish promise,” responded Mrs. Everingham, promptly. - -“I fear I do not quite understand,” he said, stopping before her to read -her countenance for the clue. - -“I think--nay, Gerald, I am certain--the girl loves you; for I have -questioned her skilfully during your absence and led her to speak of -you, watching her tell-tale eyes as she did so. In my opinion it is this -secret love for another that makes her sacrifice so grievous, and will -end in breaking her heart.” - -He blushed like a girl at hearing this, but was evidently reassured and -delighted. - -“Yet I do not understand even now, Mrs. Everingham,” he said. - -“It is not so much that you are stupid as that you are a man,” she -answered, smiling. “You must become the instrument to save Aneth from -herself. In a few moments I shall take you to see her. Her rooms are -just across the hall, and doubtless she is at this moment alone, Lord -Roane having left the hotel an hour ago. This evening I will give you -countenance, but thereafter you must play your own game, and do your -utmost to draw from Aneth a confession that she loves you. When you have -done that, our case is won.” - -“Why so?” - -“Can’t you see, Gerald? No right-minded girl would ruin the life of the -man she loves to save her grandfather from the consequences of his own -errors. If she is in the mood to sacrifice, we will let her sacrifice -Lord Roane instead of herself or you.” - -“Oh!” he said, blankly. “I can’t do that, you know, Mrs. Everingham.” - -“Why not?” - -“It would not be honest or fair. And it would be selfish in me, and--and -unmanly.” - -“But I am not thinking of you at all, sir, except as the instrument. I -am thinking of Aneth and her life’s happiness. Are you willing, on your -part, to sacrifice her to such a man as Kāra, that he may crush her to -gratify his revenge?” - -“No; but--” - -“Will you permit her, in her blindness and folly, to break her own heart -and ruin her own life, when you know that you can save her?” - -“No.” - -“The struggle is between you and Kāra. Lord Roane is a felon, and to -save him from the penalty due his acts will be to merely postpone the -day when another of his criminal misdeeds will be discovered. There is -little possible redemption for a man who has attained his sinful years; -but if the possibility did exist, the price would be too high. Opposed -to the desirability of shielding this reprobate nobleman and giving Kāra -his way--which simply means Aneth’s ruin--we must consider your mutual -love and the prospect of a long life of happiness for you both. Do you -dare to hesitate, Gerald Winston?” - -“I will do exactly as you say, Mrs. Everingham,” he replied, -impetuously. “I can’t let her go to this fiend--to the terrible fate -that awaits her. Tell me what to do, and I will obey!” - -“Your first duty will be to come with me to her room. And drop that long -face, sir! Be cheery and lighthearted, and woo Aneth as tenderly as if -you were wholly ignorant of the dreadful position she is in. Arrange to -call again to-morrow, and in the future do not leave her alone for a -single evening, and haunt her at all hours of the day. Remember that -time is precious, and the situation demands all your skill and -diplomacy. It cannot be a long siege; you must determine to capture her -by attack.” - -“I--I’ll try,” he said, nervously. - -And so he met Aneth again, for the first time since her trouble had come -upon her, and he performed his part so creditably that Mrs. Everingham -had but little fault to find with her coadjutor. The sight of the girl’s -swollen eyelids and her sad and resigned expression of countenance so -aroused his loving pity and indignation at the cruel plot that had -enmeshed her, that he could scarcely restrain the impulse to declare at -once his love and entreat her to give him an immediate right to protect -her. - -Perhaps Aneth read something of his love for her in his eager face, for -she joined with Mrs. Everingham in sustaining the flow of small talk -that was likely to prove her best safeguard, and in this way was led to -forget for the moment her cares and fears. She hesitated a moment when -Gerald proposed to bring her a new book next afternoon, but finally -consented. Therefore, he left her feeling more buoyant and hopeful than -he had thought could be possible a few short hours before. - -From that evening his former shyness disappeared, and he pushed his suit -with as much ardor as he dared, utterly ignoring Aneth’s evident desire -to restrain him from speaking too plainly. But sometimes she, too, -forgot her impending fate, and gave way to the delight of these happy -moments. Already she knew that Gerald loved her, for her woman’s -instinct was alert, and at night she lay upon her bed and wailed -miserably because the gates of paradise had suddenly opened before her, -and her willing feet were so bound that she might not enter. - -During these days Lord Roane devoted much of his time to his grandchild, -treating her with almost reverential tenderness and striving in every -possible way to cheer her spirits. The old man realized that his -probation might be short. At any moment Kāra was liable to fulfil his -threat and expose him to the authorities, and involuntarily he caught -himself listening at all times for the footfall of the official coming -to arrest him. He even wondered why he had escaped so long, knowing -nothing of the manner in which Aneth had saved him. - -And the girl, noting his loving care for her and marking the trouble -that often clouded his handsome face, was encouraged in her resolve to -carry out her compact with Kāra rather than see her aged grandfather -thrust into prison, humiliated and disgraced. - -Between her awakening love for Gerald Winston and her desire to save the -family honor, the girl was indeed in pitiable straits. Yet never for a -moment did she hesitate as to which way the path of duty led. - -She felt that every day she remained unmolested by the Egyptian was a -precious boon to be grateful for, yet always she dreaded Kāra’s summons. -However, he was in no hurry, realizing the bitterness to her of these -days of waiting, and enjoying the prolongation of her sufferings. All -the love that Kāra had formerly borne the girl seemed to have dissolved -as if by magic, and in its place had grown up schemes for so horrible a -vengeance that he often wondered whether Hatatcha herself might not have -hesitated to accomplish it. - -But Kāra did not hesitate. The very diablerie of the thing fascinated -and delighted him, and he anticipated the event with eager joy. - -Tadros spent much of his time at the hotel, in charge of Kāra’s -elaborate system of espionage. His functions as dragoman gained for him -special privileges, and the hall porter allowed him free access to the -lobby; yet he was only able to enter the upper halls when he could plead -some definite errand. This excuse was provided by a guest of the hotel, -an agreeable Frenchman who was in Kāra’s employ and maintained a -surveillance over the interior of the establishment, while a half-dozen -Arabs and Copts watched carefully the exterior. Thus Tadros was enabled -to keep in close touch with the movements of Lord Roane and Aneth, as -well as to spy upon those who might visit them, and his orders were to -report promptly to Kāra any suspicious circumstances which might -indicate that his victims were planning their escape. - -But, from the dragoman’s reports, all seemed well, and his prospective -prey apparently made no effort to evade their fate. - -Kāra depended much upon Aneth’s delicate sense of honor and her strength -of character, and read her so truly that there was little chance of her -disappointing him. Roane, however, caused him a little uneasiness, and -the Egyptian’s spies shadowed him wherever he went. But Kāra misjudged -the old gentleman if he supposed that Roane would tamely submit to -Aneth’s sacrifice had he known her secret. The girl understood him -better, and although she did not know of his indignant rejection of -Kāra’s offer to shield him at the expense of his granddaughter’s -happiness, Aneth knew that if Roane learned the truth he would at once -give himself up to justice in order to save her; and here was a danger -the clever Egyptian had not even suspected. - -In many of his dealings Roane was doubtless an unprincipled knave; but -certain points of character were so impressed upon his nature, through -inheritance from generations of more noble Consinors, that in matters of -chivalry his honor could not be successfully challenged. - -The dragoman said nothing to Kāra about Winston’s frequent visits to -Aneth. During his hours of watching Tadros indulged in reflection, and -these musings encouraged a growing resentment toward his master that -destroyed much of his value as a confidential servant. Aside from the -resentment, Tadros was afraid of Kāra, and also uneasy as to his -financial condition. The prince, who was accustomed to scatter money -with a liberal hand, had of late refrained from exhibiting a single -piastre. Tadros wondered, and grew suspicious. One evening, as he -reported to Kāra, he said: - -“The tradesmen are clamoring for their money. They say you are not -paying them as promptly as you did heretofore.” - -Kāra looked up with surprise. - -“Is not my credit good?” he inquired. - -“For the present, yes,” replied the dragoman; “but it will not remain -good unless you begin to pay for all the magnificence you are putting -into this villa.” - -“I see,” said Kāra, nodding thoughtfully. “They are fools, my Tadros, -but they might become troublesome. Keep them satisfied with promises for -a time longer. That should not be a difficult task.” - -Tadros looked at him distrustfully. - -“Tell me, my prince; have you spent all your treasure?” he asked. - -The Egyptian smiled. - -“If I should live a thousand years, my Tadros,” he returned, “I could -not spend the half of it.” - -“Then why do you not pay these merchants?” - -“Because I have at this time no more money in the bank, and it is not -convenient for me to leave Cairo just now to secure a further supply.” - -“Oh, I see!” remarked the dragoman, heaving a sigh of relief. “You must -make another trip to Fedah.” - -Kāra gave him one of those intent, thoughtful looks that always made -Tadros uneasy; but when he spoke his voice sounded soft and pleasant. - -“What causes you to think my treasure is at Fedah, my good friend?” he -asked. - -The tone reassured the dragoman. - -“It stands to reason, my prince, that it is there,” he answered, with -frank indifference. “Do I not well remember first seeing the papyri in -your house, and afterward carrying away from there the heavy traveling -case that was filled with precious gems?” - -“Ah! was it?” - -“Of course, Kāra. How else could you give so many ancient gems to the -Van der Veens to recut, or turn so many more into money by selling them -to Andalaft, the jeweler?” - -“You have been observant, my Tadros.” - -“It is natural. I am no fool. But if, as you say, there is more treasure -at Fedah, I will undertake to keep the rascally tradesmen quiet until -you can make another deposit in the bank.” - -Kāra was still reading the countenance of his dragoman. - -“It is quite evident that you are no fool, my Tadros,” he said, softly; -“yet I had not imagined you capable of so much shrewdness and wisdom. -Look you! Fedah consists of a rock and a few stone houses cemented with -Nile mud. It is familiar to you, being your birthplace as well as my -own. Now where do you suppose, within the limits of that simple village, -a treasure could have been discovered?” - -“It has puzzled me,” acknowledged Tadros; “but I suppose you do not wish -me to know the exact location. Nevertheless, it is evident that the -treasure is a very ancient one, and therefore it must have been hidden -by your forefathers in the mountain itself, or perhaps on the desert -that adjoins the village.” - -“A long-buried and forgotten temple; eh, Tadros?” - -“Oh, no; a tomb, of course! They did not keep pearls and rubies in the -temples. Only in tombs could such trinkets be found. That is why I -believe your statement that you are the last descendant of the great -kings of Egypt; for this tomb was not discovered by accident, I know. -The secret of its existence must have been handed down through the -generations. Hatatcha knew, and told you of it before she died; so it is -your personal property, and its possession proves your noble blood. I am -glad the treasure is ample; for at the rate you are squandering money, -it would otherwise be soon exhausted.” - -“Very wisely argued, indeed,” said Kāra. “I wonder how much of my -inheritance has already found its way into your own pockets.” - -“Not too much, you may be sure,” answered the dragoman, gravely. “I am -very honest, and take only my rightful perquisites. It is better that -these trifles should go to me than to strangers, for I am your own -kinsman and almost as pure an Egyptian as yourself.” - -“True. I do not complain, my Tadros. But in acquiring my money you -should take care not to acquire too much knowledge of my affairs with -it, for such knowledge is liable to prove extremely dangerous. Consider -the pearls of wisdom that have even now dropped from your lips. Must -they not be repaid? And already I am greatly in your debt.” - -“You are talking riddles,” growled the dragoman, uneasily. “Tell me what -you mean in plain words.” - -“Do you remember the day that Nephthys broke her water-jar?” - -“Yes.” - -“You struck me, your prince, and knocked me down.” - -“Well, you choked me afterward. That should even the score.” - -“Not quite. I choked you for spying upon me. That was another offense. -The blow has not yet been accounted for.” - -Tadros frowned. - -“I do not bear grudges myself,” he muttered. - -“There are a few other matters scored against your account,” continued -Kāra. “Still, so long as you serve me faithfully, and I have need of -you, I shall not exact a reckoning; but they stand on record, my Tadros, -and some day the account must be balanced. Do not forget that. For these -reasons, and remembering that you have declared yourself no fool, I am -certain that you will admit you were wrong about the location of my -treasure. When you think it over, you will conclude that it lies in -Luxor, or Abydos, or perhaps is a myth altogether, and never has -existed. And, when you chatter to others, no mention of a hidden tomb or -temple will be permitted to pass your lips. I am quite sure you will be -circumspect, and I trust you to keep to yourself the secret of my -affairs. If I thought you would betray me, I would kill you now, instead -of waiting. But you will not do that; you are too fond of living and of -the money you are saving to hazard losing both.” - -Tadros returned to his duties in a very thoughtful mood. In playing upon -his fears, Kāra had overreached himself, and made the dragoman so much -afraid that he believed his life hung by a thread. Therefore, he sought -most earnestly for a way of escape from the thrall of his terrible -countryman. - -The following morning Gerald Winston, on leaving Mrs. Everingham after a -conference concerning their plans, met Tadros face to face in the -corridor of the hotel. He recognized the man at once as Kāra’s dragoman -and confidential servant. Moreover, he suspected that the fellow had -just come from the Consinor apartments; so he had no hesitation in -accosting him. - -“May I speak with you a moment in private?” he asked. - -“Most certainly, sir.” - -Winston led the way into Mrs. Everingham’s drawing-room, where the lady -greeted his return with surprise, but a quick appreciation of the -importance of securing an interview with Kāra’s confidant. - -“You are Prince Kāra’s dragoman, I believe?” began the Englishman. - -“Yes, Winston Bey.” - -“And devoted to him personally, of course?” - -“To an extent, naturally,” returned Tadros, hesitating what to say. “You -see, he pays me liberally.” - -Winston and Mrs. Everingham exchanged glances. Then the lady took up the -conversation. - -“Prince Kāra,” she said, in a stern tone, “is a scoundrel, being even -now engaged in perfecting one of the most diabolical plots the mind of -man has ever conceived.” - -Tadros did not reply. It was not his business to deny the charge. - -“Our desire and intention to defeat this plot,” she continued, “lead us -to speak to you frankly. We must save Miss Consinor from an ignoble -alliance with your master.” - -Tadros listened carefully. - -“To accomplish our purpose, we are willing to expend a great deal of -money--enough to make some faithful ally comfortable for the remainder -of his life.” - -A pause followed this significant statement. Tadros felt the effect of -their scrutinizing glances, and cleared his throat while he looked -swiftly around to make sure they could not be overheard. Then, -reassured, he answered with his native bluntness of speech. - -“I am willing to earn this money,” said he, “if you will show me how to -do it with safety. Kāra is a fiend. He would not hesitate to kill all -three of us if he had reason to suspect we were plotting against him.” - -“I will give you a thousand pounds,” said Winston, “if you will tell us -what you know of Kāra’s plans. I will give you two thousand pounds -additional if we succeed in saving Miss Consinor.” - -Tadros was pleased. He had intended to break with Kāra anyway. To be -well paid for doing this was a stroke of good fortune. - -“I accept your offer,” he replied. “But I must inform you that there is -no time to be lost. I have just taken a message to Miss Consinor, -telling her to be ready to go to Kāra at nine o’clock this evening.” - -“This evening!” exclaimed Winston, alarmed. “And what was her reply?” - -“She assured me that she would keep her compact with the prince and be -ready to accompany me at the hour named. I am to call for her and take -her in a closed carriage to Kāra’s villa.” - -“And then?” asked Mrs. Everingham, eagerly. - -“Then there is to be a mock ceremony of marriage, which is intended to -entrap the young lady so that she will think everything is regular, and -will make no disturbance,” answered Tadros, calmly. “A Copt, named -Mykel, who is one of Kāra’s servants, is to be dressed as a priest and -perform the Coptic marriage service, which is a Christian function not -unlike your own. But the man is not a priest, and the marriage will be -illegal. The intention is to destroy the young lady’s good name, after -which Kāra will drive her away. Then he intends to deliver her -grandfather, Lord Roane, over to justice.” - -“What a dreadful crime!” exclaimed Mrs. Everingham, indignantly. “And -Aneth is sacrificing herself because she believes the act will save her -grandfather.” - -“That is Kāra’s promise,” returned the dragoman. “But he has no -intention of keeping it. Did he not give her a forged copy of Roane’s -receipt? For some reason my prince aims at the ruin of the entire -Consinor family. The young lady’s father he has already disgraced and -driven from Cairo.” - -“I understand his motive,” said Winston, “and believe you are right in -claiming that Kāra will not spare Lord Roane once Aneth is in his power. -The danger is terrible and imminent, for nothing will move Aneth to -abandon her purpose. She imagines she is saving Roane, and has exacted -from us a promise not to tell the old gentleman of her sacrifice. So our -hands are tied.” - -“It seems to me,” declared Mrs. Everingham, after a moment’s thought, -“that we must use the self-same weapons in fighting Kāra that he is -employing. With the dragoman’s assistance it ought to be easy to save -Aneth, even against her will.” - -“In what way?” inquired Gerald, earnestly. - -She did not reply at once. Instead, she studied the dragoman’s -countenance with steadfast eyes. - -“What is your name?” she asked. - -“Tadros, madam.” - -“Will you follow our instructions faithfully, and not betray us to -Prince Kāra?” - -“Yes. I hate Kāra. He will kill me for deserting him if he gets the -chance; but then he intends to kill me anyway as soon as he can spare my -services. If your plan includes the murder of Prince Kāra, I shall be -very glad.” - -“It does not; but we will protect you from any harm, rest assured. Your -task is simple. When you call for Miss Consinor to-night you will drive -her, not to the prince’s villa, but to the embankment, where you will -place her on board Winston Bey’s dahabeah. It will lie opposite Roda, on -the west bank. Cross the Gizireh bridge and drive as rapidly as possible -to the boat, where we shall be waiting to receive you.” - -“My dahabeah!” cried Winston, astonished. - -“To be sure. You will have everything in readiness for a voyage up the -Nile, with a prisoner aboard.” - -“A prisoner?” - -“Yes; Aneth. She will, of course, refuse to go willingly, having given -Kāra her word. I will accompany the party as her keeper, and we must -find some way to induce Lord Roane to join us also. Once afloat on the -mysterious river, Kāra will have no means of knowing what has become of -his victims, and before we return, my friend, we shall have perfected -such arrangements as will render the prince’s intention to marry our -Aneth impossible. That is why I desire Lord Roane to join the party. He -also will be safe from Kāra for a time.” - -“I understand you now,” said Winston; “and while I do not see quite to -the end of the adventure, the plan will at least give us time to -formulate our future action and enable us to thwart Kāra’s immediate -schemes.” - -“That is my idea,” she returned. “Something must be done at once; and by -abducting Aneth, we not only gain time, but save her temporarily from -the consequences of her own folly.” - -Then she turned to Tadros. - -“What do you think of my plan?” she asked. - -“It is excellent,” said he, “except for one thing; there are several -spies about this hotel, who would at once follow us and inform Kāra that -we had boarded the dahabeah; but I think I can find a way to throw them -off the scent. They are under my orders, and I will send them to other -stations before nine o’clock. Aside from this, then, do I understand -that my only duty is to deliver the young lady on board the dahabeah?” - -“That is all we ask.” - -“I will show three red lights,” said Winston, “so that you cannot -mistake the exact location of the boat.” - -“I know the boat,” replied the dragoman. “Abdallah, your engineer, is a -friend of mine.” - -“You will not fail us?” asked Mrs. Everingham, anxiously. “All depends -upon you, Tadros!” - -“I know, and I will not fail you,” he said. - -“I believe you will earn the three thousand pounds,” remarked Winston, -significantly. - -“As for that, sir,” replied the dragoman, with dignity, “I hope you will -give me credit for a little humanity as well as cupidity. Being an -Egyptian, I love money; being a man, I am eager to assist a woman in -distress. But, above all else, I shall have pleasure in defying Kāra, -who hates me as heartily as I hate him. Thus, three passions vouch for -my fidelity--love, pity and hatred. Can you doubt my devotion to the -cause?” - -After this he went away, leaving his fellow-conspirators to plan the -details of the evening’s adventure. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE ABDUCTION. - - -Mrs. Everingham passed the afternoon in Aneth’s company. The girl was -visibly nervous and excited, but made pitiful attempts to conceal her -weakness. In no way did she allude to Kāra or to the fact that the hour -had arrived when she was to consummate the sacrifice of her own -happiness to maintain her grandfather’s integrity and the honor of her -family’s name. - -Her friend ventured one or two remarks about the folly of her promise -and the absurdity of keeping it; but these so distressed Aneth, and had -so little visible influence upon her decision, that Mrs. Everingham -abandoned the topic and turned the conversation into more cheerful -channels. When she mentioned Gerald Winston she noticed that Aneth’s -cheeks flamed scarlet and then turned deathly white; so here was another -subject to be avoided, if she did not wish to make the girl’s position -unbearable. Indeed, those last days of association with Gerald had -taught Aneth the full extent of her martyrdom, and now she began to -realize that she was losing all that might have rendered her life’s -happiness complete, had it not been for the advent of Kāra and his -terrible threat to destroy the family honor and send her loving -grandfather to prison. - -Early in the evening Mrs. Everingham kissed her friend and returned to -her own room across the corridor, there to complete her simple -preparations for the proposed voyage. - -Meantime Winston had been busy with Lord Roane. The young man was -fortunately a prime favorite with Aneth’s grandsire, and he listened -attentively to Gerald’s explanation of a plot to rescue his darling -grandchild from the slough of despondency into which she had fallen. - -“Mrs. Everingham is confident a Nile voyage would do much to cheer her -up and keep her from dwelling upon her troubles,” he suggested. “What do -you think of the idea, sir?” - -“Capital,” said Roane--“if Aneth can be induced to consent. I asked her -to run over to Helwan the other day, for a few weeks’ change of scene; -but she declared she would not listen to such a proposal.” - -“That is our difficulty,” acknowledged Winston, speaking in a -confidential tone. “She has told Mrs. Everingham she would not leave -Cairo, but we think her decision is based upon the fear that you would -be unable to accompany her; so we have decided to engage in a little -conspiracy, for the morbid condition into which she has fallen has made -us all anxious. Is there any reason, my lord, why you should not leave -Cairo for a month or so?” - -“None whatever, if my going will benefit Aneth in any way.” - -“Very good! Now, here is our plan. I have fitted my private dahabeah for -a cruise. Mrs. Everingham will go along to chaperone your granddaughter, -and you will join us to complete her happiness and keep her contented. -Only one thing stands in our way--the young lady’s refusal to embark. -That barrier will be surmounted by Mrs. Everingham, who is a woman of -experience and who loves Aneth as well as if she were her own daughter. -So this evening you and I will get aboard quietly, without declaring our -intentions to anyone, and rely upon Mrs. Everingham’s promise to join us -with Aneth at nine o’clock. Do not ask me, sir, how she will succeed in -overcoming your granddaughter’s scruples against leaving Cairo. We will -trust to woman’s wit. When the party is embarked, we go up the Nile, to -find roses for your grandchild’s pale cheeks and have a jolly good time -as well.” - -Roane accepted the program with enthusiasm. He himself was in a -dreadfully nervous state, expecting hourly to be accused of a crime the -proof of which would separate him forever from Aneth. To get away from -Cairo just now, without Kāra’s knowing where he had gone, would be to -gain a few weeks’ respite. Eagerly he availed himself of the -opportunity. - -Winston knew there was no danger of the old man’s betraying their plans, -but he could not divine what Kāra’s next move might be, and resolved to -take no chances; so he clung fast to Roane until he had put him and his -light luggage aboard the dahabeah, whereupon he sent a messenger to -apprise Mrs. Everingham of his success. - -So far, all had gone well; but Mrs. Everingham’s anxiety grew as the -hour of nine approached. Lord Roane had sent word to Aneth that he would -be out for dinner and might not return to the hotel until late that -night; so the girl, glad of this fortunate chance, had her dinner served -in her own room, and the Arab servant, being intercepted by Mrs. -Everingham, declared that she ate little and wept continually, as if -overcome by some hopeless sorrow. - -All depended now upon the faithfulness of Tadros the dragoman, and Mrs. -Everingham, finding nothing more for her woman’s ingenuity to devise, -entered a carriage at half past-eight o’clock and was driven quietly to -the embankment. Within sight of the three red lights Winston had -displayed, she halted her vehicle to await the arrival of the dragoman. - -Tadros, meantime, being fully instructed by Kāra as to the conduct of -his mission, drove in the Egyptian’s private carriage to the hotel. The -coachman had been instructed to obey the dragoman’s orders implicitly, -so he suspected nothing when Tadros, having alighted at the Savoy, -commanded him to drive to the citadel and remain in the shadow of the -mosque until midnight. - -The dragoman then hired another carriage that was driven by a sleepy and -stupid-looking Arab, after which he immediately entered the hotel and -went directly to Aneth’s room. - -She opened the door in person, having dismissed all her attendants. - -“It is nine o’clock, miss,” announced Tadros, as he entered. - -The girl clasped her hands with a gesture and look of terror. - -“Where is--is--Prince Kāra?” she asked, vaguely. - -“At his villa, awaiting, with the bridal party, your arrival. You must -understand that the wedding is to be very quietly conducted, yet -strictly in accordance with the requirements of the Christian faith. My -master desires me to say that every consideration and courtesy shall be -shown you, his highest ambition in the future being to promote your -happiness.” - -She shuddered. - -“Is that all he said?” - -“Except that his promises to you shall be faithfully kept, and Lord -Roane’s comfort and safety carefully provided for.” - -“Let us go,” she said, hastily. “I am ready.” - -“Any luggage, miss?” he asked. - -She pointed to a small traveling-case that stood beside her, and Tadros -stooped and picked it up. - -With a frightened glance around her, she placed a note directed to Lord -Roane upon the table and then hurriedly left the room, leaving the door -unlocked. - -The dragoman escorted her to the side entrance, reserved for ladies, and -they were fortunate in finding it almost deserted at that moment. Aneth -entered the carriage quickly, as if fearful of being interrupted in her -escape, and Tadros closed the door and took his seat beside the driver. - -“To the opera house,” he said, for the benefit of the few loungers who -stood upon the pavement. - -After driving a couple of blocks, he made the Arab driver stop in front -of a tobacco shop, and sent him in to purchase some cigarettes. The -moment the fellow disappeared, Tadros started the horse and applied the -whip, and the carriage had whirled swiftly around the comer before the -wondering Arab returned to the street, to find his equipage and his -passengers missing. - -Aneth, as soon as she had leaned back against the cushions, had fallen -into a sort of stupor. Her weary brain refused to think or to speculate -upon the doubtful fate to which she was rushing. She felt the carriage -bumping over the crossings and saw vaguely the lights flash by; but she -noted neither the direction in which they were proceeding nor the length -of their journey. Across the Nile bridge the horses abated their speed; -but then through the darker lanes of the west embankment they dashed -along at a wild pace, that might have frightened the girl, had she been -capable of realizing the actual conditions. - -Suddenly, with a jolt that almost threw her into the opposite seat, the -carriage halted. She looked out of the window and saw three dim red -lights burning, and beyond these the glint of a stray moonbeam upon the -river. - -When Tadros came to assist her in alighting, she saw Mrs. Everingham -standing behind him. - -“Where am I?” asked the girl, wildly. - -“Hush, dear,” said her friend, taking her in her arms to kiss her -tenderly. “Am I not welcome at your wedding?” - -“But why are we here?” asked Aneth, pleadingly. “Why are we at the -river, and where is Prince Kāra?” - -“Come and let me surprise you,” answered Mrs. Everingham, soothingly, -leading the young girl, who was still half dazed and thoroughly -mystified, aboard the dahabeah and into the brightly lighted little -cabin. There sat Lord Roane and Gerald Winston. - -Aneth stared, and then, looking wildly around, she gave a plaintive cry -and threw herself into her grandfather’s arms. - -“I don’t understand!” she wailed, sobbing hysterically. “What does it -all mean? Why are you here, and where is Prince Kāra?” - -Roane was puzzled by her speech, as well as distressed by her agitation. - -“Prince Kāra!” he repeated. “Confound it, Aneth, you don’t want that -rascally nigger, do you?” - -“No, no!” she replied; “but he wants me, and I have promised; I must go -to him. Why am I here? What have you done?” - -By this time the dragoman had tied his horses to a palm and come aboard, -just as Hassan drew in the gangplank and Abdallah started the wheezy -engine. Tadros stood in the cabin doorway and listened intently to -Aneth’s protests. - -“See here, miss,” he exclaimed, with assumed sternness, “you are in my -charge, for I am Prince Kāra’s dragoman, and you have promised to obey -me. Is it not so?” - -She turned to look at him. - -“Are you obeying Prince Kāra’s orders?” she demanded. - -“To be sure! He wished to surprise you. He says he merely intended to -test your honesty, being interested in knowing whether an English girl -would keep her promises. But he does not desire to make you unhappy. He -is a prince, and generous; therefore, he releases you from your compact, -and you are free from this time forth to do exactly as you please.” - -She was white and trembling now. - -“But my grandfather--” she began, eagerly. - -Tadros cut her short. - -“He also is safe, in proof of which you see him at your side. You need -have no fears in the future that--” - -He stopped abruptly, for the overwrought nerves of the girl could not -withstand this sudden revulsion of fate. Gerald caught her swaying form -and carried her to her berth, where Mrs. Everingham tended her lovingly -and applied restoratives to relieve her faintness. - -As for Lord Roane, he swore loudly and glared upon the dragoman. - -“What cursed nonsense is this?” he cried. - -Tadros smiled, and Gerald came up and seized the dragoman by both hands, -pressing them warmly. - -“Thank you, my man!” said he. “You are a loyal ally, and I shall not -forget how you have lied to save us from an embarrassing position.” Then -he turned to Lord Roane. “If there is anything your lordship does not -understand,” he said, “I will gladly endeavor to explain it. Prince Kāra -has been playing a deep game, with you and Aneth as pawns; but I think -we have him checkmated at last.” - -The old nobleman did not reply at once. Any questioning on his part -would necessarily be a very delicate matter. He turned his eyes -thoughtfully toward the shore, where the lights of Cairo were slowly -disappearing from their view. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE SHEIK AGREES. - - -Kāra congratulated himself. For one whose early life had been passed in -a hovel, he had been very successful in directing the destinies of the -great. All his grandmother’s vengeful plans, supplemented by his own -clever arrangement of details, had matured in a remarkably satisfactory -manner, and this evening he was destined to complete the ruin of Lord -Roane’s family. In addition to compromising Aneth beyond all hope by a -false marriage, he would to-morrow have my lord cast into prison on a -charge of embezzlement. The proof which he had pretended to place in the -girl’s keeping, and which she had without doubt promptly destroyed, was -merely a forgery of the receipt to McFarland. The original was still -safe in his custody. - -This ruse had been a clever one. His judgment of the girl’s nature was -marvelously accurate. Having destroyed the paper to insure her -grandfather’s safety, Aneth was effectually prevented from breaking her -contract with Kāra. There was no way for her to recede. He had paid the -price, and she was left with no excuse for not fulfilling her part of -the agreement. - -When Kāra entered his courtyard he found it ablaze with lights. The -women’s apartments, now completely refitted, were truly magnificent. A -dozen servants, arrayed in splendid costumes, stood motionless at their -posts, awaiting the arrival of their new mistress. Mykel, a rascally -Copt whom Kāra had recently attached to his household, was clad in -priestly robes, and paced up and down the court with an assumed dignity -that elicited sly smiles from his fellow-servants. - -Only the prince’s own people were present, for Kāra wished to be in a -position to deny even the farce of a ceremony, should Aneth attempt in -the future to use it as an excuse for her downfall. But it pleased him -to lull her suspicions in this way in the beginning, and so render her -an easy victim. It also gave an added flavor to his revenge. - -Tadros had been carefully instructed, and would have no difficulty in -fulfilling his mission. He ought to reach the villa on his return by -half-past nine, allowing for natural delays. Kāra trusted Tadros because -the dragoman was so completely in his power; but, with his usual -caution, he had sent a spy to watch his messenger and report any -irregularity in his conduct. Tadros did not know of this spy; otherwise, -he might have felt less confidence in himself. - -Half-past nine arrived, but no sound of carriage wheels broke the -stillness. The servants stood motionless in their places, and Kāra paced -the courtyard in deep reflection while engaged in drawing on his white -kid gloves. The false priest stood under the bower of roses where the -ceremony was to take place, trying to find the service in the Coptic -Bible he had borrowed. - -Nine-forty-five; ten o’clock. The dark-eyed servants noticed that their -master grew uneasy and cast anxious glances toward the entrance. - -It was twenty minutes later, when the nerves of the most unconcerned -were beginning to get on edge, that the patter of horses’ feet and the -rapid whir of wheels broke the silence. A carriage dashed up to the -villa and halted. - -Kāra hurried forward expectantly, but paused abruptly when he met the -spy who had been sent to watch Tadros. - -“Where is the dragoman?” he demanded, in a sharp voice. - -“The dragoman, your highness, is a traitor,” said the man. - -Kāra’s nervousness suddenly subsided. He became composed in demeanor and -his voice grew soft. - -“Explain, if you please,” said he. - -The man bowed. - -“Arriving at the hotel, Tadros sent away your excellency’s carriage--” - -“Where is it now?” - -“I do not know. Then he engaged another equipage--that of the Arab named -Effta Marada, bearing the number of ninety-three. Tadros brought the -young lady down and placed her in Effta’s carriage, ordering him to -drive to the opera house. I sprang up behind and accompanied them. -Tadros soon got rid of Effta by sending him on an errand and then drove -quickly away. He crossed the Nile to the west embankment and drove down -the river to a point opposite the island of Roda, where your dragoman -placed the lady on board a dahabeah.” - -“Yes; go on.” - -“When the boat steamed away up the river, I took the deserted carriage -and drove here as rapidly as possible. That is all, your excellency.” - -“Whose dahabeah was it?” - -“That belonging to Winston Bey. I saw him on board.” - -“Did you see anyone else?” - -“The lady who has been a friend to Miss Consinor.” - -“That is Mrs. Everingham.” - -“And an old Englishman, Lord Roane.” - -“Ah! Quite a family party. And our dear Tadros went with them?” - -“He did, your excellency.” - -“Up the river, you say?” - -“Yes, your excellency.” - -“Thank you. You may retire.” - -Kāra turned to Ebbek. - -“Put out the lights and send the servants to their quarters,” he said, -calmly. - -In his room the prince tore off the white gloves and changed from -evening dress to a gray traveling suit. Then he returned to the now -deserted courtyard and sat down in the moonlight beside the fountain to -smoke a cigar. - -The blow had been sharp and sudden. While Kāra fully realized the -natural capability of Tadros for deception and double dealing, he also -knew that the blustering dragoman was an arrant coward, and so was -bewildered at the courage manifested in his treachery. - -But it was characteristic of Kāra that he neither bemoaned his adverse -fortune nor became despondent. He entertained a passing regret that he -had delayed killing the dragoman, but did not permit himself to dwell -long upon his servant’s defection. The thing to be first sought was a -remedy for the apparent failure of his carefully laid plans. By and by -he would attend to the dragoman’s reward. Just now it was imperative to -prevent his intended victims from succeeding in their attempt to escape. - -There was no demand for immediate action. The dahabeah was, as he knew, -a slow steamer, and would be forced to breast the Nile current -sluggishly. His enemies doubtless depended for their safety from pursuit -upon Kāra’s supposed ignorance of their whereabouts. He admitted that -someone had plotted shrewdly against him. On the Nile a party in a small -boat is almost as isolated as if at sea. The express steamers and -tourist steamers pass now and then, but they travel rapidly, appearing -and disappearing within the brief space of half an hour. Aside from -these, only the native barges, picturesque and ghostlike as they drift -by, break the ripples of the broad river. The banks are sprinkled with -many villages, and at this season shaduf workers are plentiful; but the -native has tired of staring at the Nile flotilla, unless awaiting with -eagerness the landing of the big tourist steamer, from whose passengers -a scant livelihood is gained, and this occurs only at certain points of -interest. - -So Kāra had time to be deliberate. It even occurred to him that this -seeming calamity might turn out to be exceptionally favorable to the -success of his schemes. In Cairo one must act with circumspection, -because the police of the city are alert and almost incorruptible. The -Nile dwellers fear the law rather than respect it; but they are too far -from the capital to be very much afraid. Where tourists disembark, a -mounted officer is stationed to lash the impudent villagers into a state -of dull apathy, such as the caged tiger feels for its trainer; but they -lapse into savagery when his back is turned, and in the more -unfrequented villages the sheik is absolute king. - -Kāra considered carefully these conditions, and soon formed new plans to -complete his vengeance. Then, the cigar being finished, he went to bed -and slept until daybreak. - -“I shall be absent for several days,” he said to Ebbek, as he ate an -early breakfast. “See that everything is in perfect order when I return. -If tradesmen come to demand money, promise them payment immediately on -my arrival in Cairo.” - -“Yes, my master.” - -He caught the morning train for Luxor and arrived by noon at a station -opposite the native village of Beni-Hassan, whence he crossed the river -in a small boat. - -The children of Hassan have for centuries been known as “the bandits of -the Nile,” and their three connected villages, lying close to the river -bank, have replaced those that were totally destroyed by the Government -during the reign of Mohammed ‘Ali in the hope of scattering the tribes -and breaking up their thieving propensities; but the Beni-Hassans -rebuilt their mud dwellings and calmly remained in possession. To-day -they are cautiously avoided by isolated tourists, who are fully warned -of their evil reputation. - -As he landed, Kāra found the villages seemingly deserted. Underneath the -tall palms at the right a few swathed figures lay motionless, while -small black goats and stray chickens wandered listlessly about; but the -visitor paid little attention to these signs. He knew the old men and -women were swarming in the huts while the younger men were away at the -distant tombs in the hills or engaged in earning a stipend at the -neighboring shadufs. - -Turning to the left, he followed a path leading up a slight incline to -the low bluff covered with a second grove of stately palms, beneath the -shade of which the better dwellings of Beni-Hassan have been built. He -had never been in the village before, but had heard it described -innumerable times since his boyhood. Even when he paused before an -extensive building having cane and mud walls and a roof of palm leaves, -he was fairly certain he had correctly guessed the location of the place -he sought. - -“Does Sheik Antar live here?” he asked a child that came out to stare at -him. - -The little one nodded and ran within. Kāra sat down cross-legged upon -the path of baked mud, removed both his shoes and placed them beside -him, and then patiently awaited his reception. - -After some five minutes a gigantic Arab bent his head to emerge from the -low doorway, and, after a calm but shrewd glance at his visitor, came -forward and stood before Kāra. - -“Allahu akbar!” he said, spreading wide his arms in greeting. “The -stranger is welcome to all that I possess.” - -“May Allah bless and guard the habitation of the mighty sheik!” -responded Kāra, in purest Arabic. - -Then the sheik sat cross-legged upon the ground, facing his guest, and -also removed his red morocco slippers. His beard was gray and his eyes -black and piercing. His frame was lean and the flesh hard as iron, -denoting great strength. He wore the green turban that proved he had -made the Mecca pilgrimage. - -“It pleases me that I behold the mighty Sheik Antar, beloved of Allah, -and the curse of all enemies of the prophet,” began Kāra after a brief -silence, during which the men eyed each other earnestly. - -“My brother speaks well,” was the grave reply; “yet so lost am I in -wonder at the glory and honor conferred upon my humble home by his -presence, that the exalted name of my guest escapes my fickle memory.” - -Kāra bowed to the ground. - -“I am of Gebel Abu Fedah, the grandson of the Princess Hatatcha, and -descended from the line of Ahtka-Rā and the royal kings of ancient -Egypt. My name is Kāra.” - -With dignified gesture the sheik extended his hand and clasped that of -the stranger. - -“The fame of the last great Egyptian has already reached my ears,” said -he. “Raschid, the Syrian dragoman, whose boat, the _Rameses_, was here -but three days since, told me of your life in Cairo, of your -magnificence and vast riches, of your generosity and wisdom. Fedah I -know, for the sheik of Al-Kusiyeh is my comrade. The glory of Kāra the -Egyptian is reflected upon every dweller along the Nile bank.” - -After another pause to permit of due and deliberate appreciation of this -compliment, Kāra drew a heavy sigh and responded: - -“Yet all is not at peace with me, most noble Antar. My enemies oppress -me and cause me much sorrow; wherefore I am driven to appeal to my -brother for aid.” - -The eyes of the sheik sparkled. - -“Already,” said he, “confusion has fallen upon Kāra’s foes; for they -surely cannot escape the blight of Antar’s hatred!” - -“Then see how gratitude flows from my heart like a very cataract,” -answered the other, with downcast eyes. “It is little that Kāra can do -to repay such brotherly love; but the great sheik must distribute for me -ten thousand piastres to his worthy poor, even on that day when my -enemies are confounded.” - -Antar’s brow was thoughtful. A great payment meant a great service. - -“My brother will tell me a story,” said he, “and I will listen.” - -Thereupon, in the flowery language of Arabia, which English words but -feebly translate, the Egyptian told of a boat steaming slowly up the -Nile and bearing his enemies toward the villages of Beni-Hassan. He -described the women and the men, and noticed that the sheik grunted with -discouraging emphasis when Winston Bey’s name was mentioned. Then, -following out the idea of relating a tale, Kāra told how his brother, -the mighty sheik Antar, fell upon the dahabeah and captured it, turning -over all the passengers and crew to Kāra except one--Tadros the dragoman -being unfortunately killed and dropped overboard to find a final -resting-place in the mud at the river’s bottom. Then Winston’s crew was -replaced by six strong men of Beni-Hassan, who obeyed Kāra’s commands as -willingly as if they proceeded from Antar himself. And Kāra afterward -steamed up the Nile to Fedah, with the sheik on board, and at Fedah gave -to him not only the ten thousand piastres for his poor, but many gems -of fabulous worth for his personal adornment and that of his women. - -Was it not a pretty story? he concluded, and did it not sound like a -prophecy in Antar’s discerning ears? - -The sheik considered long and earnestly. He did not like meddling with -Winston Bey, whom he knew of old and respected highly; but Kāra’s -allusion to the gems was irresistible, and Antar might discover a way to -keep from being recognized by the scientist. - -It required several hours to conclude the bargain, but at last both men -thoroughly understood the details of the service that was required and -must be rendered. The assault upon the dahabeah was discussed and -planned, and the terms of payment agreed upon. The killing of Tadros was -an incident that the sheik accepted without demur. - -With two clever rascals such as the Egyptian and the Arab in charge of -the raid, there seemed little hope that Winston Bey’s unsuspecting party -could escape absolute destruction. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -LOTUS-EATERS AND CROCODILES. - - -If in all the realm of travel there is a voyage that is absolutely -ideal, it is the trip up the Nile. The constant change of scene, varying -with every bend in the river; the shifting lights, the gentle ripple of -the waters, the distant songs and shouts of the native boatmen; the -outlines of the Libyan hills by moonlight and the rocky wastes of -desert, dotted with gorgeous crimson and yellow cacti, by day; the -sunsets that paint the cloudless Egyptian skies with entrancing -splendor, and the silhouettes of donkey and camel trains above the high -embankment at twilight; these, taken in connection with the care-free, -lotus-eating existence of the voyager, leave an impression so vivid and -sweet and altogether satisfactory that no other experience in the whole -world of travel can compare with or ever efface it from one’s memory. - -Aneth believed the dragoman’s assertion that Prince Kāra had been -generous at last and released her from her promise. Neither Winston nor -Mrs. Everingham dared vouch for the dragoman’s statements; but they -remained silent while Tadros, unabashed, explained that his master was -whimsical and erratic, but very kind-hearted and considerate, and -incapable of wronging any one in any way. - -“As for Lord Roane, miss,” he said, confidentially, “there is no doubt -he did an imprudent thing, which vexed my master, who has a high sense -of honor; so he frightened my lord, to teach him to be more careful in -the future. But never had he the slightest idea of exposing him to -public infamy, I assure you. Kāra has told me so himself.” - -The dragoman derived much satisfaction from these inventions, especially -as he noticed how implicitly Aneth believed them, and how they operated -to cheer her spirits and render her content with her novel and -delightful surroundings. Everyone on board was devoted to the girl, and, -under the genial influences of the voyage, she recovered, to an extent, -her old brightness and vivacity. There was no harm now in blushing -happily at the love-light in Gerald’s eyes, and her three companions -were those she loved best in all the world. Her recent cares and -heartaches seemed all to have been left behind in Cairo, and she could -look forward to many weeks of keen enjoyment. - -She was sorry, however, that she had misjudged Prince Kāra, and promised -herself to implore his pardon immediately on her return to Cairo. - -Gerald and Mrs. Everingham, while they did not disabuse Aneth’s mind, -were a trifle uneasy at the growing audacity of the dragoman’s -statements, and warned him to be more careful. After the girl had -regained her health and self-possession, they would explain to her the -truth of the matter and discredit Tadros freely; at present they were -content to note her bright eyes and the roses creeping back to her -cheeks. - -Lord Roane had wisely decided not to ask questions. From what he -overheard he understood that Kāra was now befriending Aneth instead of -persecuting her, and this being the case, his own danger was reduced to -a minimum. He could not understand the Egyptian’s change of attitude in -the least. If Kāra had intended merely to frighten him, he had succeeded -admirably, and Roane told himself that the punishment he had already -suffered through terror and despair was sufficient to expiate his -long-forgotten sin against Hatatcha. But did Kāra think so? That was a -question he could not answer, but he decided to defer all worries for -the present at least. - -Gerald Winston would have been less than human had he refrained from -showing to Aneth, during these delightful days, how dearly he loved her -and what happiness her companionship brought to him. The moonlit -evenings on deck were sufficient to inspire the most bashful lover, and -Gerald did not dare waste his golden opportunities. If he won Aneth at -all, it must be on this trip, and under the spur of Mrs. Everingham’s -counsel to be bold, he soon put his fate to the test and marveled at his -success. The girl had suffered too much to trifle with her lover’s -heart, and her consent was readily won. It was his intention that they -be married while at Luxor or Aswan, there being English churches in both -places and ample conveniences for a proper conduct of the ceremony. -Roane was fond of Winston, and offered no objection to a plan which -would ensure Aneth’s happiness and which seemed to be defective only in -its precipitancy. - -The project pleased Aneth as much as it delighted her lover. In her days -of misery, when she thought she had lost him forever, the full value of -Gerald’s love had been so impressed upon her that she clung to him now, -realizing that he represented the full measure of her future happiness; -still, she experienced an uneasy sensation that any unnecessary delay -might prove dangerous. Her contract with Kāra, moreover, had taught her -to face the possibility of a sudden marriage, and what was a hateful -ordeal then would now become a crown of triumph. - -“Whenever you like, Gerald,” she said, “I will become your wife. I could -never wish for other witnesses of my wedding than my dear grandfather -and Mrs. Everingham; and happiness is such a precious thing and life so -uncertain, that I have no desire to resist your proposal.” - -“Thank you, my dear one,” he said, gravely. - -“And I think I prefer Luxor to Aswan. It will be so romantic to be wed -in the old Theban city, where the Egyptian princesses once made their -home and where they lived and loved, will it not?” - -“It shall be Luxor,” he declared. - -That week was one of never-to-be-forgotten delight. Even Tadros wore a -perpetual smile, although this method of sweet communion between lovers -was all new and amazing to him. He felt quite secure now for the first -time since Kāra had asserted his power over the dragoman’s destinies, -and wondered--the thing being so easy--why he had so long hesitated to -break with his arrogant and imperious master. As the dahabeah lazily -breasted the languid current of the river, Tadros idly wondered what -Kāra was doing now, and could not forbear a laugh at the thought of the -Egyptian’s anger and perplexity when he had discovered the flight of his -proposed victims. Oh, well--Kāra had pitted his cunning against the -dragoman’s intelligence! It was little wonder he was discomfited. - -On the afternoon of the seventh day they steamed slowly past -Beni-Hassan, their moderate progress being due to the fact that the boat -tied up from every sunset to the next sunrise. Beni-Hassan was a -picturesque village as viewed from the river, where its filth and stench -were imperceptible, and the groups of splendid palms lent a dignity to -the place that a closer inspection would prove undeserved. - -Aneth, seated happily by Gerald’s side beneath the ample deck awning, -admired the village greatly, and her lover promised to stop there on -their return and give her an opportunity of visiting the famous tombs in -the nearby hillside. - -At twilight they anchored midway between Beni-Hassan and Antinoe, the -boat lying motionless a few yards away from the east bank. - -The evenings are delightful in this part of Egypt, and it was midnight -before the passengers aboard the dahabeah sought their couches. Tadros, -indeed, being wakeful, lay extended upon the stern deck of the steamer -long after the others were asleep, engaged in thoughtfully gazing at the -high bank and indulging in pleasant dreams of future prosperity when he -had added Winston Bey’s three thousand pounds to the snug savings he had -already accumulated. - -Presently a dark object appeared for an instant at the top of the bank -and quickly vanished against the black surface below. Another succeeded -it, and another. - -Tadros scratched his head in perplexity. These dark objects seemed to -have form, yet they were silent as the dead. He counted a dozen of them -altogether, and while still pondering upon their appearance, being -undecided as to whether they were ghosts or jackals, his quick ears -caught a splash in the water beside the bank. - -They were not jackals--that was certain; for those ravenous beasts never -take to the water. Neither are ghosts supposed to bathe. From where he -lay, the surface of the river was scarcely a foot distant, and, leaning -well over the stern, Tadros managed to discover in the dim light several -heads bobbing upon the water. - -He ought to have given an immediate alarm, but terror rendered him -irresolute, and before he had time to act, it was too late to arouse his -fellow-passengers. - -Clambering up the bow were half a score of naked Arabs, their knives -held between their glistening teeth, their dark eyes roaming fiercely -around. - -Tadros’ first impulse was to fight; but just as he was about to rise to -his feet a man whom he knew bounded aft and sprang into the little cabin -where the women lay asleep. - -It was Kāra. - -There was no indecision on the part of the dragoman after that. He -slipped off the deck into the water with the dexterity of a seal sliding -from a rock, and while a succession of terrified screams and angry -shouts bombarded his ears, Tadros swam silently across the Nile toward -the opposite shore. - -The water was cold, and he shivered as he swam; yet the chill was from -within rather than from without. There are no crocodiles in the Nile -now; but in places there are serpents and sharklike fish that will bite -a mouthful of flesh from a swimmer’s leg. Tadros knew of this, but did -not think of it just then. Reflected in his mind was Kāra’s dark visage, -grim and malignant, and with certain death facing him aboard the -dahabeah, the dragoman’s only impulse was to get as far away from the -danger as possible. - -The turmoil on the boat prevented his escape from being immediately -noticed, and after a long swim, that nearly exhausted his strength, he -reached the west shore and fell panting upon the hard earth. - -Slowly regaining his breath, he strained his ears to catch any sound -that might proceed from the dahabeah; but now an oppressive silence -reigned on the opposite side of the river. The lights of the steamer -gleamed faintly through the night, but the fate of those he had left on -board was wrapped in mystery. Perhaps Kāra and his band of assassins -would murder all except the girl; it was possible he would murder her as -well. Anyway, the dragoman’s connection with the enterprise had come to -an abrupt ending. - -A mile or so away was the little town of Roda, with its railway station. -Tadros started to walk toward it, keeping well back from the edge of the -bank so that he might not be discovered in case anyone pursued him. - -His dejection and dismay at this sudden reversal of fortune were -extreme. He had lost the last vestige of the jaunty bearing that usually -distinguished him. With three thousand pounds already earned but -irretrievably lost, and the knowledge that Kāra’s merciless enmity would -pursue him through life, the dragoman’s condition was indeed deplorable. - -He wondered what he should do now. Returning to Cairo was out of the -question. He would go back to Fedah, his old home. Nephthys and her -mother were there, and would hide him if Kāra appeared unexpectedly. -Yes, Fedah was his only haven--at least until he had time to consider -his future plans. - -By and by he reached the station at Roda--the village named after the -ancient island in the Nile opposite Cairo. A sleepy Arab porter was in -charge of the place and eyed the dragoman’s wet clothing with evident -suspicion. When questioned, he announced that a train would go south at -six o’clock in the morning. - -Tadros slipped outside the station and found a convenient hiding-place -against a neighboring house, where the shadows were so deep that he -could not be observed. Here he laid down to rest and await the arrival -of the train. - -By daybreak his clothing had dried, but he observed with regret that his -blue satin vest had been ruined by the river water and that his Syrian -sash was disgracefully wrinkled. Next to life itself, he loved his -splendid costumes, so that this dreary discovery did not tend to raise -his dampened spirits. - -When the train drew in he boarded it and found himself seated in a -compartment opposite to Lord Consinor. They stared at each other for a -moment, and then the viscount emitted a sound that seemed a queer -combination of a growl and a laugh. - -“It is Kāra’s alter ego,” he sneered, in English. - -“Pardon me, my lord,” said the dragoman, hastily, “the alliance is -dissolved. I have even more reason than you to hate the prince.” - -“Indeed?” returned Consinor. - -“He is a fiend emanating directly from your English hell,” declared -Tadros, earnestly. “I know of no other diabolical place where Kāra could -have been bred. One thing is certain, however,” he continued, with -bitter emphasis, “I will have vengeance upon him before I die!” - -There was no mistaking the venom of the man’s rancorous assertion. -Consinor smiled, and said: - -“It would give me pleasure to share your revenge.” - -A sudden thought struck Tadros--a thought so tremendous in its scope and -significance that he was himself astonished and stared blankly into the -other’s face. For a time he rode in silence, revolving the idea in his -mind and examining its phases with extreme care. Then he inquired, -cautiously: - -“Where are you going, my lord?” - -“To Assyut.” - -“I thought you had left Cairo long ago.” - -“So I did. I have been to Alexandria, but found nothing there to amuse -me. I am now bound for Assyut, and from there I intend traveling to -Aswan, and up to Wady Halfa.” - -“Are you in any hurry to reach there?” - -“Not the slightest.” - -“Then leave the train with me at Kusiyeh. I have something to propose -that will interest you.” - -Consinor studied him a moment. - -“Does this program include our revenge?” he asked. - -“Yes.” - -“Very well; I will do as you suggest.” - -“Good!” exclaimed Tadros. Then he leaned over and whispered: “Revenge -and a fortune, my lord! Is it not worth while?” - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -THE DRAGOMAN’S INSPIRATION. - - -They left the train at the station opposite Fedah, and the dragoman -secured a native to row them in his skiff across the river. Consinor -asked no questions and appeared wholly indifferent as to their -destination. Indeed, his life had been so aimless since his disgraceful -flight from Cairo that he welcomed any diversion that might relieve its -dull monotony. - -When they arrived at Fedah, Tadros took him secretly to the hut of old -Nefert, the bread-baker, which was directly across the street from the -dwelling of Hatatcha, now owned by Kāra. The viscount was inclined to -resent the filthiness of the hovel wherein he must hide, until the -dragoman led him to the shade of the opposite archway and explained to -him something of the project he had in mind. - -Tadros began by relating the “royal one’s” early history, emphasizing -the fact that old Hatatcha had been able to support herself and Kāra -without any labor whatever. Then he told of Hatatcha’s death, and how -he, Tadros, had discovered the valuable rolls of papyrus in Kāra’s -possession. From thence to the brilliant advent of the “prince” in Cairo -was but a step, and the entire history permitted but one -explanation--the fact that Kāra had knowledge of an ancient tomb -containing great riches. - -“Once,” said the dragoman, “Kāra and I made a visit to Fedah; but I did -not suspect his errand and so neglected to watch him, being at the time -greatly occupied with a certain maiden. In the morning I found he had -loaded his traveling cases with treasures--wonderful gems that have -enabled him to live in princely fashion ever since.” - -“Where did he get them?” asked Consinor, eagerly. - -“As I said, from some hidden tomb, the secret of which is known only to -himself.” - -“Do you think he has carried all of the treasure away?” - -“I have reason to believe that more remains than has ever been taken. -Once, in an unguarded moment, Kāra told me that he could not spend it -all in a thousand years.” - -“Do you suppose we can discover this tomb?” - -“Yes, if we are clever. It is no use to hunt without a clew, but Kāra -will furnish us the clew we need.” - -“In what way?” the viscount inquired. - -“He is coming here presently.” - -Consinor frowned. - -“I do not care to meet him,” he said, hastily. - -“Nor do I,” rejoined Tadros, with a shudder; “but it will not be -necessary for us to meet Kāra, who will not suspect we are in the -village.” - -“What then?” - -“He is coming to secure more treasure, his former supply being -exhausted, as I have reason to know. He has promised his tradesmen -money, and will not dare delay his visit to Fedah. Besides, he is not -far from here at this very moment. By to-morrow, if he comes in Winston -Bey’s dahabeah, he will reach this place. If he decides to take a -railway train, he may be here this evening.” - -“In that case, what do you propose to do?” demanded Consinor. - -“Spy upon him; discover where the treasure is hidden, and when he is -gone, help ourselves,” was the confident reply. - -The idea seemed quite feasible when further elaborated. They entered the -room of Kāra’s dwelling and examined the place carefully. - -“This,” explained the dragoman, “is doubtless his starting-point. From -here he has either a secret passage into the mountain, or he steals away -to the desert, where the entrance to the tomb is hidden underneath the -shifting sands. We must be prepared to watch him in either event, and -that is why I have proposed to you to assist me, rather than try to -secure all the fortune myself. I am assured there is plenty for two, and -to spare.” - -“Doubtless,” replied the viscount, laconically. Already he saw visions -of great wealth, which would enable him to return to London and rise -superior to all the sneers and scandals that had been thrust upon him. - -They discussed the matter long and earnestly, the few inhabitants of the -village, stupid and inert, being entirely ignorant of their presence. It -was finally decided that on Kāra’s approach Consinor should conceal -himself beneath the dried rushes of the old bed, Tadros so arranging his -position that the viscount could observe every action of one moving -within the room. Then the dragoman would himself lurk at the edge of the -village to follow Kāra if he stole away into the desert. - -As a matter of fact, Tadros was firm in his belief that the treasure was -hidden within the mountain; but he had no intention of risking his own -life when he could induce Consinor to become his catspaw. Discovery -meant death--he knew that well enough. It was better not to take -chances, and if the viscount succeeded in learning Kāra’s secret it -would mean the same to Tadros as learning it himself. He knew how to -handle this outcast Englishman, and if the treasure proved as large as -he suspected, he could afford to be generous, and would play fair with -his accomplice. Otherwise--but that could be considered later. - -Tadros did not desire to expose the stranger to the curious gaze of the -villagers, but there was no harm in their knowing that the dragoman had -come among his old friends once more; so he insisted that Consinor -should stay concealed in Nefert’s hovel, flying to a dark corner at the -sound of every footstep, while he himself visited Sĕra and her daughter -in furtherance of his sagacious plans. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -MOTHER AND DAUGHTER. - - -As the dragoman approached Sĕra’s hut he paused upon the threshold to -observe the scene within, hesitating, as he remembered that it was -because of his own reckless conduct that the Nile girl had been stripped -of her beautiful gowns and jewels and sent home from Cairo scorned and -repudiated. - -Her humiliation and despair had haunted him ever since. - -But now he found her seated meekly at the well-worn loom, casting the -shuttle back and forth with the same mechanical lassitude she had -exhibited of old. The discolored black dress, open at the breast and -much patched and torn, was her sole garment. Even the blue beads were -again about her neck. - -But the eyes she turned toward Tadros were different, somehow. Their -former velvety depths were veiled with a dull film, while the smoothness -of her brow was marred by the wrinkles of a sullen frown. - -After a moment, however, she seemed to recognize the dragoman, and rose -from her place with a sudden eager look and flushed cheeks. - -“You have come for me again?” she asked. - -“No,” answered Tadros, casting himself upon a settle. He felt abashed -without knowing why he should entertain such a feeling--abashed and -sorrowful, in spite of his habitual egotism and selfish disregard of -others. - -Nephthys leaned back and resumed her weaving. The film covered her eyes -again. She paid no further attention to her mother’s guest. - -Sĕra, however, was voluble and indignant. - -“That Kāra,” she hissed, “is a viper--a crocodile--a low, infamous -deceiver! He is worse than an Arab. Henf! If I had him here I would -stamp him into the dust. Why did he spurn my beautiful daughter from his -harem? Tell me, then!” - -“Merely because Nephthys and I, being old friends, wished to converse at -times of you and our acquaintances at Fedah. Why should we not gossip -and smoke a cigarette together? Once I owned her myself.” - -“True. You were a fool to sell her.” - -“Still, you must not forget that Nephthys has had an experience,” he -resumed, more lightly. “For a time she was a queen, splendid and -magnificent beyond compare in her robes of satin and her sparkling -jewels. Ah, it is not every girl who enjoys such luxury, even for a -brief season! Let her be content.” - -“Content!” screamed old Sĕra, shrilly; “it has ruined her. She is no -longer happy in the old home, and when she speaks, which is but seldom, -it is only to curse Kāra. Look at her! Is she now fat and beautiful as -before? No. If the poor child lives long enough, she will die a -skeleton!” - -“Allah forbid!” exclaimed Tadros, hastily. “But if she expects to be -taken back again, her case is hopeless. I am sure Kāra will never relent -or restore her to favor. He is a poor judge of a woman. But I,” slapping -his chest proudly, “I will take Nephthys to myself; and while I do not -promise to robe her as gorgeously as did Kāra, she shall become fat -again, and have her silks and ornaments the same as before.” - -“And the cigarettes?” - -“Of course.” - -He drew a box of the coveted cigarettes from his pocket and tossed it -toward her. Sĕra lighted one eagerly and gave the box to Nephthys. After -staring at it blankly for a moment the girl seemed to understand. She -took a cigarette and lighted it from the one her mother was smoking. A -smile of childish enjoyment slowly spread over her face, and she left -her loom and came and sat upon Tadros’ knee. - -“I expect Kāra in Fedah presently,” remarked the dragoman. “But he must -not know that I am here. We have had a falling-out. I quarreled with -him, and he threatens me.” - -“Never fear,” said Sĕra, calmly. “I can hide you in the cavity in the -rear wall, which the royal one knows nothing of. There you will be safe -until he goes away.” - -“Very good!” he replied. - -“When will Kāra come?” asked the woman, “and why does he visit Fedah -again?” - -“I expect him to-night or to-morrow. Why he comes I do not know.” - -“Perhaps to pray beside Hatatcha’s mummy.” - -“Where is that?” he asked, quickly. - -“I cannot discover,” she returned. “Often I have examined their -dwelling, but no secret door can I find anywhere. The tomb must be in -the hills--or perhaps in the desert. There is an oasis where the dwarf -Sebbet lives. He was known to be one of Hatatcha’s most devoted -followers.” - -“True,” said the dragoman, thoughtfully. - -“The tomb must be in Sebbet’s oasis. Once Kāra stole old Nikko’s donkey -and rode there.” - -“Was that the last time we came here?” questioned Tadros. - -“No; it was when Hatatcha died.” - -“Then the tomb is not in the oasis. I am sure it is quite near Fedah. -But listen, my Sĕra; if I agree to take Nephthys and provide for her, -you must help me when Kāra comes.” - -“I have promised to hide you in the old wall,” she replied. “Can I do -more than that?” - -“Yes. You must go at once to the hill and watch for the royal one’s -coming. Your eyes are sharp, even though you are old. He will come from -the Nile--either across the river or from the north, on a boat that -smokes and has no sails. As soon as you discover him you will hurry here -to me, and that will give us time to prepare for Kāra. Will you do this -for me?” - -“May I have the box of cigarettes to take with me?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then I will do your bidding.” - -She went away to the hill at once, leaving Tadros with Nephthys; but the -girl had already forgotten his presence and was staring straight before -her with lusterless eyes. - -The dragoman sighed. - -“It is very unfortunate,” he murmured, examining her critically, “but it -is doubtless true, nevertheless--she is getting thin.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE SHEIK DEMURS. - - -No one on board the dahabeah had entertained even a suspicion of danger. -Winston Bey knew well the unreliable character of the natives of certain -villages, but even he did not dream that the steamer would be molested -or its passengers annoyed; therefore, the surprise was complete. - -Mrs. Everingham, awakening with a start, heard the patter of many feet -upon the deck and saw a man advancing into the cabin where she and Aneth -had been sleeping. - -Her first inspiration was to scream; but instead she reached beneath her -pillow and drew out a small revolver, with which she fired two shots in -rapid succession point blank at the intruder. - -Neither bullet took effect, but they startled Kāra as much as her -vigorous screams, in which Aneth now joined. He retreated hastily from -the cabin, thus allowing Mrs. Everingham to close the door and secure it -with a heavy bar provided for that purpose. - -The after-cabin having been given up to the women, Winston and Lord -Roane occupied a smaller cabin forward. Between the two were the kitchen -and the engine-room. As the natives boarded the steamer near the bow, -their first act was to drop into the forward cabin and seize the white -men before they were fairly awake. Roane offered no resistance whatever, -but Winston struggled so energetically that it took three of the men, -headed by the gigantic sheik, to secure him. It required but a few -moments to bind the prisoners securely hand and foot, and then they were -left in their bunks under a guard of natives, who held their bare knives -in their hands in readiness to prevent any possible escape. - -The four Arabs of Winston’s crew were easily overcome, and by the time -that Kāra arrived forward they laid upon the deck carefully pinioned. -There had been no bloodshed at all, and the steamer was now entirely in -the control of Kāra and his mercenaries. - -“All right,” said the sheik, nodding his satisfaction as the Egyptian -approached. “It was very easy, my prince. The two white men are below, -and the boat is ours.” - -Kāra, by the dim light of a lantern, peered into the faces of his -prisoners. - -“Where is the dragoman?” he asked. “Did you kill him, as I commanded you -to do?” - -“We had not that pleasure,” returned the sheik, “for he was not on -board.” - -“Are you sure?” - -“Very sure, my prince.” - -“He may be in hiding. Search every part of the steamer thoroughly except -the cabin of the women.” - -The sheik shrugged his shoulders, but gave the command to his men. They -examined every possible hiding-place without finding the dragoman. - -Meanwhile Kāra squatted upon the deck, thinking earnestly of what his -future action should be, while the silent sheik sat beside him with -composed indifference. When the Arabs returned from their unsuccessful -quest, the Egyptian said to his ally: - -“Let your men watch the prisoners until morning. We can do nothing more -at present.” - -So they stretched themselves upon the deck and rested until daybreak. - -As soon as it was light enough to distinguish objects readily, Kāra -arose and ordered Winston and Lord Roane brought upon deck. There they -saw the Egyptian for the first time and understood why they had been -attacked. - -“I suspected that I owed this little diversion to you,” said Winston, -glaring angrily upon his enemy. “Perhaps you do not realize, Prince -Kāra, that by this lawless act you have ruined yourself and your -career.” - -“No,” returned Kāra, smiling; “I do not realize that.” - -“These things are not tolerated in Egypt to-day,” continued the Bey. - -“Not if they are known,” admitted Kāra. - -“Do you think, sir, that I will remain silent?” demanded Winston, -indignantly. - -“Yes.” - -“And why?” - -“Because I have no intention of permitting you to return to Cairo. -Understand me, Winston Bey--I entertain no personal enmity toward you; -but you saw fit to interfere with my purposes, and in doing so destroyed -yourself. Having been lawless enough to capture your boat, an outrage -only justified by my desire to obtain possession of the persons of Aneth -Consinor and Lord Roane, I am compelled, in order to protect myself, to -silence every person aboard who might cause me future annoyance. -Therefore, it is necessary to kill you.” - -“You dare not!” - -“You misjudge me,” answered Kāra, coolly; “but I shall be glad to -furnish you immediate proof of my sincerity.” Turning to Antar, he said: -“Comrade, oblige me by placing your knife in the heart of Winston Bey.” - -The sheik did not move. - -“Well?” cried Kāra, impatiently. - -“It is not in the compact,” returned the imperturbable Arab. - -“You are wrong,” said the Egyptian, sharply. “It was fully understood -you should obey my commands, especially as to killing those of my -enemies whom I desired to silence.” - -“My brother will remember,” returned the sheik, “that there was also -another understanding--a little matter relating to certain jewels and -piastres.” - -“You shall have them!” - -“And you shall be obeyed--when I have them.” - -Winston smiled, and Kāra saw it and uttered a curse. - -“Will you thwart me now, when it is too late for either of us to retreat -with safety?” he asked Antar, angrily. - -“By no means. I do not object to the killing, believe me, my brother; -but my people are poor, and the money you have promised them will do -much to ease their sufferings. Let me but see the gems and the piastres -and all your desires shall be gratified.” - -Winston looked at the gigantic Arab closely. He seemed to remember the -man, but could not place him, for Antar had not only trimmed his gray -beard, but had dyed it a deep black. Still, all natives are crafty and -covetous, and the words he had overheard gave him an idea. - -“Listen, my sheik,” he said in Arabic. “If it is money you wish, I will -double Kāra’s offer to you. It is but natural that a man will pay more -for life than another will pay for revenge. State your price, and the -sum shall be yours.” - -Antar turned toward the Egyptian, an expression of satisfaction upon his -keen features. - -“My brother will answer,” he said. - -“This is absurd,” declared Kāra. “Winston Bey but trifles with you. His -money is all in Cairo. When you go there to get it, he will throw you -into prison, and your people will be destroyed and their houses torn -down to satisfy the Government police.” - -“The noble sheik is no fool,” observed Winston. “He will keep us in his -power, closely guarded, until he has sent to Cairo and obtained the -money. Also, I will promise not to betray him, and my word is as good as -that of Prince Kāra.” - -“But why should he go to Cairo at all?” asked the Egyptian. “If he will -but come with me to Fedah he shall have his price. Not all of Winston -Bey’s wealth can approach the magnificence of the treasure I will place -in Antar’s hands.” - -The eyes of the sheik sparkled. - -“Good!” he exclaimed. - -“You will be faithful to me?” asked Kāra. - -“Why not?” - -“There is much treasure at my command. Not a mere handful of gems shall -be yours, but enough to make your tribe wealthy for all time to come.” - -“I believe that my brother speaks truth.” - -“Then,” said Kāra, relieved, “I ask you to kill Winston Bey as a proof -of your confidence in me. The others may live until we get to Fedah.” - -“Tah! What is the use of dividing the ceremony?” returned the sheik, -with a gesture of indifference. “I like not this pig-sticking in -sections. It means cleaning one’s knife several times instead of once. -Be patient, my brother. When we have arrived at Fedah and our friendship -is further cemented by your royal generosity, then will I accomplish all -the killing in a brief space and have done with it. Is it not so?” - -Kāra hesitated, but saw clearly that the wily sheik would not trust him. -Moreover, he feared that Winston’s eager offers to outbid him, if -persistently repeated, might prove effectual unless he carried out his -own promises to the greedy Arab. He had not expected to pay Antar any -great price for his services, and in the beginning intended that the -“handful” of gems would be a very small one; but Antar had entrapped him -cleverly, and he now realized he must expend an exorbitant sum to induce -the old sheik to obey his orders. - -After all, that did not matter. The entire treasure had been Hatatcha’s -before it descended to him, and a portion of it would be well expended -in securing her vengeance. He alone knew that the hoard was practically -inexhaustible, and he might even bury the big Arab in jewels and golden -ornaments and still have left more than he could use in his own -lifetime. - -So he agreed, with assumed content, to Antar’s proposition, and -Abdallah, the engineer, was released from his bonds and instructed to -start the dahabeah upon its voyage up the river. It would be thirty -hours before they could hope to reach Fedah. - -Roane and Winston were permitted to remain upon deck, but were tied to -their chairs and carefully guarded. Breakfast was served, and Kāra -accompanied the Arab who carried the tray to the cabin of the women. The -Egyptian had not disturbed them since the night before, well knowing -they had made themselves as secure as he could have done. - -He rapped boldly upon the door and said: - -“Let me in.” - -“Who is it?” asked Mrs. Everingham. - -“Prince Kāra.” - -“By what right do you annoy us with your presence aboard this boat?” she -continued. - -“That I will explain when you permit me to see you,” he answered. - -For a few moments there was silence. - -“Your breakfast is here, and the servant is waiting for you to open the -door,” continued Kāra. - -Somewhat to his surprise the bar was removed, and Aneth threw the door -wide open. - -“One moment, please!” cried Mrs. Everingham, and as Kāra was about to -enter he saw the lady standing in the middle of the cabin with her -revolver pointed toward him. - -“I was so startled last night that I missed you,” she said, calmly; “but -I am almost certain I can shoot straight this morning.” - -Kāra shrank back a little. - -“Why do you fear me?” he asked. - -“I don’t,” she answered. “It is you who fear, and with reason. But I do -not trust you, because you have convinced me that you are a consummate -scoundrel. If you have anything to say to me or to Miss Consinor, we are -prepared to hear it; otherwise you had better go, for I am extremely -nervous and my finger is upon the trigger.” - -“I have taken possession of this steamer,” he announced. “All on board -are now my prisoners.” - -“How dramatic!” she returned, with a laugh. “May I ask what you intend -to do with us? Will you scuttle the ship, or raise the black flag and -become a modern pirate of the Nile? Come, my buccaneer, confide to us -your secret?” - -“In due time, madam, you shall know all, and more, perhaps, than will -please you,” he answered, furious at her gibes. “One thing, however, is -certain. Miss Consinor”--and here he cast an evil glare at the girl, who -stood with white face in the background--“shall not escape me again. I -intend to take her to Cairo and keep her secure in my villa. As for you, -Mrs. Everingham, your life hangs by a thread. If I could depend upon -your discretion and silence I might spare you; but you are clever enough -to understand that I cannot afford to take chances of future -accusations.” - -“My man,” replied Mrs. Everingham, “your own miserable life is at this -moment not worth a farthing’s purchase. If you dare to molest this girl -or me again, or even show your ugly face in this cabin, I swear to shoot -you upon the spot. Here, Selim, bring in that tray. Place it on the -table; that will do. Now, Prince Kāra, I will give you one minute to -disappear.” - -That was too long; he was gone in an instant, his face contorted with -rage as he cursed the woman who had so successfully defied him. - -On deck he met the sheik. - -“Tell the engineer to urge the boat forward,” he said; “we must keep -moving day and night until we reach Gebel Abu Fedah.” - -“Very good,” responded the sheik. “I am even more impatient than you -are, my brother. It is only the prisoners, who have been watching us -sharpen our knives, that are in no hurry.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE BRONZE BOLTS. - - -Old Sĕra kept watch faithfully that day and the next at her post of -observation on the hill, finding solace through the tedium of the hours -in an occasional cigarette from her precious box. - -Soon after noon of the second day she hurried to Tadros. - -“He is coming,” she said. - -The dragoman sprang up. - -“From which direction?” he inquired. - -“From down the river. He is in the steamboat, and in half an hour will -be at the landing.” - -“Go back at once,” commanded Tadros. “Wait until he lands, and then come -to me immediately. I will be in Hatatcha’s house.” - -Sĕra obeyed, and, to the dragoman’s surprise, Nephthys followed her -mother to the hill. The girl had roused herself when the old woman -returned, and seemed to comprehend, from the eager conversation and the -dragoman’s orders, that Kāra was coming. She said nothing, however, but -hastened after her mother and took a position beside her on the height -commanding the river. - -Tadros ran to the house of Hatatcha, where Consinor, having rebelled at -the confinement in old Nefert’s hovel, had that morning installed -himself. It was as safe a refuge as the other, for none of the villagers -ventured to enter the grim archway, and so long as the viscount escaped -observation Tadros was content. There was little cheer in the gloomy -room, however, and Consinor had begun to believe that he could scarcely -be recompensed for the miserable hours of waiting by the promised reward -when, to his infinite relief, his fellow-conspirator entered to announce -that the long-anticipated time for action had arrived. - -“There is not a moment to be lost,” said Tadros. “Get under the rushes, -quick!” - -The viscount immediately burrowed beneath the dry rushes, and the -dragoman placed him in such a position that his head was elevated -slightly and rested against the stones of the wall, thus enabling him to -observe every corner of the room through the loosely strewn covering. - -Having safely concealed him, Tadros stood back and examined the rushes -critically to satisfy himself that Kāra would have no suspicion that -they had been recently disturbed. The arrangement was admirable. He -could not see Consinor himself, even though he knew he was hidden there. - -“Are you comfortable?” he asked. - -“Not very.” - -“I mean, can you remain quietly in that position for an hour or more?” - -“Yes,” answered Consinor, through the rushes. - -“Then I will go,” announced Tadros. “Be very careful in your actions. -Remember that a fortune for both of us hinges upon the events of the -next hour, and we must make no mistake. I go to watch the street and the -desert beyond. Farewell, and may fortune attend you!” - -He left the house, dropping the ragged mat over the inner arch and then -crossing to Nefert’s hut. - -Presently Sĕra came running toward him. - -“He has landed and is coming this way,” she reported. - -“Very well. Go home.” - -“The cigarettes are all gone.” - -He tossed her another box, and soon she had disappeared within her own -doorway. Nephthys was not with her, but Tadros had forgotten the girl -just then. - -He crept within Nefert’s front room and hid himself in the shadows in -such a way that he could see through the hole, which served as a window, -the opposite archway of Hatatcha’s dwelling. - -Kāra entered the narrow street and looked cautiously around him. It -pleased him that no curious native was in sight. The sheik and his band -were in possession of the dahabeah and the prisoners, and were awaiting -Kāra’s return with impatience. Therefore, he must enter the secret tomb -at once, without the cover of darkness to shield his movements; but the -inhabitants of Fedah were dull and apathetic--they were not likely to -spy upon him. - -He glanced with pride at the ring he wore upon his finger. The talisman -of Ahtka-Rā was indeed powerful, for it had enabled him to accomplish -all that he desired, and was protecting him even now. Should he take -this occasion to restore it to the tomb of his ancestor--that ancient -one who had entreated that it be left with his mummy for all time, and -had threatened with dire misfortune anyone who dared to remove it? Why -should Kāra leave the precious Stone of Fortune in that mountainous -dungeon? Why should he deprive himself of the powers it bestowed upon -its possessor? It could not now benefit Ahtka-Rā, who was long since -forgotten in the nether world; but it might be of service to Kāra in -many ways. Yes; he would keep it, despite the pleading and curses of -that dead one who so foolishly and selfishly wished it left with his -mummy. - -Perhaps some day, years hence, he would restore the stone to the -sarcophagus from whence he had taken it; but not now. Again he looked at -the strange jewel, which seemed of extraordinary brilliancy at that -moment, shooting its tongues of flame in every direction. The curse? -Henf! Why should he care for the curse of a mummy, when the greatest -talisman of fortune in the world was his? - -He slipped within the archway of his dwelling and drew the mat closely -behind him. Tadros had marked his every movement, and now breathed a -sigh of relief. For the present, at all events, the adventure was in -Consinor’s keeping rather than his own, and Consinor must suffer the -risk of detection. - -The dragoman settled himself upon an earthen bench and kept his eyes on -the archway. Presently Nephthys came stealing into view, treading with -the caution of a cat and crouching low beneath the stone arch. She did -not attempt to draw aside the mat, but squatted upon the ground just -outside the barrier. Tadros observed her curiously, and noticed that one -of her hands was thrust within her bosom, as if clutching some weapon. - -A dagger? Perhaps. Nephthys had been wronged, and might be excused for -hating Kāra. Should the dragoman interfere to save him? To what end? -Before the girl could strike, the royal one’s secret would be in -Consinor’s possession, and then--why, Nephthys would save them any -annoyance their discovery might entail. Clearly, it was not a case that -merited interference. - -Meantime Consinor had noted the entrance of Kāra, as well as the care -with which the matting had been fastened to keep out prying eyes. It -shut out most of the light, also; but that bothered the Egyptian more -than it did the Englishman, whose eyes had now grown accustomed to the -dimness. - -Kāra had to feel his way along the wall to the secret crypt, but he knew -the location of the place exactly, and soon found it. Consinor saw him -take from the recess a slender bronze dagger with a queerly shaped -blade, and an antique oil lamp. With these he approached the opposite -wall of the room--that which was built against the mountain--and pushed -vigorously against one of the stones. - -It swung inward. The spy saw only blackness beyond; but his first -consideration was to count the stones from the corner to the opening, -and then to note that it was in the third tier or layer of masonry. By -this time Kāra had crept through and closed the orifice. - -Consinor was breathing heavily with excitement. The great discovery had -been made with ease. All he need do was to wait until Kāra came out and -left the village, and then he would be able to visit the secret tomb and -its treasure-chamber himself. - -But as the moments slowly passed--moments whose length was exaggerated -into seeming hours--Consinor began to feel uneasy. He remembered that -Tadros had impressed upon him the necessity of following Kāra wherever -he went. The secret might not be all upon the surface. - -Fearful that he had wasted precious time in delay, he threw aside the -covering of rushes and approached the wall. It was scarcely necessary to -count the stones. He had stared at them so long that he knew the exact -spot which Kāra had touched. - -Responsive to his push, the great stone again swung backward and he -crept through as the other had done and found himself confronted with -blackness. - -The dragoman had foreseen such an event, and had thoughtfully provided -his accomplice with a candle. Consinor lit it, and, leaving the stone -entrance somewhat ajar, so that he might have no trouble in escaping if -he were compelled to return in haste, he began a cautious exploration of -the various passages that led into the mountain. - -He lost some time in pursuing false trails; but at length he came upon a -burnt match, tossed carelessly aside when Kāra had lighted his lamp, and -it lay within the entrance of a rough and forbidding-looking gallery -between the rocks. - -However, Consinor followed this trail, and after stumbling along blindly -until it had nearly ended in a cul-de-sac, he came to a circular door in -the cliff which stood wide open. Beyond was a passage carefully built by -man into the very heart of the mountain. - -The viscount paused to examine the door carefully. It had been most -cleverly constructed, and fitted its opening accurately. Six huge bronze -bolts, working upon springs, were ranged along its edge, and the single -hinge was of enormous size and likewise composed of solid bronze. But he -could see no keyhole nor lever by means of which the door had been -opened. The outer surface was an irregular rock, harmonizing with the -side of the passage, but the edges and the inner surface were carefully -dressed with chisels. An examination of the casing showed bronze sockets -for the bolts securely embedded in the cliff, and he could understand -that when the door was closed the bolts fastened themselves -automatically. But how had it been opened? That was a mystery he could -not penetrate; for Kāra, after unlocking the door, had inadvertently -withdrawn the dagger from the secret orifice and carried it with him -into the tomb. It was a foolhardy proceeding, for if by chance he -dropped the dagger inside the passage, he would forever afterward be -powerless to enter the tomb again, since it was the only key to the -treasure-chamber in existence. Besides, the removal of the dagger from -the orifice was useless; for, as Hatatcha had once explained to Kāra, -the door could not be opened from the inside. - -Consinor felt convinced that the Egyptian must have gone through this -passage, so he cautiously entered the doorway. It was a long, straight -way, slanting downward, and before he had proceeded far, the atmosphere -became dense and stifling. Still, he decided that where Kāra had gone he -also could go, and so persevered, holding the candle above his head and -walking as swiftly as he dared. - -Meantime the Egyptian had penetrated to the vast mummy chamber, where, -because of his haste, he neglected to light any of the bronze lamps, -depending alone upon the dim illumination which the flickering wick of -his small lamp afforded. He passed the bodies of Hatatcha and Thi-Aten, -with scarcely a glance in their direction, and hastened between the rows -of mummy cases toward the upper end of the room. Here, majestically -imposing, stood the great sarcophagus of Ahtka-Rā, its thousand jewels -glittering wierdly in the fitful glare of the floating wick, as Kāra -held the lamp close to its side to detect the secret spring in the -malachite slab that opened the way to the treasure-chamber. - -The stone slid back with a sound that seemed like a moan of protest, and -the Egyptian gave a nervous start as, for the first time, a realization -of his dread surroundings flashed upon him. - -But he controlled himself and muttered: “Perhaps it is the ghost of my -great ancestor, bewailing the loss of his talisman. If his spirit could -creep back from the far nether world, it would doubtless demand of me -the return of the Stone of Fortune.... Not yet, Ahtka-Rā!” he called -aloud, mockingly; “save your curse for a year longer, and it will not be -required. Just now I have more need of the talisman than you have!” - -With these words he crawled into the aperture and descended the steps to -the room below. He had brought with him two canvas sacks, one of which -he proceeded to fill with the poorest and least valuable of the -ornaments that littered the place. Even then the tribute to Sheik Antar -was far in excess of the value of his services, and Kāra groaned at the -necessity of bribing the crafty Arab so heavily. - -The other sack was to contain his own treasure, and that he might avoid -frequent visits to this gloomy place, which he began to dread, he -selected the rarest of the great gems and the richest golden jewelry for -himself, tumbling all together into the receptacle until it was full to -overflowing and could only be tied at the neck by shaking down the -contents. - -The two sacks were heavy when he picked them up to carry them away. He -suspended the bronze lamp in front of him by attaching its chain to a -button of his gray coat. Then, a burden under either arm, he ascended -the stairs and stepped from the orifice into the chamber above. - -As he did this, the weight of the treasure shifted, and he stumbled and -fell heavily against the massive sarcophagus of Ahtka-Rā. The jar of the -impact was enough to send the golden bust of Isis toppling from its -place. It struck Kāra in the breast, upsetting the lamp and leaving him -in total darkness. Then it rebounded and caught his hand, crushing it -against the marble side of the tomb. The sharp pain caused by this made -him cry out and cling, faint and ill, to the stones of the sarcophagus. -There, motionless, he stood in the dark and listened while the bust fell -into the opening at his feet, and slowly rolled, step by step, into the -treasure-chamber beneath, finally adding itself with a hollow crash to -the rich hoard the ages had accumulated therein. - -Kāra shuddered. The awful incident, the blackness that enveloped him, -the clamor of noise in that silent place and the quiet suspense -succeeding it, all conspired to unnerve him and fill his heart with -consternation. The sacks had fallen from his grasp. He raised his -injured hand, felt it, and gave a sudden cry of terror. The ring -containing his ancestor’s precious Stone of Fortune had been broken by -the blow and the talisman was gone. - -Gone! Then the curse had fallen. It was upon him even now, and perhaps -at his side stood the grim spirit of Ahtka-Rā, leering at him through -the darkness and exulting in his discomfiture. - -Trembling in every limb, the Egyptian fell upon his knees and began -creeping here and there upon the clammy stones, his eyes staring into -the gloom and his fingers clutching at every slight protuberance in the -hope of finding again the wonderful stone that could alone protect him -in his extremity. The curse was upon him, but he would resist its awful -power. He _must_ resist; for if he succumbed now, there would be no -future escape from his fate. The stone--he must find the stone! -Somewhere in that vast chamber of death it lay, slyly waiting for him to -reclaim it. - -The cold indifference that was an integral part of Kāra’s nature had -completely deserted him. The superstitious fear inherited by him from -the centuries had gripped his heart securely and made him its bond-man. -He mumbled incoherently as, prone upon all fours, he shuffled hither and -thither in his vain search. The words of warning contained in the tiny -parchment, the solemn curse of his ancestor upon any who deprived him -of the talisman of fortune, seemed alone to occupy a mind suddenly -rendered witless and unruly by the calamity of the moment. - -The darkness was oppressive. There was no sound since the golden bust -had bumped its way into the treasure-chamber. The atmosphere, although -fed and restored from some hidden conduit, seemed stagnant and full of -the bituminous stench of the mummies. Kāra drew his quaking body about -with an effort, feeling that the silence, the dead air and the blackness -were conspiring to stifle him. He found the lamp presently, but the oil -was spilled and the wick gone. It did not occur to him to strike a -match. - -“If the stone is here,” he thought, “I shall see its flaming tongues -even through the darkness. It cannot escape me. I must seek until I find -it.” - -Twice he crept around the colossal sarcophagus of Ahtka-Rā, feeling his -way cautiously and glaring into the darkness with distended eyeballs; -and then came his reward. A streak of fire darted before his eyes and -vanished. Another succeeded it. He paused and watched intently. A faint -blue cloud appeared, whence the flames radiated. Sometimes they were -crimson; then a sulphurous yellow; then pure white in color. But they -always darted fiercely from the central cloud, which gradually took form -and outlined the irregular oblong of the wonderful stone. - -The radiance positively grew; the tongues of flame darted swifter and -more brilliantly; they lighted the surrounding space and brought into -relief the glistening end of Ahtka-Rā’s tomb. - -Kāra stared with an amazement akin to fear; for the talisman lay upon -the floor just beneath the triple circlet of gold whence he had pried it -with his dagger. It had not only escaped from its unlawful possessor, -but had returned to where the ancient Egyptian had originally placed it; -and now it mocked him with its magical brilliance. - -He could have reached out a hand and seized it in his grasp; but so -great was his horror of the curse of Ahtka-Rā that his impulse was -rather to shrink from the demoniacal gem. - -How wonderful was its brilliance! It lighted the sarcophagus and the -wall beyond. It lighted the floor with a broad streak of yellow light. -It lighted even Kāra himself, groveling before it on hands and knees. No -ordinary gem could do this. It was sorcery, it was-- - -He uttered a scream that echoed horribly through the vault and sprang to -his feet; for a glance over his shoulder had betrayed the secret of the -strange illumination. - -At the lower end of the room stood a man holding above his head a -lighted candle. He was motionless, gazing curiously at the prone form of -the Egyptian wallowing before a tomb encrusted with precious stones. - -But now he returned Kāra’s scream with a startled cry, and turned -involuntarily as if to fly, when the other sprang up and advanced -rapidly toward him. - -Down past the rows of silent mummies sped the Egyptian, while Consinor -awaited him in a stupor of indecision. Then, finally realizing his -danger, he dashed the candle to the ground and ran up the passage as -fast as he could go. - -Kāra, although once more plunged into darkness by this action, knew the -way much better than the Englishman, and did not for an instant hesitate -to follow him. The curse of Ahtka-Rā was now forgotten--the talisman -forgotten. Kāra realized that another had discovered his secret, and the -safety of the treasure demanded that the intruder should not be -permitted to leave the tomb alive. - -Consinor, on his part, was slower to comprehend the situation; yet there -was no doubt the Egyptian meant mischief, and the only means of escape -lay up the long, narrow passage. As he fled he collided with the huge -pillar that divided the library from the mummy chamber and rebounded -against the wall of the gallery, falling heavily to the ground. - -In an instant Kāra was upon him, his knee pressing the viscount’s -breast, his slender, talon-like fingers twined around his enemy’s -throat. - -But when it came to wrestling, the Englishman was no mean antagonist. As -the native released one hand to search in his bosom for the bronze -dagger, Consinor suddenly grasped him around the middle and easily threw -him over, reversing their positions, his body resting upon and weighing -down that of the slighter Egyptian. Failing to find the knife, Kāra -again gripped the other’s throat with his powerful fingers. - -There was but one thing to do in this desperate emergency. Consinor -raised his enemy’s head and dashed it against the stone floor. The -Egyptian’s grasp relaxed; he lost consciousness, and, tearing himself -from the fatal embrace, the viscount rose slowly to his feet, his brain -reeling, his breath gradually returning to him in short gasps. - -For a few moments he leaned against the wall for support; then, rousing -himself to action, he tottered slowly along the passage, feeling his way -by keeping one hand against the wall of rock. - -He had not proceeded far, however, when a rustling sound warned him that -Kāra had returned to life. His ears, rendered sensitive by his fearful -plight, told him that his enemy had arisen, and he heard the fall of -footsteps pursuing him. - -But Consinor was already retreating as rapidly as possible, impelled to -swiftness by the spur of fear. Proceeding through the intense darkness, -at times he struck the sides of the rocky gallery with a force that -nearly knocked him off his feet; but in the main it was a smooth and -straight way, and the Egyptian did not seem to gain perceptibly upon -him, being evidently as dazed by the blow upon his head as was the -Englishman by the throttling he had endured. - -And so they pressed on, panting along through the stifling atmosphere, -until suddenly Consinor ran full against the rocky end of the passage -and fell half stunned upon the floor. He heard the pattering of Kāra’s -footsteps, the sound indicating that the Egyptian was gradually drawing -nearer, and, dazed as he was, realized that sudden death menaced him. -With a final effort he sprang to his feet, tumbled through the circular -opening, and slammed the door into place with all his remaining -strength. - -He heard the sharp click of the bolts as they shot into their sockets, -and the muffled cry of terror from the imprisoned Kāra. - -Thoroughly appalled at what he had done, he again arose to his feet and -moved rapidly along toward the entrance to the outer corridor. - -For a certain distance the floor of this natural passage was as smooth -as that of the artificial one, and before he came to the rougher -portion, Consinor saw a dim light ahead that came from the opening in -the wall of the room. - -All semblance of composure had now deserted him. His cowardice fully -manifested itself at his first discovery, and he was not sure, even now -that the bronze bolts shut in his enemy, that he was safe from pursuit. -With Kāra’s despairing cry still ringing in his ears, he reached the -wall, passed through the opening, drew the stone into place behind him -as a further precaution, and then sped in a panic across the room. - -Nephthys heard him coming and thought it was Kāra. As he tore down the -matting and dashed through the arch, the girl rose to her feet and -viciously thrust out her hand. - -Consinor fell with a moan at her feet, drenching the hard ground with a -stream of blood. By the time Tadros had rushed to his assistance he was -dead. - -The dragoman, on ascertaining that the victim was his accomplice, was -frantic with despair. He rushed into the dwelling and gazed around him -anxiously. The room appeared to his eyes just as it had a hundred times -before. Kāra was nowhere to be seen, and the secret that Tadros had -plotted so artfully to discover was lost to him forever. - -“Confound you, Nephthys!” he cried, returning to the archway, “you’ve -killed the wrong man and eternally ruined my fortunes!” - -But the girl had disappeared. In her mother’s hut she had quietly seated -herself at the loom and resumed her work at the shuttle. - -[Illustration: Consinor fell with a moan at her feet, drenching the hard -earth with a stream of blood] - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -THE DRAGOMAN WINS. - - -Antar, the sheik, waited for Kāra until his patience was exhausted; then -he left the dahabeah and came up through the sands to Fedah to discover, -if possible, what had delayed the prince from returning with his -promised reward. To Antar this cluster of hovels seemed mean and -unattractive when compared with his own village, and these hills were -not likely places for treasure tombs. He knew that the French and -Italian excavators had been all over them, and found only some crocodile -mummy pits. - -The sheik grew suddenly suspicious. Kāra’s promises were too extravagant -to be genuine; doubtless he had deceived Antar from the first, and -sought to obtain his services without payment. It was true that Kāra was -reputed in Cairo to be wealthy, but he might easily have squandered his -inheritance long ago. One thing Antar was certain of--the Egyptian -prince must produce his treasure at once or the sheik, thinking he was -duped, would undertake to exact a bit of vengeance on his own account. - -Thus musing, he turned the corner of the hill and came full upon Tadros, -who was expecting him. The dragoman’s thumbs were thrust into the -pockets of his gorgeous silver and blue vest. He stood with his feet -spread well apart, in an attitude of dejection; his countenance was -sorrowful and discontented. - -“Ah,” growled the sheik, “this is the man Kāra requested me to kill!” - -“I do not doubt it,” returned Tadros, meekly. “It is so much easier to -kill one than to pay him the wages he has earned.” - -“Does he owe you money?” demanded Antar, sharply. - -“Yes; and now I shall never get it.” - -“Why not?” - -“Have you not heard? Prince Kāra came to this village a few hours ago -and was met by a captain of police, who wants him in Cairo for more than -a dozen crimes.” - -“What! Have you brought the police upon us?” exclaimed Antar, angrily. - -“I? How absurd! I came here to get my money; but they have taken Kāra -south to meet a detachment of soldiers who are coming from Assyut. -Presently they will return here in force to rescue Winston Bey, who is -in some trouble through Kāra’s actions.” - -“You are lying to me,” declared the sheik. “It is you who have set the -officers upon us. You are a traitor!” - -Tadros appeared distressed. - -“You have known me long, my sheik,” said he, “and have always found me -an honest man. Never have I mixed with the police in any way. But do -you imagine the Government will neglect to watch over Winston Bey and -protect him from his enemies? Ask the captain when he returns with the -soldiers and Kāra. He will be here very soon now, and he will tell you -that Tadros the dragoman had nothing to do with his coming here.” - -The sheik glanced around nervously. - -“You say he will be here soon?” - -“At any moment. Something has gone wrong with Winston Bey’s dahabeah, it -seems, and the soldiers are to put things right.” - -Antar fell into the trap. In common with most natives, he greatly feared -the mounted police, and had no inclination to face a company of them. -Quickly he ran to the end of the hill overlooking the river, and blew a -shrill blast between his fingers as a signal to his comrades. - -Instantly his men swarmed from the distant boat and sped over the sands -toward him. The sheik met them and the whole band turned toward the -north, quickly disappearing among the rugged crags of the mountains. - -Tadros, convulsed with laughter at his easy victory, watched until the -last Arab was out of sight. Then he walked down to the dahabeah, where, -in the gathering twilight, he cut the bonds of the prisoners, assuring -Winston Bey and his party, with many bombastic words, that he had -vanquished their enemies and they owed their lives to his shrewdness and -valor. - -“You are free as the air,” said he. “Fear nothing hereafter, for I will -now remain with you.” - -“Where is Kāra?” asked Winston. - -Tadros did not know; but he suspected that Consinor, before returning -from the interior of the treasure-chamber, had murdered the Egyptian, -whose mysterious disappearance could in no other way be explained. Not -wishing to mention the viscount’s name, whose murder might involve both -Nephthys and himself in trouble, he stuck to his original lie. - -“Kāra is fleeing in one direction and the Arabs in another,” he said, -pompously. “I am too modest to relate how I have accomplished this -remarkable feat; but you must admit I have been wonderfully clever and -successful, and by remaining faithful to your interests, have saved you -from a terrible fate.” - -Winston did not answer, for he was just then engaged in holding Aneth in -a close embrace, while Mrs. Everingham looked upon the happy pair with -moist eyes and smiling lips. - -But old Lord Roane felt that their rescuer merited more tangible -acknowledgment of his services. - -“You are a brave man, Tadros,” he said. - -“I am, indeed, sir,” agreed the dragoman, earnestly. - -“When we return to Cairo I will see that you are properly rewarded.” - -Tadros smiled with pleasure. - -“Thank you, my lord,” said he; “it is no more than I deserve.” - -“Just now,” continued his lordship, “we are bound for Luxor to celebrate -a wedding.” - -“With Tadros for dragoman,” remarked the Egyptian, calmly lighting a -cigarette, “all things are possible.” - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Last Egyptian, by L. 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Frank Baum - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Last Egyptian - A Romance of the Nile - -Author: L. Frank Baum - -Illustrator: Francis P. Wightman - -Release Date: July 1, 2017 [EBook #55020] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAST EGYPTIAN *** - - - - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Chuck Greif, MFR, The -University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/cover_lg.jpg"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="366" height="500" alt="[Image -of the book's cover unavailable.]" /></a> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_002" id="page_002"></a>{2}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_001_lg.jpg"> -<img src="images/i_001_sml.jpg" width="346" height="500" alt="Image unavailble: “Allahu akbar!” he said; “the stranger is welcome to all -that I possess” (See page 233)" /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">“Allahu akbar!” he said; “the stranger is welcome to all -that I possess” (See <a href="#page_233">page 233</a>)</span> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_003" id="page_003"></a>{3}</span></p> - -<h1> -THE LAST<br /> -EGYPTIAN</h1> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" -style="border-bottom:double 6px black;margin:auto auto 4% auto; -font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:.1em;font-size:110%;"> -<tr><td align="left">A ROMANCE<br /> -OF THE NILE</td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="cb"> -<small>ILLUSTRATIONS BY</small><br /> - -FRANCIS P. WIGHTMAN<br /> -<br /><br /> -PHILADELPHIA<br /> -EDWARD STERN & CO., <span class="smcap">Inc.</span><br /> -1908<br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_004" id="page_004"></a>{4}</span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1907, by<br /> -Edward Stern & Co., Inc.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="smcap">Published May 1, 1908</span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_005" id="page_005"></a>{5}</span><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -THIS BOOK IS INSCRIBED TO<br /> -<br /> -<span class="eng">Mr. Edward Stern</span><br /> -<br /> -A FELLOW TRAVELER IN THE<br /> -WILDS OF EGYPT, BY<br /> -<br /> -<span class="eng">The Author</span><br /> -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_006" id="page_006"></a>{6}</span></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_007" id="page_007"></a>{7}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS</h2> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td> </td><td class="rt"><small>PAGE</small></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_I"><span class="smcap">Chapter I.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Where the Desert Meets the Nile</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_009">9</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_II"><span class="smcap">Chapter II.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Hatatcha</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_030">30</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_III"><span class="smcap">Chapter III.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> The Dragoman</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_039">39</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV"><span class="smcap">Chapter IV.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> The Treasure of Ahtka-Rā</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_052">52</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_V"><span class="smcap">Chapter V.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> A Roll of Papyrus</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_063">63</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI"><span class="smcap">Chapter VI.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Kāra Bathes in the Nile</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_071">71</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII"><span class="smcap">Chapter VII.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> A Step Toward the Goal</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_083">83</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"><span class="smcap">Chapter VIII.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> His Grandmother’s Mummy</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_095">95</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX"><span class="smcap">Chapter IX.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Aneth</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_104">104</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_X"><span class="smcap">Chapter X.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Lord Cromer’s Reception</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_112">112</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI"><span class="smcap">Chapter XI.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Setting the Snares</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_122">122</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII"><span class="smcap">Chapter XII.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Nephthys</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_132">132</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII"><span class="smcap">Chapter XIII.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> The Talisman of Ahtka-Rā</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_142">142</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV"><span class="smcap">Chapter XIV.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Rogues Ancient and Modern</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_150">150</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV"><span class="smcap">Chapter XV.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Winston Bey is Indignant</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_156">156</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI"><span class="smcap">Chapter XVI.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Kāra Threatens</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_177">177</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII"><span class="smcap">Chapter XVII.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Aneth Surrenders</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_187">187</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII"><span class="smcap">Chapter XVIII.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Finding a Way</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_194">194</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX"><span class="smcap">Chapter XIX.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> The Abduction</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_217">217</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX"><span class="smcap">Chapter XX.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> The Sheik Agrees</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_226">226</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXI.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Lotus Eaters and Crocodiles</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_237">237</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXII.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> The Dragoman’s Inspiration</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_247">247</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXIII.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> Mother and Daughter</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_251">251</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXIV.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> The Sheik Demurs</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_256">256</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXV.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> The Bronze Bolts</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_266">266</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXVI.</span></a></td><td valign="top"> The Dragoman Wins</td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_283">283</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_008" id="page_008"></a>{8}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="ILLUSTRATIONS" id="ILLUSTRATIONS"></a>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td> </td><td class="rt"><small>OPPOSITE<br /> -PAGE</small></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_003">“Allahu akbar!” he said; “the stranger is welcome -to all that I possess”</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_003">3</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_050">They went at a moderate pace, and bore the blistering -rays of the sun as none but natives of -Egypt can</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_050">50</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_062">He thrust his hand into the jar of rubies again, -and took all that his fingers could clutch</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_062">62</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_084">In the evening he crossed the great bridge of -Isma’il Pasha to the island of Gizireh</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_084">84</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_136">She smiled at herself, then laughed—shyly at first, -now with genuine delight</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_136">136</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_154">Following a moment’s horrified silence, the viscount -sprang up with an oath</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_154">154</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_192">“You shall not keep that promise!” declared -the woman</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_192">192</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_282">Consinor fell with a moan at her feet, drenching -the hard earth with a stream of blood</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_282">282</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_009" id="page_009"></a>{9}</span></p> - -<h1>The Last Egyptian</h1> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.<br /><br /> -<small>WHERE THE DESERT MEETS THE NILE.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">T</span>he sun fell hot upon the bosom of the Nile and clung there, vibrant, -hesitating, yet aggressive, as if baffled in its desire to penetrate -beneath the river’s lurid surface. For the Nile defies the sun, and -relegates him to his own broad domain, wherein his power is undisputed.</p> - -<p>On either side the broad stream humanity shrank from Ra’s seething disc. -The shaduf workers had abandoned their skin-covered buckets and bamboo -poles to seek shelter from the heat beneath a straggling tree or a straw -mat elevated on stalks of ripe sugar-cane. The boats of the fishermen -lay in little coves, where the sails were spread as awnings to shade -their crews. The fellaheen laborers had all retired to their clay huts -to sleep through this fiercest period of the afternoon heat.</p> - -<p>On the Nile, however, a small steam dahabeah puffed lazily along, -stemming with its slow motion the sweep of the mighty river toward the -sea. The Arab stoker, naked and sweating, stood as far as possible from -the little boiler and watched it with a look<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_010" id="page_010"></a>{10}</span> of absolute repulsion upon -his swarthy face. The engineer, also an Arab, lay stretched upon the -deck half asleep, but with both ears alert to catch any sound that might -denote the fact that the straining, rickety engine was failing to -perform its full duty. Back of the tiny cabin sat the dusky steersman, -as naked and inert as his fellows, while under the deck awning reclined -the one white man of the party, a young Englishman clothed in khaki -knickerbockers and a white silk shirt well open at the throat.</p> - -<p>There were no tourists in Egypt at this season. If you find a white man -on the Nile in April, he is either attached to some exploration party -engaged in excavations or a government employee from Cairo, Assyut or -Luxor, bent upon an urgent mission.</p> - -<p>The dahabeah was not a government boat, though, so that our Englishman -was more likely to be an explorer than an official. It was evident he -was no stranger to tropical climes, if we judged by his sun-browned skin -and the quiet resignation to existing conditions with which he puffed -his black briar and relaxed his muscular frame. He did not sleep, but -lay with his head upon a low wicker rest that enabled him to sweep the -banks of the Nile with his keen blue eyes.</p> - -<p>The three Arabs regarded their master from time to time with stealthy -glances, in which wonder was mingled with a certain respect. The -foreigner was a fool to travel during the heat of the day; no doubt of -that at all. The native knows when to work and when<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_011" id="page_011"></a>{11}</span> to sleep—a lesson -the European never learns. Yet this was no casual adventurer exploiting -his folly, but a man who had lived among them for years, who spoke -Arabic fluently and could even cipher those hieroglyphics of the dead -ages which abound throughout modern Egypt. Hassan, Abdallah and Ali knew -this well, for they had accompanied Winston Bey on former expeditions, -and heard him translate the ugly signs graven upon the ugly stones into -excellent Arabic. It was all very wonderful in its way, but quite -useless and impractical, if their opinion were allowed. And the master -himself was impractical. He did foolish things at all times, and -sacrificed his own comfort and that of his servants in order to -accomplish unnecessary objects. Had he not paid well for his whims, -Winston Bey might have sought followers in vain; but the Arab will even -roast himself upon the Nile on an April afternoon to obtain the -much-coveted gold of the European.</p> - -<p>At four o’clock a slight breeze arose; but what matter? The journey was -nearly done now. They had rounded a curve in the river, and ahead of -them, lying close to the east bank, were the low mountains of Gebel Abu -Fedah. At the south, where the rocks ended abruptly, lay a small grove -of palms. Between the palms and the mountains was the beaten path -leading from the Nile to the village of Al-Kusiyeh, a mile or so inland, -which was the particular place the master had come so far and so fast to -visit.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_012" id="page_012"></a>{12}</span></p> - -<p>The breeze, although hardly felt, served to refresh the enervated -travelers. Winston sat up and knocked the ashes from his pipe, making a -careful scrutiny at the same time of the lifeless landscape ahead.</p> - -<p>The mountains of gray limestone looked very uninviting as they lay -reeking under the terrible heat of the sun. From their base to the river -was no sign of vegetation, but only a hardened clay surface. The desert -sands had drifted in in places. Even under the palms it lay in heavy -drifts, for the land between the Nile and Al-Kusiyeh was abandoned to -nature, and the fellaheen had never cared to redeem it.</p> - -<p>The water was deep by the east bank, for the curve of the river swept -the current close to the shore. The little dahabeah puffed noisily up to -the bank and deposited the Englishman upon the hard clay. Then it backed -across into shallow water, and Hassan shut down the engine while -Abdallah dropped the anchor.</p> - -<p>Winston now wore his cork helmet and carried a brown umbrella lined with -green. With all his energy, the transition from the deck of the dahabeah -to this oven-like atmosphere of the shore bade fair to overcome his -resolution to proceed to the village.</p> - -<p>But it would never do to recall his men so soon. They would consider it -an acknowledgment that he had erred in judgment, and the only way to -manage an Arab is to make him believe you know what you are about. The -palm trees were not far away. He would rest in their shade until the sun -was lower.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_013" id="page_013"></a>{13}</span></p> - -<p>A dozen steps and the perspiration started from every pore. But he kept -on, doggedly, until he came to the oblong shadow cast by the first palm, -and there he squatted in the sand and mopped his face with his -handkerchief.</p> - -<p>The silence was oppressive. There was no sound of any kind to relieve -it. Even the beetles were hidden far under the sand, and there was no -habitation near enough for a donkey’s bray or a camel’s harsh growl to -be heard. The Nile flows quietly at this point, and the boat had ceased -to puff and rattle its machinery.</p> - -<p>Winston brushed aside the top layer of sand with his hands, for that -upon the surface was so hot that contact with it was unbearable. Then he -extended his body to rest, turning slightly this way and that to catch -in his face the faint breath of the breeze that passed between the -mountains and the Nile. At the best he was doomed to an uncomfortable -hour or two, and he cast longing glances at the other bits of shade to -note whether any seemed more inviting than the one he had selected.</p> - -<p>During this inspection his eye caught a patch of white some distance -away. It was directly over the shadow of the furthest tree of the group, -and aroused his curiosity. After a minute he arose in a leisurely -fashion and walked over to the spot of white, which on nearer approach -proved to be a soiled cotton tunic or burnous. It lay half buried in the -sand, and at one end were the folds of a dirty turban, with faded<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_014" id="page_014"></a>{14}</span> red -and yellow stripes running across the coarse cloth.</p> - -<p>Winston put his foot on the burnous and the thing stirred and emitted a -muffled growl. At that he kicked the form viciously; but now it neither -stirred nor made a sound. Instead, a narrow slit appeared between the -folds of the turban, and an eye, black and glistening, looked -steadfastly upon the intruder.</p> - -<p>“Do you take me for a beast, you imbecile, that you dare to disturb my -slumbers?” asked a calm voice, in Arabic.</p> - -<p>The heat had made Winston Bey impatient.</p> - -<p>“Yes; you are a dog. Get up!” he commanded, kicking the form again.</p> - -<p>The turban was removed, disclosing a face, and the man sat up, crossing -his bare legs beneath him as he stared fixedly at his persecutor.</p> - -<p>Aside from the coarse burnous, sadly discolored in many places, the -fellow was unclothed. His skin showed at the breast and below his knees, -and did not convey an impression of immaculate cleanliness. Of slender -build, with broad shoulders, long hands and feet and sinewy arms and -legs, the form disclosed was curiously like those so often presented in -the picture-writing upon the walls of ancient temples. His forehead was -high, his chin square, his eyes large and soft, his cheeks full, his -mouth wide and sensual, his nose short and rounded. His jaws protruded -slightly and his hair was smooth and fine. In color the tint of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_015" id="page_015"></a>{15}</span> -skin was not darker than the tanned cuticle of the Englishman, but the -brown was softer, and resembled coffee that has been plentifully diluted -with cream. A handsome fellow in his way, with an expression rather -unconcerned than dignified, which masked a countenance calculated to -baffle even a shrewder and more experienced observer than Winston Bey.</p> - -<p>Said the Englishman, looking at him closely:</p> - -<p>“You are a Copt.”</p> - -<p>Inadvertently he had spoken in his mother tongue and the man laughed.</p> - -<p>“If you follow the common prejudice and consider every Copt a -Christian,” he returned in purest English, “then I am no Copt; but if -you mean that I am an Egyptian, and no dog of an Arab, then, indeed, you -are correct in your estimate.”</p> - -<p>Winston uttered an involuntary exclamation of surprise. For a native to -speak English is not so unusual; but none that he knew expressed himself -with the same ease and confidence indicated in this man’s reply. He -brushed away some of the superheated sand and sat down facing his new -acquaintance.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps,” said he—a touch of sarcasm in his voice—“I am speaking with -a descendant of the Great Rameses himself.”</p> - -<p>“Better than that,” rejoined the other, coolly. “My forefather was -Ahtka-Rā, of true royal blood, who ruled the second Rameses as cleverly -as that foolish monarch imagined he ruled the Egyptians.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_016" id="page_016"></a>{16}</span></p> - -<p>Winston seemed amused.</p> - -<p>“I regret,” said he, with mock politeness, “that I have never before -heard of your great forefather.”</p> - -<p>“But why should you?” asked the Egyptian. “You are, I suppose, one of -those uneasy investigators that prowl through Egypt in a stupid endeavor -to decipher the inscriptions on the old temples and tombs. You can read -a little—yes; but that little puzzles and confuses you. Your most -learned scholars—your Mariettes and Petries and Masperos—discover one -clue and guess at twenty, and so build up a wonderful history of the -ancient kings that is absurd to those who know the true records.”</p> - -<p>“Who knows them?” asked Winston, quickly.</p> - -<p>The man dropped his eyes.</p> - -<p>“No one, perhaps,” he mumbled. “At the best, but one or two. But you -would know more if you first studied the language of the ancient -Egyptians, so that when you deciphered the signs and picture writings -you could tell with some degree of certainty what they meant.”</p> - -<p>Winston sniffed. “Answer my question!” said he, sternly. “Who knows the -true records, and where are they?”</p> - -<p>“Ah, I am very ignorant,” said the other, shaking his head with an -humble expression. “Who am I, the poor Kāra, to dispute with the -scholars of Europe?”</p> - -<p>The Englishman fanned himself with his helmet and sat silent for a -time.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_017" id="page_017"></a>{17}</span></p> - -<p>“But this ancestor of yours—the man who ruled the Great Rameses—who -was he?” he asked, presently.</p> - -<p>“Men called him Ahtka-Rā, as I said. He was descended from the famous -Queen Hatshepset, and his blood was pure. Indeed, my ancestor should -have ruled Egypt as its king, had not the first Rameses overthrown the -line of Mēnēs and established a dynasty of his own. But Ahtka-Rā, unable -to rule in his own name, nevertheless ruled through the weak Rameses, -under whom he bore the titles of High Priest of Āmen, Lord of the -Harvests and Chief Treasurer. All of the kingdom he controlled and -managed, sending Rameses to wars to keep him occupied, and then, when -the king returned, setting him to build temples and palaces, and to -erect monuments to himself, that he might have no excuse to interfere -with the real business of the government. You, therefore, who read the -inscriptions of the vain king wonder at his power and call him great; -and, in your ignorance, you know not even the name of Ahtka-Rā, the most -wonderful ruler that Egypt has ever known.”</p> - -<p>“It is true that we do not know him,” returned Winston, scrutinizing the -man before him with a puzzled expression. “You seem better informed than -the Egyptologists!”</p> - -<p>Kāra dipped his hands into the sand beside him and let the grains slip -between his fingers, watching them thoughtfully.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_018" id="page_018"></a>{18}</span></p> - -<p>“Rameses the Second,” said he, “reigned sixty-five years, and—”</p> - -<p>“Sixty-seven years,” corrected Winston. “It is written.”</p> - -<p>“In the inscriptions, which are false,” explained the Egyptian. “My -ancestor concealed the death of Rameses for two years, because -Meremptah, who would succeed him, was a deadly enemy. But Meremptah -discovered the secret at last, and at once killed Ahtka-Rā, who was very -old and unable to oppose him longer. And after that the treasure cities -of Pithom and Raamses, which my ancestor had built, were seized by the -new king, but no treasures were found in them. Even in death my great -ancestor was able to deceive and humble his enemies.”</p> - -<p>“Listen, Kāra,” said Winston, his voice trembling with suppressed -eagerness; “to know that which you have told to me means that you have -discovered some sort of record hitherto unknown to scientists. To us who -are striving to unravel the mystery of ancient Egyptian history this -information will be invaluable. Let me share your knowledge, and tell me -what you require in exchange for your secret. You are poor; I will make -you rich. You are unknown; I will make the name of Kāra famous. You are -young; you shall enjoy life. Speak, my brother, and believe that I will -deal justly by you—on the word of an Englishman.”</p> - -<p>The Egyptian did not even look up, but continued<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_019" id="page_019"></a>{19}</span> playing with the sand. -Yet over his grave features a smile slowly spread.</p> - -<p>“It is not five minutes,” he murmured softly, “since I was twice kicked -and called a dog. Now I am the Englishman’s brother, and he will make me -rich and famous.”</p> - -<p>Winston frowned, as if he would like to kick the fellow again. But he -resisted the temptation.</p> - -<p>“What would you?” he asked, indifferently. “The burnous might mean an -Arab. It is good for the Arab to be kicked at times.”</p> - -<p>Possibly Kāra neither saw the jest nor understood the apology. His -unreadable countenance was still turned toward the sand, and he answered -nothing.</p> - -<p>The Englishman moved uneasily. Then he extracted a cigarette case from -his pocket, opened it, and extended it toward the Egyptian.</p> - -<p>Kāra looked at the cigarettes and his face bore the first expression of -interest it had yet shown. Very deliberately he bowed, touched his -forehead and then his heart with his right hand, and afterward leaned -forward and calmly selected a cigarette.</p> - -<p>Winston produced a match and lighted it, the Egyptian’s eyes seriously -following his every motion. He applied the light to his own cigarette -first; then to that of Kāra. Another touch of the forehead and breast -and the native was luxuriously inhaling the smoke of the tobacco. His -eyes were brighter and he wore a look of great content.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_020" id="page_020"></a>{20}</span></p> - -<p>The Englishman silently watched until the other had taken his third -whiff; then, the ceremonial being completed, he spoke, choosing his -words carefully.</p> - -<p>“Seek as we may, my brother, for the records of the dead civilization of -your native land, we know full well that the most important documents -will be discovered in the future, as in the past, by the modern -Egyptians themselves. Your traditions, handed down through many -generations, give to you a secret knowledge of where the important -papyri and tablets are deposited. If there are hidden tombs in Gebel Abu -Fedah, or near the city of Al-Kusiyeh, perhaps you know where to find -them; and if so, we will open them together and profit equally by what -we secure.”</p> - -<p>The Egyptian shook his head and flicked the ash from his cigarette with -an annoyed gesture.</p> - -<p>“You are wrong in estimating the source of my knowledge,” said he, in a -tone that was slightly acrimonious. “Look at my rags,” spreading his -arms outward; “would I refuse your bribe if I knew how to earn it? I -have not smoked a cigarette before in months—not since Tadros the -dragoman came to Al Fedah in the winter. I am barefoot, because I fear -to wear out my sandals until I know how to replace them. Often I am -hungry, and I live like a jackal, shrinking from all intercourse with my -fellows or with the world. That is Kāra, the son of kings, the royal -one!”</p> - -<p>Winston was astonished. It is seldom a native complains of his lot or -resents his condition, however<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_021" id="page_021"></a>{21}</span> lowly it may be. Yet here was one -absolutely rebellious.</p> - -<p>“Why?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Because my high birth isolates me,” was the reply, with an accent of -pride. “It is no comfortable thing to be Kāra, the lineal descendant of -the great Ahtka-Rā, in the days when Egypt’s power is gone, and her -children are scorned by the Arab Muslims and buffeted by the English -Christians.”</p> - -<p>“Do you live in the village?” asked Winston.</p> - -<p>“No; my burrow is in a huddle of huts behind the mountain, in a place -that is called Fedah.”</p> - -<p>“With whom do you live?”</p> - -<p>“My grandmother, Hatatcha.”</p> - -<p>“Ah!”</p> - -<p>“You have heard of her?”</p> - -<p>“No; I was thinking only of an Egyptian Princess Hatatcha who set -fashionable London crazy in my father’s time.”</p> - -<p>Kāra leaned forward eagerly, and then cast a half fearful glance around, -at the mountains, the desert, and the Nile.</p> - -<p>“Tell me about her!” he said, sinking his voice to a whisper.</p> - -<p>“About the Princess?” asked Winston, surprised. “Really, I know little -of her history. She came in a flash of wonderful oriental magnificence, -I have heard, and soon had the nobility of England suing for her favors. -Lord Roane especially divorced his wife<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_022" id="page_022"></a>{22}</span> that he might marry the -beautiful Egyptian; and then she refused to wed with him. There were -scandals in plenty before Hatatcha disappeared from London, which she -did as mysteriously as she had come, and without a day’s warning. I -remember that certain infatuated admirers spent fortunes in search of -her, overrunning all Egypt, but without avail. No one has ever heard of -her since.”</p> - -<p>Kāra drew a deep breath, sighing softly.</p> - -<p>“It was like my grandmother,” he murmured. “She was always a daughter of -Set.”</p> - -<p>Winston stared at him.</p> - -<p>“Do you mean to say—” he began.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” whispered Kāra, casting another frightened look around; “it was -my grandmother, Hatatcha, who did that. You must not tell, my brother, -for she is still in league with the devils and would destroy us both if -she came to hate us. Her daughter, who was my mother, was the child of -that same Lord Roane you have mentioned; but she never knew her father -nor England. I myself have never been a day’s journey from the Nile, for -Hatatcha makes me her slave.”</p> - -<p>“She must be very old, if she still lives,” said Winston, musingly.</p> - -<p>“She was seventeen when she went to London,” replied Kāra, “and she -returned here in three years, with my mother in her arms. Her daughter -was thirty-five when I was born, and that is twenty-three years ago. -Fifty-eight is not an advanced age, yet<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_023" id="page_023"></a>{23}</span> Hatatcha was a withered hag -when first I remember her, and she is the same to-day. By the head of -Osiris, my brother, she is likely to live until I am stiff in my tomb.”</p> - -<p>“It was she who taught you to speak English?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. I knew it when I was a baby, for in our private converse she has -always used the English tongue. Also I speak the ancient Egyptian -language, which you call the Coptic, and I read correctly the -hieroglyphics and picture-writings of my ancestors. The Arabic, of -course, I know. Hatatcha has been a careful teacher.”</p> - -<p>“What of your mother?” asked Winston.</p> - -<p>“Why, she ran away when I was a child, to enter the harem of an Arab in -Cairo, so that she passed out of our lives, and I have lived with my -grandmother always.”</p> - -<p>“I am impressed by the fact,” said the Englishman, with a sneer, “that -your royal blood is not so pure after all.”</p> - -<p>“And why not?” returned Kāra, composedly. “Is it not from the mother we -descend? Who my grandfather may have been matters little, provided -Hatatcha, the royal one, is my granddame. Perhaps my mother never -considered who my father might be; it was unimportant. From her I drew -the blood of the great Ahtka-Rā, who lives again in me. Robbed of your -hollow ceremonial of marriage, you people of Europe can boast no true -descent save through your mothers—no purer blood than I, ignoring my -fathers, am sure<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_024" id="page_024"></a>{24}</span> now courses in my veins; for the father, giving so -little to his progeny, can scarcely contaminate it, whatever he may -chance to be.”</p> - -<p>The other, paying little heed to this discourse, the platitudes of which -were all too familiar to his ears, reflected deeply on the strange -discovery he had made through this unconventional Egyptian.</p> - -<p>“Then,” said he, pursuing his train of thought, “your knowledge of your -ancestry and the life and works of Ahtka-Rā was obtained through your -grandmother?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“And she has not disclosed to you how it is that she knows all this?”</p> - -<p>“No. She says it is true, and I believe it. Hatatcha is a wonderful -woman.”</p> - -<p>“I agree with you. Where did she get the money that enabled her to amaze -all England with her magnificence and splendor?”</p> - -<p>“I do not know.”</p> - -<p>“Is she wealthy now?”</p> - -<p>Kāra laughed.</p> - -<p>“Did I not say we were half starved, and live like foxes in a hole? For -raiment we have each one ragged garment. But the outside of man matters -little, save to those who have nothing within. Treasures may be kept in -a rotten chest.”</p> - -<p>“But personally you would prefer a handsome casket?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_025" id="page_025"></a>{25}</span></p> - -<p>“Of course. It is Hatatcha who teaches me philosophy to make me forget -my rags.”</p> - -<p>The Englishman reflected.</p> - -<p>“Do you labor in the fields?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“She will not let me,” said Kāra. “If my wrongs were righted, she holds, -I would even now be king of Egypt. The certainty that they will never be -righted does not alter the morale of the case.”</p> - -<p>“Does Hatatcha earn money herself?”</p> - -<p>“She sits in her hut morning and night, muttering curses upon her -enemies.”</p> - -<p>“Then how do you live at all?”</p> - -<p>Kāra seemed surprised by the question, and considered carefully his -reply.</p> - -<p>“At times,” said he, “when our needs are greatest, my grandmother will -produce an ancient coin of the reign of Hystaspes, which the sheik at -Al-Kusiyeh readily changes into piasters, because they will give him a -good premium on it at the museum in Cairo. Once, years ago, the sheik -threatened Hatatcha unless she confessed where she had found these -coins; but my grandmother called Set to her aid, and cast a spell upon -the sheik, so that his camels died of rot and his children became blind. -After that he let Hatatcha alone, but he was still glad to get her -coins.”</p> - -<p>“Where does she keep them?”</p> - -<p>“It is her secret. When she was ill, a month ago, and lay like one dead, -I searched everywhere for treasure and found it not. Perhaps she has -exhausted her store.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_026" id="page_026"></a>{26}</span></p> - -<p>“Had she anything besides the coins?”</p> - -<p>“Once a jewel, which she sent by Tadros, the dragoman, to exchange for -English books in Cairo.”</p> - -<p>“What became of the books?”</p> - -<p>“After we had both read them they disappeared. I do not know what became -of them.”</p> - -<p>They had shifted their seats twice, because the shadow cast by the palms -moved as the sun drew nearer to the horizon. Now the patches were long -and narrow, and there was a cooler breath in the air.</p> - -<p>The Englishman sat long silent, thinking intently. Kāra was placidly -smoking his third cigarette.</p> - -<p>The rivalry among excavators and Egyptologists generally is intense. All -are eager to be recognized as discoverers. Since the lucky find of the -plucky American, Davis, the explorers among the ancient ruins of Egypt -had been on the qui vive to unearth some farther record of antiquity to -startle and interest the scholars of the world. Much of value has been -found along the Nile banks, it is true; but it is generally believed -that much more remains to be discovered.</p> - -<p>Gerald Winston, with a fortune at his command and a passion for -Egyptology, was an indefatigable prospector in this fascinating field, -and it was because of a rumor that ancient coins and jewels had come -from the Sheik of Al-Kusiyeh that he had resolved to visit that village -in person and endeavor to learn the secret source of this wealth before -someone else forestalled him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_027" id="page_027"></a>{27}</span></p> - -<p>The story that he had just heard from the lips of the voluble Kāra -rendered his visit to Al-Kusiyeh unnecessary; but that he was now on the -trail of an important discovery was quite clear to him. How best to -master the delicate conditions confronting him must be a subject of -careful consideration, for any mistake on his part would ruin all his -hopes.</p> - -<p>“If my brother obtains any further valuable knowledge,” said he, -finally, “he will wish to sell it to good advantage. And it is evident -to both of us that old Hatatcha has visited some secret tomb, from -whence she has taken the treasure that enabled her to astound London for -a brief period. When her wealth was exhausted she was forced to return -to her squalid surroundings, and by dint of strict economy has lived -upon the few coins that remained to her until now. Knowing part of your -grandmother’s story, it is easy to guess the remainder. The coins of -Darius Hystaspes date about five hundred years before Christ, so that -they would not account for Hatatcha’s ample knowledge of a period two -thousand years earlier. But mark me, Kāra, the tomb from which your -grandmother extracted such treasure must of necessity contain much -else—not such things as the old woman could dispose of without -suspicion, but records and relics which in my hands would be invaluable, -and for which I would gladly pay you thousands of piasters. See what you -can do to aid me to bring about this desirable result. If you can manage -to win the secret from your grandmother, you need be<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_028" id="page_028"></a>{28}</span> her slave no -longer. You may go to Cairo and see the dancing girls and spend your -money freely; or you can buy donkeys and a camel, and set up for a -sheik. Meantime I will keep my dahabeah in this vicinity, and every day -I will pass this spot at sundown and await for you to signal me. Is it -all clear to you, my brother?”</p> - -<p>“It is as crystal,” answered the Egyptian gravely.</p> - -<p>He took another cigarette, lighted it with graceful composure, and rose -to his feet. Winston also stood up.</p> - -<p>The sun had dropped behind the far corner of Gebel Abu Fedah, and with -the grateful shade the breeze had freshened and slightly cooled the -tepid atmosphere.</p> - -<p>Wrapping his burnous around his tall figure, Kāra made dignified -obeisance.</p> - -<p>“Osiris guard thee, my brother,” said he.</p> - -<p>“May Horus grant thee peace,” answered Winston, humoring this disciple -of the most ancient religion. Then he watched the Egyptian stalk proudly -away over the hot sands, his figure erect, his step slow and methodical, -his bearing absurdly dignified when contrasted with his dirty tunic and -unwashed skin.</p> - -<p>“I am in luck,” he thought, turning toward the bank to summon Hassan and -Abdallah; “for I have aroused the rascal’s cupidity, and he will soon -turn up something or other, I’ll be bound. Ugh! the dirty beast.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_029" id="page_029"></a>{29}</span></p> - -<p>At the foot of the mountains Kāra paused abruptly and stood motionless, -staring moodily at the sands before him.</p> - -<p>“It was worth the bother to get the cigarettes,” he muttered. Then he -added, with sudden fierceness: “Twice he spurned me with his foot, and -called me ‘dog’!”</p> - -<p>And he spat in the sand and continued on his way.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_030" id="page_030"></a>{30}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.<br /><br /> -<small>HATATCHA.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">T</span>he mountains of Abu Fedah consist of a low range about twelve miles -long and from two to three hundred feet in height. These hills are -wedge-shaped, and from a narrow, uneven ridge at the summit the sides -slope downward at a sharp angle on either side, affording little -apparent foothold to one who might essay to climb the steeps. At the -south end are pits wherein were found numbers of mummified crocodiles, -proving that these reptiles were formerly worshipped by the natives of -Al-Kusiyeh, which is the ancient city of Qes of the hieroglyphic texts, -and was afterward called Cusae by the Greeks. It was, in its prime, the -capital of the fourteenth nome or province of Upper Egypt, and a -favorite winter abode of the kings of the Middle Empire. The modern -village, as before explained, lies a mile or two from the Nile bank, in -a fertile valley watered by bubbling springs. The inhabitants are mostly -Arabs, or a mixture of the Arab blood with that of the native fellaheen, -which last, in common with the Copts, are direct descendants of the -ancient Egyptians.</p> - -<p>The early Egyptologists expected to find important tombs secreted in the -limestone cliffs of Gebel Abu Fedah; but careful search only revealed -the mummy crocodile pits and a few scattering and uninteresting<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_031" id="page_031"></a>{31}</span> -cavities roughly hewn in the rocks, which might have contained mummies -at one time, but had been rifled of their contents ages ago. The few -inscriptions remaining in these rock tombs indicated that they were the -burial places of ordinary citizens of Qes, and such cavities as were -observed all faced the Nile. The opposite slopes of the mountains, -facing the east, seemed never to have been utilized for tombs, fond as -the Egyptians were of such opportunities to inter their dead in rocky -places, above the reach of jackals or marauders.</p> - -<p>Kāra skirted the south end of the mountain and passed around the edge of -a bleak gray cliff. Here, close against the overhanging sandstone, was -clustered a nest of wretched hovels, built partially of loose fragments -of rock and partly of Nile mud baked in the sun. The place was called -Fedah by the natives, and its scant dozen of inhabitants were those of -pure Egyptian lineage, who refused to mingle with the natives of -Al-Kusiyeh.</p> - -<p>The most substantial of the dwellings was that occupied by Hatatcha and -her grandson. It had been built against a hollow or cave of the -mountain, so that the cane roof projected only a few feet beyond the -cliff. A rude attempt on the part of the builders to make the front wall -symmetrical was indicated by the fact that the stones bore quarry marks, -and at the entrance arch, which had never been supplied with a door, but -was half concealed by a woven mat, the stones were fully four feet in -thickness.</p> - -<p>The other huts, ranged beside and before this one,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_032" id="page_032"></a>{32}</span> were far less -imposing in construction; but all had the appearance of great antiquity, -and those at the north and south edges of the huddle were unoccupied and -more or less ruined and neglected. Tradition said that Fedah, in spite -of its modern Arabic name, was as old as ancient Qes, and there was no -reason to doubt the statement. Its location was admirable in summer, for -the mountain shaded it during the long hot afternoons; but around it was -nothing but sand and rock, and the desert stretched in front as far as -the borders of Al-Kusiyeh.</p> - -<p>Kāra, entering the short and narrow street between the hovels, pushed a -goat from his path and proceeded calmly toward his dwelling. As he -entered its one room, he paused to allow his eyes to grow accustomed to -the gloom and then gazed around with an expression of mild surprise.</p> - -<p>In one corner, upon a bed of dried rushes, lay the form of an old woman. -Her single black cotton garment was open at the throat, displaying a -wrinkled, shrunken bosom that rose and fell spasmodically, as if the hag -breathed with great effort. Her eyes were closed and the scant, tousled -locks of fine gray hair surrounding her face gave it a weird and -witch-like expression. In spite of her age and the clime in which she ad -lived, Hatatcha’s skin was almost as white as that of Europeans, its -tint being so delicate as to be scarcely noticeable.</p> - -<p>Upon a short wooden bench beside the rushes sat a girl with a palm -branch, which she swayed back and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_033" id="page_033"></a>{33}</span> forth to keep the flies from settling -upon Hatatcha’s face. She was, perhaps, fifteen years of age, but as -fully matured in form as an English girl of twenty-five. Her face was -remarkably handsome from the standpoint of regularity of contour, but -its absolute lack of expression would render it uninviting to a -connoisseur of beauty. Her dark eyes were magnificent, and seemed to -have depths which were disappointing when you probed them. She wore the -conventional black gown, or tunic, but because of the heat had allowed -it to slip down to her waist, leaving her shoulders and breasts bare.</p> - -<p>After a long and thoughtful look at his grandmother, Kāra sat down -beside the girl and put his arm around her, drawing her close to his -body. She neither resented the caress nor responded to it, but yielded -herself inertly to the embrace while she continued to sway the palm -branch with her free right arm.</p> - -<p>“Ah, my Nephthys,” said the man, lightly, in the Coptic tongue, “is our -Hatatcha in the grip of the devils again?”</p> - -<p>The girl made no reply, but at the sound of Kāra’s voice the old woman -opened her great eyes and gazed for an instant steadfastly upon her -grandson. Her hands, which had been nervously clutching her robe, were -raised in supplication, and she said in English, in a weak, hoarse -voice:</p> - -<p>“The draught, Kāra! Be quick!”</p> - -<p>The man hesitated, but released the girl and stood up.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_034" id="page_034"></a>{34}</span></p> - -<p>“It is the last, my Hatatcha. You know that no more can be procured,” he -said, in protest.</p> - -<p>“I shall need no more,” she answered, with much difficulty. “It is the -last time. Be quick, Kāra!” Her voice died away in an odd gurgle, and -her chest fluttered as if the breath was about to leave it.</p> - -<p>Kāra, watching her curiously, as a dog might, was impressed by the -symptoms. He turned to Nephthys.</p> - -<p>“Go out,” he commanded, in Coptic, and the girl arose and passed under -the arch.</p> - -<p>Then he went to a part of the wall and removed a loose stone, displaying -a secret cavity. From this he took a small vase, smooth and black, which -had a stopper of dull metal. Carrying it to Hatatcha, he knelt down, -removed the stopper and placed the neck of the vase to her lips. The -delicate, talon-like fingers clutched the vessel eagerly and the woman -drank, while Kāra followed the course of the liquid down her gullet by -watching her skinny throat.</p> - -<p>When it was done, he carried the empty vase back to the crypt and -replaced the loose stone. Then he returned to the bedside and sat down -upon the bench. A bowl containing some bits of bread stood near. He -stooped and caught a piece in his fingers, munching it between his -strong teeth while he stared down upon Hatatcha’s motionless form.</p> - -<p>It was quite dark in the room by this time, for twilights are short in -Egypt. But the pupils of the man’s eyes expanded like those of a cat, -and he could follow<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_035" id="page_035"></a>{35}</span> the slow rise and fall of the woman’s chest and -knew she was again breathing easily.</p> - -<p>An hour passed, during which Kāra moved but once, to drink from a jar -standing in the opposite corner. Hatatcha’s condition disturbed him. If -she died, he would be at a loss what to do. Unused to work and without -resource of any sort, life would become a burden to him. He was, -moreover, accustomed to be led by the strong old woman in all things, -and she had been the provider during all the twenty-three years of his -life. Kāra had been trained to think deeply upon many subjects, but here -was one which had never occurred to him before because Hatatcha had -never discussed it, and the matter of her death was until lately a thing -that did not need to be considered. But her condition was serious -to-night, and the precious life-giving elixir was gone to the last drop.</p> - -<p>All the people around Abu Fedah deferred to Hatatcha, because she -claimed, with some show of reason, to be of royal descent. But they did -not know the story of Ahtka-Rā, and her escapades in London years ago -were all unsuspected by them. Hatatcha only confided such things to -Kāra, and he would never dare breathe them to any except the Englishman, -from whose lips the tales would never be liable to return.</p> - -<p>But there was a great deal that Kāra himself did not know, and he -realized this as he gazed uneasily upon his sick grandparent. She ought -to tell him where the coins and jewels had come from, and if there were -any<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_036" id="page_036"></a>{36}</span> left. He would need some trifles of that sort when she was gone. -And the matter of her funeral—she had expressed strange desires, at -times, regarding the disposition of her body after death. How was he to -find means to carry out such desires?</p> - -<p>A voice, low and clear, fell upon his ear and made him start. Hatatcha’s -big eyes were open and he caught their sparkle even in the darkness.</p> - -<p>“Come nearer,” she said.</p> - -<p>He dropped upon the floor at her side and sat cross-legged near her -head, bending over to catch her slightest whisper. She spoke in English -to him.</p> - -<p>“Anubis calls me, my son, and I must join his kingdom. My years are not -great, but they have worn out my body with love and hatreds and plans of -vengeance. You are my successor, and the inheritor of my treasures and -my revenge and hates. The time is come when you must repay my care and -perform a mission for which I have trained you since childhood. Promise -me that you will fulfil my every wish to the letter!”</p> - -<p>“Of necessity, Hatatcha,” he responded, calmly. “Are you not my -grandmother?”</p> - -<p>She remained silent a moment.</p> - -<p>“You are cold, and selfish and cruel,” she resumed, her tone hardening, -“and I have made you so. You are intelligent, and fearless, and strong. -It is due to my training. Listen, then! Once I was young and beautiful -and loving, and when I faced the world it fell at my feet in adoration. -But one who claimed to be a<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_037" id="page_037"></a>{37}</span> man crushed all the joy and love from my -heart, and left me desolate and broken. Like a spurned hind, I crept -from the glare of palaces back to my mud hut, bearing my child in my -arms, and here I mourned and suffered for years and found no comfort. -Then the love that had destroyed my peace fell away, and in its place -Set planted the seeds of vengeance. These I have cherished, and lo! a -tree has sprouted and grown, of which you, my son, are the stalwart -trunk. The fruit has been long maturing, but it is now ripe. Presently -you, too, will face the world; but as a man—not like the weak woman I -was—and you will accomplish my revenge. Is it not so, my Kāra?”</p> - -<p>“If you say it, my Hatatcha, it is so,” he answered. But he wondered.</p> - -<p>“Then pay close attention to my words,” she continued, “and store them -carefully in your mind, that nothing shall be forgotten when it is -needed to assist you. I will explain all things while I have the -strength of the elixir, for when it leaves me my breath will go with it, -and then your labors will begin.”</p> - -<p>Kāra leaned still lower. For once his heart beat faster than was its -custom, and he felt a thrill of excitement pervading his entire being. -The climax in his life had at last arrived, and he was about to discover -what things he was destined to accomplish in the great unknown world.</p> - -<p>Hour after hour Hatatcha’s low voice continued to instruct her grandson. -Occasionally she would question<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_038" id="page_038"></a>{38}</span> him, to be sure that he understood, and -several names she made him repeat many times, until they were indelibly -impressed upon his memory.</p> - -<p>At last she took the forefinger of his right hand and with it made a -mystic sign upon her naked breast, making him repeat after her a -dreadful oath to obey her instructions in every way and keep forever -certain grave secrets.</p> - -<p>Then she fell back and lay still.</p> - -<p>Daybreak came in time, and a streak of light crept under the arch and -touched the group in the corner.</p> - -<p>The aged hag, filthy and unkempt, lay dead upon her couch of rushes, and -beside her sat Kāra, his face immobile, his eyes staring fixedly at the -opposite wall.</p> - -<p>He was thinking.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_039" id="page_039"></a>{39}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.<br /><br /> -<small>THE DRAGOMAN.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">N</span>ephthys came from her mother’s hut in the cool of early morning, -bearing on her head an earthen jar. She was bound for the river, to -carry from thence their daily supply of water.</p> - -<p>As she passed Hatatcha’s dwelling she found Kāra standing in the -archway, and he drew the girl toward him and kissed her lips. They were -cold and unresponsive.</p> - -<p>“How is your grandmother?” she asked, indifferently.</p> - -<p>“She is with Isis,” he answered, holding her arm with one hand and -feeling her brown cheek with the other.</p> - -<p>The girl shuddered and glanced askance at the arch.</p> - -<p>“Let me go,” she said.</p> - -<p>Instead, he folded an arm around her and kissed her again, while she put -up a hand to steady the jar from falling.</p> - -<p>Then Kāra experienced a sudden surprise. His body spun around like a top -and was hurled with force against the opposite wall. At the same time -the jar toppled from Nephthys’ head and was shattered on the ground. The -girl staggered back and leaned against the stones of the arch, staring -at the path ahead.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_040" id="page_040"></a>{40}</span></p> - -<p>In front of her stood a young man most gorgeously arrayed. A red fez, -such as many wear in Egypt, was perched jauntily upon his head. Covering -his breast was a blue satin jacket elaborately braided with silver, and -where it parted in front a vest of white silk showed, with a line of -bright silver buttons. His knee breeches were of saffron pongee, wide -and flowing, like those of a Turk, and from there down to his yellow -slippers his legs were bare. Add a voluminous sash of crimson silk and a -flowing mantle suspended from his shoulders, and you can guess the -splendor of the man’s attire.</p> - -<p>His person was short and inclined to stoutness, and his face, with its -carefully curled black mustache, was remarkably regular and handsome. -His eyes were nearly as large and black as Kāra’s, and at the present -moment they flashed fire, while an angry frown distorted his brow. He -stood with his legs spread apart and his hands pressed upon his hips, -regarding the girl with a glance of sullen fury.</p> - -<p>Nephthys returned the look with one of stupor. Her face was quite as -expressionless as before, but her nostrils dilated a little, as if she -were afraid.</p> - -<p>“Tadros!” she muttered.</p> - -<p>Kāra lifted his tall form from the ground and stood scowling upon his -assailant.</p> - -<p>“The cursed dragoman again!” he exclaimed, with bitterness.</p> - -<p>Tadros turned his head slightly to direct a look of scorn upon his -enemy. Then he regarded the girl again.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_041" id="page_041"></a>{41}</span></p> - -<p>“What of your promise to me, woman?” he demanded, sternly. “Are you the -plaything of every dirty Egyptian when my back is turned?”</p> - -<p>Nephthys had no reply. She looked at the pattern of the silver braid -upon his jacket and followed carefully its curves and twists. The blue -satin was the color of lapis lazuli, she thought, and the costume must -have cost a lot of money—perhaps as much as fifty piasters.</p> - -<p>“Your mother shall answer for this perfidy,” continued the dragoman, in -Arabic. “If I am to be toyed with and befooled, I will have my betrothal -money back—every piaster of it!”</p> - -<p>The girl’s eyes dropped to her feet and examined the fragments of the -jar.</p> - -<p>“It is broken!” she said, with a wailing accent.</p> - -<p>“Bah! there are more at Keneh,” he returned, kicking away a bit of the -earthenware. “It will cost old Sĕra more than the jar if she does not -rule you better. Come!”</p> - -<p>He waved his hand pompously and strutted past her to the door of her -mother’s hut, paying no heed to the evil looks of Kāra, who still stood -motionless in his place.</p> - -<p>The girl followed, meek and obedient.</p> - -<p>They entered a square room lighted by two holes in the mud walls. The -furniture was rude and scanty, and the beds were rushes from the Nile. A -black goat that had a white spot over its left eye stood ruminating with -its head out of one of the holes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_042" id="page_042"></a>{42}</span></p> - -<p>A little withered woman with an erect form and a pleasant face met -Tadros, the dragoman, just within the doorway.</p> - -<p>“Welcome!” she said, crossing her arms upon her breast and bending her -head until she was nearly double.</p> - -<p>“Peace to this house,” returned Tadros, carelessly, and threw himself -upon a bench.</p> - -<p>Sĕra squatted upon the earthen floor and looked with pride and -satisfaction at the dragoman’s costume.</p> - -<p>“You are a great man, my Tadros,” she said, “and you must be getting -rich. We are honored by your splendid presence. Gaze upon your affianced -bride, O Dragoman! Is she not getting fat and soft in flesh, and fit to -grace your most select harem?”</p> - -<p>“I must talk to you about Nephthys,” said the dragoman, lighting a -cigarette. “She is too free with these dirty Fedahs, and especially with -that beast Kāra.”</p> - -<p>His tone had grown even and composed by this time, and his face had lost -its look of anger.</p> - -<p>“What would you have?” asked old Sĕra, deprecatingly. “The girl must -carry water and help me with the work until you take her away with you. -I cannot keep her secluded like a princess. And there are no men in -Fedah except old Nikko, who is blind, and young Kāra, who is not.”</p> - -<p>“It is Kāra who annoys me,” said Tadros, puffing his cigarette lazily.</p> - -<p>“Kāra! But he is the royal one. You know that well enough. The -descendant of the ancient kings has<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_043" id="page_043"></a>{43}</span> certain liberties, and therefore -takes others, and he merely indulges in a kiss now and then. I have -watched him, and it does not worry me.”</p> - -<p>“The royal one!” repeated the dragoman scornfully. “How do we know old -Hatatcha’s tales are true?”</p> - -<p>“They must be true,” returned Sĕra, positively. “My mother served -Hatatcha’s mother, because she was the daughter of kings. For -generations the ancestors of Kāra have been revered by those who were -Egyptians, although their throne is a dream of the past, and they are -condemned to live in poverty. Be reasonable, my Tadros! Your own blood -is as pure as ours, even though it is not royal. What! shall we -Egyptians forget our dignity and rub skins with the English dogs or the -pagan Arabs?”</p> - -<p>“The Arabs are not so bad,” said Tadros, thoughtfully. “They have many -sensible customs, which we are bound to accept; for these Muslims -overrun our country and are here to stay. Nor are the simple English to -be sneered at, my Sĕra. I know them well, and also their allies, the -Americans and the Germans and French. They travel far to see Cairo and -our Nile, and drop golden sovereigns into my pockets because I guide -them to the monuments and explain their history, and at the same time -keep the clever Arabs from robbing them until after I am paid. Yes; all -people have their uses, believe me.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, you are wonderful!” ejaculated the old woman, with earnest -conviction.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_044" id="page_044"></a>{44}</span></p> - -<p>“I am dragoman,” returned the man, proudly, “and my name is known from -Cairo to Khartoum.” He tossed a cigarette at Sĕra, who caught it deftly -and put it between her lips. Then he graciously allowed her to obtain a -light from his own cigarette.</p> - -<p>Meantime, Nephthys, on entering the hut behind Tadros, had walked to the -further side of the room and lifted the lid of a rude chest, rough hewn -from eucalyptus wood. From this she drew a bundle, afterward closing the -lid and spreading the contents of the bundle upon the chest. Then she -turned her back to the others, unfastened her dusty black gown, and -allowed it to fall to her hips. Over her head she dropped a white tunic, -and afterward a robe of coarse gauze covered thickly with cheap -spangles. She now stepped out of the black gown and hung it upon a peg. -A broad gilt belt was next clasped around her waist—loosely, so as not -to confine too close the folds of spangled gauze.</p> - -<p>Tadros, during his conversation with Sĕra, watched this transformation -of his betrothed with satisfaction. When she had twined a vine of -artificial flowers in her dark hair, the girl came to him and sat upon -his knee. Her feet were still bare, and not very clean; but he did not -notice that.</p> - -<p>“I will speak to Hatatcha about Kāra,” remarked the old woman, inhaling -the smoke of her cigarette with evident enjoyment, “and she will tell -him to be more careful.”</p> - -<p>“Hatatcha is dead,” said Nephthys.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_045" id="page_045"></a>{45}</span></p> - -<p>Sĕra stared a moment and dropped her cigarette. Then she uttered a -shrill wail and threw her skirt over her head, swaying back and forth.</p> - -<p>“Shut up!” cried the dragoman, jerking away the cloth. “It is time -enough to wail when the mourners assemble.”</p> - -<p>Sĕra picked up her cigarette.</p> - -<p>“When did Hatatcha go to Anubis?” she asked her daughter.</p> - -<p>“Kāra did not say,” returned the girl. “I was with her at the last -sunset, and she was dying then.”</p> - -<p>“It matters nothing,” said the dragoman, carelessly. “Hatatcha is better -off in the nether world, and her rascally grandson must now go to work -or starve his royal stomach.”</p> - -<p>“Who knows?” whispered Sĕra, with an accent of awe. “They have never -worked. Perhaps the gods supply their needs.”</p> - -<p>“Or they have robbed a tomb,” returned Tadros. “It is much more likely; -but if that is so I would like to find the place. There is money in a -discovery of that sort. It means scarabs, and funeral idols, and -amulets, and vases and utensils of olden days, all of which can be sold -in Cairo for a good price. Sometimes it means jewels and gold ornaments -as well; but that is only in the tombs of kings. Go to Hatatcha, my -Sĕra, and keep your eyes open. Henf! what says the proverb? ‘The -outrunner of good fortune is thoughtfulness.’<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_046" id="page_046"></a>{46}</span><span class="lftspc">”</span></p> - -<p>The mother of Nephthys nodded, and drew the last possible whiff from her -cigarette. Then she left the hut and hurried under the heavy arch of -Hatatcha’s dwelling.</p> - -<p>Five women, mostly old and all clothed in deep black, squatted in a -circle around the rushes upon which lay the dead. Someone had closed -Hatatcha’s eyes, but otherwise she lay as she had expired. In a corner -Kāra was chewing a piece of sugar-cane.</p> - -<p>Sĕra joined the circle. She threw sand upon her head and wailed shrilly, -rocking her body with a rhythmical motion. The others followed her -example, and their cries were nerve-racking. Kāra looked at them a -moment and then carried his sugar-cane out of doors.</p> - -<p>For a time he stood still, hesitating. There was work for him to do, and -he had only delayed it until the mourners were in possession of the -house. But the sun was already hot and a journey lay before him. Kāra -sighed. He was not used to work.</p> - -<p>He walked to the north end of the huddle and entered the house of the -blind man, Nikko. A Syrian donkey, with a long head and solemn eyes, -stood near the door, and its owner was seated upon the ground rubbing -its feet with an old rag that had been dipped in grease. Kāra caught up -a bridle and threw it over the donkey’s head.</p> - -<p>“Who is it?” asked Nikko, turning his sightless eyes upward.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_047" id="page_047"></a>{47}</span></p> - -<p>Kāra made no reply, but swung the saddle across the animal’s back and -tried to strap the girth. The old man twined his thin legs around those -of the donkey and reached up a hand to pull the saddle away.</p> - -<p>“It is Hatatcha’s brute of a grandson!” cried Nikko, struggling to -resist. “No other would try to rob me of my dear Mammek. Desist, or I -will call the dragoman, who arrived this morning!”</p> - -<p>For answer Kāra dealt him a kick in his stomach and he doubled up with a -moan and rolled upon the ground. Then the royal one led Mammek out of -the door and lightly leaped upon the donkey’s back.</p> - -<p>“Oo-ah!” he cried, digging his heels into the animal’s flanks; and away -trotted Mammek, meek but energetic.</p> - -<p>There was no path in the direction he went and the desert sands seemed -interminable. Kāra sat sidewise upon the donkey and sucked his -sugar-cane, keeping the beast at a trot at the same time. An hour -passed, and another. Finally a heap of rocky boulders arose just ahead -of him, with a group of date palms at its foot. The heap grew bigger as -he approached, and resolved itself into a small mountain, seared by deep -fissures in the rocks. But there was verdure within the fissures, and -several goats lay underneath the trees. Kāra rode past them and up to -the foot of the mountain, where there was an overhanging entrance to a -cave.</p> - -<p>Throwing himself from the donkey, he ran into the cave and knelt at a -spring which welled sparkling and cool from the rocks. Mammek followed -and thrust his<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_048" id="page_048"></a>{48}</span> nozzle into the water beside Kāra’s face. They drank -together.</p> - -<p>Then the man stood up and called aloud:</p> - -<p>“Hi-yah, Sebbet; hi-yah!”</p> - -<p>Someone laughed behind him, and Kāra swung upon his heel. There stood -confronting him a curiously misshapen dwarf, whose snowy hair contrasted -strangely with his dark chocolate skin. He was scarcely as tall as -Kāra’s waist, but his body and limbs were so enormous as to convey the -impression of immense strength. He wore a spotless white burnous, which -fell from his neck to his feet, but his head was bare of covering.</p> - -<p>While the young man stared the dwarf spoke.</p> - -<p>“I know your mission,” said he, in ancient Egyptian. “Hatatcha is dead.”</p> - -<p>“It is true,” returned Kāra, briefly.</p> - -<p>“She swore I would live long enough to embalm her,” continued the dwarf, -rubbing his nose reflectively; “and she was right. A wonderful woman was -old Hatatcha, and a royal one. I will keep my compact with her.”</p> - -<p>“Can you do it?” asked Kāra, wondering. “Do you know the ancient process -of embalming?”</p> - -<p>“Why, I am no paraschites, you understand, for the trade is without -value in these degenerate days. But I successfully embalmed her -mother—your great-grandmother—and Hatatcha was greatly pleased with -the work. Does not your great-grandmother look natural? Have you seen -her?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_049" id="page_049"></a>{49}</span></p> - -<p>Kāra shook his head.</p> - -<p>“Not yet,” he said.</p> - -<p>“And I have safely hoarded the store of aromatic gums and spices, the -palm wine and myrrh and cassia, and the natron, with which Hatatcha long -since entrusted me. The strips of fine linen for the bandages and the -urns for the entrails are still in my storehouse, where they have -remained since your grandmother gave them into my hands; so there is no -reason why her wishes should not be carried out.”</p> - -<p>“You will return with me?” asked Kāra.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and bring the dead to this desolate spot,” replied the dwarf. “It -is no longer Hatatcha, but the envelope which she used, and will use -again. Therefore it must be carefully preserved. The process will -require forty days, as you know. At the end of that time I will deliver -Hatatcha’s mummy into your hands. You must then give to me a flat, -oblong emerald that is graven with the cartouch of the mighty Ahtka-Rā. -Is not that the compact, my prince?”</p> - -<p>“It is, my Sebbet.”</p> - -<p>“And you know where to find it?” asked the dwarf, anxiously.</p> - -<p>“I know,” said Kāra.</p> - -<p>The dwarf seemed pleased, and retired to make preparations for his -journey. Kāra fell asleep in the cave, for the sun had been terribly hot -and the long ride had exhausted him. The blind man’s donkey also lay -down and slept.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_050" id="page_050"></a>{50}</span></p> - -<p>In the middle of the afternoon Sebbet awakened the young Egyptian and -gave him some cakes to eat and a draught of goat’s milk. Then he brought -out a stout donkey of a pure white color and mounted it with unexpected -agility. Kāra noticed a large sack fastened to the saddle-ring.</p> - -<p>A moment later they were riding together across the sands.</p> - -<p>“We must not reach Fedah before sundown,” remarked the dwarf, and Kāra -nodded assent. So they went at a moderate pace and bore the blistering -rays of the sun as none but natives of Egypt can.</p> - -<p>At sundown they sighted Gebel Abu Fedah, and it was dark when they -entered the narrow street of Fedah. Kāra dismounted from Mammek’s back -at its master’s hut, and at a slap on the thigh the donkey bolted -quickly through the doorway. Then the young man followed after the dwarf -to the threshold of his own dwelling.</p> - -<p>The mourners had gone home and Hatatcha lay alone; but someone had -placed a coarse cloth over her face to keep the flies away.</p> - -<p>The dwarf drew from his pocket a rush-candle and lighted it. Removing -the face-cloth he gazed for several minutes earnestly upon the features -of the dead woman. Then he sighed deeply, untied the sack from his -saddle and blew out the flame of the candle.</p> - -<p>Kāra stood in the archway, looking at the slender rim of the moon. In a -short time the dwarf’s white donkey paused beside him. The sack, now -bulky and</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_050_lg.jpg"> -<img src="images/i_050_sml.jpg" width="346" height="500" alt="Image unavailble: They went at a moderate pace, and bore the blistering -rays of the sun as none but natives of Egypt can" /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">They went at a moderate pace, and bore the blistering -rays of the sun as none but natives of Egypt can</span> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_051" id="page_051"></a>{51}</span></p> - -<p class="nind">heavy, hung limply across the saddle. Kāra could see it plainly in the -dim light.</p> - -<p>He put his hand on the sack.</p> - -<p>“Will it ride without tumbling off?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“I will hold it fast,” replied the dwarf, springing upon the donkey’s -back behind the burden. “Poor Hatatcha! She will not know we are taking -our last ride together in Khonsu’s company.”</p> - -<p>“Good-night,” said Kāra.</p> - -<p>“Good-night. In forty days, remember.”</p> - -<p>“In forty days.”</p> - -<p>“And the emerald?”</p> - -<p>“You shall have it then.”</p> - -<p>The donkey hobbled out of the archway and passed silently down the -little street. Presently it had faded into the night and was gone.</p> - -<p>Kāra yawned and looked attentively at the huts. In only one, that of old -Sĕra, a dim light burned. The man frowned, and then he laughed.</p> - -<p>“Let the dragoman have his Nephthys,” he muttered. “For me Cairo, London -and the great world beckon. And women? Bah! There are women everywhere.”</p> - -<p>He entered the house and unrolled the mat that hung across the archway, -fastening it securely to prevent intrusion.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_052" id="page_052"></a>{52}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br /><br /> -<small>THE TREASURE OF AHTKA-RĀ.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">K</span>āra went to the cavity beside the arch and took from it a small bronze -lamp. It was partly filled with oil, on the surface of which a cotton -wick floated. The lamp itself was of quaint design, and the young man -remembered it since the days of his childhood, but had rarely seen it in -use.</p> - -<p>Having lighted the wick and spread it with his fingers until it flamed -up brightly, Kāra turned his back to the arch and carefully examined the -rear wall of the room. The house, as has been explained, was built -against a shallow cave of the mountains; but, owing to the irregularity -of the hollow, part of the rear wall was of solid masonry, while the -other part was formed by the cliff itself. Kāra had never before paid -much attention to that fact, but now it struck him as very evident that -the masonry had been constructed to shut off an orifice too deep or too -irregular to be utilized as part of the dwelling. Otherwise, the -continuation of the cliff would have rendered a wall unnecessary. The -stones were of large size and were built up and cemented as far as the -overhanging rock that formed the greater portion of the roof.</p> - -<p>The Egyptian’s eyes rested upon the third layer of these stones, and he -counted from the corner to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_053" id="page_053"></a>{53}</span> seventh stone. In appearance this was -not different from the others; but Hatatcha’s directions had been exact, -and she knew.</p> - -<p>He walked to the spot and pressed hard against the right edge of the -stone. It moved, and gradually swung inward, the left edge being -supported by solid pivots of bronze at the top and bottom.</p> - -<p>The opening disclosed was about four feet long by three feet in height, -and Kāra at once crept through it, holding his lamp extended before him. -Yes; his surmise had been correct—a low, but deep and irregular cavern -was behind the wall.</p> - -<p>His first care was to close up the entrance by pressing the block of -stone back to its former position. There was a bronze handle on the -inner side that would permit him to open it again easily.</p> - -<p>The cavern felt damp and cool, and when he raised his lamp he saw some -deep fissures leading far under the mountain. He selected the second -from the left of these rifts and cautiously made his way along the rough -floor. At first it seemed that he had made a mistake, for this way was -less promising than several of the others; but when he stopped and -thought upon Hatatcha’s directions, he knew that he was right.</p> - -<p>The rift made a sudden turn and sank downward; but the rocks under his -feet were now more even and the way became easier to traverse. A hundred -paces farther, the passage ended abruptly in a sharp point where the -rock had originally split.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_054" id="page_054"></a>{54}</span></p> - -<p>The young Egyptian walked to the extreme end and then carefully measured -three paces back again. Raising his lamp, he examined the right wall of -the tunnel closely. It contained many irregular cracks and hollows, but -one indentation seemed, on observation, to be surrounded by a tiny -circle of black, or a color darker than the other portions of the rock.</p> - -<p>Kāra uttered an ejaculation of pleasure. He had feared he might not find -this spot, in spite of his grandmother’s assurances that it was plain to -keen eyes.</p> - -<p>Drawing a short, pointed dagger from the folds of his burnous—a weapon -he had found in the crypt beside the arch of the living-room—the -Egyptian thrust it into the orifice of the rock and pushed until it had -sunk in to the very hilt. Then he turned the handle, and a sharp “click” -was audible.</p> - -<p>Kāra stepped back a pace, and a part of the rock, circular in shape, -swung slowly out into the passage, revealing another tunnel running at -right angles with the first. Unlike the other, this was no natural -fissure of the rock, but an excavation cleverly made by the hands of -man. The roof was arched and the floor level and smooth.</p> - -<p>The man slipped through the opening and proceeded along the arched -passage. He did not close this door behind him, for Hatatcha had warned -him not to do so. The floor had a gradual slope and he knew that he was -going still farther beneath the mountain at every step. The atmosphere -now became hot and stifling and he<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_055" id="page_055"></a>{55}</span> found it difficult to breathe; but -he continued steadily walking for a matter of five minutes—which seemed -an hour—holding the lamp before him, until finally he noticed the blaze -of the wick flicker, as if a breath of fresher air had reached it.</p> - -<p>By this time his breast had seemed ready to burst, and his breathing was -fitful and gasping; but he hurried forward and now found the air cooler -and fresher and drew it into his lungs gratefully.</p> - -<p>The path was no longer downward, and before him he presently discovered -a huge pillar of rock, which at first sight seemed to block the tunnel. -Rude hieroglyphics were graven upon it. Passing around this at the left, -he found himself in a high, vaulted chamber, and stopped with a sigh of -satisfaction.</p> - -<p>The chamber was circular in shape, and not more than sixteen feet in -diameter. An air-shaft in the dome evidently led to some part of the -summit of the mountain, for Kāra found himself breathing naturally -again.</p> - -<p>“This,” said he, “must be the library that Hatatcha mentioned.”</p> - -<p>All around the walls of the vault were niches, cut in regular rows and -containing box-like receptacles covered with inscriptions and pictures -in gaudy colors. In the center of the room stood a large round slab of -granite, finely polished upon its upper surface.</p> - -<p>Kāra drew a box from its niche and set it upon the granite slab beside -his lamp. Then he took from it a roll of papyrus, which he examined with -interest.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_056" id="page_056"></a>{56}</span></p> - -<p>Yes; he had read it before. It was one of those so often mysteriously -produced by his grandmother to assist in his education. He examined -another roll, and a third, leisurely and with care. These also he knew -well. There were two hundred and eighteen rolls of papyrus in this -ancient library, and the knowledge they contained had all been absorbed -by the young Egyptian years before. He read them easily, and knew at -once from their context the different meanings of many signs that are -yet puzzling less-favored students of the hieroglyphics.</p> - -<p>The manuscripts dated from the fourth dynasty down to the days of the -Ptolemies, and, in a large cavity below the rolls of papyrus, were -ranged the earlier works of Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus, Manetho, -Horapello, Strabo and others, as well as the volumes on modern Egyptian -and European history that old Hatatcha had purchased in Cairo within the -last few years. Several historical stelæ of the earlier kings of Egypt -also leaned against the walls, arranged in chronological order, and this -library, founded by Ahtka-Rā, which had been preserved and added to for -so many centuries, was a veritable storehouse of the records of his -remarkable country.</p> - -<p>Kāra smiled queerly as he glanced around the room.</p> - -<p>“Others argue concerning ancient Egypt,” he muttered; “but I alone know -the truth.”</p> - -<p>A pile of papyrus rolls in another cavity seemed of less importance than -those so carefully arranged in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_057" id="page_057"></a>{57}</span> boxes. Kāra brought an armful of them to -the central slab, dusted them with his rope, and selected fifteen of -their number after a cursory glance at their contents. The others he -restored to their place. This being accomplished, he took up his lamp -and returned to the passage, this time circling the pillar of rock to -the right.</p> - -<p>It led into an immense oblong chamber, so vast that the light of Kāra’s -bronze lamp seemed to penetrate the blackness but a few feet in advance. -But other lamps were suspended from huge bronze brackets, and several of -these the Egyptian proceeded to light, finding them nearly all supplied -with oil.</p> - -<p>Then, stepping backward, he gazed about him with an irrepressible -sensation of awe. The huge chamber was filled with mummy-cases, arranged -upon solid slabs of Aswan granite. Nearest to the entrance were a dozen -or so slabs that were unoccupied. Then appeared a splendid case of solid -ebony, elaborately carved upon every inch of its surfaces. This had been -made for Hatatcha in London, during her residence in that city, and -secretly transported to this place by devices only known to her. The -inscriptions were all in the sign language except the one word, -“Hatatcha,” which appeared in Roman letters upon the cover. It was -empty, of course, and Kāra proceeded to the next slab. Upon it lay the -mummy of his great-grandmother, Thi-Aten, the one so naturally embalmed -by the dwarf Sebbet. Her limbs were bandaged separately and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_058" id="page_058"></a>{58}</span> the contour -of her face might be clearly seen through the thin and tightly-drawn -linen that covered it. Kāra sighed and made a profound obeisance to the -mummy before proceeding up the chamber.</p> - -<p>As he advanced, the mummies increased in age and also in the -magnificence of their cases and the importance of their inscriptions. -Some of the slabs were covered thickly with hieroglyphics relating the -life history of their occupants, while on them were crowded curious -ushabtiu figures, amulets and scarabs. Finally Kāra reached the end of -the chamber and paused beside the mummy of the great Ahtka-Rā, who, -while not king in name, had nevertheless ruled Egypt during his lifetime -through the weak Rameses II, whom men ignorantly call “the Great.”</p> - -<p>Long the Egyptian knelt before the remains of his great ancestor. -Rameses himself, and Seti his father, and many other kings of Egypt were -lying in the museum at Cairo, to be impudently stared at by crowds of -curious modern tourists; but this famous one had wisely provided for his -own seclusion and that of his posterity. It was Ahtka-Rā who had -constructed this hidden tomb during his lifetime, and he kept the secret -so well that no painted or graven record of it existed to guide a -meddling foreign race to its discovery in the years that were to come.</p> - -<p>Kāra’s eyes fairly gloated upon the mummy case of his wonderful -ancestor. It was studded thick with precious stones, any of which might -be deemed a<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_059" id="page_059"></a>{59}</span> fortune to one who, like himself, had existed so long in a -lowly condition. But he did not disturb these gems. Instead, he touched -a spring in the slab, a portion of which slid forward and revealed an -opening.</p> - -<p>Kāra took his lamp and crept into the aperture. There were seventeen -steps leading downward; then came a short passage, and he entered -another large chamber hewn from the solid rock.</p> - -<p>Here was the treasure house of Ahtka-Rā, its contents doubtless -primarily rifled from the treasure cities of Pithom and Raamses, which -after his death were found to have been despoiled.</p> - -<p>The entire room was faced with polished granite, and around the walls -were granite tables to hold the treasure, as well as immense -wide-mouthed vases of porphyry, malachite, lapis lazuli, carnelian and -bronze. Upon the tables were heaps of chains, bracelets, ornaments and -utensils of pure gold. In the center of the room stood twelve alabaster -pedestals, two rows of six each, and each pedestal supported a splendid -vase containing gems of various sorts. On the floor were numerous other -vases and receptacles for jewels and golden ornaments, and one of these -Kāra noticed was yet more than half filled with the precious coins of -Darius Hystaspes, some of which his grandmother had used to provide -herself with necessities because they were of a comparatively modern -date and would arouse no suspicion that the source of their supply was -the ancient tomb of Ahtka-Rā.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_060" id="page_060"></a>{60}</span></p> - -<p>Indeed, it was easy to be seen that many of Ahtka-Rā’s successors had -added to this treasure house instead of pilfering from it. The original -store, contained in the twelve great malachite vases, was practically -untouched, although Hatatcha must have drawn upon it at one time. All -the treasure littering the tables and floor had been added since -Ahtka-Rā had lain in his tomb.</p> - -<p>Kāra’s face was unmoved, but his eyes glistened brightly. He thrust his -hand into a jar and drew it out filled with rubies. They were of all -sizes and shades of coloring and were polished in flat surfaces instead -of being cut into rose facets according to modern methods. Some of the -stones had small characters graven upon them, but usually they were -smoothly polished.</p> - -<p>The Egyptian now turned to the wall tables. Here were also rubies, -diamonds, amethysts and emeralds, set in golden ornaments of many -designs. Some of the stones were of so great a size as to be extremely -valuable. A casket of dark wood inlaid with silver hieroglyphics -attracted Kāra’s attention. He threw back the lid and took from it a -massive chain of gold, which he threw over his head. Each link was -finely engraved with characters relating the name of some king and a -deed he had accomplished. Kāra read some of the inscriptions and was -amazed. The chain had originally been made in twelve links by -Bā-en-nĕter, the twelfth king dating from Mēnēs, during<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_061" id="page_061"></a>{61}</span> whose reign the -Nile flowed honey for eleven days. His successor, Uătch-nēs, took the -chain and added another link, and so the chain had grown through -succeeding ages down to the time of Ahtka-Rā. No wonder it was long and -heavy!</p> - -<p>Kāra did not like to replace this marvelous chain. He dropped its links -inside his burnous and left it hanging around his neck.</p> - -<p>After an hour or more devoted to the inspection of these treasures, -which the young man naturally regarded as his own, forgetting that -Hatatcha had warned him he but held them in trust, Kāra reluctantly -prepared to leave the chamber. First, however, he selected twenty-three -great diamonds from a jar and concealed them in the folds of his turban. -The turban is called the Egyptian’s pocket, because a burnous seldom has -pockets, and many things can be secreted in the voluminous cloth of a -turban.</p> - -<p>“Here is one diamond for every year I have lived,” said Kāra. “Surely I -am entitled to that many.”</p> - -<p>But it did not satisfy him. He thrust his hand into the jar of rubies -again and took all that his fingers could clutch. He loved the color of -the rubies. They appealed to him.</p> - -<p>Then he crept up the stairs, reëntered the mummy chamber, and closed the -secret slide in the malachite slab upon which lay the mighty Ahtka-Rā.</p> - -<p>Who, not initiated, would ever suspect the enormous wealth lying so -close at hand? Kāra sighed deeply<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_062" id="page_062"></a>{62}</span> and held himself proudly erect. He -was just beginning to realize his own importance.</p> - -<p>Extinguishing the lights of the lamps he had kindled in this chamber, he -retraced his steps to the library, where he gathered up the fifteen -rolls of papyrus, carrying them in the front breadth of his burnous -while he held fast to the hem. In this way he returned along the arched -passage until he came to the rock door which he had left ajar. He -climbed through the opening and thrust the rock back into place, -listening while the heavy bolt fastened itself with a sharp click.</p> - -<p>He was now in the natural fissure of the mountain cavern, and it did not -take him long to reach the stone wall which alone separated him from -Hatatcha’s dwelling.</p> - -<p>He paused a moment, with his ear to the wall; but hearing no sound, he -extinguished his light and then caught the handle imbedded in the stone -and swung the block upon its pivots. In a moment he was in the -living-room, and the wall through which he had passed seemed solid and -immovable.</p> - -<p>He must have been absent for several hours during his exploring -expedition into the mountain, and the night was now far advanced.</p> - -<p>Kāra flung the papyri into a corner, covered them with loose rushes from -his grandmother’s couch, and then threw himself upon his own bed to -sleep. He had been awake the better part of two nights, and his eyelids -were as heavy as if weighted with lead.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_064_lg.jpg"> -<img src="images/i_064_sml.jpg" width="344" height="500" alt="Image unavailble: He thrust his hand into the jar of rubies again, and took -all that his fingers could clutch" /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">He thrust his hand into the jar of rubies again, and took -all that his fingers could clutch</span> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_063" id="page_063"></a>{63}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.<br /><br /> -<small>A ROLL OF PAPYRUS.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">A</span>t daybreak the dragoman thrust his head stealthily through the arch and -looked at Kāra’s sleeping form with suspicion. He had visited the young -man’s house in the evening and found him absent and Hatatcha’s body also -gone. He came again later, and once more at midnight, and still -Hatatcha’s dead form and her grandson’s quick one were alike missing.</p> - -<p>Then the dragoman, wishing to know to what secret place the old woman’s -remains had been taken, and from which direction Kāra returned, and -having a fair share of oriental shrewdness, had stretched two threads -across the narrow street—one on either side the arch—and afterward -returned to his couch in the house of old Sĕra to sleep.</p> - -<p>Daybreak found him awake and stirring. He discovered both his threads -unbroken, yet the young Egyptian was sound asleep within the room. The -dragoman scratched his left ear in perplexity and shook his head. Kāra -was doubtless clever, but his unusual actions led Tadros to believe -there was something important afoot. And that matter of the coins and -the ancient jewel of old Hatatcha was well worth investigating.</p> - -<p>He sat down cross-legged in the cool arch and waited. Kāra slept on. The -girl Nephthys brought<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_064" id="page_064"></a>{64}</span> the dragoman a cake for his breakfast, silently -placed it in his hand, and carried her jar to the river. On her return -she paused to allow her master to drink and then left him again.</p> - -<p>Tadros lighted a cigarette and smoked it to the end. Then he pushed -aside the mat and looked into the room long and steadily. Kāra lay like -one dead; in some strange manner the lazy one must have exhausted his -strength—perhaps in carrying his grandmother’s corpse to some far-away -tomb. Ah, that was the secret place, doubtless, from whence the coins -and the jewel had come. Kāra must know of it, and therefore it would be -well for Tadros to win his confidence. What was that heap of rushes in -the corner, and why had they been taken from Hatatcha’s former couch? -The dragoman was suddenly interested. He unfastened a portion of the mat -and crept into the room. Kāra did not hear him. Softly he advanced on -hands and knees to the corner. He felt among the rushes and drew out a -roll of papyrus.</p> - -<p>For a moment the dragoman sat still, his heart beating wildly. Here was -a find, indeed! He knew of a dozen scholars who would willingly bankrupt -themselves to discover a new papyrus roll.</p> - -<p>He crawled slowly back to the arch and seated himself where a ray of -light came between the mat and the gray stones. Here he unrolled the -manuscript and examined it eagerly. He did not claim to be much of a -student, but he could read hieroglyphics a little and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_065" id="page_065"></a>{65}</span> was a judge of -ancient picture-writing. Here was doubtless a scroll of great antiquity -and value, relating incidents of the war of Rameses against the Kheta, -and its state of preservation was wonderful. In this place was a list of -captives brought back to Thebes; in that was the expense account of the -army. Here was told the—</p> - -<p>“Henf!”</p> - -<p>The sharp, quick cry was followed by a sudden rustle of the rushes, and -with a spring like that of a panther, Kāra was upon the impudent -intruder into his domain. Before Tadros could rise, his assailant was -kneeling upon his body and with lithe, delicate fingers clutching -viciously at his throat. The dragoman struggled to free himself, but -could not. He tried to breathe, without effect. The skin of his bronzed -face grew black, and his eyes protruded from their sockets with a look -of horror and fear.</p> - -<p>Seeing this, Kāra’s set face suddenly relaxed and lost its look of -murderous determination. He released his hold of the dragoman and pushed -away the mat to allow more air to get to him.</p> - -<p>Slowly the other, gasping and uttering low moans, recovered his breath. -Kāra’s fingers had left great discoloured blotches upon his neck; but -that did not matter. From certain death he was coming back to life, and -the transition was one to evoke gratitude and joy. Life was sweet to the -dragoman—the sweetest thing he possessed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_066" id="page_066"></a>{66}</span></p> - -<p>Kāra, standing erect, looked down upon him with arms folded in repose -and a countenance very thoughtful. Two reasons had stayed his vengeful -hands. To murder Tadros would get him into trouble with the authorities, -and so cause him great annoyance at this critical juncture, when liberty -of action and freedom from espionage was important. In the second place, -his half-formed plans included the use of the dragoman for his own -advantage. Tadros was both clever and well known. He would become a good -servant when he knew it would further his personal interest to be -faithful, and so it was best that the dragoman should live—for a time.</p> - -<p>He had now almost recovered from the shock of Kāra’s assault, and began -to grow angry.</p> - -<p>“What do you mean, you dog, by felling me like a wild beast and trying -to throttle me?” he demanded, with his first breath.</p> - -<p>“What do you mean by stealing into my house and prying into my private -affairs?” returned Kāra brusquely.</p> - -<p>The dragoman’s eyes fell upon the papyrus at his feet, and his face -changed its expression.</p> - -<p>“Where did you get it?” he asked, quickly. “Are there more of them? Is -it a tomb or a temple? Tell me, Kāra, tell me all about it.”</p> - -<p>The Egyptian smiled, grimly.</p> - -<p>“There are more of them,” he said. “Look! in that corner are fourteen -other rolls; but whether they<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_067" id="page_067"></a>{67}</span> came from a tomb or a temple I do not -know. They are my inheritance from Hatatcha. Where she found them she -alone could have told; but she carried the secret to the nether world.”</p> - -<p>Tadros mused for a time.</p> - -<p>“Where have they been kept all these years?” he asked in a tone of -disbelief.</p> - -<p>“Hidden underneath the rushes of her bed. I dragged them all out last -night, as you can see.”</p> - -<p>“Were there any more of the coins?”</p> - -<p>“A few.” He showed some in his hand.</p> - -<p>“Ah!”</p> - -<p>The dragoman drew a deep breath.</p> - -<p>“You are rich, my prince,” said he. “Fifteen papyri of the ancient -days!—they are worth a fortune in any event.”</p> - -<p>“How much?” asked Kāra, amused.</p> - -<p>“This one,” said Tadros, picking it up and partly unrolling it to glance -again at the writing, “I could sell in Cairo for five hundred -piastres—perhaps a thousand. It is wonderfully clear and well -preserved.”</p> - -<p>“You may keep it for yourself,” said Kāra.</p> - -<p>Tadros stared.</p> - -<p>“I will exchange it for the girl Nephthys,” continued the young man, -coolly. “For her you have paid to old Sĕra two hundred and fifty -piastres already. You must pay a like sum to take the girl away with -you, and afterward you must pay for her support. Very well; I will -relieve you of the burden. You will not only save your<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_068" id="page_068"></a>{68}</span> money, but you -will get a papyrus worth four times what you have invested.”</p> - -<p>Tadros frowned and looked glum.</p> - -<p>“But the girl is mine!” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“And the papyrus is mine,” returned Kāra. “Perhaps I could buy two or -three like Nephthys with it; but never mind, it shall be yours in the -way of exchange.”</p> - -<p>Tadros moved uneasily and cast a longing glance at the roll.</p> - -<p>“I like not this barbaric traffic in womankind,” he muttered, with -indecision.</p> - -<p>“Nor I,” agreed Kāra. “It is Sĕra who is to blame. If she has a fat -daughter, she will want a fat price for her. Otherwise, how can she be -recompensed for the girl’s keep? But five hundred is too much for -Nephthys. I would have to give her mother the other two hundred and -fifty piastres myself—and you would have the roll. By Isis, ’tis a bad -bargain! Here; let us say no more about it. Give me the papyrus.”</p> - -<p>“Wait—wait!” cried Tadros. “Why are you so unjust in your conclusions? -The bargain is made. No one but a sneaking Arab goes back on his word.”</p> - -<p>“It is as you say,” replied Kāra, stretching his long arms and yawning. -“But it is a fine papyrus, Tadros—all about the Kheta and King -Rameses.”</p> - -<p>“I know; I know!” returned the dragoman, nervously tucking his prize -under his arm. “Come with<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_069" id="page_069"></a>{69}</span> me at once. I will inform Sĕra of the -transfer of my property.”</p> - -<p>He rose to his feet a little unsteadily, because his throat still hurt -him, and led the way.</p> - -<p>Kāra quietly followed.</p> - -<p>In Sĕra’s hovel mother and daughter were weaving upon a rude cane loom.</p> - -<p>“See here,” announced the dragoman; “this Nephthys is too free with her -favors, and I cannot be coming forever to this forsaken village to look -after her. Besides, I must get back to Cairo to attend to my business, -so I have sold the girl to my friend Kāra here, and when he takes her -away from you, if ever he does, he is to pay the other two hundred and -fifty piastres I promised.”</p> - -<p>Sĕra seemed surprised, but nodded her head cheerfully.</p> - -<p>“It is all the same to me,” she replied. “If the royal one has the money -to satisfy you, it is none of my business, I am sure. An alliance with -the descendant of the great Ahtka-Rā is something to be proud of.”</p> - -<p>The girl had broken a thread. As she prepared to retie it, she glanced -from one to the other of the two men with a look of indifference.</p> - -<p>“I do not promise to make Nephthys a wife,” said Kāra, slowly, -“although, of course, it may come to that. My plans are not formed for -the future. But I have acquired the girl in betrothal through my compact -with Tadros, and his rights are hereafter mine.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_070" id="page_070"></a>{70}</span></p> - -<p>“She grows plumper every day,” said Sĕra, glancing at Nephthys -critically. “You will seek long, my Kāra, before you find a more -desirable wife. Yet I am in no hurry to lose my daughter, believe me, -even for the money she will bring. Take your time about deciding the -matter.”</p> - -<p>“I will,” responded Kāra, briefly.</p> - -<p>“And now, tell me, what has become of your grandmother, Hatatcha?”</p> - -<p>“I have carried her into the desert to be embalmed.”</p> - -<p>And then, to avoid further questioning, he went away.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_071" id="page_071"></a>{71}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br /><br /> -<small>KĀRA BATHES IN THE NILE.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">T</span>adros followed him into the street again.</p> - -<p>“Those other papyri,” he said—“do you wish me to sell them for you?”</p> - -<p>“They are already sold,” replied Kāra, regardless of truth.</p> - -<p>“Indeed! To whom?”</p> - -<p>“Winston Bey, the Englishman.”</p> - -<p>Tadros uttered an exclamation of annoyance.</p> - -<p>“Where have you met him?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Here, at the Nile landing. His boat will come to-night for the papyrus -rolls.”</p> - -<p>Many thoughts passed rapidly through the dragoman’s mind. Here was bad -news, indeed. He had planned on getting all those wonderful rolls into -his own hands, and his disappointment was keen to find that this -isolated Egyptian of an out-of-the-way rock village had already been -approached and bought up by one of those rascally scientists, before he, -the clever dragoman, had even known of the existence of the treasures.</p> - -<p>“He will rob you,” he ventured to suggest.</p> - -<p>“Very well,” replied Kāra, indifferently.</p> - -<p>Tadros was in despair. Yet one thing was plainly evident—if Winston Bey -was about to unload fourteen newly found rolls of papyrus upon the -directors of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_072" id="page_072"></a>{72}</span> museum in Cairo, it would be well for him, the -dragoman, to get his one roll in first, at the highest possible price. -That could easily be accomplished. Winston’s dahabeah would consume four -or five days on the downward voyage. Tadros could cross the Nile in a -small boat and catch the railway on the other bank, which would land him -in Cairo the next day. He promptly decided to take the railway.</p> - -<p>“I expect,” said Kāra, “to be in Cairo myself shortly. If you are there, -I would like to hire your services as dragoman.”</p> - -<p>Tadros, aroused from his meditations, gave a start, and wonderingly -examined the speaker from his dirty bare feet all the way up his soiled -burnous to his strong, calm face and faded turban. He had been a native -of Fedah himself, and had known “the royal one,” as he scornfully called -Kāra, from boyhood. Until now he had regarded him as a permanent fixture -of the little village; a listless, lazy do-nothing, supported in some -mysterious way by his grandmother and destined to grow old amid his -solitary surroundings.</p> - -<p>Some slight importance Kāra had doubtless acquired through his -inheritance of the papyri; but that he should think of visiting Cairo -and employing the brilliantly appareled dragoman was a marvel that -fairly astounded Tadros. Yet, why not? He would have money. Tadros could -assuredly teach him how to spend it. Kāra might become an incident in -his career—an element in his future prosperity.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_073" id="page_073"></a>{73}</span></p> - -<p>“Call upon me at any time,” he said, condescendingly. “You shall have -the advantage of my experience and knowledge of the world.”</p> - -<p>“That is what I want,” returned the Egyptian, “and I will pay you -liberally for it.”</p> - -<p>He passed into his dwelling, and the dragoman, watching him go, decided -to make speedy preparation for his own departure.</p> - -<p>He felt much easier in his mind than at first. What if Winston Bey -purchased the papyrus rolls? Would not Tadros be the young man’s guide? -Very good. Very good, indeed!</p> - -<p>Kāra lay down again and slept until after noon. Then he went to the hut -of Nefert, who baked the bread for the village, and bargained with her -for a loaf and a bowl of milk. Also he acquired from her a large, coarse -sack. In exchange he gave her Hatatcha’s water jar, which had come from -Keneh, and an old scarf his grandmother had worn over her head.</p> - -<p>He ate the loaf and drank the milk, feeling much refreshed. Then he -carried the sack to his dwelling and placed the papyrus rolls in it.</p> - -<p>From the secret cavity beside the arch he took the bronze vase with the -metal stopper, a scarab ring that his grandmother had sometimes worn, -and a slender dagger with a steel blade. The bronze dagger that served -as a key to the rock door he left in the cavity, as well as the lamp.</p> - -<p>Having replaced the stone, he glanced around to see<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_074" id="page_074"></a>{74}</span> whether there was -anything that might be disturbed or stolen during his absence; but the -room was bare of anything to tempt a thief or a despoiler. So he swung -the sack over his shoulder and walked out and around the end of the -mountain on his way to the Nile.</p> - -<p>Winston Bey had kept his word. On the chance that the strange Egyptian -he had encountered would manage to secure either valuable information or -some ancient relics from his mysterious grandmother, he had kept his -dahabeah in the neighborhood, ignoring the protests of his unhappy Arab -crew. The afternoon following his interview with Kāra, he landed near -the group of palms an hour before sunset, and waited until darkness fell -without obtaining a sight of the Egyptian. Then he dropped down the -stream to Tel El Armana, where the dahabeah remained until the next -noon.</p> - -<p>To-day he figured on another disappointment; but when Gerald Winston had -an object in view he pursued it with dogged determination, and he had -resolved to keep his appointment each day for a week at least before -considering his future actions. There was no question but he was on the -track of an important discovery, and he did not intend to abandon the -quest lightly.</p> - -<p>On this second day, therefore, when he approached the grove and saw a -white-robed figure sitting in the shade, his heart gave a joyful bound. -He hurried forward and recognized Kāra, who remained motionless until -the Englishman had saluted him. Then he bowed his head gravely.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_075" id="page_075"></a>{75}</span></p> - -<p>Winston’s eyes were on the sack that rested beside the Egyptian, and his -voice sounded eager in spite of his effort to restrain it.</p> - -<p>“Well, my brother?” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“My grandmother, Hatatcha, is dead,” said Kāra.</p> - -<p>The Englishman shrank back in horror.</p> - -<p>“You have killed her?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no; not at all,” answered the other composedly. “She was dying when -I returned home after my conversation with you. It would not pay me to -kill Hatatcha, you know.”</p> - -<p>“What did you learn from her?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing. She was beyond questioning. But she whispered that I should -seek under the rushes of her bed for my inheritance, and then Anubis -took her to his kingdom. Her secret, if she had one, she carried with -her.”</p> - -<p>Winston was deeply chagrined. He reproached himself for not having -interviewed the old woman in person and endeavored to wrest her secret -from her. Now, alas, it was too late!</p> - -<p>“What have you in the sack?” he inquired, almost indifferently.</p> - -<p>“My inheritance,” said Kāra.</p> - -<p>“Of what does it consist?”</p> - -<p>“I have fourteen rolls of ancient papyrus manuscript.”</p> - -<p>“Fourteen rolls?” cried Winston, trembling with sudden excitement. “Let -me see them, man—let me see them!”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_076" id="page_076"></a>{76}</span></p> - -<p>Kāra did not move.</p> - -<p>“I am going to Cairo,” said he. “Will you take me with you in your -boat?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; to be sure. Come to the boat at once.”</p> - -<p>“That is better,” declared the Egyptian. “You can then examine the -papyri at your leisure and determine whether they are of interest to -you.”</p> - -<p>He slowly arose to his feet and swung the sack across his shoulder. -Winston eagerly preceded him. The stifling heat was all forgotten. -Hatatcha’s unfortunate death was forgotten. A treasure had been -unearthed at last, and surely from fourteen manuscripts much important -information might be gleaned.</p> - -<p>On the deck of his dahabeah he glanced at the papyri with amazement. -Each one was perfectly preserved and unrolled without danger of -breaking.</p> - -<p>“Their condition is extraordinary!” he observed. “Where, did you say, -you found them?”</p> - -<p>“In a hollow of earth, covered by the rushes of Hatatcha’s couch.”</p> - -<p>Winston raised his head to look at the speaker closely.</p> - -<p>“Then they have not been there long, I am sure.”</p> - -<p>“That,” said Kāra, with a shrug, “is a matter of which I have no -knowledge.”</p> - -<p>The scientist carefully unrolled a manuscript.</p> - -<p>“This,” he said, musingly, “is a poem by the poet Pen-ta-urt. And it is -a composition I have never seen before.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_077" id="page_077"></a>{77}</span></p> - -<p>He began reading it, and soon Kāra corrected him in a passage and -explained how he should properly translate it. Winston’s eyes sparkled. -This Egyptian really knew the hieroglyphics better than he did. His -assistance might be invaluable in some ways. Perhaps the man would prove -as remarkable a find as the manuscripts.</p> - -<p>The next writing was an address to his soldiers by Amenhotep III, on the -eve of his invasion of Syria. It was beautifully executed, and would -prove a valuable addition to the literature of the fifteenth century -before Christ.</p> - -<p>Far into the night Winston pored over the writings, finding in some -veritable treasures and in others little of worth save for their age and -beauty of execution. Still, as a collection, the fourteen rolls -constituted a remarkable library of ancient literature, and its -fortunate discoverer slept but little on that eventful night.</p> - -<p>Before daybreak the dahabeah was wheezing and puffing down stream on its -way to Cairo, and Kāra, who had slept well extended upon the deck, was -given a breakfast such as he had never before tasted. The fragrant -coffee was a revelation to him, and the chops and fruit made his eyes -sparkle; yet so sedate was the Egyptian’s demeanor that Winston was -unaware that his guest had never before eaten a properly prepared meal.</p> - -<p>The Englishman’s satisfaction this morning was so great that he also -bestowed upon Kāra one of his choicest<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_078" id="page_078"></a>{78}</span> cigars, and again the Egyptian -tasted a luxury hitherto unknown to him.</p> - -<p>While they were quietly enjoying their smoke Winston said:</p> - -<p>“Will you sell me the rolls?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied Kāra.</p> - -<p>“I will give you a thousand Egyptian pounds for them. That, you know, is -about a hundred thousand piastres.”</p> - -<p>Kāra made a mental calculation and frowned darkly.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps it is not enough,” added Winston, quickly; “but on the other -hand it may be too much altogether. Until I have examined the writings -with more care I cannot value them accurately.”</p> - -<p>“I will accept your offer,” said the Egyptian, still frowning. “I am -sure it is fair, and even liberal. What annoys me is that I have made a -fool of myself.”</p> - -<p>“In what way?”</p> - -<p>“I purchased a girl yesterday, and paid three times what she is worth.”</p> - -<p>Winston smiled.</p> - -<p>“Do not let it bother you,” he said, in an amused tone. “Few women are -worth what they cost, believe me, and where their sex is concerned men -are often fools.”</p> - -<p>“My brother’s speech is wise,” returned the grave Kāra. “I will conceal -my annoyance, for some day I may be indemnified.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_079" id="page_079"></a>{79}</span></p> - -<p>“Had Hatatcha any of the coins of Darius Hystaspes left?” inquired -Winston, after a moment’s thought.</p> - -<p>“Here are seven,” said the other, producing them.</p> - -<p>The Englishman was delighted.</p> - -<p>“I will pay you five pounds each for these,” said he.</p> - -<p>“Then they are yours,” declared Kāra.</p> - -<p>Afterward he showed the Englishman the bronze vase, which also changed -hands at a liberal purchase price.</p> - -<p>“And is this all?” asked Winston.</p> - -<p>“It is all,” said Kāra.</p> - -<p>“You will be rich, my brother. Here are ten pounds in English gold to -seal our bargain. After we arrive in Cairo I will take you to my banker -and transfer to your account the entire amount due you. You may draw -then upon the bank as you require your money, in any sums that suit your -convenience—so long as it lasts.”</p> - -<p>“I thank you,” replied the Egyptian.</p> - -<p>As they proceeded down the river, Kāra noted the spotless tunics and -trousers of the Arabs, who one and all regarded “the dirty Copt” with -open contempt. He also examined intently the Englishman’s dress. When -the boat tied up at Assyut to allow Winston to visit a friend who was -convalescent at the excellent hospital maintained there, Kāra walked -through the bazaars, and returned to the dahabeah bearing several bulky -packages.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_080" id="page_080"></a>{80}</span></p> - -<p>That night he bathed in the river while the others all lay asleep. -Afterward he stealthily transferred the contents of his turban to a -chamois bag, which he fastened around his neck. Then he flung the old -burnous and the turban overboard.</p> - -<p>In the morning they found the Egyptian transformed. He wore an English -shirt, with collar and necktie all of white, loose linen trousers that -were gathered at the ankles in Arab style, and over these a flowing -white burnous of spotless purity. Upon his head was a red fez; upon his -feet red slippers from Algiers; about his neck hung the massive chain of -the kings; upon his finger was his grandmother’s ring set with the -scarab of Ahtka-Rā.</p> - -<p>Winston was astonished, and gazed upon the Egyptian with approval. Then -his eye caught the chain, and he uttered an exclamation of wonder.</p> - -<p>“Where did you get it?” he asked, clutching at the chain to examine one -of its exquisitely engraved links.</p> - -<p>“It is also a part of my inheritance, but an heirloom that I dare not -part with,” returned Kāra. “It is the record of the kings, my ancestors, -from Mēnēs to Ahtka-Rā,” and he explained the meaning of the chain to -Winston, and assisted him to decipher some of the inscriptions upon the -heavy links.</p> - -<p>“But this is a priceless treasure!” exclaimed the savant, filled with -unbounded amazement at what he beheld.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_081" id="page_081"></a>{81}</span></p> - -<p>“It is proof of my contention that I am of royal blood,” answered the -other, proudly. “While I live I will not be separated from it.”</p> - -<p>“You are right,” agreed Winston, promptly; and from that moment he -entertained a new respect for this humble descendant of the ancient -rulers of Egypt.</p> - -<p>Not one of the manuscripts mentioned Ahtka-Rā; but the chain had at its -end the link of that astute leader of men, and his identity was thus -established beyond a doubt. The scarab, of unquestionable antiquity, was -likewise a proof that Kāra’s ancestor was a descendant of kings. -Immediately the young Egyptian became a person of consequence.</p> - -<p>Kāra now smoked cigarettes, having purchased several boxes at Assyut. -This was the most satisfactory luxury that attended his new condition, -and conspired, more than anything else, to render him pleased with his -lot.</p> - -<p>The dahabeah arrived in Cairo on the morning of the fourth day.</p> - -<p>Winston at once took a carriage and drove Kāra to the bank, where he -placed the sum agreed upon to the young Egyptian’s credit. Kāra, who -wrote English in a clear and delicate hand, was given a cheque book and -registered his signature as follows: “Prince Kāra.”</p> - -<p>“Residence?” inquired the banker.</p> - -<p>“I have just arrived, and am not yet located,” was the answer. -“To-morrow I will send you my address.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_082" id="page_082"></a>{82}</span></p> - -<p>“Let me also know where you are to be found,” said Winston, “for I must -introduce you to the Egyptologists here.”</p> - -<p>Then he left his new acquaintance to drive post haste to the museum, -there to show his new-found treasures to his many friends.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_083" id="page_083"></a>{83}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br /><br /> -<small>A STEP TOWARD THE GOAL.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">K</span>āra wandered about the streets. Cairo is a marvel to the most blasé -traveler; it could not fail to impress an inexperienced native. But the -Egyptian masked the astonishment under an expression cold and reserved -and a manner dignified and undemonstrative. No one must suspect he was -fresh from the desert and the Nile country. The shops of the jewelers -especially attracted his attention, and he stopped many times to examine -the splendid gems displayed in the windows. Some were priced, and he -wondered at their value. It is said that no capital in the world -contains so many rare and costly gems as Cairo.</p> - -<p>In the evening he crossed the great bridge of Isma’il Pasha to the -island of Gizireh, staring at the procession of carriages, camels, -automobiles and donkeys that at twilight followed on one another’s -heels. In the carriages and automobiles rode Syrians, Turks, Copts and -Arabs, clothed in conventional European dress, save for the red fez -everywhere prevalent. The burnous and native dress had been abandoned by -these aristocrats, and this met with Kāra’s full approval. He was not -averse to innovations upon the ancient customs in which he had been -reared. If the dominant people of his country and age were English, then -the manners and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_084" id="page_084"></a>{84}</span> customs of the English should be adopted by those who -wished to compete with them in importance.</p> - -<p>Also he began to understand that it is more dignified to ride than to -walk. At Gizireh he hailed a carriage and in it returned across the -bridge, avoiding the dust and heat and mingling with a procession of -beautifully costumed women and handsomely dressed men. His own costume -was poor enough in comparison, but his magnificent chain drew the eye of -more than one curious observer.</p> - -<p>And now Cairo was ablaze with lights, and the population seemed gathered -upon the sidewalks before the cafés and restaurants. Kāra discovered -that he was hungry. He dismissed his carriage and seated himself at one -of the outdoor tables, ordering liberal refreshment. Opposite him sat a -young English girl with a vacant-faced man for escort. Kāra, as he ate, -examined this girl critically, for she was the first of her class he had -seen at close range. Her dress was dainty and beautiful; but she was not -fat at all. She was vivacious, and talked and laughed with unrestrained -liberty. She seemed to imagine herself on an equality with the man -beside her, who, despite his inanity, was still a man. Altogether, Kāra -was disappointed in her, although his grandmother had warned him that -the training of European women imbued them with peculiar ideas, to which -he must defer in his association with them.</p> - -<p>As he watched the girl, Nephthys rose several degrees in Kāra’s -estimation. Nephthys was certainly</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_088_lg.jpg"> -<img src="images/i_088_sml.jpg" width="340" height="500" alt="Image unavailble: In the evening he crossed the great bridge of Isma’il -Pasha to the island of Gizireh" /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">In the evening he crossed the great bridge of Isma’il -Pasha to the island of Gizireh</span> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_085" id="page_085"></a>{85}</span></p> - -<p class="nind">fat and soft of flesh, and she did not talk much. The possession of such -a woman was quite desirable, and perhaps he had not paid an extravagant -price for Nephthys after all. These independent, chattering Western -women must be tolerated, however, until he had accomplished his mission; -so it would be well to begin at once to study their ways.</p> - -<p>Presently someone touched his shoulder familiarly, causing Kāra to -shrink back with an indignant gesture. Tadros, the dragoman, stood -smilingly beside him, more gorgeously arrayed than ever. Tadros was in -an excellent humor. He had not been obliged to take his roll of papyrus -to the museum for a market, but had disposed of it to a private -collector for a price far exceeding his expectations, which had not been -too modest. Altogether he had made an excellent trade, and there might -be other pickings in this unsophisticated fellow-townsman of his, whose -very presence in Cairo was warrant that he had money to part with.</p> - -<p>Before accosting Kāra the dragoman had observed the change in his -appearance and demeanor. The former recluse was no longer disgustingly -filthy, but seemed clean in person and was gowned in a snowy and -respectable burnous. The objectionable turban had given place to the -fez; the red slippers were of excellent morocco. Best of all, the chain -around his neck was rich and heavy and of remarkable workmanship. Kāra -was not only presentable, but his manner was dignified and well bred.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_086" id="page_086"></a>{86}</span></p> - -<p>All this indicated suddenly acquired wealth—that mysterious old -Hatatcha must have left to her grandson much more than the papyrus -rolls; and although Kāra might endeavor to be secret and -uncommunicative, he was bound to betray himself before very long. Now -was the heated term, and even gay Cairo was listless and enervated. The -dragoman would have ample leisure to pick this bone skilfully before the -tourist season arrived.</p> - -<p>Kāra’s first angry exclamation was followed by a word of greeting. He -was glad Tadros had found him, for as yet he had secured no place of -residence, and the bigness of the city somewhat bewildered him in spite -of his assumed reserve.</p> - -<p>The dragoman agreed to take him to a respectable rooming-house much -frequented by Copts of the better class. When they had arrived there, -Kāra’s guide made a mystic sign to the proprietor, who promptly charged -his new guest double the usual rate, and obtained it because the -Egyptian was unaware he was being robbed. The room assigned him was a -simply furnished, box-like affair; yet Kāra had never before occupied an -apartment so luxurious. He examined the door with care and was pleased -to find that it was supplied with a stout bolt as well as a lock and -key.</p> - -<p>“Now,” said the dragoman, “it is yet early; we have barely crossed the -edge of the evening. I will take you to the theatre to see the dancing -girls, and later to a house where they wager money upon a singular and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_087" id="page_087"></a>{87}</span> -interesting game of red and black. We can afterward eat our supper at a -restaurant and listen to a fine band composed of Hungarian gypsies. How -will that suit you?”</p> - -<p>“Not at all,” replied Kāra, coldly. “I am going to bed. Be here to -receive my orders at seven o’clock in the morning.”</p> - -<p>Tadros fairly gasped with astonishment.</p> - -<p>“Seven o’clock is too early,” he said, a little sullenly. “The city is -asleep at that hour.”</p> - -<p>“When does it awaken?”</p> - -<p>“Well, the shops are open at about nine.”</p> - -<p>“Come to me, then, at nine. Good night.”</p> - -<p>This summary dismissal was a severe disappointment to the dragoman, yet -he had no alternative but to take his leave. Strange that Kāra had -refused the dancing girls and the game table; but perhaps he was really -tired. Tadros must not expect too much from his innocent at first.</p> - -<p>At nine o’clock the next morning he found that the young Egyptian had -breakfasted and was impatiently awaiting him.</p> - -<p>“Take me to the leading jeweler in town,” said Kāra.</p> - -<p>The dragoman frowned, but presently brightened again and took his -employer to a second-rate shop, where his commissions were assured.</p> - -<p>“Not here,” said Kāra. “I have seen much better shops.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_088" id="page_088"></a>{88}</span></p> - -<p>Tadros tried again, but with no better success; so he altered his plans -and took Kāra direct to Andalaft’s, trusting to luck to exact a -commission afterward.</p> - -<p>“Now, then,” said he, briskly, “what shall we examine first?”</p> - -<p>But Kāra ignored him, asking to see the proprietor in private. Mr. -Andalaft graciously consented to the interview, and when the Egyptian -entered the great jeweler’s private room Tadros was left outside.</p> - -<p>Kāra laid a splendid ruby upon the merchant’s table. The latter pounced -upon it with an eager exclamation.</p> - -<p>“It is very old,” said the Egyptian. “Tell me, sir, is there any one in -Cairo who can recut it in the modern fashion?”</p> - -<p>“But it will be a shame to alter this exquisite gem,” protested -Andalaft. “It is the square, flat cutting of the ancients, and shows the -stone to be absolutely pure and flawless. Such specimens are rare in -these days. Let it alone.”</p> - -<p>Kāra shook his head with positiveness.</p> - -<p>“I must have it recut,” said he, “and by the best man obtainable.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, that is Van der Veen, the Hollander. He does all my important work. -But Van der Veen will himself argue against the desecration. He is a man -of judgment.”</p> - -<p>“Where can I find him?” asked the prince.</p> - -<p>The merchant reflected.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_089" id="page_089"></a>{89}</span></p> - -<p>“I will give you a letter to him,” said he. “If the stone must be recut, -I want Van der Veen to do it himself. He has three sons who are all -expert workmen, but no one in the world can excel the father.”</p> - -<p>He wrote the note, addressed it, and gave it to Kāra. Then he again -picked up the ruby and examined it.</p> - -<p>“If you would but sell it,” he suggested, with hesitation, “I could -secure for you a liberal price. The Khedive has placed with me an order -for a necklace of the ancient Egyptian gems; but in two years I have -been unable to secure more than three stones, none of which compare with -this in size or beauty. Allow me.”</p> - -<p>He opened a drawer and displayed the three antique stones—two emeralds -and an amethyst. Kāra smiled, and putting his hand in a pocket -underneath his burnous, he drew out five more rubies, but little -inferior in size to the one he had first shown.</p> - -<p>“Tell me,” said he, “what price you will pay for these, to add to the -Khedive’s necklace.”</p> - -<p>Andalaft was amazed, but concealed his joy and eagerness as much as -possible. Carefully he examined the gems under a glass and then weighed -each one in his scales.</p> - -<p>“I will give you,” said he, after figuring a little, “four hundred -pounds for the five stones.”</p> - -<p>Kāra shrugged his shoulders and picked up the rubies.</p> - -<p>“That may be the price for ordinary gems,” he remarked; “but their age -and cutting give these an<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_090" id="page_090"></a>{90}</span> added value. I am holding them at eight -hundred pounds.”</p> - -<p>The merchant smiled.</p> - -<p>“It is easy to understand,” said he, with politeness, “that you are a -connoisseur of precious stones; but, because you love the antique, your -partiality induces you to place an undue value upon your rubies. Come! -let us say six hundred.”</p> - -<p>“I will not bargain,” returned the Egyptian; “nor do I urge you to buy. -If you cannot afford to pay my price I will keep the rubies,” and he -made a motion to gather them up.</p> - -<p>“Stay!” exclaimed the jeweler. “What does it matter? The Khedive wishes -them, and I must make the sacrifice for his pleasure.”</p> - -<p>With a hand he vainly endeavored to render steady he wrote a check for -the sum demanded, and Kāra took it and went away. Andalaft had made an -excellent bargain; yet the Egyptian, for all his cleverness, did not -know that he had been victimized.</p> - -<p>At the house of the diamond-cutter, on a quiet side street at the lower -end of the Mouski, Kāra had a long interview with Van der Veen and his -three sons. As a result they agreed, after examining the magnificent -diamonds shown them, to devote their exclusive services to Prince Kāra -for a full year, he promising to keep them busy with the work of -recutting his collection of ancient gems.</p> - -<p>Afterward he sent Tadros with notes to Gerald<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_091" id="page_091"></a>{91}</span> Winston and the banker, -informing them of his temporary address, as he had promised. Then he had -an excellent luncheon and smoked a Cuban cigar. In the afternoon he -followed his imploring dragoman into several shops where he made simple -purchases, and returned early to his hotel to find Winston impatiently -awaiting him.</p> - -<p>“You must accompany me at once to see my friend Professor Daressy, with -whom I am already disputing concerning the new papyri. He is much -interested in your method of interpreting the manuscripts, but requires -a better proof of its accuracy than I can give him. Will you come?”</p> - -<p>“It will give me pleasure,” answered Kāra—he drove with Winston to the -curator’s house. His knowledge of the hieroglyphics was well founded, -and he was not averse to an argument with the two savants. Indeed, they -found his explanations so clear and concise that they were equally -amazed and delighted.</p> - -<p>The Egyptian dined with them in a private room, where the discussion -could not be interrupted, and it was late in the evening when he -returned thoughtfully to his own humble lodging.</p> - -<p>“Tadros,” said he, “find me a comfortable house in a good part of the -city. Something like that of Professor Daressy will do.”</p> - -<p>“It will cost a lot of money,” objected the dragoman.</p> - -<p>“Never mind; I will pay the price,” returned the prince, haughtily.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_092" id="page_092"></a>{92}</span></p> - -<p>So the next day Tadros rented a furnished house near the Ezbekieh -Gardens for twelve hundred piastres a month, and charged Kāra two -thousand piastres for it. The prince moved in, and for three or four -weeks devoted himself to watching the Van der Veens recut his treasures, -to long conversations with those Egyptologists who were spending the -heated term in Cairo, and to a study of the collection of ancient relics -in the great museum which Maspero had founded under Said Pasha. -Incidentally he observed the social life and manners of those with whom -he came in contact, and acquired a polish of his own in a surprisingly -short period.</p> - -<p>At the end of the month he returned to Fedah, taking his dragoman with -him. Tadros went without protest, for he was making excellent profits -from his old-time friend and had perfected a system of robbery that -almost doubled Prince Kāra’s expenses.</p> - -<p>They traveled by train and crossed the river in a boat, arriving in the -evening at the tiny village. Tadros carried Kāra’s large traveling case -and walked behind him, as was fitting in a paid retainer.</p> - -<p>And so they entered the narrow street of the village, where all the -dozen or so inhabitants stood in their doorways to stare and nod gravely -at their returned fellow-citizens.</p> - -<p>Kāra bade his dragoman leave the luggage in his own dwelling and seek a -lodging for himself with old Nefert or Amenka. He then walked on to -where Sĕra and her daughter awaited him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_093" id="page_093"></a>{93}</span></p> - -<p>He pinched Nephthys’ fat cheeks, felt of her round bare arms, and -finally kissed her lips, declaring that she was steadily improving in -condition and would put to shame many of the women of Cairo.</p> - -<p>Nephthys allowed the caresses listlessly, her eyes only brightening -slightly when the gaily dressed dragoman came near and stood watching -the proceedings. He wore a green jacket with gold embroidery to-day, and -the girl observed it with evident approval.</p> - -<p>“I sold her too cheaply, Kāra,” remarked the dragoman, stroking his thin -mustache reflectively.</p> - -<p>“In that I do not agree with you,” answered Kāra.</p> - -<p>“I will pay double the price for her return,” said Tadros.</p> - -<p>“The girl is not for sale. And see here, my man, keep your hands off her -while you are in Fedah, or I will be obliged to kill you.”</p> - -<p>“Never fear; I know my duties,” replied the dragoman, turning on his -heel. It would not be wise to offend Kāra just now. The bone was not yet -picked.</p> - -<p>Nephthys put on her spangled gown and sat upon Kāra’s knee, while her -mother brought cakes and milk for their refreshment. Kāra threw a chain -of beads over the girl’s head, and she laughed for very pleasure. Sĕra -felt of the beads and counted them. They were blue, and had cost five -piastres, but the two women were delighted with them and would enjoy -their possession for many days.</p> - -<p>It was late when Kāra left Sĕra’s hut.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_094" id="page_094"></a>{94}</span></p> - -<p>“In the winter,” said he, “I will doubtless come for the girl and take -her to Cairo. Then you shall have the rest of your money. Meantime, here -is backshish to console you.”</p> - -<p>He gave her a piece of gold—the first she had ever possessed—and went -away to his dwelling.</p> - -<p>“Nephthys,” said the mother, “I am proud of you. You have made us both -rich!”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_095" id="page_095"></a>{95}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br /><br /> -<small>HIS GRANDMOTHER’S MUMMY.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">W</span>hen Fedah seemed asleep, Kāra took the lamp and the bronze dagger from -their hiding place and swung back the stone in the rear wall, passing -through into the mountain cavern. Then, replacing the stone, he made his -way along the crevice, through the circular rock door into the arched -passage, and down the latter to the mummy chamber.</p> - -<p>Here he removed the lid of Hatatcha’s mummy case and carefully dusted -the interior. The forty days were ended. The case might have its -occupant before morning.</p> - -<p>Within the splendidly carven casket Kāra found an oblong green stone, -with polished flat surfaces. On one of these surfaces was the cartouche -of Ahtka-Rā, as follows:</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_100_lg.png"> -<img src="images/i_100_sml.png" width="150" alt="[Image -of the hyroglyphic cartouche not available.]" /></a> -</div> - -<p>The Egyptian examined this relic carefully and placed it in his pocket. -It was the emerald that Hatatcha had promised the dwarf Sebbet in -payment for embalming her body. How Andalaft’s eyes would sparkle could -he but see this wonder!<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_096" id="page_096"></a>{96}</span></p> - -<p>But this thought reminded Kāra that he was loitering. He picked up his -lamp and went to the mummy of Ahtka-Rā, sliding back the slab of -malachite and descending through the opening to the treasure chamber -hidden below.</p> - -<p>His first act was to inventory carefully the contents of the twelve -great vases that stood upon their alabaster pedestals. From these vases -he abstracted choice specimens of emeralds, sapphires, diamonds and -rubies, filling with them several small leathern sacks he had brought -concealed upon his person. Perhaps he had taken a fortune in this -careless manner; but so vast was the treasure that the contents of the -vases seemed scarcely disturbed.</p> - -<p>In one of the numerous jars resting upon the granite floor, and which -had doubtless been added to the hoard at a much later period than that -of Ahtka-Rā, the Egyptian found a quantity of pearls of a size and -quality that rendered them almost peerless among the treasures of the -world. The jar contained a full quart, and Kāra took them all. At the -moment he did not comprehend their value, although Hatatcha had told him -that a single one of these pearls would be sufficient to ransom a -kingdom.</p> - -<p>The gems he had already secured were enough to weigh heavily upon his -person; but Kāra was greedy. He examined the contents of many jars and -vases, choosing here and there a jewel that appealed to his fancy, and -adding to his selection a number of exquisite<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_097" id="page_097"></a>{97}</span> ornaments of wrought -gold; but at last he was forced to admit that he had taken enough from -the treasure chamber to answer his present purposes, and so he -reluctantly returned to the vault above.</p> - -<p>As he closed the slab, his eye fell upon a strange jewel set in the -mummy case of Ahtka-Rā. It was surrounded by a protecting band of chased -gold, and sparkled under the rays of Kāra’s lamp in a manner that -distinguished it from any of the thousands of other gems that literally -covered the mummy case of the great Egyptian; for at first this odd -jewel had a dark steely lustre, which changed while Kāra’s eyes rested -upon it to a rich transparent orange, and then to an opal ground with -tongues of flame running through it. A moment later the color had faded -to a dull gray, which gradually took on a greenish tinge.</p> - -<p>Kāra set down the lamp and pried the stone from its setting with the -point of his dagger, placing it afterward in a secure inner pocket of -his robe. As he did so, a golden bust of Isis that stood upon the mummy -case toppled and fell to the pavement, and from a hollow underneath the -bust rolled a small manuscript of papyrus. This Kāra took also, and -replaced the bust in its former position. His nerves must have been of -iron, for the uncanny incident had not even startled him.</p> - -<p>Now he made his way back to the entrance and along the passage, finally -emerging with his treasure into the room that had been his former -dwelling-place. All was silent and dark. A mild bray from the blind -Nikko’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_098" id="page_098"></a>{98}</span> donkey was occasionally heard, and at times the far-away hoot -of a desert owl; but those within the village seemed steeped in slumber.</p> - -<p>Kāra divided his burden by placing the greater part in his traveling -case, which he locked securely. Then he reclined upon the rushes and was -about to compose himself to sleep when the mat across the archway was -thrust aside and Sebbet entered.</p> - -<p>“I am here, most royal one!” he announced.</p> - -<p>Kāra sat up.</p> - -<p>“And my grandmother?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>“Here also, my prince. Ah, how natural is Hatatcha! You will be -delighted. It is a skilful and almost perfect piece of work, even though -I praise my own craft in saying so.”</p> - -<p>With these words the dwarf led in the donkey. Upon its back was the form -of a swaddled mummy, which was bound to a flat plank to hold it rigidly -extended.</p> - -<p>“I will show you the face,” continued Sebbet, in an eager tone, as he -lifted the mummy and placed it upon the ground.</p> - -<p>“Do not trouble yourself,” said Kāra. “I will look upon my grandmother -at my leisure. The night is waning. Take your price and go your way.”</p> - -<p>He handed the dwarf the emerald, holding the lamp, which he had -relighted, while Sebbet examined the stone with great care.</p> - -<p>“Yes; it is the great emerald with the cartouche of Ahtka-Rā,” said the -embalmer, in a low, grave voice.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_099" id="page_099"></a>{99}</span> “Osiris be praised that at last it is -my own! Hatatcha was a wise woman, and she kept her word.”</p> - -<p>Kāra extinguished the light, but the moon was shining and sent some of -its rays through the arch to relieve the gloom.</p> - -<p>“Good-night,” said he.</p> - -<p>The dwarf stood still, thinking deeply. Finally he said, glancing at the -mummy:</p> - -<p>“Where will my old friend repose?”</p> - -<p>“It is her secret,” returned the prince, brusquely. “She trusted you not -to ask questions.”</p> - -<p>“And yourself? Will you not wish to be mummified when your course is -run?”</p> - -<p>Kāra laughed.</p> - -<p>“Ah, my Sebbet, are you immortal?” he asked. “Do you expect to live to -embalm all the generations? You made a mummy of my great-grandmother and -of my grandmother. Your hairs are now white. Be content, and think upon -your own future.”</p> - -<p>“That has already occupied my mind,” answered the dwarf, quietly. -“Farewell, then, prince of a royal line. Your ancestors thought first of -the tomb, then of the life preceding it. You are indulging in life, with -no thought of the tomb and the resurrection. It is the new order of -things, the trend of a civilization that forgets its dead and hides the -silent ones in the earth, that they may putrify and decay and become -mere dust. Very well; the age is yours, not mine. May Osiris guide thy -life, my prince!”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_100" id="page_100"></a>{100}</span></p> - -<p>He turned to his donkey and led the ghost-like animal out into the -night. Kāra stood still, and in a moment he could hear their footsteps -no longer.</p> - -<p>Then he secured the mat before the arch and for a second time swung back -the stone in the wall. This done, he felt in the dusk for the mummy of -Hatatcha, and lifting it in his arms, bore it through the opening and -replaced the stone. The body was heavy, and he panted as he paused to -light his lamp.</p> - -<p>It was nearly an hour before Kāra, weary and perspiring, finally -deposited the mummy of his grandmother beside its elaborately -constructed case. He then unfastened the straps that bound it to the -board, and by exercising great care succeeded in placing the body in its -coffin without breaking or injuring it. Next he removed the outer strips -of linen that swathed the head until the outlines of Hatatcha’s face -showed clearly through its mask of tightly drawn bandages. Then he stood -aside, and holding up the lamp, gazed long and earnestly upon the calm -features.</p> - -<p>“I promised,” he murmured, “here to repeat my oath: That I will show no -mercy to any one of Lord Roane’s family; that I will hunt them down, -every one, as a tiger hunts his prey, and crush and humble them in the -eyes of all men; that not one shall finally escape my vengeance, and -that all shall know in the end that it was Hatatcha who destroyed them. -So be it. By Āmen-Rā, the Sun-God who gave me being; by Ahtka-Rā, whose -blood now courses through my veins; by my<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_101" id="page_101"></a>{101}</span> hope of peace on earth and in -the life to come, I swear that Hatatcha’s will shall be obeyed!”</p> - -<p>His voice was cold and even of tone; his face grave, but unmoved. He -placed his hand upon the breast of the mummy and repeated the mystic -sign he had used at her death-bed. This done, he raised the heavy carved -lid of the case and placed it in position.</p> - -<p class="astc">* * * * - * * * * </p> - -<p>Next morning Kāra gave Nephthys a kiss and returned across the river on -his way to Cairo. The dragoman carried the traveling bag and grumbled at -its weight. He was in a bad humor. It is all very well to make money, -and Kāra is a veritable mine; but had Tadros realized that Nephthys was -so fat and flabby, it would have required much more than a roll of -papyrus to induce him to part with her. True, he had managed, while her -master was asleep, to stealthily meet the girl and embrace her; but he -lacked the satisfaction that exists in proprietorship. One should be -careful about selling young women. They are like untried camels—liable -to develop unexpected and valuable qualities.</p> - -<p>These reflections engrossed the dragoman all the way to Cairo; but there -were other things to demand his attention. Prince Kāra announced his -intention of taking the next steamer to Naples, and then traveling to -Paris and London. He asked Tadros to accompany him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_102" id="page_102"></a>{102}</span></p> - -<p>“But that is impossible!” was the reply. “I am a dragoman of Egypt, the -chief of my profession, a guide unequaled for knowledge, intelligence -and fidelity in all the land! But take me away from my own country, and -what am I? Take me from the poor tourists, and what will become of -them?”</p> - -<p>“I need you in Europe, to do things in my service that I would not dare -propose to anyone else. I believe,” said the prince, coolly, “that you -are an unprincipled scoundrel. You lie easily and without hesitation; -you rob me cheerfully every day that you are in my employ; you have no -conscience and no morality, except that you are afraid of the law. I -have studied your character with care, and I have estimated it aright.”</p> - -<p>Tadros first looked shame-faced, then humble, then indignant.</p> - -<p>“By every god of Egypt,” he cried, earnestly, “I am an honest man!”</p> - -<p>“That is proof of my assertion to the contrary,” replied the unmoved -Kāra. “Now, I need a scoundrel to assist me, and you are the man of my -choice. Continue to fleece me, if you like; I do not mind. But if you -serve me faithfully in some delicate matters that will soon require my -attention, I will make you the richest dragoman alive, so that Raschid -and the Haieks will all turn green with envy. On the other hand, should -you choose to betray me, you will not require riches, for the nether -world has no commerce.”</p> - -<p>Tadros thought it over.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_103" id="page_103"></a>{103}</span></p> - -<p>“We are Egyptians,” he said, at last. “Your enemies are equally mine. -Very well; command and I will obey. Are you not a prince of my people? -And why should I ever wish to betray you?”</p> - -<p>“Because wise men sometimes become fools. In your case a lapse from -wisdom means death. Others may bribe you with an equal amount of money, -but I alone will exact the penalty for betrayal. I think you will remain -wise.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, that is certain, my prince!” declared Tadros, with conviction.</p> - -<p>And so Kāra sailed from Alexandria, taking with him the great diamonds -which the Van der Veens had already recut, the wonderful pearls which no -eye but his had yet beheld, and the priceless treasures of Ahtka-Rā.</p> - -<p>The dragoman followed him, humble and obedient.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_104" id="page_104"></a>{104}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br /><br /> -<small>ANETH.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">C</span>harles Consinor, ninth Earl of Roane, was considerably discouraged at -the moment when Luke the butler placed the big blue government envelope -upon his table, thoughtfully leaving it at the top of the daily heap of -missives from impatient creditors.</p> - -<p>During a gay and dissipated life, his lordship had seen the ample -fortune left him by his father gradually melt away, until now, in his -old age, he found it difficult to secure sufficient funds to enable him -to maintain a respectable position in the world. He had been ably -assisted in his extravagances by his only son, the Viscount Roger -Consinor, who for twenty years past had performed his full share in -dissipating the family fortunes.</p> - -<p>Aside from their mutual prodigality, however, the two men had little in -common. The father was reckless, open-handed and careless of -consequences, indulging himself frankly in such dissipations as most men -are careful to hide. The son was reserved and sullen, and posed as a man -eminently respectable, confining his irregularities mainly to the gaming -table. Between them they had loaded the estates with mortgages and sold -every stick and stone that could be sold. At last the inevitable -happened and they faced absolute ruin.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_105" id="page_105"></a>{105}</span></p> - -<p>There seemed no way out of their difficulties. The viscount had -unfortunately married a wife with no resources whatever, although her -family connections were irreproachable. The poor viscountess had been a -confirmed invalid ever since her baby girl was born, some eighteen years -before, and was merely tolerated in the big, half-ruined London mansion, -being neglected alike by her husband and her father-in-law, who had both -come to look upon her as a useless incumbrance. More than that, they -resented the presence of a young, awkward girl in the house, and for -that reason banished Aneth at twelve to a girl’s school in Cheshire, -where she had remained, practically forgotten, until her eighteenth -year. Then the lady preceptress shipped her home because her tuition fee -was not promptly paid.</p> - -<p>Aneth found her mother so confirmed in the selfish habits of the -persistent invalid, that the girl’s society, fresh and cheery though it -proved, only irritated her nerves. She found her father, the morose -viscount, absolutely indifferent and unresponsive to her desire to be -loved and admitted into his companionship. But old Lord Roane, her -grandfather, had still a weakness for a pretty face, and Aneth was -certainly pretty. Moreover, she was sweet and pure and maidenly, and no -one was better able to admire and appreciate such qualities than the -worn-out roué whose life had been mainly spent in the society of light -women. So he took the girl to his evil old heart, and loved her, and -tried to prevent her discovering how unworthy he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_106" id="page_106"></a>{106}</span> of her affection. -The love for his granddaughter became the one unselfish, honest love of -his life, and it assisted wonderfully in restoring in him some portion -of his long-lost self-respect.</p> - -<p>Aneth, finding no other friend in the gloomy establishment that was now -her home, soon became devoted, in turn, to her grandsire, and although -she was shrewd enough, in spite of her inexperience, to realize that his -life had been, and still was, somewhat coarse and dissipated, she fondly -imagined that her influence would, to an extent, reclaim him—which it -actually did, but only to an extent.</p> - -<p>There was little concealment in the family circle as to the state of -their finances. Father and son quarreled openly about the division of -what little money could be raised on the overburdened estates, and the -girl was not long in realizing the difficulties of their position. If -the viscount had nothing to gamble with, he became insufferable and -almost brutal in his manner; if Lord Roane could not afford to dine at -the club and amuse himself afterward, he was irritable and abusive to -all with whom he came in contact, save only his granddaughter. The -household expenses were matters of credit, and the wages of the servants -were greatly in arrears.</p> - -<p>And so, when the affairs of the family had become well-nigh desperate, -the big blue envelope with the government stamp arrived, and like magic -all their difficulties dissolved.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_107" id="page_107"></a>{107}</span></p> - -<p>A newly appointed cabinet minister—a man whom Lord Roane had reason to -consider an enemy rather than a friend—had for some surprising and -unknown reason interested himself in Roane’s behalf, and the result was -a diplomatic post for him in Egypt under Lord Cromer, and a position for -the viscount in the Egyptian Department of Finance. The appointments -were lucrative and honorable, and indicated the Government’s perfect -confidence in both father and son.</p> - -<p>Lord Roane was astounded. Never would he have dared demand such -consideration, and to have these honors thrust upon him at a time when -they would practically rescue his name and fortune from ruin was almost -unbelievable.</p> - -<p>He accepted the appointment with alacrity, joyful at the prospect of a -winter in gay Cairo. Roger shared his father’s felicity, because the -gaming in the oriental city would be more fascinating than that of -London, where people had begun to frown when he entered a room. The -invalid viscountess hoped Egypt would benefit her health. Aneth welcomed -any change from the horrible condition in which they had existed -latterly.</p> - -<p>“Grandfather,” said she, gravely, “our gracious Queen has given to you -and to my father positions of great trust. I am sure that you will -personally do your duty loyally, and with credit to our honored name; -but I’m afraid for father. Will you promise me to keep him from -card-playing and urge him to lead a more reputable life?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_108" id="page_108"></a>{108}</span></p> - -<p>“Phoo! Nonsense, child. Roger will behave himself, I am sure, now that -he will have important duties to occupy him. The Minister of Finance -will keep him busy, never fear, and he will have neither time nor -inclination for folly. Don’t worry, little one. Our fortunes have -changed; we shall now be able to pay the butcher and baker and -candlestick-maker, and there is little doubt the Consinors will speedily -become the pride of the nation. Ahem! Tell Luke, my dear, to fetch my -brandy and soda as you go out. And, stay! Remember, we are to leave -London on the fourth of October and you must have both your mother and -yourself ready to depart promptly. I depend upon you, Aneth.”</p> - -<p>She kissed him and went away without further comment, reflecting, with a -sigh, that her fears and warnings were alike unheeded.</p> - -<p>Lord Roane, left to himself, began wondering anew to what whim of fate -he owed his good fortune. Really, there seemed no clue to the mystery.</p> - -<p>It was a complicated matter, even to one on the inside, so it is no -wonder the old nobleman failed to comprehend it.</p> - -<p>Many years ago the cabinet minister and Lord Roane had been intimate -friends; then the former fell madly in love with a little Egyptian -princess who was the rage of the London season, and sought her hand in -marriage. Roane also became enamored of the beautiful Hatatcha, and went -so far as to apply for a divorce<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_109" id="page_109"></a>{109}</span> from his wife, that he might wed her. -The fascinating Egyptian, guileless of European customs and won by the -masterful ardor of Roane, chose him from among all her suitors, and -casting aside the honest love of Roane’s friend, fell unconsciously into -the trap set for her and became the mistress of the man who promised her -such rare devotion. Presently, however, the heartless roué tired of his -easy conquest and carelessly thrust her aside, although the divorce for -which he had applied on false representations had now been granted, and -he was free to marry his victim had he so wished.</p> - -<p>All London was indignant at his act at the time, and no one was more -enraged than Roane’s former friend. He searched everywhere for the -Egyptian princess when Hatatcha fled from London to hide her shame, and -on his return from the unsuccessful quest, he quarreled with Roane and -would have killed him had not mutual friends interposed.</p> - -<p>Time had, of course, seared all these old wounds, although the hatred -between the two men would endure to the grave. The betrayer was careless -of criticism and wealthy enough to defy it. The man who had truly loved -was broken-hearted, and from that time avoided all society and -especially that of women. But he plunged into politics for diversion, -and in that field won for himself such honor and renown in future years -that at last he became a member of Her Majesty’s cabinet, second in -power only to the Premier himself.</p> - -<p>Thus Prince Kāra found him. The Egyptian had<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_110" id="page_110"></a>{110}</span> only to use the magic name -of Hatatcha to secure a private audience with the great man, who -listened quietly while Kāra demanded vengeance upon his grandmother’s -betrayer.</p> - -<p>“In England,” said the minister, “there is no vendetta. The rage I -fostered thirty-odd years ago, when my heart was wrung with despair, has -long since worn itself out. Time evens up these old scores without human -interference. Roane is to-day on the verge of ruin. His only son is a -confirmed gambler. Their race is nearly run, and the gray hairs of -Hatatcha’s false lover will go dishonored to the grave. Is that not -enough?”</p> - -<p>“By no means,” returned Prince Kāra, with composure. “They must be made -to suffer as my grandmother suffered, but with added agony for the years -of impunity that have elapsed. It was her will—the desire of her long, -miserable life. Will you, her old friend, deny her right to be avenged?”</p> - -<p>A flood of resentment swept into the heart of the listener. Years may -sear a wound; but if it is deep, the scar remains.</p> - -<p>“What do you ask of me?” he answered.</p> - -<p>Before replying, Kāra reflected for some time, his eyes steadily fixed -upon the floor.</p> - -<p>“Are there no women in Lord Roane’s family?” he asked, finally.</p> - -<p>“There are two, I believe—his son’s wife, who is an invalid, and his -granddaughter.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_111" id="page_111"></a>{111}</span></p> - -<p>“Ah!” The long-drawn exclamation was one of triumphant satisfaction. -Again the Egyptian relapsed into thought, and the minister was growing -impatient when his strange visitor at last spoke.</p> - -<p>“Sir,” said he, “you ask me what you can do to assist me. I will tell -you. Obtain for Lord Roane a diplomatic post in Cairo, under Lord -Cromer. Obtain some honorable place for his son as well. That will take -the entire family to Egypt—my own country.”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“In London there is no vendetta. Crimes that the law cannot reach are -allowed to go unpunished. In Egypt we are Nature’s children. No false -civilization glosses our wrongs or denies our right to protect our -honor. I implore you, my lord, as you respect the memory of poor -Hatatcha, to send Lord Roane and his family to Egypt.”</p> - -<p>“I will,” said the minister, with stern brow.</p> - -<p>And so it was that the Government remembered old Lord Roane, and -likewise his illustrious son, the Viscount Roger Consinor, and sent them -to Egypt on missions of trust.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_112" id="page_112"></a>{112}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.<br /><br /> -<small>LORD CROMER’S RECEPTION.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">I</span>t was but natural that Lord Cromer, with his intense loyalty to the -home Government, should endeavor to show every honor to the latest -recipients of Her Majesty’s favor. He gave a splendid dinner to Lord -Roane and his family, which was followed by a reception attended by -nearly every important personage then in Cairo.</p> - -<p>At the dinner Gerald Winston was introduced to Aneth Consinor, and had -the good fortune to be selected to escort her to the table. She won the -big Englishman with the first glance from her clear, innocent eyes, and -he was delighted to find that she conversed easily and with intelligence -upon the themes that most interested him.</p> - -<p>Winston knew something of the reputation of Lord Roane at home, and -remembered not only his intrigue with the Egyptian princess in his -youth, but the gossip of many more recent escapades that were distinctly -unsavory. He had also heard whispers concerning his son, the viscount, -that served to cast more or less discredit upon a name already sadly -tarnished; but no one could look into Aneth’s candid eyes without being -convinced that she was innocent of the sins of her fathers. Winston -exonerated her at once of any<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_113" id="page_113"></a>{113}</span> possible contamination from such sources, -rejoicing exultantly that the English maiden was unconscious of the -smirch of her environments. However, as he listened to the girl’s bright -chatter, an incongruous thought struck him and made him frown -involuntarily. He remembered that she was a cousin—on the left hand, to -be sure, but no less an unrecognized second cousin—to that dirty -Egyptian whom he had lately discovered under the palms of Fedah, and who -had since, by an astonishing evolution, become Prince Kāra. Lord Roane -was grandfather to them both. It was not Aneth’s fault—perhaps she -would never know of the illicit relationship; but his own knowledge of -the fact rendered him uneasy for her sake, and he began to wish she had -never been allowed to set foot in Egypt.</p> - -<p>But here she was, and apparently very happy and contented by his side.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps I am wrong in my estimate of Cleopatra,” she was saying; “but -the inscriptions on the temple at Dendera seem to prove her to have been -religious and high-minded to a degree. Perhaps it is Shakespeare’s -romance of Antony and Cleopatra that has poisoned our minds as to the -character of a noble woman.”</p> - -<p>“Have you been to Dendera?” he asked; “and can you read the -inscriptions?”</p> - -<p>“I have penetrated into Egypt no farther than Cairo, Mr. Winston,” she -responded, with a laugh; “therefore my acquaintance with the temples is -confined to what I have read. But at my school was a teacher<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_114" id="page_114"></a>{114}</span> -passionately fond of Egyptology, and around her she gathered a group of -girls whom she inspired with a similar love for the subject. We have -read everything we could procure that might assist us in our studies, -and—don’t laugh, sir!—I can even write hieroglyphics a bit myself.”</p> - -<p>“That is quite simple,” said he, smiling; “but can you decipher and -translate the sign language?”</p> - -<p>“No; so many individual signs mean so many different things, and it is -so impossible to decide whether the inscription begins to read from -right to left, or in the middle, or up or down!”</p> - -<p>“That may well puzzle more experienced heads than yours, Miss Consinor,” -said he. “Indeed, I know of but one man living who reads the -hieroglyphics unerringly.”</p> - -<p>“And who is that?” she asked, with eager interest.</p> - -<p>He bit his lip, blaming himself for the thoughtless slip of his tongue. -Nothing should induce him to mention Kāra by name to this girl.</p> - -<p>“A native whom I recently met,” he answered, evasively. “But tell me, -are you not going to make the Nile trip?”</p> - -<p>“I hope so, when my grandfather has time to take me; but he says his new -duties will require all his present attention, and unfortunately they -are connected with the new works in the Delta rather than with upper -Egypt.” She glanced across at Lord Roane, who was conversing lightly -with two high dignitaries, and his<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_115" id="page_115"></a>{115}</span> eyes followed hers. “But won’t you -tell me something of your own experiences in the Nile country?” she -asked. “I am told you are a very great discoverer, and have lately -unearthed a number of priceless ancient papyri.”</p> - -<p>“They are interesting,” returned Winston, modestly, “but not so -extraordinary as to deserve your comment. Indeed, Miss Consinor, -although I have been many years in Egypt, engaged in quiet explorations, -I cannot claim to have added much to the vast treasures that have been -accumulated.”</p> - -<p>“But His Grace the Khedive has made you a Bey,” she persisted.</p> - -<p>He laughed frankly and without affectation.</p> - -<p>“The Khedive has this cheerful way of rewarding those who will spend -their money to make his ancient domain famous,” he replied. “Beys are as -plentiful in Egypt as are counts in France.”</p> - -<p>“But you have made <i>some</i> discoveries, I am sure. The wonderful papyri, -for instance—where did you find them?”</p> - -<p>“I bought them, Miss Consinor, with good English money.”</p> - -<p>She appeared disappointed, but brightened a moment later.</p> - -<p>“At least it was you who discovered and excavated the birth-house at Kom -Ombos. I have read your article concerning it in the <i>Saturday Review</i>.”</p> - -<p>“Then you know all about it,” said he. “But see; nearly opposite us is -the great Maspero himself—the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_116" id="page_116"></a>{116}</span> man who has done more for Egypt than all -the rest of us combined. Does he not look the savant? Let me tell you -something of his most important work.”</p> - -<p>Here was a subject he could talk on fluently and with fervor, and she -listened as attentively as he could desire.</p> - -<p>After dinner they repaired to the great hall of the palace, to -participate in the reception. Lord Cromer was soon gracefully greeting -his guests and presenting them to Lord Roane, Viscount Consinor and the -Honorable Aneth Consinor.</p> - -<p>Gerald Winston, standing at a distance from the group, gave an -involuntary shiver as he saw Prince Kāra brought forward and presented.</p> - -<p>Lord Roane greeted the Egyptian with the same cordiality he had bestowed -uniformly upon his host’s other guests. Why should he not? Only Winston, -silently observant in the background, knew their relationship—except -Kāra. Yes; Kāra knew, for he had said so that day beneath the palms of -Fedah. But now his demeanor was grave and courteous, and his countenance -composed and inscrutable.</p> - -<p>Aneth smiled upon the handsome native as he passed slowly on to give -place to others.</p> - -<p>Kāra, who now affected European dress, wore the conventional evening -costume; but he was distinguished by the massive and curious chain that -hung from his neck, as well as by a unique gem that he wore upon a -finger of his left hand. It had no real color, yet it<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_117" id="page_117"></a>{117}</span> attracted every -eye as surely as if it possessed a subtile magnetism that was -irresistible. No one saw it in the same aspect, for one declared it -blue, another gray, a third brown and the next one green. But all agreed -that it had a strange, fascinating gleam, and declared that it radiated -tiny tongues of flame.</p> - -<p>It was the stone Kāra had picked from the burial case of Ahtka-Rā.</p> - -<p>Later in the evening the Egyptian found opportunity for a short -conversation with Aneth, who was plainly attracted by this -distinguished-appearing native. He found her curious concerning the -chain of the kings, and proudly explained it to her, reading some of the -inscriptions upon the links.</p> - -<p>“Some time,” said he, “it will give me pleasure to go over all the links -with you, for in them is condensed the history of the great kings of the -early dynasties. There is not another such record in existence.”</p> - -<p>“I can well believe it,” replied the girl. “You must honor me with a -call, Prince Kāra, for I am an ardent Egyptologist, although a very -ignorant one.”</p> - -<p>“I thank you,” said Kāra, bowing low; “I shall esteem it a privilege to -enlighten you so far as I am able. My country has a wonderful history, -and much of it is not yet printed in books.”</p> - -<p>Shortly after this he left the reception, although many of the ladies -would have been delighted to lionize him. He had become known in the -capital as the last<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_118" id="page_118"></a>{118}</span> of the descendants of the ancient kings of Egypt; -and while more than one was skeptical of the truth of this statement, -its corroboration by the natives who knew of his lineage, the wide -advertisement given his claims by Tadros, the dragoman, and the enormous -wealth the Prince was reputed to possess, all contributed to render him -a most interesting figure in Cairoene society. It is certain that had he -cared to remain at Lord Cromer’s reception, he would have met with no -lack of attention; but his object in attending was now accomplished, and -he left the assemblage and found his carriage awaiting him in the -driveway.</p> - -<p>“Home!” said he, in Coptic, and his dragoman nodded cheerfully and -sprang upon the box. The journey was made in moody silence.</p> - -<p>Meantime Winston rejoined Aneth and found her a seat in a quiet corner, -where they could converse undisturbed. He had watched Kāra uneasily -while the Egyptian was addressing the English girl, and now inwardly -resolved to counteract any favorable impression the native prince might -have made upon her unsophisticated mind.</p> - -<p>Why he should interest himself so strangely in this young woman he could -not have explained. Many a fair maid had smiled upon Gerald Winston -without causing his heart to beat one jot the faster. Nay, they had at -times even practiced their arts to win him, for the bluff, good-looking -young Englishman was wealthy enough to be regarded a good catch. But the -society<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_119" id="page_119"></a>{119}</span> of fashionable ladies was sure to weary him in time, and here -in Egypt he met only butterflies from England and America, or the -coarse-featured, stolid native women, who had no power to interest any -European of intelligence.</p> - -<p>But Aneth Consinor seemed different from all the others. Not because she -was fresh and sweet and girlish, for he had seen nice girls before; not -that she was beautiful, because many women possess that enviable gift; -not that she was gracious and intelligent, with a fascinating charm of -manner, although that counts for much in winning men’s hearts. Perhaps, -after all, it was her sincerity and the lights that lay in the clear -depths of her wonderful eyes that formed her chief attraction. The eyes, -he remembered, had impressed him at first, and they were destined to -retain their power over him to the last.</p> - -<p>And the strangest thing of all, it occurred to him, as he sat pleasantly -chatting with her, was the fact that she was Lord Roane’s granddaughter -and the child of Lord Consinor. A remark that Kāra had once made flashed -across his mind: “The father, giving so little to his progeny, can -scarce contaminate it, whatever he may chance to be.” Perhaps this was -more logical than he had hitherto cared to believe.</p> - -<p>Aneth mentioned Prince Kāra presently, and asked whether he knew him.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” he answered; “it was I who discovered him. Kāra is one of my few -finds.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_120" id="page_120"></a>{120}</span></p> - -<p>“And where was he discovered?” she asked, amused at his tone.</p> - -<p>“In a mud village on the Nile bank, clothed in rags and coated with -dirt. But he was very intelligent, for he had been educated by a clever -relative who had once lived in the world; and, in some way, he and his -people had access to an ancient hoarded treasure, so that the man was -rich without knowing how to utilize his wealth. I purchased his -treasure—or a part of it, at least—and brought him to Cairo. He was -observant and quick to adapt himself to his new surroundings. He sold -more treasure, I have since learned, and visited Paris and London. In -six months the dirty Nile dweller has become a man of the world, and -society accepted him because he is rich and talented.”</p> - -<p>“How curious!” she exclaimed. “And is he, indeed, a descendant of the -ancient kings?”</p> - -<p>“So I believe—on his mother’s side, for the Egyptians trace their -descent only from their mothers. Yet they are so inconsistent that it is -of their fathers they boast. The Egyptian women have usually been poor -creatures, listless and unintelligent. In this they differ from the -women of almost every other semi-tropical country.”</p> - -<p>“They must have been different in the olden times,” said the girl, -gravely; “for it is not likely that the first real civilization of the -world sprang from a stupid race. And think for how many centuries these -poor creatures have been enslaved and trodden into the dust. I am -inclined to think the contempt with which the Saracens<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_121" id="page_121"></a>{121}</span> regarded women -is responsible for their present condition in Egypt. Have you found none -of them clever or womanly, as we understand the latter term?”</p> - -<p>He thought of Hatatcha.</p> - -<p>“There are doubtless a few exceptions, even in these days,” he answered. -“And you are right about ancient women having had their place in -Egyptian history. Besides poor Cleopatra, whom you so bravely defended -at dinner, there was Queen Hatasu, you know; and Nitocris, Hatshepset -and others who rendered themselves immortal. Have you visited our museum -yet?”</p> - -<p>“Only for a glance around; but that glance was enough to fill me with -awe and wonder. I mean to devote many days to the study of its -treasures.”</p> - -<p>“Let me go with you,” he begged. “It would please me to watch your eager -enjoyment of the things I know so well. And I can help you a little.”</p> - -<p>“You are very good, indeed,” said the girl, delighted at the suggestion. -“We will go to-morrow afternoon, if you can spare the time.”</p> - -<p>“May I call for you?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“If you please. I will be ready at one o’clock, for I must take full -advantage of my opportunity.”</p> - -<p>So he went home filled with elation at the promise of to-morrow. And -never before had Gerald Winston given a thought to a woman after leaving -her presence.</p> - -<p>To-night he dreamed, and the dream was of Aneth.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_122" id="page_122"></a>{122}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br /><br /> -<small>SETTING THE SNARES.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">K</span>āra also dreamed. The girl’s eyes haunted him. He saw her bright, eager -glance, her appealing smile, the graceful pose of her beautiful head -wherever he might chance to look. And he cursed the persistent vision -and tried to exorcise it, well knowing it might lead to his undoing.</p> - -<p>The Egyptian’s present establishment consisted of a handsome villa on -the Shubra road which at one time had been owned by a high Turkish -official. It was splendidly furnished, including many modern -conveniences, and had a pretty garden in the court that led from the -master’s quarters to the harem. Tadros, the dragoman, proudly boasted to -himself—he dared not confide in others—that the furnishing of this -villa had enabled him to acquire a snug fortune. Kāra allowed him a free -hand, and much gold refused to pass through the dragoman’s fingers.</p> - -<p>Tadros had ceased to bemoan the loss of his beloved tourists by this -time. Even a dozen profligate Americans could not enrich him as his own -countryman was doing. And the end was not yet.</p> - -<p>A few days after the reception Kāra lunched at the Lotus Club and met -there Lord Consinor. Later the prince played a game of écarté with -Colonel Varrin,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_123" id="page_123"></a>{123}</span> of the Khedivial army, and lost a large sum. Consinor -watched the game with interest, and after the colonel had retired -proposed to take a hand with the Egyptian himself. To this Kāra politely -assented. He was a careless player, and displayed little judgment. The -result was that he lost again, and Consinor found himself the richer by -a hundred pounds.</p> - -<p>The prince laughed good-humoredly and apologized for his poor playing.</p> - -<p>“The next time you favor me with a game,” said he, “I will try to do -better.”</p> - -<p>Consinor smiled grimly. To meet so wealthy and indifferent a victim was -indeed rare good luck. He promised himself to fleece the inexperienced -Egyptian with exceptional pleasure.</p> - -<p>The Lotus Club was then, as now, the daily resort of the most prominent -and at the same time the fastest set in Cairo. Both Roane and Consinor -had been posted for membership, although the former seldom visited the -place until after midnight, and then only to sup or indulge in a bottle -of wine when there was nothing more amusing to do. It appeared that Lord -Roane was conducting himself with exceptional caution since his arrival -in Cairo. His official duties were light, and he passed most of his days -at the rooms in the Savoy, where his party was temporarily located until -a suitable house could be secured and fitted up. He left Aneth much -alone in the evenings, however, and the girl was forced to content -herself with the gaieties<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_124" id="page_124"></a>{124}</span> of the fashionable hotel life and the -companionship of those few acquaintances who called upon her. As for the -viscount, he was now, as always, quite outside the family circle, and -while he seemed attentive to his desk at the Department of Finance, the -office hours were over at midday and he was free to pass the afternoons -and evenings at the club. The viscountess remained languidly helpless -and clung to her own apartment, where she kept a couple of Arab servants -busy waiting upon her.</p> - -<p>Consinor had told Aneth that he would not touch a card while he remained -in Egypt; but if he had ever had an idea of keeping his word the -resolution soon vanished. He found Kāra irresistible. Sometimes, to be -sure, the prince had luck and won, but in that event it was his custom -to double the stakes indefinitely until his opponent swept all his -winnings away.</p> - -<p>This reckless policy at first alarmed Consinor, who was accustomed to -the cautious play of the London clubs; but he observed that Kāra -declined ever to rise from the table a winner. No matter with whom he -played, his opponent was sure to profit in the end by the Egyptian’s -peculiar methods. For this reason no man was more popular at the club or -more eagerly sought as a partner in “a quiet game” than Prince Kāra, -whose wealth seemed enormous and inexhaustible and whose generosity was -proverbial.</p> - -<p>But the rich Egyptian seemed to fancy Consinor’s society above all -other, and soon it came to be understood<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_125" id="page_125"></a>{125}</span> by the club’s habitués that -the two men preferred to play together, and the viscount was universally -envied as a most fortunate individual.</p> - -<p>Yet Kāra was occupying himself in other ways than card-playing during -the weeks that followed the arrival of Lord Roane’s party in Egypt. The -victims of Hatatcha’s hatred had been delivered into his net, and it was -now necessary to spin his web so tightly about them that there could be -no means of escape. The oriental mind is intricate. It seldom leads -directly to a desired object or accomplishment, but prefers to plot -cunningly and with involute complexity.</p> - -<p>One of Lord Roane’s few responsibilities was to audit the claims against -the Egyptian Government of certain British contractors who were engaged -in repairing the Rosetta Barrage and the canals leading from it. This -barrage had originally been built in 1842, but was so badly done that -important repairs had long been necessary. At one place a contractor -named McFarland had agreed to build a stone embankment for two miles -along the edge of a canal, to protect the country when the sluice-gates -of the dam were opened. This man found, when he began excavating, that -at one time a stone embankment had actually been built in this same -place, although not high enough to be effective, for which reason it had -become covered with Nile mud and its very existence forgotten. Finding -that more than half of the work he had contracted to perform was already -accomplished, the astute McFarland kept his<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_126" id="page_126"></a>{126}</span> lucky discovery a secret -and proceeded to complete the embankment. Then he presented his bill for -the entire work to be audited by Roane, after which he intended to -collect from the Government. The matter involved the theft of eighteen -thousand pounds sterling.</p> - -<p>Kāra, whose well-paid spies were watching every official act of Lord -Roane, learned of the contractor’s plot by means of its betrayal to one -of his men by McFarland himself, who, in an unguarded moment, when he -was under the influence of drink, confided his good fortune to “his dear -friend.” But it was evident that Roane had no suspicion of the imposture -and was likely to approve the fulfilment of the contract without -hesitation.</p> - -<p>Here was just the opportunity that the Egyptian had been seeking. One -morning Tadros, being fully instructed, obtained a private interview -with Lord Roane and confided to him his discovery of the clever plan of -robbing the Government which McFarland was contemplating. Roane was -surprised, but thanked the informer and promised to expose the swindle.</p> - -<p>“That, my lord, would be a foolish thing to do,” asserted the dragoman, -bluntly. “The Egyptian Government is getting rich, and has ample money -to pay for this contract and a dozen like it. I assure you that no one -is aware of this secret but ourselves. Very well! Are we fools, my lord? -Are there no commissions to be exacted to repay you for living in this -country of the Turks, or me for keeping my ears open? I do not want<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_127" id="page_127"></a>{127}</span> -your thanks; I want money. For a thousand pounds I will keep silent -forever. For the rest, you can arrange your own division with the -contractor.”</p> - -<p>Roane grew angry and indignant at once, asserting the dignity of his -high office and blustering and threatening the dragoman for daring to so -insult him. Tadros, however, was unimpressed.</p> - -<p>“It is a mere matter of business,” he suggested, when he was again -allowed to proceed. “I am myself an Egyptian, but the Egyptians do not -rule Egypt. Nor do I believe the English are here from entirely -unselfish motives. To be frank, why should you or I endeavor to protect -the stupid Turks, who are being robbed right and left? In this affair -there is no risk at all, for if McFarland’s dishonesty is discovered no -one can properly accuse you of knowing the truth about the old -embankment. Your inspector has gone there now; on his return he will say -that the work is completed according to contract. You will approve the -bill, McFarland will be paid, and I will then call upon you to collect -my thousand pounds. Of your agreement with the contractor I wish to know -nothing; so, then, the matter is settled. You can trust to my -discretion, my lord.”</p> - -<p>Then he went away, leaving Roane to consider the proposition.</p> - -<p>The old nobleman’s career was punctured with such irregularities that -the contemplation of this innocent-looking affair was in no way -appalling to his moral sense. He merely pondered its safety, and decided -the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_128" id="page_128"></a>{128}</span> risk of exposure was small. Cairo was an extravagant city to live -in, and his salary was too small to permit him to indulge in all the -amusements he craved. The opportunity to acquire a snug amount was not -to be despised, and, after all, the dragoman was correct in saying it -would be folly not to take advantage of it.</p> - -<p>The next day Kāra personally interviewed the contractor, telling him -frankly that he was aware of all the details of the proposed swindle. -McFarland was frightened, and protested that he had no intention of -collecting the bill he had presented.</p> - -<p>But the prince speedily reassured him.</p> - -<p>“You must follow out your plans,” said he. “It is too late to withdraw -now. When you go to Roane he will inform you that he has discovered the -truth. You will then compromise with him, offering him one-half of the -entire sum you intend to steal, or a matter of nine thousand pounds. -Give him more, if necessary; but remember that every piastre you allow -Roane I will repay to you personally, if you can get my lord to sign a -receipt to place in my hands.”</p> - -<p>“I see,” said McFarland, nodding wisely. “You want to get him in your -power.”</p> - -<p>“Precisely; and I am willing to pay well to do so.”</p> - -<p>“But when you expose him you will also implicate me.”</p> - -<p>“I shall not expose him. It will merely be a weapon for me to hold over -him, but one I shall never use. You can depend upon that. Take your -eighteen thousand<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_129" id="page_129"></a>{129}</span> pounds and go to England, where it will enable you to -live in peace and affluence.”</p> - -<p>“I will,” said the contractor. “I’ll take the chances.”</p> - -<p>“There are none,” returned Kāra, positively.</p> - -<p>So it was that Lord Roane bargained successfully with the contractor and -won for himself twelve of the eighteen thousand pounds for auditing the -bill. The money was promptly paid by the Government and the division of -spoils followed. Tadros called for his thousand pounds and gave a -receipt for it that would incriminate himself if he ever dared divulge -the secret. Roane also gave a receipt to McFarland, although -reluctantly, and only when he found the matter could be arranged in no -other way.</p> - -<p>This receipt passed into the hands of Kāra. The contractor at once -returned to England, and my lord secretly congratulated himself upon his -“good luck” and began to enjoy his money.</p> - -<p>While this little comedy was being enacted, Kāra found opportunity to -call more than once upon Miss Aneth Consinor, who was charmed by his -graceful speech and his exceptional knowledge of Egyptian history. Even -Winston, whom Kāra met sometimes in the young lady’s reception-room, -could not deny the prince’s claim to superior information concerning the -ancients, and he listened as eagerly as Aneth to the man’s interesting -conversations, while impotently resenting the Egyptian’s attention to -the girl.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_130" id="page_130"></a>{130}</span></p> - -<p>Aneth, however, knowing no reason why she should not admire the handsome -native, whose personal attractions were by no means small, loved to draw -him into discussions on his favorite themes and watch his dark, glowing -eyes light up as he explained the mysteries of the priestly rites of the -early dynasties. Whatever might be the man’s secret designs, he always -treated the English girl with rare gentleness and courtesy, although the -bluntness of his speech and the occasional indelicacy of his allusions -betrayed the crudeness of his early training. Winston grew to dislike -and even to fear Kāra; for while he had nothing tangible with which to -reproach the Egyptian, his experience of the native character led him to -distrust the man intuitively.</p> - -<p>Kāra doubtless felt this mistrust, for a coolness grew up between the -two men that quickly destroyed their former friendship, and they soon -came to mutually understand that they were rivals for Aneth’s favor, and -perhaps her affections.</p> - -<p>Neither, however, had any idea of withdrawing from the field, and Aneth -distributed her favors equally between them because she had no thought -beyond her enjoyment of the society of the two men who had proved so -especially agreeable. The girl had no chaperone except a young English -lady whose rooms adjoined her own and with whom she had established a -friendship; but Mrs. Everingham took a warm interest in the lonely girl -and was glad to accompany her in many an excursion from which Aneth -would otherwise have been<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_131" id="page_131"></a>{131}</span> debarred. The visits to the museum with -Winston were frequent and of absorbing interest, for the handsome young -Egyptologist was a delightful guide. Following an afternoon examining -the famous relics, they would repair to the terrace at Shepheard’s for -five-o’clock tea, and here Kāra frequently joined them. The prince had -brought from Paris an automobile, together with a competent French -chauffeur, and in this machine many pleasant excursions were made to the -pyramids, Heliopolis, Sakkara and Helwan, the Egyptian roads being -almost perfection. Winston and Mrs. Everingham always joined these -parties, and neither could fail to admit that Kāra was a delightful -host.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_132" id="page_132"></a>{132}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br /><br /> -<small>NEPHTHYS.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">K</span>āra’s plans were now maturing excellently, save in one particular. He -did not wish to acquire a fondness for the girl who was his proposed -victim, yet from the first she had cast a powerful spell over him, which -all his secret struggles failed to remove. Waking or sleeping, her face -was always before him, nor could he banish it even when engaged in play -with her father at the club.</p> - -<p>The Egyptian was shrewd enough to recognize danger in this extraordinary -condition, and it caused him much uneasiness.</p> - -<p>Finally, during a wakeful night, he thought of a means of escape.</p> - -<p>“Tadros,” said he to his dragoman in the morning, “go to Fedah and fetch -Nephthys here. I have an empty harem at present; she shall be its first -occupant.”</p> - -<p>Even the dragoman was surprised. He had begun to look upon his master as -one affecting the manners and customs of the Europeans rather than the -followers of the lax Muslim faith; but his face showed his pleasure at -receiving the command.</p> - -<p>“Most certainly, my prince,” said he, with alacrity. “I will take the -first train to Fedah, and the beauty shall be in your harem within three -days.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_133" id="page_133"></a>{133}</span></p> - -<p>Kāra caught the tone and the look.</p> - -<p>“On second thought, Tadros,” he said, gravely, “I will send Ebbek in -your place. I may need your services here in Cairo.”</p> - -<p>“Ebbek! that doddering old Arab! He will never do at all,” cried the -dragoman, blusteringly. “I alone know Fedah, and I alone know how to -deal with Sĕra, and how to bring her fat daughter to you in safety. It -is I who will go!”</p> - -<p>“Send Ebbek to me.”</p> - -<p>“Not so; I will go myself to Fedah.”</p> - -<p>“Am I the master, Tadros?”</p> - -<p>“You think so, because you are rich. If I knew of the tombs you are -plundering, it is I who would be the master!”</p> - -<p>“You are in great danger, my poor dragoman.”</p> - -<p>Tadros, who had been glaring defiantly upon the other, dropped his eyes -before the cold look of Kāra.</p> - -<p>“Besides, some one must pay old Sĕra the two hundred and fifty piastres -due her,” he muttered, somewhat confused. “It was the contract, and she -will not let the girl come unless she has the money.”</p> - -<p>“Send Ebbek to me.”</p> - -<p>The dragoman obeyed. He did not like Kāra’s manner. He might, in truth, -be in danger if he persisted in protesting. No one was so deep as he in -his master’s confidence. But what did he know? Merely enough to cause -him to fear.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_134" id="page_134"></a>{134}</span></p> - -<p>Ebbek performed the mission properly. He not only paid Sĕra her due, but -gave her five gold pieces into the bargain, by his master’s -instructions; and he brought the girl, closely veiled, to Cairo and -delivered her to Kāra’s housekeeper.</p> - -<p>The rooms of the harem had been swept and prepared. They were very -luxurious, even for Cairo, and Nephthys was awed by the splendor of the -apartments to be devoted to her use. Her dark, serious eyes, glorious as -those attributed to the houris of Paradise, wandered about the rooms as -she sank upon a divan, too dazed to think or speak.</p> - -<p>Neither faculty was a strong point with Nephthys, however. Meekly she -had obeyed the summons from the master who had purchased her. She did -not try to consider what that summons might mean to her. What use? It -was her fate. Perhaps at times she had dimly expected such a change. -Kāra had once mentioned to her mother the possibility of his sending for -her; but she had not dwelt upon the matter at all.</p> - -<p>In the same listless manner that she had carried water from the Nile and -worked at the loom she followed old Ebbek to Cairo, leaving her mother -to gloat over her store of gold.</p> - -<p>The journey across the river was a new experience to her—the journey by -railway was wonderful; but she showed no interest. The great eyes calmly -saw all, but the brain was not active enough to wonder. She had heard of -such things and knew that they<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_135" id="page_135"></a>{135}</span> existed. Now she saw them—saw marvelous -Cairo, with its thousand domes and minarets, its shifting kaleidoscope -of street scenes, its brilliant costumes and weird clamor—and the -medley of it all dulled her senses.</p> - -<p>In a way she was really amused; but the amusement was only sensual. This -costume was more gorgeous than the braided jacket of Tadros the -dragoman, she observed; that house was better than the one old Hatatcha -had lived in. But beyond this vague comparison, the sights were all -outside her personal participation in them. The part she herself was -playing on the world’s great stage, the uncertainty of her immediate -future, the reason why this tall, gray-bearded Arab was escorting her to -Cairo, were all things she failed to consider.</p> - -<p>So it was that on her entry into Kāra’s splendid harem the girl could -not at first understand that the luxury surrounding her was prepared for -her especial use. Had she comprehended this fact, she would still have -been unable to imagine why.</p> - -<p>She rested upon the cushions and gazed stupidly, yet with childish -intentness, at the rich draperies and rugs, the gilded tables and -chairs, the marble statuary and the tinkling perfumed fountain in the -corner, as if fearing the vision would presently dissolve and she would -awake from a dream.</p> - -<p>She had brought a bundle under her dark blue shawl, a bundle containing -her cotton tunic, the spangled robe<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_136" id="page_136"></a>{136}</span> and the wreath of artificial -flowers. The blue beads Kāra had once given her were around her -neck—all but one, which she had carefully removed and given to Sĕra her -mother for an amulet.</p> - -<p>She scarcely noticed when the old hag who acted as Kāra’s housekeeper -tossed her precious bundle scornfully into a corner and began to disrobe -her. The shawl, the black cotton dress, the coarse undergown, were one -by one removed, and then the flat-bottomed home-made shoes.</p> - -<p>When she was nude, the hag led her to an adjoining chamber, where her -bath was prepared. Nephthys wondered, but did not speak. Neither did old -Tilga, the housekeeper. She saw that the girl needed a scrubbing rather -than a bath, and gave it to her much as if she were washing a child.</p> - -<p>Afterward, when the fat, soft skin was dried, and annointed, and -properly perfumed, Tilga led Nephthys to the robing-room, and dressed -her in underclothing of silken gauze and a marvelous gown that was -fastened with a girdle of cloth of gold. Pink stockings were drawn -snugly over her chubby legs, and pink satin slippers, with silver -bead-work, adorned her feet.</p> - -<p>Then Tilga dressed the girl’s magnificent hair, placing a jeweled -butterfly against its lustrous coils.</p> - -<p>When Nephthys was led before a great mirror, she could scarcely believe -the image reflected therein was her own. But the woman in her was at -last aroused.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_142_lg.jpg"> -<img src="images/i_142_sml.jpg" width="341" height="500" alt="Image unavailble: She smiled at herself, then laughed—shyly at first, now -with genuine delight" /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">She smiled at herself, then laughed—shyly at first, now -with genuine delight</span> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_137" id="page_137"></a>{137}</span></p> - -<p>She smiled at herself, then laughed—shyly at first, now with genuine -delight. She could have remained hours before the mirror admiring the -gorgeous vision; but the hag pulled her away, dragging her by one wrist -back to the boudoir, with its gilded furniture and the fountain.</p> - -<p>As she sank again upon the divan her eyes saw a tabouret at her side, -upon which was a bronze lamp with a floating wick and a tray of -cigarettes. She seized one of the latter eagerly, with a half-defiant -look at old Tilga, and lighted it from the tiny flame of the lamp. Then -she leaned back upon the cushions and inhaled the smoke with perfect -enjoyment.</p> - -<p>Tilga nodded approval, surveying her new charge the while critically. -She had much experience with harems, and wondered where Prince Kāra -could have found this exquisite creature; for, to Oriental eyes, at -least, Nephthys was rarely beautiful, and, perhaps, few men of Europe -would have gazed upon her perfect features and great velvet eyes without -admiration.</p> - -<p>The rich dress transformed the Nile girl. Her luxurious surroundings but -enhanced her beauty. Seemingly she was born for a harem, and fate had -qualified her for this experience.</p> - -<p>The afternoon that Nephthys arrived, Kāra was at the club, playing -écarté with Lord Consinor. He was steadily winning, and in compliance -with his usual custom, he declared he would continue to double until he -lost.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_138" id="page_138"></a>{138}</span></p> - -<p>“I’m not anxious to get your money, Consinor,” he remarked, carelessly. -“There will doubtless come a change in the luck before long.”</p> - -<p>The viscount was visibly disturbed. In all his experience he had never -seen a man win so persistently. Already the stakes, because of Kāra’s -system of doubling, were enormous, and the game had attracted a group of -spectators, who were almost as eager as the participants.</p> - -<p>Gradually the afternoon waned, until at length the prince announced in a -low voice that the stakes were ten thousand pounds. Consinor shivered: -but with his eyes on the flame-lit ring of the prince, he cut the cards -and played his hand as well as he was able. Kāra won, and the viscount -threw down the cards with a white face. Already he was ruined, and to -risk a deal for twenty thousand pounds was more than his nerves could -bear.</p> - -<p>“I’m done, Prince,” said he, hoarsely.</p> - -<p>“Bah! it is nothing,” returned Kāra, lightly. “We will merely postpone -the play until a more favorable time, when this cursed streak of -luck—which I deplore more than you do—is broken. We will start afresh, -and you shall have a chance to win your money back. Sign me a note of -hand and I will go.”</p> - -<p>The viscount drew a sheet of paper toward him and signed a note of hand -for ten thousand pounds. According to the rules of the club, the paper -must be witnessed by two members, so Colonel Varrin and Ering van Roden -penciled their initials upon it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_139" id="page_139"></a>{139}</span></p> - -<p>Kāra stuffed the document carelessly into a side pocket; but a moment -after, as if struck by a sudden thought, he pulled out a paper and -rolled it into a taper. This he lighted from the blaze of a lamp and -with it relit his cigar, afterward holding the taper in his fingers -until it was consumed to a fine ash. Not a word was spoken. The others -watched him silently, but with significant looks, never suspecting he -had substituted another paper for the note of hand, while Consinor, as -the ash was brushed to the floor, breathed more freely.</p> - -<p>“The pleasure of winning ought to be enough for any man,” remarked the -prince, and, rising from the table, he sauntered from the room.</p> - -<p>“Nevertheless, it is a debt of honor,” said Colonel Varrin, gravely. -“But it is fortunate, Consinor, you were playing with Prince Kāra. The -fellow is so confoundedly rich that money means nothing to him, and he -will not take his winnings unless you force him to accept them.”</p> - -<p>“I know that,” returned the viscount. “I would never have allowed -another man to double the stakes during a winning streak. Perhaps I -should not have allowed the prince to do so.”</p> - -<p>Then he also left the club, for, despite Kāra’s seeming generosity in -destroying the note, his own insidious nature led him to suspect every -man he had dealings with, and the amount involved was so enormous that -it would swallow up double the sum his father’s crippled estates<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_140" id="page_140"></a>{140}</span> were -now worth. On his own account he had nothing at all beyond the salary he -drew from the Ministry of Finance; so he realized his danger, and could -not resist feeling that he had been led into a trap.</p> - -<p>Meantime Tadros had not forgotten, as his master had done, the probable -arrival of Nephthys by the afternoon train. He should have waited in the -ante-room of the club for Kāra’s orders; but instead he returned to the -house and found that the girl had already been there for an hour.</p> - -<p>“I will see her,” he muttered, and disregarding old Ebbek, who would -have stopped him, he entered the harem.</p> - -<p>Thrusting aside the draperies, Tadros coolly stalked into the girl’s -boudoir and then stopped short in undisguised astonishment at what his -eyes beheld. Nephthys was reclining upon the divan, smoking her -cigarette, resplendent in her fleecy silks, the golden braid and the -sparkling jewels.</p> - -<p>She smiled and nodded as she saw her old friend the dragoman, but Tilga -burst into a flood of angry protestations and curses, rushing at the -intruder and trying to drive him from the room with futile pushes of her -lean hands.</p> - -<p>Tadros resisted, and when the hag started to scream he covered her mouth -with his hand, holding her fast at the same time.</p> - -<p>“Listen, old imbecile!” he muttered. “Do you wish to lose your place -with Prince Kāra? Be sensible,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_141" id="page_141"></a>{141}</span> then. You are under my orders—the -orders of Tadros the dragoman, and you must obey me.”</p> - -<p>“I obey only the prince,” retorted Tilga, sullenly. “You will not be -dragoman when the master hears you have violated his harem.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, but he will not hear! It is to be our secret, Tilga. You are going -to enter my service, and I will make you rich in a few months. See! here -are five hundred piastres—five golden pounds in good English money. It -is only a promise of more to come. Take it, Tilga.”</p> - -<p>The hag took it, but with reluctance.</p> - -<p>“If the prince discovers—” she began.</p> - -<p>“But he won’t,” declared Tadros, promptly. “He will discover nothing. -Just now I left him at the club, playing cards with an Englishman. Go -outside, my Tilga, and watch in the courtyard.”</p> - -<p>She hobbled away, still muttering protests, and the dragoman seated -himself upon the divan beside Nephthys.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_142" id="page_142"></a>{142}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br /><br /> -<small>THE TALISMAN OF AHTKA-RĀ.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">K</span>āra found he had only time to dress for a dinner with Mrs. Everingham. -Aneth was to be there also, and he must not neglect the intrigue he was -conducting to obtain an ascendency over the girl. That was the reason, -he told himself, why he was so anxious to attend.</p> - -<p>His plans were progressing well at this time. The only adverse element -was the obvious infatuation of Gerald Winston for Miss Consinor; but the -Egyptian had carefully gauged the depths of the young girl’s character. -She was interested in antiquities, and therefore encouraged Winston, who -was a noted scholar; but there was no danger in that. Kāra knew more of -Egyptology than all the scholars in Cairo, and had often seen Aneth’s -face brighten when he told her some strange and interesting bit of -unwritten history. To be sure, Winston was her own countryman, and had -an advantage in that; yet Mrs. Everingham had once said in his hearing -that a handsome foreigner was always fascinating to an Englishwoman, and -he had remembered the careless remark and pondered its truth until he -had come to believe it.</p> - -<p>He had a better argument than any of these in reserve, however. If the -Englishman really succeeded<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_143" id="page_143"></a>{143}</span> in winning Aneth’s love in the end, then -Kāra knew how to compel the girl to obedience.</p> - -<p>As he left his room he found the dragoman leaning against a pillar of -the courtyard.</p> - -<p>“Is Nephthys here?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>“I suppose so,” answered the dragoman, yawning sleepily. “She was due to -arrive this afternoon, wasn’t she?”</p> - -<p>Kāra looked at him with sudden suspicion.</p> - -<p>“Have you seen her?” he demanded.</p> - -<p>“Am I the keeper of your harem?” retorted Tadros, indignantly. “Old -Tilga has been hidden in the women’s quarters for hours. Probably she is -attending to your Nephthys.”</p> - -<p>He eyed his master disdainfully, and Kāra walked on and entered the -carriage. He had barely time to join the company at dinner, and Nephthys -could wait.</p> - -<p>Winston was not present this evening, and the prince found Aneth -unusually gracious. She chatted so pleasantly, her manner was so -friendly and her clear eyes so sweet and intelligent, that Kāra gave way -to the moment’s enchantment and forgot all else in the delight of her -society.</p> - -<p>Nor did he recover readily from the spell. After returning home he paced -the floor for an hour, recalling the English girl’s fair face and every -change of its expression. Then he gave a guilty start as a recollection -of Hatatcha swept over him, impressing upon his memory his fearful -oath.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_144" id="page_144"></a>{144}</span></p> - -<p>Kāra’s nature, despite his cold exterior, was fervid in the extreme. He -had sworn to hate this girl, yet to-night he loved her passionately. But -Hatatcha’s training had not entirely failed. He calmed himself, and -examined his danger critically, as an outsider might have done.</p> - -<p>To yield to his love for Aneth would mean enslavement by the enemy, a -condition from which his judgment instinctively revolted. To steel his -heart against her charms would be difficult, but its necessity was -obvious. He determined to pursue his plot with relentless hatred, and to -raise between the girl and himself as many bars as possible. He scorned -his own weakness, and since he knew that it existed, he resolved to -conquer it.</p> - -<p>Once Hatatcha had said to him: “You are cold, selfish and cruel, and I -have made you so.” True; these qualities had been carefully instilled -into his nature. He was proud that he possessed them, for he had a -mission to fulfil. And if he desired any peace in his future life, that -mission must be fully accomplished.</p> - -<p>In the morning he went to see Nephthys, and his face brightened as he -realized how remarkably beautiful she was. The Orientals generally -admire only the form of a woman, being indifferent to the face; but Kāra -was modern enough to appreciate beauty of feature, while holding to an -extent the Eastern prejudice that a fat and soft form is the chief -attraction of the female<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_145" id="page_145"></a>{145}</span> sex. So he found Nephthys admirable in every -way; and if her indifference and perfect subjection to his will in any -way annoyed him, he was at this time unaware of the fact. He wished this -girl to replace Aneth Consinor in his affection and esteem, and would -forgive much in Nephthys if she could manage to bring about this -excellent result.</p> - -<p>After this he devoted much of his attention to the Nile girl, striving -in his association with her to exclude all outside interests. He -purchased for her marvelous costumes and hired two Arab maidens to -attend her and keep her royally attired. Kāra’s most splendid diamonds -and rubies were set by Andalaft in many coronets, brooches and bracelets -to deck her person, and many of the wonderful pearls he had brought from -the secret tomb were carefully sized and strung to form a necklace for -the Egyptian girl’s portly neck.</p> - -<p>Nephthys was pleased with these possessions. They drew her from the dull -lassitude in which she had existed, and aroused in her breast a womanly -exultation that even her mother could never have imagined her able to -develop. It may be the girl began to think and to dream; yet if so, -there was little outward indication of the fact. To comprehend any -woman’s capabilities is difficult; to comprehend those of Nephthys -seemed impossible. She was luxury-loving by nature, as are all -Orientals, and accepted the comforts of her surroundings without -questioning why they were bestowed upon her. Whatever sensibilities she -possessed had long<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_146" id="page_146"></a>{146}</span> lain dormant. They might be awakening now; her -delight in adornment seemed the first step in that direction.</p> - -<p>Kāra purposely remained away from the club for several evenings -following that in which he had won Consinor’s ten thousand pounds. -Perhaps he wished his enemy to become uneasy and fret at the delay in -wiping out the debt, and if so, it would have gratified him to know the -feverish anxiety with which the viscount haunted the club, and watched -every new arrival in the hope that Kāra would appear.</p> - -<p>At last the Egyptian judged that he had waited long enough, and prepared -to still further enmesh his victim. In his room that evening he took -from a secret drawer of his cabinet a small roll of papyrus, on which -were closely written hieroglyphics. To refresh his memory he read the -scroll carefully, although it was not the first time he had studied it -since it had fallen at his feet when the bust of Isis was overturned at -the tomb of Ahtka-Rā.</p> - -<p>Freely translated, the writing was as follows:</p> - -<p>“Being finally prepared to join Anubis in the nether world, I, Ahtka-Rā, -son of the Sun and High Priest of Āmen, have caused to be added to the -decoration of my sarcophagus the precious Stone of Fortune given to me -by the King of Kesh<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a> in return for having preserved him and his people -from the wrath of Rameses. It is my belief that this wondrous stone will -guard my tomb when my spirit has departed, and by its powers preserve<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_147" id="page_147"></a>{147}</span> -my body and my treasure from being despoiled, until that time when I -shall return to Qemt<a name="FNanchor_B_2" id="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2" class="fnanchor">[B]</a> to live again. Let no descendant of my house -remove it from its place, for the Stone of Fortune is mine, and I -bequeath it not to any of those who may come after me. In time of need -my children may take of the treasure what they require, but to disturb -my Stone of Fortune will be to draw upon the offender the bitterest -curse of my spirit. It may be known to all from its changing color, -being never the same for long; and the color of it is not bright, as is -the ruby or the carnelian or amethyst, but ever gloomy and mysterious. -That none may mistake its location, I have embedded it in a triple band -of gold, and it is placed at the head of my sarcophagus. There shall it -remain. Since it came into my possession I have ever worn it in my -bosom, and by its magic I have been able to control Rameses the son of -Seti, to rule his kingdom as if it were my own, to confound all my -enemies and accusers, and to amass such riches as no man of Qemt has -ever before possessed. Also has it brought to me health and many years -in which to accomplish the purpose of my present existence. For this -reason do I refuse to part with it in the ages during which I await the -new life. Whatever else may happen to my tomb, I implore those who live -in the days to come to leave to me this one treasure.”</p> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> Ethiopia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_B_2" id="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2"><span class="label">[B]</span></a> Egypt.</p></div> - -<p>It was signed by Ahtka-Rā and sealed with his seal, being doubtless the -work of his own hand.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_148" id="page_148"></a>{148}</span></p> - -<p>Kāra rerolled the papyrus and put it away, pausing to glance with a -smile at the strange ring he wore upon his hand.</p> - -<p>“My great ancestor was selfish,” he murmured, “and wished to prevent any -of his descendants from becoming as famous as he himself was. -Nevertheless, had I read the script before I removed the stone from the -sarcophagus, I would have respected Ahtka-Rā’s wish; but I did not know -what treasure I had gained until afterward, when it was too late to -restore the stone without another visit to the tomb. A curse is a -dreadful thing, especially from one’s ancestor, and it is even to avoid -Hatatcha’s curse that I am now fulfilling her vengeance. But Ahtka-Rā -may rest content; I have merely borrowed his talisman, and it shall be -returned to him when I have obtained full satisfaction from my -grandmother’s enemies. Meantime, the stone will protect me from evil -fortune, and when it is restored the curse will be averted.”</p> - -<p>Something in this expression struck him as incongruous. He thought -deeply for a moment, a frown gathering upon his brow. Then he said: “I -must not deceive myself with sophistries. What if the curse is already -working, and because of it the English girl has turned my strength to -weakness? But that cannot be. Whenever I have worn this ring I have -mastered all difficulties and triumphed as I desired; and I will triumph -in my undertaking to-night, in spite of the reproach I can already see -in Aneth’s eyes. I am still the controller<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_149" id="page_149"></a>{149}</span> of my own destiny as well as -the destinies of others; for if the talisman did so much for Ahtka-Rā as -he claims, it will surely prove stronger than any curse.”</p> - -<p>With a laugh he shook off the uncanny feeling that had for the moment -oppressed him, and went to the club.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_150" id="page_150"></a>{150}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br /><br /> -<small>ROGUES ANCIENT AND MODERN.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">C</span>onsinor arrived early at the Lotus Club and took his seat at a small -table facing the doorway, where he whiled away the time by playing -solitaire.</p> - -<p>Presently Kāra entered and greeted him cordially, seeming to be in an -especially happy mood.</p> - -<p>“Well, shall we try our luck?” he said, seating himself at the opposite -side of the table.</p> - -<p>Nodding assent, Consinor gathered up the cards and shuffled them. -Several loungers who knew of the previous game and wondered what the -next meeting between the two men would evolve, clustered around the -table to watch the result.</p> - -<p>Kāra won the cut and dealt. He played rather carelessly and lost. The -stakes were a pound sterling.</p> - -<p>“Double!” he cried, laughing, and again the viscount nodded.</p> - -<p>The luck had shifted, it seemed, for the prince repeatedly lost. At -first he chatted gaily with those present and continued to double with -reckless disregard of his opponent’s success; but by and by he grew -thoughtful and looked at his cards more closely, watching the game as -shrewdly as his adversary. The stakes had grown to four hundred pounds, -and a subtle thrill of excitement spread over the little group of -watchers.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_151" id="page_151"></a>{151}</span> Was Consinor going to win back his ten thousand pounds at one -sitting?</p> - -<p>Suddenly Kāra, in dealing, fumbled the cards and dropped one of them. In -reaching to pick it up it slipped beneath his foot and he tore it into -two. It was the queen of hearts.</p> - -<p>“How stupid!” he laughed, showing the pieces. “Here, boy, bring us a -fresh pack of cards,” addressing an attendant.</p> - -<p>Consinor scowled and reached out his hand for the now useless deck. Kāra -slipped the cards into his pocket, including the mutilated one.</p> - -<p>“They are mine, prince,” said the viscount; “I use them for playing my -game of solitaire.”</p> - -<p>“Pardon, but I have destroyed their value,” returned Kāra. “I shall -insist upon presenting you with a new deck, since my awkwardness has -rendered your own useless.”</p> - -<p>Consinor bit his lip, but made no reply, watching silently while the -prince tore open the new deck and shuffled the cards.</p> - -<p>The viscount lost the next hand, and the score was evened. He lost -again, and still a third time.</p> - -<p>“The luck has changed with the new cards,” said he. “Let us postpone the -game until another evening, unless you prefer to continue.”</p> - -<p>“Very well,” Kāra readily returned, and throwing down the cards, he -leaned back in his chair, selected a fresh cigar from his case and -carefully lighted it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_152" id="page_152"></a>{152}</span></p> - -<p>Consinor had pushed back his own chair, but he did not rise. After -watching Kāra’s nonchalant movements for a time, the viscount drew from -his pocket three curious dice, and after an instant’s hesitation tossed -them upon the table.</p> - -<p>“Here is a curiosity,” he remarked. “I am told these cubes were found in -an Egyptian tomb at Thebes. They are said to be three thousand years -old.”</p> - -<p>The men present, including Kāra, examined the dice curiously. The spots -were arranged much as they are at the present day, an evidence that this -mode of gambling has been subjected to little improvement since the -early Egyptians first invented it.</p> - -<p>“They are excellently preserved,” said van Roden. “Where did you get -them, viscount?”</p> - -<p>“I picked them up the other day from a strolling Arab. They seemed to me -very quaint.”</p> - -<p>“There are several sets in the museum,” remarked Pintsch, a German in -charge of the excavations at Dashur. “It is very wonderful how much -those ancients knew.”</p> - -<p>Lord Consinor drew the dice toward him.</p> - -<p>“See here, Prince,” said he, “let us try our luck with these -antiquities. It is quicker and easier than écarté.”</p> - -<p>“Very well,” consented Kāra. “What are the stakes?”</p> - -<p>“Let us say a hundred pounds the throw.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_153" id="page_153"></a>{153}</span></p> - -<p>This suggestion startled the group of spectators; but Kāra said at once:</p> - -<p>“I will agree to that, my lord.”</p> - -<p>He lost once, twice, thrice.</p> - -<p>Then, as Consinor, with a triumphant leer, pushed the dice toward him, -Kāra thrust his hands in his pockets and said in a quiet voice to the -onlookers:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, I call upon you to witness that I am playing with a rogue. -These dice are loaded.”</p> - -<p>Following a moment’s horrified silence, the viscount sprang up with an -oath.</p> - -<p>“This is an insult, Prince Kāra!” he cried.</p> - -<p>“Sit down,” said Colonel Varrin, sternly. “No mere words can condemn -you, sir. Let us examine the dice.”</p> - -<p>The others concurred, their faces bearing witness to their dismay and -alarm. Such a disgraceful occurrence had never before been known within -those eminently respectable walls. The honor of the club was, they felt, -at stake.</p> - -<p>The cubes were carefully tested. It was as Kāra had charged—they were -loaded.</p> - -<p>“Can you explain this, Lord Consinor?” asked one of the party.</p> - -<p>“I cannot see why I should be called upon to explain,” was the reply. -“In purchasing the dice, I was wholly ignorant of their condition. It -was a mere impulse that led me to offer to play with them.”</p> - -<p>“It is well known that these ancient dice are frequently<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_154" id="page_154"></a>{154}</span> loaded,” -interrupted Pintsch, eagerly, as if he saw a solution of the affair. -“Two of the sets exhibited in the museum have been treated in the same -clever manner.”</p> - -<p>“That is true,” agreed Varrin, nodding gravely.</p> - -<p>“In that case,” said Consinor, “I am sure you gentlemen will exonerate -me from any intentional wrong. It is simply my misfortune that I offered -to play with the dice.”</p> - -<p>“Was it also your misfortune, my lord,” returned Kāra, calmly, “that you -have been playing all the evening with marked cards? I will ask you to -explain to these gentlemen why this deck, which you have claimed in -their presence to be your private property, bears secret marks that -could only have been placed there with one intent—to swindle an -unsuspecting antagonist.”</p> - -<p>He drew the cards from his pocket as he spoke and handed them to Colonel -Varrin, who examined them with a troubled countenance and then turned -them over to his neighbor for inspection.</p> - -<p>While the cards passed around, Consinor sat staring blankly at the -group. The evidence against him was so incontrovertible that he saw no -means of escape from the disgrace which was sure to follow.</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen,” said Kāra, when the last man had examined the cards and -laid them upon the table again, “I trust you will all bear evidence that -it is not my usual custom or desire to win money from those I play with. -Rather do I prefer to lose, for in that way I obtain the</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_162_lg.jpg"> -<img src="images/i_162_sml.jpg" width="350" height="500" alt="Image unavailble: Following a moment’s horrified silence, the viscount -sprang up with an oath" /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Following a moment’s horrified silence, the viscount -sprang up with an oath</span> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_155" id="page_155"></a>{155}</span></p> - -<p class="nind">amusement of playing, without the knowledge that I may have -inconvenienced my friends. But when a common trickster and cheat -conspires to rob me, my temper is different. Lord Consinor owes me ten -thousand pounds, and I demand from him in your presence prompt payment -of the debt. Also, I depend upon you to protect me and my fellow-members -from card sharpers in the future, which I am sure you will gladly do. -For the rest, the matter is in your hands. Good evening, gentlemen.”</p> - -<p>He bowed with dignity and withdrew. The others silently followed, -scattering to other rooms of the club. Varrin, as a club official, took -with him the incriminating dice and the marked cards.</p> - -<p>Lord Consinor, knowing well that he was ruined, sat muttering curses -upon Kāra and his own “hard luck” until he noticed the deserted room and -decided to go home. The disaster had fairly dazed him, so that he failed -to realize the fact that as he called for his hat and coat in the lobby -the groups of bystanders ceased their eager talk and carefully turned -their backs in his direction.</p> - -<p>The viscount had never heard of Hatatcha; yet it was her vengeance that -had overtaken him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_156" id="page_156"></a>{156}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br /><br /> -<small>WINSTON BEY IS INDIGNANT.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">I</span>n their rooms at the Savoy next morning Lord Roane and his son -quarreled violently. The day’s paper contained a full account of the -affair at the club, and while no names were mentioned, there was no -misunderstanding who the culprit was. “An English nobleman who had -lately arrived to fill an important position in the Ministry of Finance -was detected playing with marked cards and loaded dice by a well-known -Egyptian gentleman of wealth and high station, who promptly exposed the -fraud in the presence of several reputable club members. Fortunately, -the Englishman’s name had only been posted and he had not yet been -admitted to membership in the club, so that his trickery and consequent -disgrace in no way reflects upon that popular and admirably conducted -institution, etc.”</p> - -<p>Lord Roane was vastly chagrined and indignant as he read the account.</p> - -<p>“You low, miserable scoundrel!” he roared, facing his son; “how dare you -drag the name of your family in the mire, just as we are assuming an -indisputable position of respectability in Cairo? To be a gambler is -despicable enough, but to become a common cheat and swindler is utterly -unpardonable. What have you to say for yourself?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_157" id="page_157"></a>{157}</span></p> - -<p>“Nothing,” said Consinor, sullenly. “I am innocent. It was a plot to -ruin me.”</p> - -<p>“Pah! a plot of yours to ruin others rather. Speak up, man! Have you -nothing to say to excuse or palliate your shame and dishonor?”</p> - -<p>“What use?” asked the viscount, apathetically. “You will not believe -me.”</p> - -<p>“Do you believe him, Aneth?” asked the old man, turning to gaze upon the -girl’s horrified face. “Do you believe that this cur, who is my son and -your father, is innocent?”</p> - -<p>“No,” she answered, shrinking back as Consinor looked up curiously to -hear her reply. “He has deceived me cruelly. He promised me he would not -touch a card again, or play for money, and he has broken his word. I -cannot believe him now.”</p> - -<p>“Of course not,” her father retorted, reddening for the first time. “My -precious family is so rotten throughout that even its youngest member -cannot give a Consinor credit for being honest or sincere.”</p> - -<p>“See here, Roger; I will not have Aneth insulted, even by you. I’m not a -saint, I’ll admit; but I’ve never been guilty of petty swindling, and -your daughter is pure enough to shame us both. As for you, I’ve done -with you, and you must from this time work out your salvation in your -own way. You’ve dissipated any inheritance you might have had; but I’ll -give you a thousand pounds in cash if you’ll take your ugly face out of -Cairo and promise not to come near us again.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_158" id="page_158"></a>{158}</span> I’ll take care of your -wife and daughter, neither of whom, I am positive, will miss you for a -single hour.”</p> - -<p>“It’s a good offer,” said Consinor, quickly, “and I’ll accept it. Where -did you get the thousand pounds?”</p> - -<p>“That,” declared my lord, stiffly, “is none of your accursed business! -Now go. Leave your resignation with the Minister of Finance and then -make yourself scarce. Here, I’ll write you a check now.”</p> - -<p>Consinor took the paper.</p> - -<p>“If it is good, and the bank will cash it,” he said, slowly, “I’ll do as -I have agreed, and not trouble you again. Good-by, Aneth. Look out for -that snakey Egyptian who is following you around. He alone is -responsible for this affair, and you cannot afford to trust him; and -give my fond farewell to your mother. She won’t mind if I do not appear -in person to irritate her nerves.”</p> - -<p>“Where will you go?” asked Lord Roane.</p> - -<p>“That, sir, to repeat your own words, is none of your accursed -business.”</p> - -<p>With this filial response he left the room, and Aneth burst into a flood -of tears. Never had she felt so wretched and humiliated as at this -discovery of her father’s infamy, and although Roane tried to comfort -his granddaughter by pointing out the fact that Roger had long been a -gambler with a character not above suspicion, the girl had so fondly -hoped for her father’s regeneration that her disappointment was indeed -bitter.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_159" id="page_159"></a>{159}</span></p> - -<p>“It won’t hurt us so very much, my child,” continued the old nobleman, -stroking her head soothingly. “The world will know we have repudiated -Roger, and will sympathise with our distress. In a few months the -scandal will be forgotten, and we may again hold up our heads. I’m -afraid I’ve lived a rather wicked life, my dear; but for your sake I -would like to retrieve my good name and die possessed of the honor and -respect of all my fellow-men. And this, I believe, I can accomplish. -Don’t worry, little one! Be brave, and the blow will not hurt half so -much.”</p> - -<p>There were tears in his own eyes as he marked her distress, and he -continued to encourage her until the young girl had partly recovered her -self-control and the first shock of her sudden misfortune had been -blunted. Then he kissed her tenderly and went away to his office.</p> - -<p>The account in the morning paper had likewise caused Gerald Winston -considerable amazement and dismay. His first thought was of Aneth and -the trouble that had come to her; his next a feeling of resentment -toward Kāra. After pacing the floor restlessly for an hour, he called -for his saddle-horse and rode down the Shubra road to interview the -Egyptian at his villa.</p> - -<p>Kāra was at home and received his visitor with cold politeness, which -Winston passed unnoticed. He was not in a mood to be affected by -trifles.</p> - -<p>“I understand that you accused Consinor of cheating at the club last -night,” he began, impetuously.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_160" id="page_160"></a>{160}</span></p> - -<p>“Well?” said Kāra, lifting his brows inquiringly.</p> - -<p>“Why did you do it?”</p> - -<p>“Because it was true. He was robbing me.”</p> - -<p>“You know what I mean, sir! You have been posing as a friend of Miss -Consinor. To expose her father to public shame was the act of a cowardly -enemy.”</p> - -<p>“What would you have done in my place?” asked Kāra, calmly.</p> - -<p>“I? I would have concealed the discovery and allowed the man to go, -refusing to play with him again,” declared Winston.</p> - -<p>“And so have allowed him to rob others, perhaps?”</p> - -<p>“If necessary, yes, that his daughter’s good name might be protected. -But a private warning would have induced him to abandon further -trickery.”</p> - -<p>“He is an old offender, I believe,” said Kāra, leaning back in his chair -and regarding the other with an amused expression. “It might benefit you -to reflect that Miss Consinor’s good name has not been acquired on -account of her father’s respectability, any more than through the -reputation of her grandsire, who has grown old in iniquity. Therefore, I -cannot believe that I have injured her in any way.”</p> - -<p>A tinge of passionate hatred in the man’s voice as he referred to Lord -Roane aroused Winston’s attention. Then, suddenly, a light broke upon -him.</p> - -<p>“See here, Kāra,” he said, sternly, “are you persecuting these people -and plotting against them because<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_161" id="page_161"></a>{161}</span> of the old wrong that Roane did your -grandmother, Hatatcha?”</p> - -<p>“I am neither persecuting nor plotting against them,” declared Kāra. -“Consinor has ruined himself unaided. As for his daughter, I have every -object in protecting her from scandal.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean by that, sir?”</p> - -<p>“I intend to marry her.”</p> - -<p>At this cool statement Winston stared aghast. Then he gave a bitter -laugh.</p> - -<p>“That is absurd and impossible,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Why so?”</p> - -<p>“You are cousins.”</p> - -<p>“She does not know that, and you will not tell her because you have so -much regard for her grandfather’s good name,” with a sneer.</p> - -<p>“I see. It is your plot to ruin her; but it will fail, because she will -never consent to marry you,” he continued.</p> - -<p>“How do you know that?” asked Kāra.</p> - -<p>“It is improbable that she can love you.”</p> - -<p>“In that, sir, I am inclined to differ with you. Even if Aneth -discovered our relationship, it would not matter. In olden days our -Egyptian kings married their sisters. And I suppose that Lord Roane -would emphatically deny the assertion that I am his grandson. I would -myself deny it, and you have no proof to back your statement of the -fact.”</p> - -<p>“You told me the story with your own lips.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_162" id="page_162"></a>{162}</span></p> - -<p>“To be sure—and the story was true. I do not mind acknowledging it at -this moment, because there are no witnesses present; but if you repeat -the statement in public, I will deny it absolutely.”</p> - -<p>For a moment Winston remained thoughtfully silent. Then he said:</p> - -<p>“You are proposing a dreadful crime, Kāra, but it will avail you nothing -to defy morality in this way. There is another reason why Miss Consinor -will refuse to marry you, and it is entirely distinct from the subject -of your relationship.”</p> - -<p>“To what do you refer?”</p> - -<p>“To the woman you are keeping, even now, in your harem. It is a matter -of public scandal, and I am surprised that society has not already -ostracized you for your audacious defiance of propriety. You are neither -an Arab nor a Mohammedan. Doubtless the offense has not yet come to Miss -Consinor’s ears; but if it does, have you any idea she would place her -happiness in the hands of a man of your character?”</p> - -<p>Kāra frowned. Here was a weapon against him that he had never before -recognized.</p> - -<p>“I suppose you will take pains to inform Miss Consinor that I have a -slave-girl among my servants,” he said, mockingly.</p> - -<p>“I shall ask Mrs. Everingham to tell her the truth concerning your -domestic relations,” returned Winston, decidedly.</p> - -<p>The Egyptian arose.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_163" id="page_163"></a>{163}</span></p> - -<p>“I think it will be as well to end this interview, Winston Bey,” he -said. “You are yourself a pretender for the hand of my future bride, and -it is useless to endeavor to fairly discuss matters wherein you are so -selfishly concerned.”</p> - -<p>“Do you choose to defy my warnings?” asked Winston, angrily.</p> - -<p>“By no means. I merely ignore your implied threats. They can in no way -interfere with my plans.”</p> - -<p>“I believe,” said Winston, striving to control his indignation, “that -those plans are inspired by hatred rather than love. I shall do my best -to oppose them.”</p> - -<p>“Naturally. It is your privilege, sir.”</p> - -<p>Winston turned to go.</p> - -<p>“I shall always regret,” he remarked, bitterly, as a parting shot, “that -I was so foolish as to bring a filthy native from out the natural -environment of his mud village.”</p> - -<p>“The filthy native would have found other means of escape had you not -brought him; so you need not reproach yourself,” returned Kāra, with a -smile. “But the trifle you have mentioned should not be your deepest -regret, my stupid Englishman!”</p> - -<p>“Did I do anything more foolish?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“What was it?”</p> - -<p>“You kicked me twice beneath the palms of Fedah.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! I should not have restrained myself to two kicks.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_164" id="page_164"></a>{164}</span></p> - -<p>“Be content, sir. Twice was sufficient, since it is liable to cause you -much unhappiness. I had it in mind, had you kicked me again, to kill -you.”</p> - -<p>Winston left the villa more thoughtful than he had been on his arrival. -The matter involved much more, it seemed, than the loss of Lord -Consinor’s reputation. Kāra’s confident tone had not failed to impress -his rival, and the Englishman was more uneasy than he cared to admit -even to himself. His love for Aneth was sincere and unselfish, and he -could imagine no greater calamity for the girl than to acquire a -fondness for the treacherous native whose presence he had just left. -Such a contingency had not occurred to him before, and for this reason -Kāra’s claims were as startling as they were revolting. He longed to go -to the girl at once and strive to comfort her in this, her hour of -sorrow; but a natural delicacy restrained him. She would like to be -alone, at first, until she had somewhat recovered from the humiliation -she would be sure to suffer at the public exposure of her father’s -misdeeds. Afterward he could assure her of his confidence and -friendship, and, when the proper time came, of his love. Meantime he -contented himself by sending Aneth a basket of the most beautiful roses -to be found in Cairo.</p> - -<p>No such delicacy of feeling influenced Kāra. In the afternoon he went to -the Savoy and sent up his card.</p> - -<p>Aneth was alone, Mrs. Everingham having just left her for a drive. The -girl received the Egyptian almost with eagerness.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_165" id="page_165"></a>{165}</span></p> - -<p>“Can you forgive me, Prince?” she asked, by way of greeting, as she -stood before him with scarlet cheeks and downcast eyes.</p> - -<p>“Forgive you for what, Miss Aneth?” he replied, gently.</p> - -<p>“For—for the wrong my father did you,” she stammered.</p> - -<p>Kāra smiled, and she glanced up shyly in time to catch his expression of -amusement.</p> - -<p>“Let us sit down and talk it over,” he said, taking her hand and leading -her to a chair. “But it will be unnecessary, I am sure, for me to say -that I have nothing to forgive, since you have in no way offended.”</p> - -<p>“But my father—” she began, timidly, again dropping her eyes in shame.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I know, Miss Aneth,” said he. “Your father did a foolish thing, -for which people will justly condemn him. I am very sorry that it was -through me he was detected, but I assure you I was powerless to prevent -it. Others saw the marked cards and forced the accusation against him. -Believe me, I would have saved him if possible; but I could not.”</p> - -<p>“I believe you, Prince Kāra,” she said. “It was all my father’s fault, -and his punishment is only such as he deserved.”</p> - -<p>“I am deeply grieved for your sake,” continued Kāra, and indeed the -sight of her sweet face, convulsed with anguish, so appealed to him at -the moment that his speech was almost sincere. “I know what this -disgrace<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_166" id="page_166"></a>{166}</span> will mean to you, Aneth—the avoidance of your former -associates, and the jeers, perhaps, of those who have envied you. The -world is heartless always, and visits the sins of the fathers upon their -children; so that your innocence will not be considered save by your -truest friends.”</p> - -<p>He paused, for she was crying now, softly but miserably, and the tears -moved him strangely.</p> - -<p>“That is why I have come,” he continued, his voice trembling with -earnestness, “to assure you of my faith in you and of my steadfast -friendship. Nay, more; I offer to protect you against the sneers of all -the world, if you will grant me the right.”</p> - -<p>The girl started, glancing nervously and almost affrightedly into his -face.</p> - -<p>“I—I do not understand you, Prince Kāra,” she murmured.</p> - -<p>“Then I must speak more plainly,” he quickly rejoined, springing up to -stand before her with sparkling eyes and outstretched hands.</p> - -<p>“Aneth, my sweet one, I love you! To me you represent the joys of earth -and the delights of paradise. Only in your presence do I find happiness -and content. Be my wife, Aneth; give me yourself, and I will guard you -so well and place you so high that all the world will bow at your feet.”</p> - -<p>The speech shocked her, for there was no mistaking the man’s -earnestness. Nor did she know how to reply, the proposal being as -unexpected as it was inopportune.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_167" id="page_167"></a>{167}</span> Aneth may have had vague dreams of -love, as maidens will and should have; but she had been so happy in -Cairo that she had not thought the attentions of Kāra meant more than -the kindly good-fellowship of the other men she had met. Indeed, she had -not considered such a subject at all, and at this hour, when her heart -was wrung with grief, she found in it no response to her suitor’s fervid -appeals.</p> - -<p>“I cannot reply to you just now, Prince Kāra,” she said, with -hesitation; “it is all new to me, and quite unexpected, and—and I do -not wish to marry anyone.”</p> - -<p>His face hardened as he gazed upon her timid, shrinking form, but the -longing in his dark eyes remained. With all his lately acquired polish, -the native failed to comprehend that an English girl does not yield -herself to the demands of any man unless her heart and inclinations lead -her to acknowledge his authority. But he was wise enough to perceive -that the difficulties of the situation required tact if he wished to -succeed.</p> - -<p>“Aneth,” said he, more quietly, “this is no time for evasions or -misunderstandings between us. I have told you that I love you, that my -earnest desire is to make you my wife. You need a protector at this -moment, and a delay is as foolish as it is dangerous to your interests. -If you love me at all, you can tell me so to-day as well as later.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, that is it, Prince! I’m afraid that I do not love you in the way -that you wish,” answered the girl, aroused to a more dignified tone by -his persistence.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_168" id="page_168"></a>{168}</span> “I am very grateful to you, Prince Kāra, and -appreciate the honor of your proposal; but I have nothing more to offer -you than my sincere friendship.”</p> - -<p>“Then I will accept that as sufficient for the time being,” said he. “I -will marry your friendship, Aneth, and perhaps the love will some time -follow.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I cannot allow that!” she cried, distressed. “I am sorry to hurt -you when you are so kind to me; but can’t you see that I am unnerved and -unhappy to-day, and that if you force me to answer you, I can only say -‘no’?”</p> - -<p>He grew thoughtful at this, studying her features carefully. After a -moment he replied:</p> - -<p>“I will not press the question further now, but will give you two days -for consideration. Will you answer me at the end of that time?”</p> - -<p>She hesitated, knowing already what the answer would be and that it was -best he understood her at once. Yet to her inexperienced mind it seemed -more easy to postpone the matter until she had time to collect her -thoughts and reply to Kāra more gently and effectively.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said she, answering him; “come to me in two days, please.”</p> - -<p>To her surprise he bowed gravely and at once left the room; but the -relief she experienced made her glad that she had found this simple way -to evade her present difficulties. In two days she would know better -what to say to him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_169" id="page_169"></a>{169}</span></p> - -<p>Kāra was astonished at his own forbearance. Where he might have -threatened and compelled he had merely implored, and he could not in the -least understand the mood that had swayed his actions. But while in the -girl’s presence he seemed not to be himself, or even to know himself.</p> - -<p>If only Aneth would love him, how gladly would he shield her from the -inheritance of his grandmother’s malignant vengeance! Even if she could -not love him, he was determined to win her for his wife, for the longing -of his heart was at this time too great to be denied.</p> - -<p>In her tears and distress the girl had seemed more lovely than ever, -and, as he drove slowly homeward, he dwelt upon her with an ecstasy of -adoration that seemed entirely foreign to his cold and calculating -nature. At this moment perhaps he really loved Aneth; but the Eastern -lover is prone to sudden fits of intense passion that soon exhaust -themselves, and the reaction is apt to restore them to their native -apathy with surprising abruptness.</p> - -<p>When Kāra arrived home he at once crossed the courtyard and entered the -quarters devoted to women. Ever since Winston had sneered at his -relations with Nephthys that morning, the thing had rankled in his mind, -and now, fresh from Aneth’s presence, he reproached himself for his -folly in bringing the stupid Nile girl to Cairo. For, in spite of his -efforts to amuse himself in her society, Nephthys had not only proved -unable to destroy his love for Aneth, but her quiescent<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_170" id="page_170"></a>{170}</span> indifference, -beautiful though she was, served rather to disgust him by its sharp -contrast with the English girl’s brightness and innocence.</p> - -<p>Never doubting that he would shortly install Aneth in Nephthys’ place, -he suddenly resolved to have done with the Egyptian girl, who had been -so great a disappointment to him.</p> - -<p>There was a dark scowl upon Kāra’s face as he pushed aside the draperies -and entered the apartment of Nephthys. He found the girl seated upon her -divan, with the dragoman comfortably established beside her. Both were -smoking cigarettes and Tadros was holding Nephthys with one arm loosely -clasped around her waist.</p> - -<p>They did not notice the master’s presence for a moment; but when they -looked up, Kāra was standing before them with folded arms. The frown had -vanished, and his expression was one of positive content; for here was -his excuse.</p> - -<p>“Tadros,” said he, in a soft voice, “be good enough to go into the -courtyard. You may wait there for me.”</p> - -<p>The dragoman stood up and flicked the ash from his cigarette. He was -evidently much disturbed.</p> - -<p>“If you think, Kāra—” he began, in a very loud, boisterous voice.</p> - -<p>“Go into the courtyard, please,” interrupted the other, quietly.</p> - -<p>Tadros hesitated and glanced at Nephthys. The girl was staring with -frightened eyes into her master’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_171" id="page_171"></a>{171}</span> face. Following her gaze, the -dragoman gave a shudder. Kāra’s countenance was as cold and inexpressive -as that of a statue. Tadros had learned to fear that expression. Softly -he tiptoed from the room, and the draperies fell behind him.</p> - -<p>Clinging to the curtains of the arch leading to the next room, appeared -old Tilga, who was trembling violently. Had the master been an Arab, her -life was already forfeited. She was not sure what an Egyptian would do -under the circumstances.</p> - -<p>Kāra beckoned her to approach. Then, pointing a finger at Nephthys, he -said:</p> - -<p>“Remove those jewels and ornaments.”</p> - -<p>As the old woman eagerly attempted to obey, Nephthys stood up and asked -in a low, horrified voice:</p> - -<p>“What are you going to do?”</p> - -<p>Kāra did not reply. He watched Tilga’s nervous fingers rapidly removing -the diadem, earrings, brooches and bracelets, which she cast in a heap -upon a table. Nephthys submitted quietly until the hag seized her string -of pearls; then she shrank away and clutched at her throat to save her -treasure, loving the pearls better than all else.</p> - -<p>Kāra grasped her wrists firmly and drew her hands down to her side, -while Tilga unwound the triple row of priceless pearls from the girl’s -neck and added it to the heap upon the table. He continued to hold her -fast until the housekeeper had stripped from her fingers the rings of -diamond, ruby and emerald. Then he let<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_172" id="page_172"></a>{172}</span> her go, and Nephthys moaned and -covered her face with her hands.</p> - -<p>“Take off her robes,” commanded Kāra, sternly.</p> - -<p>Tilga rushed to do his bidding, and, when Nephthys resisted, the hag -struck her across the face with her open hand. She literally tore away -the exquisite gown, as well as the silken hose and satin slippers, until -the girl stood shorn of all her finery except the fleecy underclothing.</p> - -<p>“Leave her that,” said Kāra. “And now, where is her black cotton dress?”</p> - -<p>Tilga hurriedly fetched it from a closet in the robing chamber. She -brought the head-shawl and the coarse shoes also.</p> - -<p>Nephthys was sobbing now as miserably as a child that has been robbed of -its toys.</p> - -<p>“I won’t wear them! I won’t have them! Take them away!” she wailed, as -the old Fedah garments were produced.</p> - -<p>But the woman shook her angrily and slapped her again, covering her with -the crude, soiled gown, and then pushing her back upon the divan while -she placed the flat shoes upon the girl’s bare feet. Tears were still -standing in Nephthys’ great eyes, but she submitted to the inevitable -with a resumption of her old obedient manner.</p> - -<p>“Call Ebbek,” said the master; and Tilga displayed such activity that -she quickly returned, dragging the Arab after her.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_173" id="page_173"></a>{173}</span></p> - -<p>“You will take this woman back to Fedah, whence you brought her, and -deliver her over to her mother again. There is a train at sundown, and -you will be able to catch it if you are prompt. Drive to the station in -a carriage.”</p> - -<p>Ebbek bowed without betraying surprise at his master’s unexpected -command. Perhaps he had been observant, and knew the reason for the -girl’s dismissal.</p> - -<p>“Must old Sĕra return your money?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“No; tell her she may keep it. Here is gold for your expenses. Feed -Nephthys at the railway station, if you have time, and buy her some -cigarettes. Now hasten.”</p> - -<p>Ebbek took the girl’s arm to lead her away. As she passed Kāra she -halted to say, with despairing intensity:</p> - -<p>“I hate you! Some day I will kill you.”</p> - -<p>Kāra laughed. He was in a pleased mood.</p> - -<p>“Good-by, Nephthys,” he rejoined, complacently. “Tell Sĕra I present you -to her with my compliments.”</p> - -<p>Then he left the room and found Tadros standing stiffly outside the -door.</p> - -<p>“Follow me,” he said, and the dragoman obeyed.</p> - -<p>He led the way to his own room and sat down facing the dragoman.</p> - -<p>Tadros remained standing. He held in his hand the stump of a half-burned -cigarette, which he eyed critically and with an air of absorbing -interest.</p> - -<p>Kāra, being amused, remained silent.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_174" id="page_174"></a>{174}</span></p> - -<p>After a time the dragoman coughed to clear his throat.</p> - -<p>“You see, Kāra,” he began, “I bought the girl first, and paid good money -for her when I was desperately poor—a fact that deserves some -consideration; yet you forced me to sell her.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed!”</p> - -<p>“Yes, for an insignificant roll of papyrus. I don’t complain, having -accepted the bargain; but you mustn’t blame me for all that has -happened. By the beard of Osiris! is a man’s heart to be bought and sold -like a woman’s body? It is absurd.”</p> - -<p>He paused, shifting from one foot to the other. Then he lifted his eyes, -and was pained to find Kāra staring at him fixedly.</p> - -<p>“There should be no quarrel between us,” he continued, striving to speak -confidently. “I have been your jackal, and did your dirty work for a -fair amount of pay. What then? To ruin me will cause your own downfall. -You dare not do it. But I am honest with you, and a good servant. You -need not fear me in the future, for I will promise you on my word to -avoid your harem—the word of Tadros the dragoman!”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, a shrill scream reached their ears. Tadros bounded to the -window, and through the lattice saw Ebbek pushing the unhappy Nephthys -into a carriage. He turned a frowning face toward his master.</p> - -<p>“What are you doing to the girl?” he demanded, fiercely.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_175" id="page_175"></a>{175}</span></p> - -<p>“Sending her back to Sĕra.”</p> - -<p>The dragoman uttered a curse and made for the door.</p> - -<p>“Come here!” cried Kāra, sternly.</p> - -<p>Tadros stopped, hesitated, and then returned. He realized that he could -do nothing.</p> - -<p>“Very well,” said he, sullenly. “She will be safer in Fedah than in -Cairo. But you have been cruel, Kāra. A man who is really a man would -not treat a beast as you have treated Nephthys. To teach her the -splendid luxury of a palace and then thrust her back into a mud hut on -the forsaken Nile bank is a positive crime! I suppose you have also -taken away her fine clothes and her pretty ornaments?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Poor child! But there—one does not argue with a snake for fear of its -venom. I am likewise in your power,” said the dragoman, gloomily.</p> - -<p>Kāra actually laughed at his rueful expression.</p> - -<p>“You were born a fool, my Tadros,” said he, “and a fool you will die. -Look you! there is no excuse in all your chatter to me of your own -treachery—the crime that our customs declare merits death. You simply -accuse me of harshness in sending away a faithless woman. Tell me, then, -some plausible reason why I should not kill you.”</p> - -<p>Tadros grew pale.</p> - -<p>“There are two reasons,” he replied, seriously. “One is that murdering -me would cause you to get<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_176" id="page_176"></a>{176}</span> into trouble with the police. The other is -that you have need of me.”</p> - -<p>“Very good. The first argument does not count, because you could be -killed secretly, with no personal danger to me; and that, without doubt, -is the manner in which I shall kill you some day. But your present -safety, my Tadros, lies in your second reason. I still need your -services, and will permit you to remain alive until I am quite sure to -have no further use for you.”</p> - -<p>The dragoman drew a long breath.</p> - -<p>“Let us forget it, Kāra,” said he. “I admit that I have been somewhat -indiscreet; but what then? All men are indiscreet at times, and you will -cease to blame me when you discover how faithful I am to your -interests.”</p> - -<p>Kāra did not reply. The carriage had long since driven away. The -dragoman again shifted his position uneasily.</p> - -<p>“May I go?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>And Tadros withdrew, his heart filled with fear and hatred; but the -hatred remained long after the fear had subsided.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_177" id="page_177"></a>{177}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br /><br /> -<small>KĀRA THREATENS.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">T</span>hose two days were uneasy ones to Kāra. He felt no dread of Aneth’s -final answer, but the waiting for it was wearisome. Their arrangements -might easily have been concluded at the last interview had he not been -weak enough to defer to the girl’s foolish desire to postpone the -inevitable. Since he had come from Fedah, the world had been his -plaything, and he found it in no way difficult to accomplish those -things he determined upon. He had, therefore, acquired unbounded -confidence in the powers of Ahtka-Rā’s remarkable Stone of Fortune, -which he believed to have a strong influence over all his undertakings. -So the Egyptian merely sought to occupy his time to good advantage until -he could bring his bride—willing or unwilling mattered little—home to -his handsome villa.</p> - -<p>He sent Tadros to summon the most famous merchants of Cairo to wait upon -him, and arranged to have the women’s quarters redecorated in regal -fashion. He selected many rich silks and embroideries for Aneth’s use -when she should need them, and secured an increased corps of Arab -servants, well trained in their duties, to attend the slightest wish of -their new mistress. He realized that the establishment must hereafter be -conducted more upon the plan of a modern European<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_178" id="page_178"></a>{178}</span> household, and that -the apartments of the harem must be transformed into parlors, -reception-halls and drawing-rooms.</p> - -<p>In marrying Aneth he determined to abandon all Oriental customs and -adopt the manners of the newer and broader civilization. He would -exhibit his wife in society, and, through her, gain added distinction. -His villa would become renowned for its fêtes and magnificent -hospitality. Such a life appealed to his imagination, and a marriage -with the English girl rendered it possible.</p> - -<p>Hatatcha had educated and trained Kāra for a purpose; but now her -mission and his oath to fulfil it were alike disregarded. He had given -the matter considerable thought recently, and decided that his love for -Aneth Consinor canceled all obligations to persecute her or her people -further. Hatatcha was dead and forgotten by the world, and her wrongs -could never be righted by any vengeance that he might inflict upon her -enemies. She could not appreciate the justice of retribution, since her -spirit was far away in the nether world with Anubis, and her body in the -tombs of Fedah. He had, at first, been conscientious in his -determination to accomplish his grandmother’s will, but a girl’s eyes -had thwarted him, and Hatatcha had herself proved weak when love -assailed her. Even as all his schemes were approaching fruition and his -grandmother’s revenge was nearing accomplishment, the compelling power -of his love arrested his hand and induced him to cast<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_179" id="page_179"></a>{179}</span> aside everything -that might interfere with his prospective happiness.</p> - -<p>On the afternoon of the second day he dressed himself carefully and -ordered his chauffeur to be ready to drive him to the Savoy; but as he -was about to leave his room, a note was brought to him from Aneth. He -tore it open and eagerly read the message—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>Dear Prince Kāra:—I am not going to risk another unpleasant -interview, because I am anxious we should remain in the future, as -in the past, good friends and comrades. But please do not again ask -me to marry you, for such a thing is utterly impossible. While I am -glad to enjoy your friendship, I can never return the love you -profess to bear me, and without love a true woman will not marry. -So I beg you will forget that such a thing has ever been discussed -between us, and forbear to refer to it again.</p> - -<p class="c">Your friend,</p> - -<p class="r"><span class="smcap">Aneth Consinor</span>.</p></div> - -<p>As he read the note Kāra’s face grew set and stern and his dark eyes -flashed ominously. He read it a second time, with more care, trying to -find some word of hope or compromise in the frankly written epistle. But -there was none.</p> - -<p>He experienced a sensation of disappointment and chagrin, tinged with -considerable astonishment. Strange as it may seem, he had never for a -moment anticipated such a positive refusal. But his nature was impetuous -and capricious, and presently anger drove all other<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_180" id="page_180"></a>{180}</span> feelings from his -heart; and the anger grew and expanded until it was hot and furious and -took full possession of him.</p> - -<p>Perhaps it was the blow to his self-esteem that was most effective in -destroying the passion he had mistaken for love. Anyway, the love -dissolved with startling rapidity, and in a half hour there was little -tenderness remaining for the English girl who had repulsed him. He -accepted her answer as conclusive, and began at once to revive his -former plans of vengeance. One transport was liable to prove as sweet -and exciting as another to him, and he began to revel in the -consciousness that he was the supreme master of the fate of all the -Consinors. Hatatcha was right after all. These English were cold and -faithless, and unworthy the consideration of one of his noble race. He -had been incautious and weak for a time, but now he resolved to fulfil -his oath to the dead woman to the very letter.</p> - -<p>He tore the offending paper into fragments, and left the room with a -resumption of his old inscrutable demeanor. It was the look that Tadros -had learned to fear.</p> - -<p>“Drive me to the Savoy,” he said to his chauffeur.</p> - -<p>Lord Roane had reserved one small room on the first floor of the hotel -as an office, and here he transacted such business matters as came under -his jurisdiction. Kāra found him unoccupied, and Roane, who knew his -visitor but slightly, greeted the man with cordial politeness.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_181" id="page_181"></a>{181}</span></p> - -<p>“Pray be seated, Prince,” said he, offering a chair; “I am entirely at -your service.”</p> - -<p>The other bowed coldly.</p> - -<p>“I fear my mission may prove somewhat disagreeable to you, my lord,” he -began, in quiet, even tones.</p> - -<p>Roane gave him a shrewd glance.</p> - -<p>“Ah, I hear that my son is largely indebted to you for losses in -gambling,” he returned, thinking that he understood Kāra’s errand. “So -far, it is merely a rumor that has reached me; but if you come to me to -plead that case, I beg to assure you that I am in no way responsible for -Consinor’s debts of honor.”</p> - -<p>The Egyptian shrugged his shoulders as a Frenchman might have done.</p> - -<p>“That is another matter, sir, which I do not care to discuss at this -time,” he answered. “My present business is to obtain your consent to -marry your granddaughter.”</p> - -<p>Roane was startled with amazement.</p> - -<p>“Aneth! You wish to marry Aneth?” he asked, as if he could not have -heard aright.</p> - -<p>“Yes, my lord.”</p> - -<p>So confident was the prince’s tone that Lord Roane, although much -unnerved by its suddenness, began involuntarily to consider the -proposition. The fellow was handsome and dignified and reputed to be as -rich as Crœsus; but the Englishman had a natural antipathy to -foreigners, especially the dark-skinned ones. The idea of giving Aneth -to an Egyptian was revolting.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_182" id="page_182"></a>{182}</span></p> - -<p>“Ahem! This is indeed a surprise, Prince,” he said, haltingly. “The -child is hardly old enough yet to think of marriage.”</p> - -<p>Kāra did not reply to this observation.</p> - -<p>“Have you—ah—approached her with this proposal as yet?” inquired -Roane, after a few moments’ reflection.</p> - -<p>“I have, sir.”</p> - -<p>“And what did she say?”</p> - -<p>“She refused to marry me, giving as her reason the fact that she does -not love me,” was the calm reply.</p> - -<p>Roane stared at him.</p> - -<p>“Then why the devil do you come to me?” he demanded, angrily.</p> - -<p>“Because the girl must not be allowed to choose for herself,” said Kāra.</p> - -<p>“Must not, sir?”</p> - -<p>“Decidedly not, Lord Roane. Too much depends upon her refusal. At -present your granddaughter stands disgraced in the eyes of all the -world, because of that dishonest father, who, as you remarked a moment -ago, owes me ten thousand pounds.”</p> - -<p>“Aneth disgraced!” cried Roane, indignantly; “by no means, sir! Even -your vile insinuations cannot injure that pure and innocent girl. But -Consinor has gone away, and his daughter is now under my personal -protection. I will see that she is accorded the respect and -consideration to which she is entitled, despite her father’s misdeeds.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_183" id="page_183"></a>{183}</span></p> - -<p>“Such an assertion, my lord, is, under the circumstances, ridiculous,” -replied Kāra, with a composure equal to the other’s irritation. “In the -near future, when you are yourself disgraced and imprisoned, who will -then be left to protect your granddaughter’s good name?”</p> - -<p>Roane uttered a roar of exasperation.</p> - -<p>“You infernal scoundrel!” he exclaimed, “how dare you come here to -browbeat and insult me! Leave my presence, sir!”</p> - -<p>“I think you will be glad to hear more,” remarked Kāra, without changing -his position. “Perhaps you are not aware that your robbery of the -Government through the contractor, McFarland, is fully known to me.”</p> - -<p>Roane fell back in his chair, white and trembling.</p> - -<p>“It’s a lie!” he muttered.</p> - -<p>“It is not a lie,” said the imperturbable Egyptian. “The proofs are all -in my hands. I hold your receipt to McFarland for the stolen money.”</p> - -<p>Roane glared at him, but had not a word to reply. He felt like a rat in -a trap. From the most unexpected source this blow had fallen upon him -when least expected, and already he bitterly regretted his lapse from -honesty.</p> - -<p>“The Egyptian Government, when it learns the facts,” continued Kāra, -“will show you no mercy. Even Lord Cromer will insist upon your -punishment, for he will resent any embezzlement in office that would<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_184" id="page_184"></a>{184}</span> -bring the English colony here into disrepute. You must be aware of your -danger without the necessity of my calling your attention to the fact; -so that you have, absolutely, no hope of escape except through my -clemency.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?” asked the old nobleman, hoarsely.</p> - -<p>“That at present the secret is in my sole possession. It need never be -disclosed. Give me Aneth in marriage, and you will not only secure your -safety, but I will see that you want for nothing in the future. I am -wealthy enough to promise this.”</p> - -<p>“The girl has refused you.”</p> - -<p>“Never mind. You will force her to accept me.”</p> - -<p>“No, by God, I will not!” cried Roane, springing to his feet. “Hell and -all its imps shall not induce me to drag that innocent child to my own -level. I am a felon because I am an ass, and an ass because I have no -moral stamina; but even then, my heart is not as black as yours, Prince -Kāra!”</p> - -<p>The Egyptian listened unmoved.</p> - -<p>“The matter deserves more careful consideration,” said he. “Sentiment is -very pretty when it does not conflict with personal safety. An -examination of your case reveals comfort and prosperity on the one hand, -disgrace and prison on the other.”</p> - -<p>“They weigh nothing against Aneth’s happiness,” returned the old man, -promptly. “Expose me as soon as you like, sir, for nothing will ever -induce me to save<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_185" id="page_185"></a>{185}</span> myself from the fruits of my folly at the expense of -that poor girl. And now, go!”</p> - -<p>Kāra smiled with quiet scorn.</p> - -<p>“It is quite refreshing to witness your indignation,” said he. “If it -were equaled by your honesty, you would have no reason to fear me.”</p> - -<p>“Nor do I fear you now,” retorted Lord Roane, defiantly. “Do your worst, -you infamous nigger, for you cannot bribe me in any way to abet your -shameful proposals.”</p> - -<p>Kāra reddened at the epithet, but did not reply until he had risen and -started to move toward the door. Then he half turned and said:</p> - -<p>“It will enable you to appreciate your danger better, Lord Roane, if I -tell you that I am but the instrument of an Egyptian woman named -Hatatcha, whose life and happiness you once carelessly ruined. She did -not forget, and her vengeance against you and yours will be terrible, -believe me, unless you engage me to defeat it instead of accomplishing -it. My personal interest induces me to bargain with you. What do you -say, my lord? Shall we discuss this subject more fully, or do you wish -me to go?”</p> - -<p>Roane was staring at him with affrighted eyes. A thousand recollections -flashed through his mind at the mention of Hatatcha’s name, attended by -a thousand terrors as he remembered his treatment of her. So lost was he -in fear and wonder that Kāra had to speak again.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_186" id="page_186"></a>{186}</span></p> - -<p>“Shall I go, my lord?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” was the answer. It seemed to be wrenched from the old man’s -throbbing breast by a generosity that conquered his cowardice.</p> - -<p>Kāra frowned. He was disappointed. But further argument was useless, and -he went away, leaving Roane fairly stunned by the disclosures of the -interview.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_187" id="page_187"></a>{187}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br /><br /> -<small>ANETH SURRENDERS.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">K</span>āra went straight to Aneth’s apartments, insisting that he must see -her.</p> - -<p>The girl was much distressed by this sudden visit, and, thinking that -the Egyptian wished merely to renew his protestations and appeals, tried -hard to evade the ordeal of an interview. Mrs. Everingham was with her -at the time, and in her perplexity Aneth confided to her in a few brief -words Kāra’s infatuation, and asked her advice how to act under such -trying circumstances.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Everingham was a woman of strong character and shrewd judgment. She -was tall and admirably formed, with undoubted claims to beauty and a -carriage queenly and dignified. The wife of a prominent engineer, she -had lived much in the Orient and was accustomed to its -unconventionalities as well as to its most representative social life. -Although so much older than Aneth, the lady had manifested a fondness -for the lonely girl from their first meeting, and had gladly taken her, -as she expressed it, “under her wing,” as well as to her sympathetic -heart; so that Aneth had come to rely upon her friend in many ways, and -now turned to her in this emergency.</p> - -<p>“I think it will be best for you to see him,” advised Mrs. Everingham, -after a thoughtful consideration of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_188" id="page_188"></a>{188}</span> the case. “If you evade the -explanation he doubtless wishes to force upon you, he is the sort of man -to annoy you persistently until you grant him an interview. Better have -it over at once; and be positive with him, my dear, as well as gentle, -so that you leave no hope alive to warrant his renewing his suit.”</p> - -<p>“Won’t you stay with me, Lola?” begged Aneth.</p> - -<p>“That would hardly be fair to Prince Kāra,” smiled Mrs. Everingham, “for -my presence would embarrass and humiliate him unnecessarily. No; I will -withdraw into the next room, where I shall be within call, but -invisible. Be brave, Aneth dear. These disagreeable duties are often -thrust upon women who, like yourself, have a faculty of unconsciously -winning men’s hearts, and are exacted as inevitable penalties. I am -sorry for the poor prince, but he is not of our race and had no business -to fall in love with an English girl.”</p> - -<p>Then she kissed her protégé and retired to the adjoining room, taking -pains to leave the door ajar. Aneth sighed, and called her Arab to admit -Kāra.</p> - -<p>When the Egyptian entered, his manner in no way indicated the despair of -a rejected lover, or even the eagerness of one who hoped to successfully -appeal his case. Instead, he bowed coldly, but with profound deference, -and said:</p> - -<p>“You must pardon me, Miss Aneth, for forcing this interview upon you; -but it was necessary.”</p> - -<p>“Forgive me, also, Prince Kāra,” faltered the girl.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_189" id="page_189"></a>{189}</span> “I am sorry you -came, for my answer was final. I can never—”</p> - -<p>He waved his hand with a gesture of insolent indifference that arrested -her words.</p> - -<p>“You will not be called upon to repeat the dismissal conveyed in your -letter,” said he. “I may ask you to reverse your decision, but it will -be a matter of business between us, in which inclination will have no -part.”</p> - -<p>“Sir,” she replied, shrinking back before his stern look, “I—I fear I -do not understand you!”</p> - -<p>“Be seated,” he requested, “and I will explain.”</p> - -<p>She obeyed silently, with a partial recovery of her self-control. -Strange as the Egyptian’s words proved, they were, after all, more -bearable than his endearing protestations would have been, and in her -ignorance she welcomed any topic but love.</p> - -<p>Kāra spoke with brutal frankness.</p> - -<p>“The scandal caused by your father’s dishonesty is too recent for you to -have yet escaped its contamination,” he began. “Lord Consinor has left -Cairo owing me money, a matter of some ten thousand pounds. That you may -have no cause to doubt my word, please to examine this note of hand. It -is witnessed by two respectable gentlemen residing in this city.”</p> - -<p>He handed her the paper and she took it mechanically, wondering what it -meant.</p> - -<p>“According to our laws,” he resumed, “I can bring an action to recover -this money against any member<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_190" id="page_190"></a>{190}</span> of Consinor’s family. I am assured such -an action would ruin Lord Roane completely.”</p> - -<p>She was afraid of him now, but drew herself up proudly.</p> - -<p>“That will not matter in the least, sir,” she replied. “Lord Roane will -gladly meet any just obligation, even though it may leave him penniless -to do so.”</p> - -<p>“My lord does not express himself quite so honorably as that,” replied -Kāra, with an open sneer. “But this note of hand is really unimportant. -I merely mentioned it to emphasize the debt that you and your -grandfather already owe me. Your father has cleverly escaped the result -of his misdeeds by absconding. Unfortunately, Lord Roane is unable to do -the same thing.”</p> - -<p>“No one will blame Lord Roane for his son’s faults,” she protested, -greatly distressed by the cruelty of Kāra’s remarks.</p> - -<p>“That is not my meaning,” he replied. “Roane’s own misdeeds are so much -more serious than those of his son that, when they are discovered, he -cannot escape a prison cell.”</p> - -<p>Aneth gasped in horror. The accusation was at first beyond belief; but -Kāra’s tone was positive and a sudden recollection of her grandfather’s -doubtful life flashed over her and made her dread to question further.</p> - -<p>It was not needful. The man continued calmly to enlighten her concerning -McFarland’s crime and her grandfather’s participation in it, while the -girl sat with wide-open eyes and a look of despair upon her white face.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_191" id="page_191"></a>{191}</span></p> - -<p>Finally Kāra produced a second paper.</p> - -<p>“This, Miss Aneth,” he said, more gently, “is the receipt signed by Lord -Roane for his share of the stolen money. It is proof positive against -him, and you will, of course, recognize his signature. Besides, I can -produce two witnesses to the crime—a crime for which the penalty is, as -I have hinted, a long term of imprisonment as well as dishonor through -all the ages to come. But this is only for discovery. There is no -penalty exacted for an undiscovered crime. Personally, I do not wish to -see Lord Roane disgraced and sent to prison, or your invalid mother -impoverished, and you, yourself, left to the mercies of a reproachful -world; so I have come here to-day to save you all from these -consequences of Roane’s folly, if you will let me.”</p> - -<p>Aneth tried to control her bewilderment. She wanted to think calmly. So -vividly had Kāra described Lord Roane’s offense, that she saw it all -before her as in a dream, and knew that the old man’s feet were -stumbling at the edge of a bottomless pit. But the last words of the -Egyptian, if she heard them aright, seemed to promise a chance of her -awakening and exorcising the nightmare.</p> - -<p>“How can you save us?” she asked, wearily.</p> - -<p>“By making you my wife,” he answered. “It all rests with you, Miss -Aneth. I alone can protect Lord Roane from any possibility of discovery, -and I will do so if you now promise to marry me. More than that, I will -pay off all the mortgages on your grandfather’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_192" id="page_192"></a>{192}</span> estates, so that he may -live in comfort during the remainder of his life, honored and respected -by all. And you shall have your father’s note of hand for the ten -thousand pounds as soon as I receive your promise, as an earnest of my -good faith.”</p> - -<p>“And if I refuse?” she suggested, trembling.</p> - -<p>“Then you render me powerless to aid, and plunge your aged grandfather -into prison, disgraced and humiliated beyond any hope of redemption.”</p> - -<p>“No, no! I cannot do that,” she wailed, miserably. “He has been so good -to me and loved me so fondly that I dare not—I will not—sacrifice him -to secure my own happiness!”</p> - -<p>“It is as I hoped,” said Kāra, a note of triumph in his voice. “Do you -promise, sacredly and on your honor, that you will marry me in return -for my shielding your grandfather from the consequences of his crime?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” she answered, clasping her hands with a shudder.</p> - -<p>“And you will come to me any day and hour that I may appoint?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Aneth! Aneth! what have you said? What have you done?” cried Mrs. -Everingham, running from her hiding-place to clasp the terrified girl in -her arms.</p> - -<p>“What have I done?” repeated Aneth, vacantly. “Why, Lola, I have saved -my dear grandfather from disgrace and ruin.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_202_lg.jpg"> -<img src="images/i_202_sml.jpg" width="347" height="500" alt="Image unavailble: “You shall not keep that promise!” declared the woman" /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">“You shall not keep that promise!” declared the woman</span> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_193" id="page_193"></a>{193}</span></p> - -<p>“You shall not keep that promise!” declared the woman, turning fiercely -to confront Kāra. “It was wrung from you by threats—by blackmail—and -this scoundrel is playing upon your generous and loving heart. You shall -never keep so absurd a promise.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” returned Aneth, bravely; “I have given my word, and I shall keep -it.”</p> - -<p>Kāra laid a paper upon the table.</p> - -<p>“There is your father’s note, Miss Aneth. You may destroy it.” He -hesitated an instant, and then added the second paper. “And here is your -grandfather’s receipt for the stolen money. So fully do I trust to your -good faith that I leave the incriminating evidence all in your own -hands. Good afternoon, Miss Aneth.”</p> - -<p>With a bow, grave and courteous, he passed from the room, and Mrs. -Everingham lifted the girl in her strong arms and carried her into the -adjoining chamber to lay her tenderly upon her bed. The strain had been -severe, and Aneth had fainted.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_194" id="page_194"></a>{194}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br /><br /> -<small>FINDING A WAY.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">G</span>erald Winston endured several miserable, uneasy days following that of -Lord Consinor’s public disgrace. He longed to call upon Aneth, but dared -not intrude, and so compromised by sending her a daily gift of flowers. -At last, however, he decided to see Mrs. Everingham and endeavor to -ascertain Aneth’s condition, and whether her father’s fault was making -her as sorrowful as he feared.</p> - -<p>He found Mrs. Everingham at her rooms in the Savoy, and was admitted at -once.</p> - -<p>“I want to ask you about Miss Consinor,” he said, after he had been -warmly greeted, for they were good friends and she was glad he had come.</p> - -<p>“Aneth is very unhappy,” was the sober reply.</p> - -<p>“I can understand her humiliation, of course,” he continued, with a -sigh; “although I hoped she would be brave, and not take the unfortunate -circumstance too much to heart.”</p> - -<p>“She is young,” answered Mrs. Everingham, evasively, “and cannot view -these things as composedly as we do. Moreover, you must remember that -Lord Consinor’s trouble touches her more deeply than anyone else.”</p> - -<p>“Unless it is the viscountess,” he suggested.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_195" id="page_195"></a>{195}</span></p> - -<p>“Oh, the poor viscountess knows nothing of it! She passes her time in an -exclusive consideration of her own ailments, and will scarcely see her -own daughter at all. Do you know, Gerald, I sometimes wonder how the -child can be so sweet and womanly when her surroundings are so -dreadful.”</p> - -<p>“I know what you mean,” he said. “Consinor has always borne a doubtful -reputation at home, and in past years Roane’s life has also been more or -less disgraceful. But the old fellow seems to be conducting himself very -properly since he came to Egypt, and it is possible he has reformed his -ways.”</p> - -<p>She did not reply at once, but sat musing until she asked, with -startling abruptness:</p> - -<p>“Gerald, do you love Aneth?”</p> - -<p>He flushed and stammered in his endeavor to find words to reply. Since -his interview with Kāra he had confessed to himself that he did love -Aneth; but that another should discover his secret filled the big fellow -with confusion.</p> - -<p>“Why do you ask?” he faltered, to gain time.</p> - -<p>“Because the girl needs true and loving friends more at this moment than -in all her life to come,” said she, earnestly.</p> - -<p>“I will be her true friend in any event,” he returned.</p> - -<p>“But I must know more than that,” persisted Mrs. Everingham. “Tell me -frankly, Gerald, do you love her?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_196" id="page_196"></a>{196}</span></p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Well enough to wish to make her your wife, in spite of her family’s -shady history?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” he said again, looking at her inquiringly.</p> - -<p>“Then I shall confide to you a great secret; for it is right that you -should be apprised of what is going on; and only you—with my -assistance, to be sure—can hope to defeat the cunning plot that -threatens to separate Aneth from you forever.”</p> - -<p>Thereupon she related to him the details of the interview she had -overheard between Kāra and the girl, and told of the promise Aneth had -made to save her grandfather from disgrace by marrying the Egyptian.</p> - -<p>“But this is nonsense!” he exclaimed, angrily. “The man is a fool to -wish to force any woman to marry him, and a scoundrel to use such means -to accomplish his purpose.”</p> - -<p>“I know; I have discussed this matter with Aneth long and earnestly, but -all in vain. She is determined to sacrifice herself to save Lord Roane -from this disgrace; and Prince Kāra is inflexible. For some unknown -reason he has determined to make this girl his wife, although he did not -talk like a lover, and she told him frankly she could never love or even -esteem him. Really, it seems incomprehensible.”</p> - -<p>“I know his reason well enough,” answered Winston, moodily. “He is -acting under the influence of the strongest and most evil human -passion—revenge. If you will kindly listen, my friend, I will relate a -bit of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_197" id="page_197"></a>{197}</span> romance that should enable you to understand the Egyptian’s -purpose.”</p> - -<p>He proceeded to recount the story of Hatatcha and Lord Roane, adding his -grounds for believing that Kāra had from the first contemplated the ruin -of the entire Consinor family.</p> - -<p>“This is horrible!” cried Mrs. Everingham, indignantly. “If what you say -is true, this native prince is himself a grandson of Roane, and -therefore Aneth’s cousin.”</p> - -<p>“I have called his attention to that fact, and he declares it is no bar -to his marrying her. I imagine his real meaning is that the relationship -is no bar to his prosecuting his nefarious plans. Does Lord Roane know -of this proposed sacrifice of his granddaughter for his sake?”</p> - -<p>“No; and Aneth has made me promise to keep the secret from him. I cannot -see that he would be able to assist us in any way, if he knew all that -we know.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps not. Is the story true? Has Roane actually embezzled this -money?”</p> - -<p>“I do not know.”</p> - -<p>“It seems to me,” said the young man, thoughtfully, “that our first -action should be to discover the truth of Kāra’s assertion. He may have -trumped up the charge to work upon Aneth’s feelings, and lead her to -consent to marry him against her will.”</p> - -<p>“That is true,” she said. “How can we investigate the matter?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_198" id="page_198"></a>{198}</span></p> - -<p>“Very easily. I will go to-morrow to the Rosetta Barrage and examine the -embankment. Afterward I can look up the records and discover what sort -of contract this man McFarland had, and how much money he collected for -its execution. That will give us the truth of the matter, and I can -accomplish it all in two days’ time.”</p> - -<p>“Then go; but make haste, for every day is precious. We do not know when -the prince may call upon Aneth to fulfil her promise.”</p> - -<p>They discussed the situation a while longer, and then Winston withdrew -to prepare for taking the early morning train.</p> - -<p>The second evening after, he again called upon Mrs. Everingham.</p> - -<p>“Well,” she inquired, eagerly, “what did you discover?”</p> - -<p>“It is all true,” he answered, despondently. “The swindle has been -cleverly consummated, and in just the way Kāra explained it to Aneth. -There is no doubt of Lord Roane’s guilt; neither can we doubt that Kāra -has both the power and the will to expose and imprison him if it suits -his purpose to do so.”</p> - -<p>“Then,” said Mrs. Everingham, firmly, “we must find another way to save -Aneth. The poor child is heart-broken, and moans every moment that she -is left alone with her misery. Lord Roane tries earnestly to comfort -her, for I am sure he loves her as well as one of his character is -capable of loving. But he imagines<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_199" id="page_199"></a>{199}</span> she grieves over her father, and -does not suspect the truth.”</p> - -<p>“Is she still resolved upon keeping her promise?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>“Yes; and that in spite of all I can say to move her. The girl has a -gentle and loving nature, but underneath it is a will of iron and a -stubbornness such as the early martyrs must have possessed. She holds -her own happiness as nothing when compared with her grandfather’s -safety.”</p> - -<p>“Then what can we do?” he asked, pacing the floor nervously.</p> - -<p>“We must resort to a cunning equal to Kāra’s in order to induce Aneth to -break her foolish promise,” responded Mrs. Everingham, promptly.</p> - -<p>“I fear I do not quite understand,” he said, stopping before her to read -her countenance for the clue.</p> - -<p>“I think—nay, Gerald, I am certain—the girl loves you; for I have -questioned her skilfully during your absence and led her to speak of -you, watching her tell-tale eyes as she did so. In my opinion it is this -secret love for another that makes her sacrifice so grievous, and will -end in breaking her heart.”</p> - -<p>He blushed like a girl at hearing this, but was evidently reassured and -delighted.</p> - -<p>“Yet I do not understand even now, Mrs. Everingham,” he said.</p> - -<p>“It is not so much that you are stupid as that you are a man,” she -answered, smiling. “You must<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_200" id="page_200"></a>{200}</span> become the instrument to save Aneth from -herself. In a few moments I shall take you to see her. Her rooms are -just across the hall, and doubtless she is at this moment alone, Lord -Roane having left the hotel an hour ago. This evening I will give you -countenance, but thereafter you must play your own game, and do your -utmost to draw from Aneth a confession that she loves you. When you have -done that, our case is won.”</p> - -<p>“Why so?”</p> - -<p>“Can’t you see, Gerald? No right-minded girl would ruin the life of the -man she loves to save her grandfather from the consequences of his own -errors. If she is in the mood to sacrifice, we will let her sacrifice -Lord Roane instead of herself or you.”</p> - -<p>“Oh!” he said, blankly. “I can’t do that, you know, Mrs. Everingham.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?”</p> - -<p>“It would not be honest or fair. And it would be selfish in me, and—and -unmanly.”</p> - -<p>“But I am not thinking of you at all, sir, except as the instrument. I -am thinking of Aneth and her life’s happiness. Are you willing, on your -part, to sacrifice her to such a man as Kāra, that he may crush her to -gratify his revenge?”</p> - -<p>“No; but—”</p> - -<p>“Will you permit her, in her blindness and folly, to break her own heart -and ruin her own life, when you know that you can save her?”</p> - -<p>“No.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_201" id="page_201"></a>{201}</span></p> - -<p>“The struggle is between you and Kāra. Lord Roane is a felon, and to -save him from the penalty due his acts will be to merely postpone the -day when another of his criminal misdeeds will be discovered. There is -little possible redemption for a man who has attained his sinful years; -but if the possibility did exist, the price would be too high. Opposed -to the desirability of shielding this reprobate nobleman and giving Kāra -his way—which simply means Aneth’s ruin—we must consider your mutual -love and the prospect of a long life of happiness for you both. Do you -dare to hesitate, Gerald Winston?”</p> - -<p>“I will do exactly as you say, Mrs. Everingham,” he replied, -impetuously. “I can’t let her go to this fiend—to the terrible fate -that awaits her. Tell me what to do, and I will obey!”</p> - -<p>“Your first duty will be to come with me to her room. And drop that long -face, sir! Be cheery and lighthearted, and woo Aneth as tenderly as if -you were wholly ignorant of the dreadful position she is in. Arrange to -call again to-morrow, and in the future do not leave her alone for a -single evening, and haunt her at all hours of the day. Remember that -time is precious, and the situation demands all your skill and -diplomacy. It cannot be a long siege; you must determine to capture her -by attack.”</p> - -<p>“I—I’ll try,” he said, nervously.</p> - -<p>And so he met Aneth again, for the first time since her trouble had come -upon her, and he performed his<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_202" id="page_202"></a>{202}</span> part so creditably that Mrs. Everingham -had but little fault to find with her coadjutor. The sight of the girl’s -swollen eyelids and her sad and resigned expression of countenance so -aroused his loving pity and indignation at the cruel plot that had -enmeshed her, that he could scarcely restrain the impulse to declare at -once his love and entreat her to give him an immediate right to protect -her.</p> - -<p>Perhaps Aneth read something of his love for her in his eager face, for -she joined with Mrs. Everingham in sustaining the flow of small talk -that was likely to prove her best safeguard, and in this way was led to -forget for the moment her cares and fears. She hesitated a moment when -Gerald proposed to bring her a new book next afternoon, but finally -consented. Therefore, he left her feeling more buoyant and hopeful than -he had thought could be possible a few short hours before.</p> - -<p>From that evening his former shyness disappeared, and he pushed his suit -with as much ardor as he dared, utterly ignoring Aneth’s evident desire -to restrain him from speaking too plainly. But sometimes she, too, -forgot her impending fate, and gave way to the delight of these happy -moments. Already she knew that Gerald loved her, for her woman’s -instinct was alert, and at night she lay upon her bed and wailed -miserably because the gates of paradise had suddenly opened before her, -and her willing feet were so bound that she might not enter.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_203" id="page_203"></a>{203}</span></p> - -<p>During these days Lord Roane devoted much of his time to his grandchild, -treating her with almost reverential tenderness and striving in every -possible way to cheer her spirits. The old man realized that his -probation might be short. At any moment Kāra was liable to fulfil his -threat and expose him to the authorities, and involuntarily he caught -himself listening at all times for the footfall of the official coming -to arrest him. He even wondered why he had escaped so long, knowing -nothing of the manner in which Aneth had saved him.</p> - -<p>And the girl, noting his loving care for her and marking the trouble -that often clouded his handsome face, was encouraged in her resolve to -carry out her compact with Kāra rather than see her aged grandfather -thrust into prison, humiliated and disgraced.</p> - -<p>Between her awakening love for Gerald Winston and her desire to save the -family honor, the girl was indeed in pitiable straits. Yet never for a -moment did she hesitate as to which way the path of duty led.</p> - -<p>She felt that every day she remained unmolested by the Egyptian was a -precious boon to be grateful for, yet always she dreaded Kāra’s summons. -However, he was in no hurry, realizing the bitterness to her of these -days of waiting, and enjoying the prolongation of her sufferings. All -the love that Kāra had formerly borne the girl seemed to have dissolved -as if by magic, and in its place had grown up schemes for so horrible a -vengeance that he often wondered whether Hatatcha herself might not have -hesitated to accomplish it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_204" id="page_204"></a>{204}</span></p> - -<p>But Kāra did not hesitate. The very diablerie of the thing fascinated -and delighted him, and he anticipated the event with eager joy.</p> - -<p>Tadros spent much of his time at the hotel, in charge of Kāra’s -elaborate system of espionage. His functions as dragoman gained for him -special privileges, and the hall porter allowed him free access to the -lobby; yet he was only able to enter the upper halls when he could plead -some definite errand. This excuse was provided by a guest of the hotel, -an agreeable Frenchman who was in Kāra’s employ and maintained a -surveillance over the interior of the establishment, while a half-dozen -Arabs and Copts watched carefully the exterior. Thus Tadros was enabled -to keep in close touch with the movements of Lord Roane and Aneth, as -well as to spy upon those who might visit them, and his orders were to -report promptly to Kāra any suspicious circumstances which might -indicate that his victims were planning their escape.</p> - -<p>But, from the dragoman’s reports, all seemed well, and his prospective -prey apparently made no effort to evade their fate.</p> - -<p>Kāra depended much upon Aneth’s delicate sense of honor and her strength -of character, and read her so truly that there was little chance of her -disappointing him. Roane, however, caused him a little uneasiness, and -the Egyptian’s spies shadowed him wherever he went. But Kāra misjudged -the old gentleman if he supposed that Roane would tamely submit to -Aneth’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_205" id="page_205"></a>{205}</span> sacrifice had he known her secret. The girl understood him -better, and although she did not know of his indignant rejection of -Kāra’s offer to shield him at the expense of his granddaughter’s -happiness, Aneth knew that if Roane learned the truth he would at once -give himself up to justice in order to save her; and here was a danger -the clever Egyptian had not even suspected.</p> - -<p>In many of his dealings Roane was doubtless an unprincipled knave; but -certain points of character were so impressed upon his nature, through -inheritance from generations of more noble Consinors, that in matters of -chivalry his honor could not be successfully challenged.</p> - -<p>The dragoman said nothing to Kāra about Winston’s frequent visits to -Aneth. During his hours of watching Tadros indulged in reflection, and -these musings encouraged a growing resentment toward his master that -destroyed much of his value as a confidential servant. Aside from the -resentment, Tadros was afraid of Kāra, and also uneasy as to his -financial condition. The prince, who was accustomed to scatter money -with a liberal hand, had of late refrained from exhibiting a single -piastre. Tadros wondered, and grew suspicious. One evening, as he -reported to Kāra, he said:</p> - -<p>“The tradesmen are clamoring for their money. They say you are not -paying them as promptly as you did heretofore.”</p> - -<p>Kāra looked up with surprise.</p> - -<p>“Is not my credit good?” he inquired.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_206" id="page_206"></a>{206}</span></p> - -<p>“For the present, yes,” replied the dragoman; “but it will not remain -good unless you begin to pay for all the magnificence you are putting -into this villa.”</p> - -<p>“I see,” said Kāra, nodding thoughtfully. “They are fools, my Tadros, -but they might become troublesome. Keep them satisfied with promises for -a time longer. That should not be a difficult task.”</p> - -<p>Tadros looked at him distrustfully.</p> - -<p>“Tell me, my prince; have you spent all your treasure?” he asked.</p> - -<p>The Egyptian smiled.</p> - -<p>“If I should live a thousand years, my Tadros,” he returned, “I could -not spend the half of it.”</p> - -<p>“Then why do you not pay these merchants?”</p> - -<p>“Because I have at this time no more money in the bank, and it is not -convenient for me to leave Cairo just now to secure a further supply.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I see!” remarked the dragoman, heaving a sigh of relief. “You must -make another trip to Fedah.”</p> - -<p>Kāra gave him one of those intent, thoughtful looks that always made -Tadros uneasy; but when he spoke his voice sounded soft and pleasant.</p> - -<p>“What causes you to think my treasure is at Fedah, my good friend?” he -asked.</p> - -<p>The tone reassured the dragoman.</p> - -<p>“It stands to reason, my prince, that it is there,” he answered, with -frank indifference. “Do I not well remember first seeing the papyri in -your house, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_207" id="page_207"></a>{207}</span> afterward carrying away from there the heavy traveling -case that was filled with precious gems?”</p> - -<p>“Ah! was it?”</p> - -<p>“Of course, Kāra. How else could you give so many ancient gems to the -Van der Veens to recut, or turn so many more into money by selling them -to Andalaft, the jeweler?”</p> - -<p>“You have been observant, my Tadros.”</p> - -<p>“It is natural. I am no fool. But if, as you say, there is more treasure -at Fedah, I will undertake to keep the rascally tradesmen quiet until -you can make another deposit in the bank.”</p> - -<p>Kāra was still reading the countenance of his dragoman.</p> - -<p>“It is quite evident that you are no fool, my Tadros,” he said, softly; -“yet I had not imagined you capable of so much shrewdness and wisdom. -Look you! Fedah consists of a rock and a few stone houses cemented with -Nile mud. It is familiar to you, being your birthplace as well as my -own. Now where do you suppose, within the limits of that simple village, -a treasure could have been discovered?”</p> - -<p>“It has puzzled me,” acknowledged Tadros; “but I suppose you do not wish -me to know the exact location. Nevertheless, it is evident that the -treasure is a very ancient one, and therefore it must have been hidden -by your forefathers in the mountain itself, or perhaps on the desert -that adjoins the village.”</p> - -<p>“A long-buried and forgotten temple; eh, Tadros?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_208" id="page_208"></a>{208}</span></p> - -<p>“Oh, no; a tomb, of course! They did not keep pearls and rubies in the -temples. Only in tombs could such trinkets be found. That is why I -believe your statement that you are the last descendant of the great -kings of Egypt; for this tomb was not discovered by accident, I know. -The secret of its existence must have been handed down through the -generations. Hatatcha knew, and told you of it before she died; so it is -your personal property, and its possession proves your noble blood. I am -glad the treasure is ample; for at the rate you are squandering money, -it would otherwise be soon exhausted.”</p> - -<p>“Very wisely argued, indeed,” said Kāra. “I wonder how much of my -inheritance has already found its way into your own pockets.”</p> - -<p>“Not too much, you may be sure,” answered the dragoman, gravely. “I am -very honest, and take only my rightful perquisites. It is better that -these trifles should go to me than to strangers, for I am your own -kinsman and almost as pure an Egyptian as yourself.”</p> - -<p>“True. I do not complain, my Tadros. But in acquiring my money you -should take care not to acquire too much knowledge of my affairs with -it, for such knowledge is liable to prove extremely dangerous. Consider -the pearls of wisdom that have even now dropped from your lips. Must -they not be repaid? And already I am greatly in your debt.”</p> - -<p>“You are talking riddles,” growled the dragoman, uneasily. “Tell me what -you mean in plain words.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_209" id="page_209"></a>{209}</span></p> - -<p>“Do you remember the day that Nephthys broke her water-jar?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“You struck me, your prince, and knocked me down.”</p> - -<p>“Well, you choked me afterward. That should even the score.”</p> - -<p>“Not quite. I choked you for spying upon me. That was another offense. -The blow has not yet been accounted for.”</p> - -<p>Tadros frowned.</p> - -<p>“I do not bear grudges myself,” he muttered.</p> - -<p>“There are a few other matters scored against your account,” continued -Kāra. “Still, so long as you serve me faithfully, and I have need of -you, I shall not exact a reckoning; but they stand on record, my Tadros, -and some day the account must be balanced. Do not forget that. For these -reasons, and remembering that you have declared yourself no fool, I am -certain that you will admit you were wrong about the location of my -treasure. When you think it over, you will conclude that it lies in -Luxor, or Abydos, or perhaps is a myth altogether, and never has -existed. And, when you chatter to others, no mention of a hidden tomb or -temple will be permitted to pass your lips. I am quite sure you will be -circumspect, and I trust you to keep to yourself the secret of my -affairs. If I thought you would betray me, I would kill you now, instead -of waiting. But you will not do that; you are too fond<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_210" id="page_210"></a>{210}</span> of living and of -the money you are saving to hazard losing both.”</p> - -<p>Tadros returned to his duties in a very thoughtful mood. In playing upon -his fears, Kāra had overreached himself, and made the dragoman so much -afraid that he believed his life hung by a thread. Therefore, he sought -most earnestly for a way of escape from the thrall of his terrible -countryman.</p> - -<p>The following morning Gerald Winston, on leaving Mrs. Everingham after a -conference concerning their plans, met Tadros face to face in the -corridor of the hotel. He recognized the man at once as Kāra’s dragoman -and confidential servant. Moreover, he suspected that the fellow had -just come from the Consinor apartments; so he had no hesitation in -accosting him.</p> - -<p>“May I speak with you a moment in private?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Most certainly, sir.”</p> - -<p>Winston led the way into Mrs. Everingham’s drawing-room, where the lady -greeted his return with surprise, but a quick appreciation of the -importance of securing an interview with Kāra’s confidant.</p> - -<p>“You are Prince Kāra’s dragoman, I believe?” began the Englishman.</p> - -<p>“Yes, Winston Bey.”</p> - -<p>“And devoted to him personally, of course?”</p> - -<p>“To an extent, naturally,” returned Tadros, hesitating what to say. “You -see, he pays me liberally.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_211" id="page_211"></a>{211}</span></p> - -<p>Winston and Mrs. Everingham exchanged glances. Then the lady took up the -conversation.</p> - -<p>“Prince Kāra,” she said, in a stern tone, “is a scoundrel, being even -now engaged in perfecting one of the most diabolical plots the mind of -man has ever conceived.”</p> - -<p>Tadros did not reply. It was not his business to deny the charge.</p> - -<p>“Our desire and intention to defeat this plot,” she continued, “lead us -to speak to you frankly. We must save Miss Consinor from an ignoble -alliance with your master.”</p> - -<p>Tadros listened carefully.</p> - -<p>“To accomplish our purpose, we are willing to expend a great deal of -money—enough to make some faithful ally comfortable for the remainder -of his life.”</p> - -<p>A pause followed this significant statement. Tadros felt the effect of -their scrutinizing glances, and cleared his throat while he looked -swiftly around to make sure they could not be overheard. Then, -reassured, he answered with his native bluntness of speech.</p> - -<p>“I am willing to earn this money,” said he, “if you will show me how to -do it with safety. Kāra is a fiend. He would not hesitate to kill all -three of us if he had reason to suspect we were plotting against him.”</p> - -<p>“I will give you a thousand pounds,” said Winston, “if you will tell us -what you know of Kāra’s plans. I will give you two thousand pounds -additional if we succeed in saving Miss Consinor.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_212" id="page_212"></a>{212}</span></p> - -<p>Tadros was pleased. He had intended to break with Kāra anyway. To be -well paid for doing this was a stroke of good fortune.</p> - -<p>“I accept your offer,” he replied. “But I must inform you that there is -no time to be lost. I have just taken a message to Miss Consinor, -telling her to be ready to go to Kāra at nine o’clock this evening.”</p> - -<p>“This evening!” exclaimed Winston, alarmed. “And what was her reply?”</p> - -<p>“She assured me that she would keep her compact with the prince and be -ready to accompany me at the hour named. I am to call for her and take -her in a closed carriage to Kāra’s villa.”</p> - -<p>“And then?” asked Mrs. Everingham, eagerly.</p> - -<p>“Then there is to be a mock ceremony of marriage, which is intended to -entrap the young lady so that she will think everything is regular, and -will make no disturbance,” answered Tadros, calmly. “A Copt, named -Mykel, who is one of Kāra’s servants, is to be dressed as a priest and -perform the Coptic marriage service, which is a Christian function not -unlike your own. But the man is not a priest, and the marriage will be -illegal. The intention is to destroy the young lady’s good name, after -which Kāra will drive her away. Then he intends to deliver her -grandfather, Lord Roane, over to justice.”</p> - -<p>“What a dreadful crime!” exclaimed Mrs. Everingham, indignantly. “And -Aneth is sacrificing herself because she believes the act will save her -grandfather.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_213" id="page_213"></a>{213}</span></p> - -<p>“That is Kāra’s promise,” returned the dragoman. “But he has no -intention of keeping it. Did he not give her a forged copy of Roane’s -receipt? For some reason my prince aims at the ruin of the entire -Consinor family. The young lady’s father he has already disgraced and -driven from Cairo.”</p> - -<p>“I understand his motive,” said Winston, “and believe you are right in -claiming that Kāra will not spare Lord Roane once Aneth is in his power. -The danger is terrible and imminent, for nothing will move Aneth to -abandon her purpose. She imagines she is saving Roane, and has exacted -from us a promise not to tell the old gentleman of her sacrifice. So our -hands are tied.”</p> - -<p>“It seems to me,” declared Mrs. Everingham, after a moment’s thought, -“that we must use the self-same weapons in fighting Kāra that he is -employing. With the dragoman’s assistance it ought to be easy to save -Aneth, even against her will.”</p> - -<p>“In what way?” inquired Gerald, earnestly.</p> - -<p>She did not reply at once. Instead, she studied the dragoman’s -countenance with steadfast eyes.</p> - -<p>“What is your name?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“Tadros, madam.”</p> - -<p>“Will you follow our instructions faithfully, and not betray us to -Prince Kāra?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. I hate Kāra. He will kill me for deserting him if he gets the -chance; but then he intends to kill me anyway as soon as he can spare my -services. If<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_214" id="page_214"></a>{214}</span> your plan includes the murder of Prince Kāra, I shall be -very glad.”</p> - -<p>“It does not; but we will protect you from any harm, rest assured. Your -task is simple. When you call for Miss Consinor to-night you will drive -her, not to the prince’s villa, but to the embankment, where you will -place her on board Winston Bey’s dahabeah. It will lie opposite Roda, on -the west bank. Cross the Gizireh bridge and drive as rapidly as possible -to the boat, where we shall be waiting to receive you.”</p> - -<p>“My dahabeah!” cried Winston, astonished.</p> - -<p>“To be sure. You will have everything in readiness for a voyage up the -Nile, with a prisoner aboard.”</p> - -<p>“A prisoner?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; Aneth. She will, of course, refuse to go willingly, having given -Kāra her word. I will accompany the party as her keeper, and we must -find some way to induce Lord Roane to join us also. Once afloat on the -mysterious river, Kāra will have no means of knowing what has become of -his victims, and before we return, my friend, we shall have perfected -such arrangements as will render the prince’s intention to marry our -Aneth impossible. That is why I desire Lord Roane to join the party. He -also will be safe from Kāra for a time.”</p> - -<p>“I understand you now,” said Winston; “and while I do not see quite to -the end of the adventure, the plan will at least give us time to -formulate our future action and enable us to thwart Kāra’s immediate -schemes.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_215" id="page_215"></a>{215}</span></p> - -<p>“That is my idea,” she returned. “Something must be done at once; and by -abducting Aneth, we not only gain time, but save her temporarily from -the consequences of her own folly.”</p> - -<p>Then she turned to Tadros.</p> - -<p>“What do you think of my plan?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“It is excellent,” said he, “except for one thing; there are several -spies about this hotel, who would at once follow us and inform Kāra that -we had boarded the dahabeah; but I think I can find a way to throw them -off the scent. They are under my orders, and I will send them to other -stations before nine o’clock. Aside from this, then, do I understand -that my only duty is to deliver the young lady on board the dahabeah?”</p> - -<p>“That is all we ask.”</p> - -<p>“I will show three red lights,” said Winston, “so that you cannot -mistake the exact location of the boat.”</p> - -<p>“I know the boat,” replied the dragoman. “Abdallah, your engineer, is a -friend of mine.”</p> - -<p>“You will not fail us?” asked Mrs. Everingham, anxiously. “All depends -upon you, Tadros!”</p> - -<p>“I know, and I will not fail you,” he said.</p> - -<p>“I believe you will earn the three thousand pounds,” remarked Winston, -significantly.</p> - -<p>“As for that, sir,” replied the dragoman, with dignity, “I hope you will -give me credit for a little humanity as well as cupidity. Being an -Egyptian, I love money;<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_216" id="page_216"></a>{216}</span> being a man, I am eager to assist a woman in -distress. But, above all else, I shall have pleasure in defying Kāra, -who hates me as heartily as I hate him. Thus, three passions vouch for -my fidelity—love, pity and hatred. Can you doubt my devotion to the -cause?”</p> - -<p>After this he went away, leaving his fellow-conspirators to plan the -details of the evening’s adventure.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_217" id="page_217"></a>{217}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br /><br /> -<small>THE ABDUCTION.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">M</span>rs. Everingham passed the afternoon in Aneth’s company. The girl was -visibly nervous and excited, but made pitiful attempts to conceal her -weakness. In no way did she allude to Kāra or to the fact that the hour -had arrived when she was to consummate the sacrifice of her own -happiness to maintain her grandfather’s integrity and the honor of her -family’s name.</p> - -<p>Her friend ventured one or two remarks about the folly of her promise -and the absurdity of keeping it; but these so distressed Aneth, and had -so little visible influence upon her decision, that Mrs. Everingham -abandoned the topic and turned the conversation into more cheerful -channels. When she mentioned Gerald Winston she noticed that Aneth’s -cheeks flamed scarlet and then turned deathly white; so here was another -subject to be avoided, if she did not wish to make the girl’s position -unbearable. Indeed, those last days of association with Gerald had -taught Aneth the full extent of her martyrdom, and now she began to -realize that she was losing all that might have rendered her life’s -happiness complete, had it not been for the advent of Kāra and his -terrible threat to destroy the family honor and send her loving -grandfather to prison.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_218" id="page_218"></a>{218}</span></p> - -<p>Early in the evening Mrs. Everingham kissed her friend and returned to -her own room across the corridor, there to complete her simple -preparations for the proposed voyage.</p> - -<p>Meantime Winston had been busy with Lord Roane. The young man was -fortunately a prime favorite with Aneth’s grandsire, and he listened -attentively to Gerald’s explanation of a plot to rescue his darling -grandchild from the slough of despondency into which she had fallen.</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Everingham is confident a Nile voyage would do much to cheer her -up and keep her from dwelling upon her troubles,” he suggested. “What do -you think of the idea, sir?”</p> - -<p>“Capital,” said Roane—“if Aneth can be induced to consent. I asked her -to run over to Helwan the other day, for a few weeks’ change of scene; -but she declared she would not listen to such a proposal.”</p> - -<p>“That is our difficulty,” acknowledged Winston, speaking in a -confidential tone. “She has told Mrs. Everingham she would not leave -Cairo, but we think her decision is based upon the fear that you would -be unable to accompany her; so we have decided to engage in a little -conspiracy, for the morbid condition into which she has fallen has made -us all anxious. Is there any reason, my lord, why you should not leave -Cairo for a month or so?”</p> - -<p>“None whatever, if my going will benefit Aneth in any way.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_219" id="page_219"></a>{219}</span></p> - -<p>“Very good! Now, here is our plan. I have fitted my private dahabeah for -a cruise. Mrs. Everingham will go along to chaperone your granddaughter, -and you will join us to complete her happiness and keep her contented. -Only one thing stands in our way—the young lady’s refusal to embark. -That barrier will be surmounted by Mrs. Everingham, who is a woman of -experience and who loves Aneth as well as if she were her own daughter. -So this evening you and I will get aboard quietly, without declaring our -intentions to anyone, and rely upon Mrs. Everingham’s promise to join us -with Aneth at nine o’clock. Do not ask me, sir, how she will succeed in -overcoming your granddaughter’s scruples against leaving Cairo. We will -trust to woman’s wit. When the party is embarked, we go up the Nile, to -find roses for your grandchild’s pale cheeks and have a jolly good time -as well.”</p> - -<p>Roane accepted the program with enthusiasm. He himself was in a -dreadfully nervous state, expecting hourly to be accused of a crime the -proof of which would separate him forever from Aneth. To get away from -Cairo just now, without Kāra’s knowing where he had gone, would be to -gain a few weeks’ respite. Eagerly he availed himself of the -opportunity.</p> - -<p>Winston knew there was no danger of the old man’s betraying their plans, -but he could not divine what Kāra’s next move might be, and resolved to -take no chances; so he clung fast to Roane until he had put him and his -light luggage aboard the dahabeah, whereupon<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_220" id="page_220"></a>{220}</span> he sent a messenger to -apprise Mrs. Everingham of his success.</p> - -<p>So far, all had gone well; but Mrs. Everingham’s anxiety grew as the -hour of nine approached. Lord Roane had sent word to Aneth that he would -be out for dinner and might not return to the hotel until late that -night; so the girl, glad of this fortunate chance, had her dinner served -in her own room, and the Arab servant, being intercepted by Mrs. -Everingham, declared that she ate little and wept continually, as if -overcome by some hopeless sorrow.</p> - -<p>All depended now upon the faithfulness of Tadros the dragoman, and Mrs. -Everingham, finding nothing more for her woman’s ingenuity to devise, -entered a carriage at half past-eight o’clock and was driven quietly to -the embankment. Within sight of the three red lights Winston had -displayed, she halted her vehicle to await the arrival of the dragoman.</p> - -<p>Tadros, meantime, being fully instructed by Kāra as to the conduct of -his mission, drove in the Egyptian’s private carriage to the hotel. The -coachman had been instructed to obey the dragoman’s orders implicitly, -so he suspected nothing when Tadros, having alighted at the Savoy, -commanded him to drive to the citadel and remain in the shadow of the -mosque until midnight.</p> - -<p>The dragoman then hired another carriage that was driven by a sleepy and -stupid-looking Arab, after which he immediately entered the hotel and -went directly to Aneth’s room.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_221" id="page_221"></a>{221}</span></p> - -<p>She opened the door in person, having dismissed all her attendants.</p> - -<p>“It is nine o’clock, miss,” announced Tadros, as he entered.</p> - -<p>The girl clasped her hands with a gesture and look of terror.</p> - -<p>“Where is—is—Prince Kāra?” she asked, vaguely.</p> - -<p>“At his villa, awaiting, with the bridal party, your arrival. You must -understand that the wedding is to be very quietly conducted, yet -strictly in accordance with the requirements of the Christian faith. My -master desires me to say that every consideration and courtesy shall be -shown you, his highest ambition in the future being to promote your -happiness.”</p> - -<p>She shuddered.</p> - -<p>“Is that all he said?”</p> - -<p>“Except that his promises to you shall be faithfully kept, and Lord -Roane’s comfort and safety carefully provided for.”</p> - -<p>“Let us go,” she said, hastily. “I am ready.”</p> - -<p>“Any luggage, miss?” he asked.</p> - -<p>She pointed to a small traveling-case that stood beside her, and Tadros -stooped and picked it up.</p> - -<p>With a frightened glance around her, she placed a note directed to Lord -Roane upon the table and then hurriedly left the room, leaving the door -unlocked.</p> - -<p>The dragoman escorted her to the side entrance, reserved for ladies, and -they were fortunate in finding it almost deserted at that moment. Aneth -entered the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_222" id="page_222"></a>{222}</span> carriage quickly, as if fearful of being interrupted in her -escape, and Tadros closed the door and took his seat beside the driver.</p> - -<p>“To the opera house,” he said, for the benefit of the few loungers who -stood upon the pavement.</p> - -<p>After driving a couple of blocks, he made the Arab driver stop in front -of a tobacco shop, and sent him in to purchase some cigarettes. The -moment the fellow disappeared, Tadros started the horse and applied the -whip, and the carriage had whirled swiftly around the comer before the -wondering Arab returned to the street, to find his equipage and his -passengers missing.</p> - -<p>Aneth, as soon as she had leaned back against the cushions, had fallen -into a sort of stupor. Her weary brain refused to think or to speculate -upon the doubtful fate to which she was rushing. She felt the carriage -bumping over the crossings and saw vaguely the lights flash by; but she -noted neither the direction in which they were proceeding nor the length -of their journey. Across the Nile bridge the horses abated their speed; -but then through the darker lanes of the west embankment they dashed -along at a wild pace, that might have frightened the girl, had she been -capable of realizing the actual conditions.</p> - -<p>Suddenly, with a jolt that almost threw her into the opposite seat, the -carriage halted. She looked out of the window and saw three dim red -lights burning, and beyond these the glint of a stray moonbeam upon the -river.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_223" id="page_223"></a>{223}</span></p> - -<p>When Tadros came to assist her in alighting, she saw Mrs. Everingham -standing behind him.</p> - -<p>“Where am I?” asked the girl, wildly.</p> - -<p>“Hush, dear,” said her friend, taking her in her arms to kiss her -tenderly. “Am I not welcome at your wedding?”</p> - -<p>“But why are we here?” asked Aneth, pleadingly. “Why are we at the -river, and where is Prince Kāra?”</p> - -<p>“Come and let me surprise you,” answered Mrs. Everingham, soothingly, -leading the young girl, who was still half dazed and thoroughly -mystified, aboard the dahabeah and into the brightly lighted little -cabin. There sat Lord Roane and Gerald Winston.</p> - -<p>Aneth stared, and then, looking wildly around, she gave a plaintive cry -and threw herself into her grandfather’s arms.</p> - -<p>“I don’t understand!” she wailed, sobbing hysterically. “What does it -all mean? Why are you here, and where is Prince Kāra?”</p> - -<p>Roane was puzzled by her speech, as well as distressed by her agitation.</p> - -<p>“Prince Kāra!” he repeated. “Confound it, Aneth, you don’t want that -rascally nigger, do you?”</p> - -<p>“No, no!” she replied; “but he wants me, and I have promised; I must go -to him. Why am I here? What have you done?”</p> - -<p>By this time the dragoman had tied his horses to a palm and come aboard, -just as Hassan drew in the gangplank and Abdallah started the wheezy -engine. Tadros<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_224" id="page_224"></a>{224}</span> stood in the cabin doorway and listened intently to -Aneth’s protests.</p> - -<p>“See here, miss,” he exclaimed, with assumed sternness, “you are in my -charge, for I am Prince Kāra’s dragoman, and you have promised to obey -me. Is it not so?”</p> - -<p>She turned to look at him.</p> - -<p>“Are you obeying Prince Kāra’s orders?” she demanded.</p> - -<p>“To be sure! He wished to surprise you. He says he merely intended to -test your honesty, being interested in knowing whether an English girl -would keep her promises. But he does not desire to make you unhappy. He -is a prince, and generous; therefore, he releases you from your compact, -and you are free from this time forth to do exactly as you please.”</p> - -<p>She was white and trembling now.</p> - -<p>“But my grandfather—” she began, eagerly.</p> - -<p>Tadros cut her short.</p> - -<p>“He also is safe, in proof of which you see him at your side. You need -have no fears in the future that—”</p> - -<p>He stopped abruptly, for the overwrought nerves of the girl could not -withstand this sudden revulsion of fate. Gerald caught her swaying form -and carried her to her berth, where Mrs. Everingham tended her lovingly -and applied restoratives to relieve her faintness.</p> - -<p>As for Lord Roane, he swore loudly and glared upon the dragoman.</p> - -<p>“What cursed nonsense is this?” he cried.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_225" id="page_225"></a>{225}</span></p> - -<p>Tadros smiled, and Gerald came up and seized the dragoman by both hands, -pressing them warmly.</p> - -<p>“Thank you, my man!” said he. “You are a loyal ally, and I shall not -forget how you have lied to save us from an embarrassing position.” Then -he turned to Lord Roane. “If there is anything your lordship does not -understand,” he said, “I will gladly endeavor to explain it. Prince Kāra -has been playing a deep game, with you and Aneth as pawns; but I think -we have him checkmated at last.”</p> - -<p>The old nobleman did not reply at once. Any questioning on his part -would necessarily be a very delicate matter. He turned his eyes -thoughtfully toward the shore, where the lights of Cairo were slowly -disappearing from their view.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_226" id="page_226"></a>{226}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br /><br /> -<small>THE SHEIK AGREES.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">K</span>āra congratulated himself. For one whose early life had been passed in -a hovel, he had been very successful in directing the destinies of the -great. All his grandmother’s vengeful plans, supplemented by his own -clever arrangement of details, had matured in a remarkably satisfactory -manner, and this evening he was destined to complete the ruin of Lord -Roane’s family. In addition to compromising Aneth beyond all hope by a -false marriage, he would to-morrow have my lord cast into prison on a -charge of embezzlement. The proof which he had pretended to place in the -girl’s keeping, and which she had without doubt promptly destroyed, was -merely a forgery of the receipt to McFarland. The original was still -safe in his custody.</p> - -<p>This ruse had been a clever one. His judgment of the girl’s nature was -marvelously accurate. Having destroyed the paper to insure her -grandfather’s safety, Aneth was effectually prevented from breaking her -contract with Kāra. There was no way for her to recede. He had paid the -price, and she was left with no excuse for not fulfilling her part of -the agreement.</p> - -<p>When Kāra entered his courtyard he found it ablaze with lights. The -women’s apartments, now completely refitted, were truly magnificent. A -dozen servants,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_227" id="page_227"></a>{227}</span> arrayed in splendid costumes, stood motionless at their -posts, awaiting the arrival of their new mistress. Mykel, a rascally -Copt whom Kāra had recently attached to his household, was clad in -priestly robes, and paced up and down the court with an assumed dignity -that elicited sly smiles from his fellow-servants.</p> - -<p>Only the prince’s own people were present, for Kāra wished to be in a -position to deny even the farce of a ceremony, should Aneth attempt in -the future to use it as an excuse for her downfall. But it pleased him -to lull her suspicions in this way in the beginning, and so render her -an easy victim. It also gave an added flavor to his revenge.</p> - -<p>Tadros had been carefully instructed, and would have no difficulty in -fulfilling his mission. He ought to reach the villa on his return by -half-past nine, allowing for natural delays. Kāra trusted Tadros because -the dragoman was so completely in his power; but, with his usual -caution, he had sent a spy to watch his messenger and report any -irregularity in his conduct. Tadros did not know of this spy; otherwise, -he might have felt less confidence in himself.</p> - -<p>Half-past nine arrived, but no sound of carriage wheels broke the -stillness. The servants stood motionless in their places, and Kāra paced -the courtyard in deep reflection while engaged in drawing on his white -kid gloves. The false priest stood under the bower of roses where the -ceremony was to take place, trying to find the service in the Coptic -Bible he had borrowed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_228" id="page_228"></a>{228}</span></p> - -<p>Nine-forty-five; ten o’clock. The dark-eyed servants noticed that their -master grew uneasy and cast anxious glances toward the entrance.</p> - -<p>It was twenty minutes later, when the nerves of the most unconcerned -were beginning to get on edge, that the patter of horses’ feet and the -rapid whir of wheels broke the silence. A carriage dashed up to the -villa and halted.</p> - -<p>Kāra hurried forward expectantly, but paused abruptly when he met the -spy who had been sent to watch Tadros.</p> - -<p>“Where is the dragoman?” he demanded, in a sharp voice.</p> - -<p>“The dragoman, your highness, is a traitor,” said the man.</p> - -<p>Kāra’s nervousness suddenly subsided. He became composed in demeanor and -his voice grew soft.</p> - -<p>“Explain, if you please,” said he.</p> - -<p>The man bowed.</p> - -<p>“Arriving at the hotel, Tadros sent away your excellency’s carriage—”</p> - -<p>“Where is it now?”</p> - -<p>“I do not know. Then he engaged another equipage—that of the Arab named -Effta Marada, bearing the number of ninety-three. Tadros brought the -young lady down and placed her in Effta’s carriage, ordering him to -drive to the opera house. I sprang up behind and accompanied them. -Tadros soon got rid of Effta by sending him on an errand and then drove -quickly<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_229" id="page_229"></a>{229}</span> away. He crossed the Nile to the west embankment and drove down -the river to a point opposite the island of Roda, where your dragoman -placed the lady on board a dahabeah.”</p> - -<p>“Yes; go on.”</p> - -<p>“When the boat steamed away up the river, I took the deserted carriage -and drove here as rapidly as possible. That is all, your excellency.”</p> - -<p>“Whose dahabeah was it?”</p> - -<p>“That belonging to Winston Bey. I saw him on board.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see anyone else?”</p> - -<p>“The lady who has been a friend to Miss Consinor.”</p> - -<p>“That is Mrs. Everingham.”</p> - -<p>“And an old Englishman, Lord Roane.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! Quite a family party. And our dear Tadros went with them?”</p> - -<p>“He did, your excellency.”</p> - -<p>“Up the river, you say?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, your excellency.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you. You may retire.”</p> - -<p>Kāra turned to Ebbek.</p> - -<p>“Put out the lights and send the servants to their quarters,” he said, -calmly.</p> - -<p>In his room the prince tore off the white gloves and changed from -evening dress to a gray traveling suit. Then he returned to the now -deserted courtyard and sat down in the moonlight beside the fountain to -smoke a cigar.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_230" id="page_230"></a>{230}</span></p> - -<p>The blow had been sharp and sudden. While Kāra fully realized the -natural capability of Tadros for deception and double dealing, he also -knew that the blustering dragoman was an arrant coward, and so was -bewildered at the courage manifested in his treachery.</p> - -<p>But it was characteristic of Kāra that he neither bemoaned his adverse -fortune nor became despondent. He entertained a passing regret that he -had delayed killing the dragoman, but did not permit himself to dwell -long upon his servant’s defection. The thing to be first sought was a -remedy for the apparent failure of his carefully laid plans. By and by -he would attend to the dragoman’s reward. Just now it was imperative to -prevent his intended victims from succeeding in their attempt to escape.</p> - -<p>There was no demand for immediate action. The dahabeah was, as he knew, -a slow steamer, and would be forced to breast the Nile current -sluggishly. His enemies doubtless depended for their safety from pursuit -upon Kāra’s supposed ignorance of their whereabouts. He admitted that -someone had plotted shrewdly against him. On the Nile a party in a small -boat is almost as isolated as if at sea. The express steamers and -tourist steamers pass now and then, but they travel rapidly, appearing -and disappearing within the brief space of half an hour. Aside from -these, only the native barges, picturesque and ghostlike as they drift -by, break the ripples of the broad river. The banks<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_231" id="page_231"></a>{231}</span> are sprinkled with -many villages, and at this season shaduf workers are plentiful; but the -native has tired of staring at the Nile flotilla, unless awaiting with -eagerness the landing of the big tourist steamer, from whose passengers -a scant livelihood is gained, and this occurs only at certain points of -interest.</p> - -<p>So Kāra had time to be deliberate. It even occurred to him that this -seeming calamity might turn out to be exceptionally favorable to the -success of his schemes. In Cairo one must act with circumspection, -because the police of the city are alert and almost incorruptible. The -Nile dwellers fear the law rather than respect it; but they are too far -from the capital to be very much afraid. Where tourists disembark, a -mounted officer is stationed to lash the impudent villagers into a state -of dull apathy, such as the caged tiger feels for its trainer; but they -lapse into savagery when his back is turned, and in the more -unfrequented villages the sheik is absolute king.</p> - -<p>Kāra considered carefully these conditions, and soon formed new plans to -complete his vengeance. Then, the cigar being finished, he went to bed -and slept until daybreak.</p> - -<p>“I shall be absent for several days,” he said to Ebbek, as he ate an -early breakfast. “See that everything is in perfect order when I return. -If tradesmen come to demand money, promise them payment immediately on -my arrival in Cairo.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, my master.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_232" id="page_232"></a>{232}</span></p> - -<p>He caught the morning train for Luxor and arrived by noon at a station -opposite the native village of Beni-Hassan, whence he crossed the river -in a small boat.</p> - -<p>The children of Hassan have for centuries been known as “the bandits of -the Nile,” and their three connected villages, lying close to the river -bank, have replaced those that were totally destroyed by the Government -during the reign of Mohammed ‘Ali in the hope of scattering the tribes -and breaking up their thieving propensities; but the Beni-Hassans -rebuilt their mud dwellings and calmly remained in possession. To-day -they are cautiously avoided by isolated tourists, who are fully warned -of their evil reputation.</p> - -<p>As he landed, Kāra found the villages seemingly deserted. Underneath the -tall palms at the right a few swathed figures lay motionless, while -small black goats and stray chickens wandered listlessly about; but the -visitor paid little attention to these signs. He knew the old men and -women were swarming in the huts while the younger men were away at the -distant tombs in the hills or engaged in earning a stipend at the -neighboring shadufs.</p> - -<p>Turning to the left, he followed a path leading up a slight incline to -the low bluff covered with a second grove of stately palms, beneath the -shade of which the better dwellings of Beni-Hassan have been built. He -had never been in the village before, but had heard it described -innumerable times since his boyhood. Even<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_233" id="page_233"></a>{233}</span> when he paused before an -extensive building having cane and mud walls and a roof of palm leaves, -he was fairly certain he had correctly guessed the location of the place -he sought.</p> - -<p>“Does Sheik Antar live here?” he asked a child that came out to stare at -him.</p> - -<p>The little one nodded and ran within. Kāra sat down cross-legged upon -the path of baked mud, removed both his shoes and placed them beside -him, and then patiently awaited his reception.</p> - -<p>After some five minutes a gigantic Arab bent his head to emerge from the -low doorway, and, after a calm but shrewd glance at his visitor, came -forward and stood before Kāra.</p> - -<p>“Allahu akbar!” he said, spreading wide his arms in greeting. “The -stranger is welcome to all that I possess.”</p> - -<p>“May Allah bless and guard the habitation of the mighty sheik!” -responded Kāra, in purest Arabic.</p> - -<p>Then the sheik sat cross-legged upon the ground, facing his guest, and -also removed his red morocco slippers. His beard was gray and his eyes -black and piercing. His frame was lean and the flesh hard as iron, -denoting great strength. He wore the green turban that proved he had -made the Mecca pilgrimage.</p> - -<p>“It pleases me that I behold the mighty Sheik Antar, beloved of Allah, -and the curse of all enemies of the prophet,” began Kāra after a brief -silence, during which the men eyed each other earnestly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_234" id="page_234"></a>{234}</span></p> - -<p>“My brother speaks well,” was the grave reply; “yet so lost am I in -wonder at the glory and honor conferred upon my humble home by his -presence, that the exalted name of my guest escapes my fickle memory.”</p> - -<p>Kāra bowed to the ground.</p> - -<p>“I am of Gebel Abu Fedah, the grandson of the Princess Hatatcha, and -descended from the line of Ahtka-Rā and the royal kings of ancient -Egypt. My name is Kāra.”</p> - -<p>With dignified gesture the sheik extended his hand and clasped that of -the stranger.</p> - -<p>“The fame of the last great Egyptian has already reached my ears,” said -he. “Raschid, the Syrian dragoman, whose boat, the <i>Rameses</i>, was here -but three days since, told me of your life in Cairo, of your -magnificence and vast riches, of your generosity and wisdom. Fedah I -know, for the sheik of Al-Kusiyeh is my comrade. The glory of Kāra the -Egyptian is reflected upon every dweller along the Nile bank.”</p> - -<p>After another pause to permit of due and deliberate appreciation of this -compliment, Kāra drew a heavy sigh and responded:</p> - -<p>“Yet all is not at peace with me, most noble Antar. My enemies oppress -me and cause me much sorrow; wherefore I am driven to appeal to my -brother for aid.”</p> - -<p>The eyes of the sheik sparkled.</p> - -<p>“Already,” said he, “confusion has fallen upon Kāra’s foes; for they -surely cannot escape the blight of Antar’s hatred!”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_235" id="page_235"></a>{235}</span></p> - -<p>“Then see how gratitude flows from my heart like a very cataract,” -answered the other, with downcast eyes. “It is little that Kāra can do -to repay such brotherly love; but the great sheik must distribute for me -ten thousand piastres to his worthy poor, even on that day when my -enemies are confounded.”</p> - -<p>Antar’s brow was thoughtful. A great payment meant a great service.</p> - -<p>“My brother will tell me a story,” said he, “and I will listen.”</p> - -<p>Thereupon, in the flowery language of Arabia, which English words but -feebly translate, the Egyptian told of a boat steaming slowly up the -Nile and bearing his enemies toward the villages of Beni-Hassan. He -described the women and the men, and noticed that the sheik grunted with -discouraging emphasis when Winston Bey’s name was mentioned. Then, -following out the idea of relating a tale, Kāra told how his brother, -the mighty sheik Antar, fell upon the dahabeah and captured it, turning -over all the passengers and crew to Kāra except one—Tadros the dragoman -being unfortunately killed and dropped overboard to find a final -resting-place in the mud at the river’s bottom. Then Winston’s crew was -replaced by six strong men of Beni-Hassan, who obeyed Kāra’s commands as -willingly as if they proceeded from Antar himself. And Kāra afterward -steamed up the Nile to Fedah, with the sheik on board, and at Fedah gave -to him not only the ten thousand piastres for his poor, but many gems<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_236" id="page_236"></a>{236}</span> -of fabulous worth for his personal adornment and that of his women.</p> - -<p>Was it not a pretty story? he concluded, and did it not sound like a -prophecy in Antar’s discerning ears?</p> - -<p>The sheik considered long and earnestly. He did not like meddling with -Winston Bey, whom he knew of old and respected highly; but Kāra’s -allusion to the gems was irresistible, and Antar might discover a way to -keep from being recognized by the scientist.</p> - -<p>It required several hours to conclude the bargain, but at last both men -thoroughly understood the details of the service that was required and -must be rendered. The assault upon the dahabeah was discussed and -planned, and the terms of payment agreed upon. The killing of Tadros was -an incident that the sheik accepted without demur.</p> - -<p>With two clever rascals such as the Egyptian and the Arab in charge of -the raid, there seemed little hope that Winston Bey’s unsuspecting party -could escape absolute destruction.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_237" id="page_237"></a>{237}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br /><br /> -<small>LOTUS-EATERS AND CROCODILES.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">I</span>f in all the realm of travel there is a voyage that is absolutely -ideal, it is the trip up the Nile. The constant change of scene, varying -with every bend in the river; the shifting lights, the gentle ripple of -the waters, the distant songs and shouts of the native boatmen; the -outlines of the Libyan hills by moonlight and the rocky wastes of -desert, dotted with gorgeous crimson and yellow cacti, by day; the -sunsets that paint the cloudless Egyptian skies with entrancing -splendor, and the silhouettes of donkey and camel trains above the high -embankment at twilight; these, taken in connection with the care-free, -lotus-eating existence of the voyager, leave an impression so vivid and -sweet and altogether satisfactory that no other experience in the whole -world of travel can compare with or ever efface it from one’s memory.</p> - -<p>Aneth believed the dragoman’s assertion that Prince Kāra had been -generous at last and released her from her promise. Neither Winston nor -Mrs. Everingham dared vouch for the dragoman’s statements; but they -remained silent while Tadros, unabashed, explained that his master was -whimsical and erratic, but very kind-hearted and considerate, and -incapable of wronging any one in any way.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_238" id="page_238"></a>{238}</span></p> - -<p>“As for Lord Roane, miss,” he said, confidentially, “there is no doubt -he did an imprudent thing, which vexed my master, who has a high sense -of honor; so he frightened my lord, to teach him to be more careful in -the future. But never had he the slightest idea of exposing him to -public infamy, I assure you. Kāra has told me so himself.”</p> - -<p>The dragoman derived much satisfaction from these inventions, especially -as he noticed how implicitly Aneth believed them, and how they operated -to cheer her spirits and render her content with her novel and -delightful surroundings. Everyone on board was devoted to the girl, and, -under the genial influences of the voyage, she recovered, to an extent, -her old brightness and vivacity. There was no harm now in blushing -happily at the love-light in Gerald’s eyes, and her three companions -were those she loved best in all the world. Her recent cares and -heartaches seemed all to have been left behind in Cairo, and she could -look forward to many weeks of keen enjoyment.</p> - -<p>She was sorry, however, that she had misjudged Prince Kāra, and promised -herself to implore his pardon immediately on her return to Cairo.</p> - -<p>Gerald and Mrs. Everingham, while they did not disabuse Aneth’s mind, -were a trifle uneasy at the growing audacity of the dragoman’s -statements, and warned him to be more careful. After the girl had -regained her health and self-possession, they would explain to her the -truth of the matter and discredit<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_239" id="page_239"></a>{239}</span> Tadros freely; at present they were -content to note her bright eyes and the roses creeping back to her -cheeks.</p> - -<p>Lord Roane had wisely decided not to ask questions. From what he -overheard he understood that Kāra was now befriending Aneth instead of -persecuting her, and this being the case, his own danger was reduced to -a minimum. He could not understand the Egyptian’s change of attitude in -the least. If Kāra had intended merely to frighten him, he had succeeded -admirably, and Roane told himself that the punishment he had already -suffered through terror and despair was sufficient to expiate his -long-forgotten sin against Hatatcha. But did Kāra think so? That was a -question he could not answer, but he decided to defer all worries for -the present at least.</p> - -<p>Gerald Winston would have been less than human had he refrained from -showing to Aneth, during these delightful days, how dearly he loved her -and what happiness her companionship brought to him. The moonlit -evenings on deck were sufficient to inspire the most bashful lover, and -Gerald did not dare waste his golden opportunities. If he won Aneth at -all, it must be on this trip, and under the spur of Mrs. Everingham’s -counsel to be bold, he soon put his fate to the test and marveled at his -success. The girl had suffered too much to trifle with her lover’s -heart, and her consent was readily won. It was his intention that they -be married while at Luxor or Aswan, there being English churches in both -places and ample conveniences<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_240" id="page_240"></a>{240}</span> for a proper conduct of the ceremony. -Roane was fond of Winston, and offered no objection to a plan which -would ensure Aneth’s happiness and which seemed to be defective only in -its precipitancy.</p> - -<p>The project pleased Aneth as much as it delighted her lover. In her days -of misery, when she thought she had lost him forever, the full value of -Gerald’s love had been so impressed upon her that she clung to him now, -realizing that he represented the full measure of her future happiness; -still, she experienced an uneasy sensation that any unnecessary delay -might prove dangerous. Her contract with Kāra, moreover, had taught her -to face the possibility of a sudden marriage, and what was a hateful -ordeal then would now become a crown of triumph.</p> - -<p>“Whenever you like, Gerald,” she said, “I will become your wife. I could -never wish for other witnesses of my wedding than my dear grandfather -and Mrs. Everingham; and happiness is such a precious thing and life so -uncertain, that I have no desire to resist your proposal.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, my dear one,” he said, gravely.</p> - -<p>“And I think I prefer Luxor to Aswan. It will be so romantic to be wed -in the old Theban city, where the Egyptian princesses once made their -home and where they lived and loved, will it not?”</p> - -<p>“It shall be Luxor,” he declared.</p> - -<p>That week was one of never-to-be-forgotten delight. Even Tadros wore a -perpetual smile, although this<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_241" id="page_241"></a>{241}</span> method of sweet communion between lovers -was all new and amazing to him. He felt quite secure now for the first -time since Kāra had asserted his power over the dragoman’s destinies, -and wondered—the thing being so easy—why he had so long hesitated to -break with his arrogant and imperious master. As the dahabeah lazily -breasted the languid current of the river, Tadros idly wondered what -Kāra was doing now, and could not forbear a laugh at the thought of the -Egyptian’s anger and perplexity when he had discovered the flight of his -proposed victims. Oh, well—Kāra had pitted his cunning against the -dragoman’s intelligence! It was little wonder he was discomfited.</p> - -<p>On the afternoon of the seventh day they steamed slowly past -Beni-Hassan, their moderate progress being due to the fact that the boat -tied up from every sunset to the next sunrise. Beni-Hassan was a -picturesque village as viewed from the river, where its filth and stench -were imperceptible, and the groups of splendid palms lent a dignity to -the place that a closer inspection would prove undeserved.</p> - -<p>Aneth, seated happily by Gerald’s side beneath the ample deck awning, -admired the village greatly, and her lover promised to stop there on -their return and give her an opportunity of visiting the famous tombs in -the nearby hillside.</p> - -<p>At twilight they anchored midway between Beni-Hassan and Antinoe, the -boat lying motionless a few yards away from the east bank.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_242" id="page_242"></a>{242}</span></p> - -<p>The evenings are delightful in this part of Egypt, and it was midnight -before the passengers aboard the dahabeah sought their couches. Tadros, -indeed, being wakeful, lay extended upon the stern deck of the steamer -long after the others were asleep, engaged in thoughtfully gazing at the -high bank and indulging in pleasant dreams of future prosperity when he -had added Winston Bey’s three thousand pounds to the snug savings he had -already accumulated.</p> - -<p>Presently a dark object appeared for an instant at the top of the bank -and quickly vanished against the black surface below. Another succeeded -it, and another.</p> - -<p>Tadros scratched his head in perplexity. These dark objects seemed to -have form, yet they were silent as the dead. He counted a dozen of them -altogether, and while still pondering upon their appearance, being -undecided as to whether they were ghosts or jackals, his quick ears -caught a splash in the water beside the bank.</p> - -<p>They were not jackals—that was certain; for those ravenous beasts never -take to the water. Neither are ghosts supposed to bathe. From where he -lay, the surface of the river was scarcely a foot distant, and, leaning -well over the stern, Tadros managed to discover in the dim light several -heads bobbing upon the water.</p> - -<p>He ought to have given an immediate alarm, but terror rendered him -irresolute, and before he had time to act, it was too late to arouse his -fellow-passengers.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_243" id="page_243"></a>{243}</span></p> - -<p>Clambering up the bow were half a score of naked Arabs, their knives -held between their glistening teeth, their dark eyes roaming fiercely -around.</p> - -<p>Tadros’ first impulse was to fight; but just as he was about to rise to -his feet a man whom he knew bounded aft and sprang into the little cabin -where the women lay asleep.</p> - -<p>It was Kāra.</p> - -<p>There was no indecision on the part of the dragoman after that. He -slipped off the deck into the water with the dexterity of a seal sliding -from a rock, and while a succession of terrified screams and angry -shouts bombarded his ears, Tadros swam silently across the Nile toward -the opposite shore.</p> - -<p>The water was cold, and he shivered as he swam; yet the chill was from -within rather than from without. There are no crocodiles in the Nile -now; but in places there are serpents and sharklike fish that will bite -a mouthful of flesh from a swimmer’s leg. Tadros knew of this, but did -not think of it just then. Reflected in his mind was Kāra’s dark visage, -grim and malignant, and with certain death facing him aboard the -dahabeah, the dragoman’s only impulse was to get as far away from the -danger as possible.</p> - -<p>The turmoil on the boat prevented his escape from being immediately -noticed, and after a long swim, that nearly exhausted his strength, he -reached the west shore and fell panting upon the hard earth.</p> - -<p>Slowly regaining his breath, he strained his ears to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_244" id="page_244"></a>{244}</span> catch any sound -that might proceed from the dahabeah; but now an oppressive silence -reigned on the opposite side of the river. The lights of the steamer -gleamed faintly through the night, but the fate of those he had left on -board was wrapped in mystery. Perhaps Kāra and his band of assassins -would murder all except the girl; it was possible he would murder her as -well. Anyway, the dragoman’s connection with the enterprise had come to -an abrupt ending.</p> - -<p>A mile or so away was the little town of Roda, with its railway station. -Tadros started to walk toward it, keeping well back from the edge of the -bank so that he might not be discovered in case anyone pursued him.</p> - -<p>His dejection and dismay at this sudden reversal of fortune were -extreme. He had lost the last vestige of the jaunty bearing that usually -distinguished him. With three thousand pounds already earned but -irretrievably lost, and the knowledge that Kāra’s merciless enmity would -pursue him through life, the dragoman’s condition was indeed deplorable.</p> - -<p>He wondered what he should do now. Returning to Cairo was out of the -question. He would go back to Fedah, his old home. Nephthys and her -mother were there, and would hide him if Kāra appeared unexpectedly. -Yes, Fedah was his only haven—at least until he had time to consider -his future plans.</p> - -<p>By and by he reached the station at Roda—the village named after the -ancient island in the Nile opposite Cairo. A sleepy Arab porter was in -charge of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_245" id="page_245"></a>{245}</span> the place and eyed the dragoman’s wet clothing with evident -suspicion. When questioned, he announced that a train would go south at -six o’clock in the morning.</p> - -<p>Tadros slipped outside the station and found a convenient hiding-place -against a neighboring house, where the shadows were so deep that he -could not be observed. Here he laid down to rest and await the arrival -of the train.</p> - -<p>By daybreak his clothing had dried, but he observed with regret that his -blue satin vest had been ruined by the river water and that his Syrian -sash was disgracefully wrinkled. Next to life itself, he loved his -splendid costumes, so that this dreary discovery did not tend to raise -his dampened spirits.</p> - -<p>When the train drew in he boarded it and found himself seated in a -compartment opposite to Lord Consinor. They stared at each other for a -moment, and then the viscount emitted a sound that seemed a queer -combination of a growl and a laugh.</p> - -<p>“It is Kāra’s alter ego,” he sneered, in English.</p> - -<p>“Pardon me, my lord,” said the dragoman, hastily, “the alliance is -dissolved. I have even more reason than you to hate the prince.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed?” returned Consinor.</p> - -<p>“He is a fiend emanating directly from your English hell,” declared -Tadros, earnestly. “I know of no other diabolical place where Kāra could -have been bred. One thing is certain, however,” he continued, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_246" id="page_246"></a>{246}</span> -bitter emphasis, “I will have vengeance upon him before I die!”</p> - -<p>There was no mistaking the venom of the man’s rancorous assertion. -Consinor smiled, and said:</p> - -<p>“It would give me pleasure to share your revenge.”</p> - -<p>A sudden thought struck Tadros—a thought so tremendous in its scope and -significance that he was himself astonished and stared blankly into the -other’s face. For a time he rode in silence, revolving the idea in his -mind and examining its phases with extreme care. Then he inquired, -cautiously:</p> - -<p>“Where are you going, my lord?”</p> - -<p>“To Assyut.”</p> - -<p>“I thought you had left Cairo long ago.”</p> - -<p>“So I did. I have been to Alexandria, but found nothing there to amuse -me. I am now bound for Assyut, and from there I intend traveling to -Aswan, and up to Wady Halfa.”</p> - -<p>“Are you in any hurry to reach there?”</p> - -<p>“Not the slightest.”</p> - -<p>“Then leave the train with me at Kusiyeh. I have something to propose -that will interest you.”</p> - -<p>Consinor studied him a moment.</p> - -<p>“Does this program include our revenge?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Very well; I will do as you suggest.”</p> - -<p>“Good!” exclaimed Tadros. Then he leaned over and whispered: “Revenge -and a fortune, my lord! Is it not worth while?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_247" id="page_247"></a>{247}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br /><br /> -<small>THE DRAGOMAN’S INSPIRATION.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">T</span>hey left the train at the station opposite Fedah, and the dragoman -secured a native to row them in his skiff across the river. Consinor -asked no questions and appeared wholly indifferent as to their -destination. Indeed, his life had been so aimless since his disgraceful -flight from Cairo that he welcomed any diversion that might relieve its -dull monotony.</p> - -<p>When they arrived at Fedah, Tadros took him secretly to the hut of old -Nefert, the bread-baker, which was directly across the street from the -dwelling of Hatatcha, now owned by Kāra. The viscount was inclined to -resent the filthiness of the hovel wherein he must hide, until the -dragoman led him to the shade of the opposite archway and explained to -him something of the project he had in mind.</p> - -<p>Tadros began by relating the “royal one’s” early history, emphasizing -the fact that old Hatatcha had been able to support herself and Kāra -without any labor whatever. Then he told of Hatatcha’s death, and how -he, Tadros, had discovered the valuable rolls of papyrus in Kāra’s -possession. From thence to the brilliant advent of the “prince” in Cairo -was but a step, and the entire history permitted but one -explanation—the fact<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_248" id="page_248"></a>{248}</span> that Kāra had knowledge of an ancient tomb -containing great riches.</p> - -<p>“Once,” said the dragoman, “Kāra and I made a visit to Fedah; but I did -not suspect his errand and so neglected to watch him, being at the time -greatly occupied with a certain maiden. In the morning I found he had -loaded his traveling cases with treasures—wonderful gems that have -enabled him to live in princely fashion ever since.”</p> - -<p>“Where did he get them?” asked Consinor, eagerly.</p> - -<p>“As I said, from some hidden tomb, the secret of which is known only to -himself.”</p> - -<p>“Do you think he has carried all of the treasure away?”</p> - -<p>“I have reason to believe that more remains than has ever been taken. -Once, in an unguarded moment, Kāra told me that he could not spend it -all in a thousand years.”</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose we can discover this tomb?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, if we are clever. It is no use to hunt without a clew, but Kāra -will furnish us the clew we need.”</p> - -<p>“In what way?” the viscount inquired.</p> - -<p>“He is coming here presently.”</p> - -<p>Consinor frowned.</p> - -<p>“I do not care to meet him,” he said, hastily.</p> - -<p>“Nor do I,” rejoined Tadros, with a shudder; “but it will not be -necessary for us to meet Kāra, who will not suspect we are in the -village.”</p> - -<p>“What then?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_249" id="page_249"></a>{249}</span></p> - -<p>“He is coming to secure more treasure, his former supply being -exhausted, as I have reason to know. He has promised his tradesmen -money, and will not dare delay his visit to Fedah. Besides, he is not -far from here at this very moment. By to-morrow, if he comes in Winston -Bey’s dahabeah, he will reach this place. If he decides to take a -railway train, he may be here this evening.”</p> - -<p>“In that case, what do you propose to do?” demanded Consinor.</p> - -<p>“Spy upon him; discover where the treasure is hidden, and when he is -gone, help ourselves,” was the confident reply.</p> - -<p>The idea seemed quite feasible when further elaborated. They entered the -room of Kāra’s dwelling and examined the place carefully.</p> - -<p>“This,” explained the dragoman, “is doubtless his starting-point. From -here he has either a secret passage into the mountain, or he steals away -to the desert, where the entrance to the tomb is hidden underneath the -shifting sands. We must be prepared to watch him in either event, and -that is why I have proposed to you to assist me, rather than try to -secure all the fortune myself. I am assured there is plenty for two, and -to spare.”</p> - -<p>“Doubtless,” replied the viscount, laconically. Already he saw visions -of great wealth, which would enable him to return to London and rise -superior to all the sneers and scandals that had been thrust upon him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_250" id="page_250"></a>{250}</span></p> - -<p>They discussed the matter long and earnestly, the few inhabitants of the -village, stupid and inert, being entirely ignorant of their presence. It -was finally decided that on Kāra’s approach Consinor should conceal -himself beneath the dried rushes of the old bed, Tadros so arranging his -position that the viscount could observe every action of one moving -within the room. Then the dragoman would himself lurk at the edge of the -village to follow Kāra if he stole away into the desert.</p> - -<p>As a matter of fact, Tadros was firm in his belief that the treasure was -hidden within the mountain; but he had no intention of risking his own -life when he could induce Consinor to become his catspaw. Discovery -meant death—he knew that well enough. It was better not to take -chances, and if the viscount succeeded in learning Kāra’s secret it -would mean the same to Tadros as learning it himself. He knew how to -handle this outcast Englishman, and if the treasure proved as large as -he suspected, he could afford to be generous, and would play fair with -his accomplice. Otherwise—but that could be considered later.</p> - -<p>Tadros did not desire to expose the stranger to the curious gaze of the -villagers, but there was no harm in their knowing that the dragoman had -come among his old friends once more; so he insisted that Consinor -should stay concealed in Nefert’s hovel, flying to a dark corner at the -sound of every footstep, while he himself visited Sĕra and her daughter -in furtherance of his sagacious plans.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_251" id="page_251"></a>{251}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br /><br /> -<small>MOTHER AND DAUGHTER.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">A</span>s the dragoman approached Sĕra’s hut he paused upon the threshold to -observe the scene within, hesitating, as he remembered that it was -because of his own reckless conduct that the Nile girl had been stripped -of her beautiful gowns and jewels and sent home from Cairo scorned and -repudiated.</p> - -<p>Her humiliation and despair had haunted him ever since.</p> - -<p>But now he found her seated meekly at the well-worn loom, casting the -shuttle back and forth with the same mechanical lassitude she had -exhibited of old. The discolored black dress, open at the breast and -much patched and torn, was her sole garment. Even the blue beads were -again about her neck.</p> - -<p>But the eyes she turned toward Tadros were different, somehow. Their -former velvety depths were veiled with a dull film, while the smoothness -of her brow was marred by the wrinkles of a sullen frown.</p> - -<p>After a moment, however, she seemed to recognize the dragoman, and rose -from her place with a sudden eager look and flushed cheeks.</p> - -<p>“You have come for me again?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“No,” answered Tadros, casting himself upon a settle. He felt abashed -without knowing why he should<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_252" id="page_252"></a>{252}</span> entertain such a feeling—abashed and -sorrowful, in spite of his habitual egotism and selfish disregard of -others.</p> - -<p>Nephthys leaned back and resumed her weaving. The film covered her eyes -again. She paid no further attention to her mother’s guest.</p> - -<p>Sĕra, however, was voluble and indignant.</p> - -<p>“That Kāra,” she hissed, “is a viper—a crocodile—a low, infamous -deceiver! He is worse than an Arab. Henf! If I had him here I would -stamp him into the dust. Why did he spurn my beautiful daughter from his -harem? Tell me, then!”</p> - -<p>“Merely because Nephthys and I, being old friends, wished to converse at -times of you and our acquaintances at Fedah. Why should we not gossip -and smoke a cigarette together? Once I owned her myself.”</p> - -<p>“True. You were a fool to sell her.”</p> - -<p>“Still, you must not forget that Nephthys has had an experience,” he -resumed, more lightly. “For a time she was a queen, splendid and -magnificent beyond compare in her robes of satin and her sparkling -jewels. Ah, it is not every girl who enjoys such luxury, even for a -brief season! Let her be content.”</p> - -<p>“Content!” screamed old Sĕra, shrilly; “it has ruined her. She is no -longer happy in the old home, and when she speaks, which is but seldom, -it is only to curse Kāra. Look at her! Is she now fat and beautiful as -before? No. If the poor child lives long enough, she will die a -skeleton!”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_253" id="page_253"></a>{253}</span></p> - -<p>“Allah forbid!” exclaimed Tadros, hastily. “But if she expects to be -taken back again, her case is hopeless. I am sure Kāra will never relent -or restore her to favor. He is a poor judge of a woman. But I,” slapping -his chest proudly, “I will take Nephthys to myself; and while I do not -promise to robe her as gorgeously as did Kāra, she shall become fat -again, and have her silks and ornaments the same as before.”</p> - -<p>“And the cigarettes?”</p> - -<p>“Of course.”</p> - -<p>He drew a box of the coveted cigarettes from his pocket and tossed it -toward her. Sĕra lighted one eagerly and gave the box to Nephthys. After -staring at it blankly for a moment the girl seemed to understand. She -took a cigarette and lighted it from the one her mother was smoking. A -smile of childish enjoyment slowly spread over her face, and she left -her loom and came and sat upon Tadros’ knee.</p> - -<p>“I expect Kāra in Fedah presently,” remarked the dragoman. “But he must -not know that I am here. We have had a falling-out. I quarreled with -him, and he threatens me.”</p> - -<p>“Never fear,” said Sĕra, calmly. “I can hide you in the cavity in the -rear wall, which the royal one knows nothing of. There you will be safe -until he goes away.”</p> - -<p>“Very good!” he replied.</p> - -<p>“When will Kāra come?” asked the woman, “and why does he visit Fedah -again?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_254" id="page_254"></a>{254}</span></p> - -<p>“I expect him to-night or to-morrow. Why he comes I do not know.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps to pray beside Hatatcha’s mummy.”</p> - -<p>“Where is that?” he asked, quickly.</p> - -<p>“I cannot discover,” she returned. “Often I have examined their -dwelling, but no secret door can I find anywhere. The tomb must be in -the hills—or perhaps in the desert. There is an oasis where the dwarf -Sebbet lives. He was known to be one of Hatatcha’s most devoted -followers.”</p> - -<p>“True,” said the dragoman, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>“The tomb must be in Sebbet’s oasis. Once Kāra stole old Nikko’s donkey -and rode there.”</p> - -<p>“Was that the last time we came here?” questioned Tadros.</p> - -<p>“No; it was when Hatatcha died.”</p> - -<p>“Then the tomb is not in the oasis. I am sure it is quite near Fedah. -But listen, my Sĕra; if I agree to take Nephthys and provide for her, -you must help me when Kāra comes.”</p> - -<p>“I have promised to hide you in the old wall,” she replied. “Can I do -more than that?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. You must go at once to the hill and watch for the royal one’s -coming. Your eyes are sharp, even though you are old. He will come from -the Nile—either across the river or from the north, on a boat that -smokes and has no sails. As soon as you discover him you will hurry here -to me, and that will give us time to prepare for Kāra. Will you do this -for me?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_255" id="page_255"></a>{255}</span></p> - -<p>“May I have the box of cigarettes to take with me?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Then I will do your bidding.”</p> - -<p>She went away to the hill at once, leaving Tadros with Nephthys; but the -girl had already forgotten his presence and was staring straight before -her with lusterless eyes.</p> - -<p>The dragoman sighed.</p> - -<p>“It is very unfortunate,” he murmured, examining her critically, “but it -is doubtless true, nevertheless—she is getting thin.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_256" id="page_256"></a>{256}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br /><br /> -<small>THE SHEIK DEMURS.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">N</span>o one on board the dahabeah had entertained even a suspicion of danger. -Winston Bey knew well the unreliable character of the natives of certain -villages, but even he did not dream that the steamer would be molested -or its passengers annoyed; therefore, the surprise was complete.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Everingham, awakening with a start, heard the patter of many feet -upon the deck and saw a man advancing into the cabin where she and Aneth -had been sleeping.</p> - -<p>Her first inspiration was to scream; but instead she reached beneath her -pillow and drew out a small revolver, with which she fired two shots in -rapid succession point blank at the intruder.</p> - -<p>Neither bullet took effect, but they startled Kāra as much as her -vigorous screams, in which Aneth now joined. He retreated hastily from -the cabin, thus allowing Mrs. Everingham to close the door and secure it -with a heavy bar provided for that purpose.</p> - -<p>The after-cabin having been given up to the women, Winston and Lord -Roane occupied a smaller cabin forward. Between the two were the kitchen -and the engine-room. As the natives boarded the steamer near the bow, -their first act was to drop into the forward cabin<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_257" id="page_257"></a>{257}</span> and seize the white -men before they were fairly awake. Roane offered no resistance whatever, -but Winston struggled so energetically that it took three of the men, -headed by the gigantic sheik, to secure him. It required but a few -moments to bind the prisoners securely hand and foot, and then they were -left in their bunks under a guard of natives, who held their bare knives -in their hands in readiness to prevent any possible escape.</p> - -<p>The four Arabs of Winston’s crew were easily overcome, and by the time -that Kāra arrived forward they laid upon the deck carefully pinioned. -There had been no bloodshed at all, and the steamer was now entirely in -the control of Kāra and his mercenaries.</p> - -<p>“All right,” said the sheik, nodding his satisfaction as the Egyptian -approached. “It was very easy, my prince. The two white men are below, -and the boat is ours.”</p> - -<p>Kāra, by the dim light of a lantern, peered into the faces of his -prisoners.</p> - -<p>“Where is the dragoman?” he asked. “Did you kill him, as I commanded you -to do?”</p> - -<p>“We had not that pleasure,” returned the sheik, “for he was not on -board.”</p> - -<p>“Are you sure?”</p> - -<p>“Very sure, my prince.”</p> - -<p>“He may be in hiding. Search every part of the steamer thoroughly except -the cabin of the women.”</p> - -<p>The sheik shrugged his shoulders, but gave the command<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_258" id="page_258"></a>{258}</span> to his men. They -examined every possible hiding-place without finding the dragoman.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Kāra squatted upon the deck, thinking earnestly of what his -future action should be, while the silent sheik sat beside him with -composed indifference. When the Arabs returned from their unsuccessful -quest, the Egyptian said to his ally:</p> - -<p>“Let your men watch the prisoners until morning. We can do nothing more -at present.”</p> - -<p>So they stretched themselves upon the deck and rested until daybreak.</p> - -<p>As soon as it was light enough to distinguish objects readily, Kāra -arose and ordered Winston and Lord Roane brought upon deck. There they -saw the Egyptian for the first time and understood why they had been -attacked.</p> - -<p>“I suspected that I owed this little diversion to you,” said Winston, -glaring angrily upon his enemy. “Perhaps you do not realize, Prince -Kāra, that by this lawless act you have ruined yourself and your -career.”</p> - -<p>“No,” returned Kāra, smiling; “I do not realize that.”</p> - -<p>“These things are not tolerated in Egypt to-day,” continued the Bey.</p> - -<p>“Not if they are known,” admitted Kāra.</p> - -<p>“Do you think, sir, that I will remain silent?” demanded Winston, -indignantly.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“And why?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_259" id="page_259"></a>{259}</span></p> - -<p>“Because I have no intention of permitting you to return to Cairo. -Understand me, Winston Bey—I entertain no personal enmity toward you; -but you saw fit to interfere with my purposes, and in doing so destroyed -yourself. Having been lawless enough to capture your boat, an outrage -only justified by my desire to obtain possession of the persons of Aneth -Consinor and Lord Roane, I am compelled, in order to protect myself, to -silence every person aboard who might cause me future annoyance. -Therefore, it is necessary to kill you.”</p> - -<p>“You dare not!”</p> - -<p>“You misjudge me,” answered Kāra, coolly; “but I shall be glad to -furnish you immediate proof of my sincerity.” Turning to Antar, he said: -“Comrade, oblige me by placing your knife in the heart of Winston Bey.”</p> - -<p>The sheik did not move.</p> - -<p>“Well?” cried Kāra, impatiently.</p> - -<p>“It is not in the compact,” returned the imperturbable Arab.</p> - -<p>“You are wrong,” said the Egyptian, sharply. “It was fully understood -you should obey my commands, especially as to killing those of my -enemies whom I desired to silence.”</p> - -<p>“My brother will remember,” returned the sheik, “that there was also -another understanding—a little matter relating to certain jewels and -piastres.”</p> - -<p>“You shall have them!”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_260" id="page_260"></a>{260}</span></p> - -<p>“And you shall be obeyed—when I have them.”</p> - -<p>Winston smiled, and Kāra saw it and uttered a curse.</p> - -<p>“Will you thwart me now, when it is too late for either of us to retreat -with safety?” he asked Antar, angrily.</p> - -<p>“By no means. I do not object to the killing, believe me, my brother; -but my people are poor, and the money you have promised them will do -much to ease their sufferings. Let me but see the gems and the piastres -and all your desires shall be gratified.”</p> - -<p>Winston looked at the gigantic Arab closely. He seemed to remember the -man, but could not place him, for Antar had not only trimmed his gray -beard, but had dyed it a deep black. Still, all natives are crafty and -covetous, and the words he had overheard gave him an idea.</p> - -<p>“Listen, my sheik,” he said in Arabic. “If it is money you wish, I will -double Kāra’s offer to you. It is but natural that a man will pay more -for life than another will pay for revenge. State your price, and the -sum shall be yours.”</p> - -<p>Antar turned toward the Egyptian, an expression of satisfaction upon his -keen features.</p> - -<p>“My brother will answer,” he said.</p> - -<p>“This is absurd,” declared Kāra. “Winston Bey but trifles with you. His -money is all in Cairo. When you go there to get it, he will throw you -into prison, and your people will be destroyed and their houses torn -down to satisfy the Government police.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_261" id="page_261"></a>{261}</span></p> - -<p>“The noble sheik is no fool,” observed Winston. “He will keep us in his -power, closely guarded, until he has sent to Cairo and obtained the -money. Also, I will promise not to betray him, and my word is as good as -that of Prince Kāra.”</p> - -<p>“But why should he go to Cairo at all?” asked the Egyptian. “If he will -but come with me to Fedah he shall have his price. Not all of Winston -Bey’s wealth can approach the magnificence of the treasure I will place -in Antar’s hands.”</p> - -<p>The eyes of the sheik sparkled.</p> - -<p>“Good!” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“You will be faithful to me?” asked Kāra.</p> - -<p>“Why not?”</p> - -<p>“There is much treasure at my command. Not a mere handful of gems shall -be yours, but enough to make your tribe wealthy for all time to come.”</p> - -<p>“I believe that my brother speaks truth.”</p> - -<p>“Then,” said Kāra, relieved, “I ask you to kill Winston Bey as a proof -of your confidence in me. The others may live until we get to Fedah.”</p> - -<p>“Tah! What is the use of dividing the ceremony?” returned the sheik, -with a gesture of indifference. “I like not this pig-sticking in -sections. It means cleaning one’s knife several times instead of once. -Be patient, my brother. When we have arrived at Fedah and our friendship -is further cemented by your royal generosity, then will I accomplish all -the killing in a brief space and have done with it. Is it not so?”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_262" id="page_262"></a>{262}</span></p> - -<p>Kāra hesitated, but saw clearly that the wily sheik would not trust him. -Moreover, he feared that Winston’s eager offers to outbid him, if -persistently repeated, might prove effectual unless he carried out his -own promises to the greedy Arab. He had not expected to pay Antar any -great price for his services, and in the beginning intended that the -“handful” of gems would be a very small one; but Antar had entrapped him -cleverly, and he now realized he must expend an exorbitant sum to induce -the old sheik to obey his orders.</p> - -<p>After all, that did not matter. The entire treasure had been Hatatcha’s -before it descended to him, and a portion of it would be well expended -in securing her vengeance. He alone knew that the hoard was practically -inexhaustible, and he might even bury the big Arab in jewels and golden -ornaments and still have left more than he could use in his own -lifetime.</p> - -<p>So he agreed, with assumed content, to Antar’s proposition, and -Abdallah, the engineer, was released from his bonds and instructed to -start the dahabeah upon its voyage up the river. It would be thirty -hours before they could hope to reach Fedah.</p> - -<p>Roane and Winston were permitted to remain upon deck, but were tied to -their chairs and carefully guarded. Breakfast was served, and Kāra -accompanied the Arab who carried the tray to the cabin of the women. The -Egyptian had not disturbed them since the night before, well knowing -they had made themselves as secure as he could have done.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_263" id="page_263"></a>{263}</span></p> - -<p>He rapped boldly upon the door and said:</p> - -<p>“Let me in.”</p> - -<p>“Who is it?” asked Mrs. Everingham.</p> - -<p>“Prince Kāra.”</p> - -<p>“By what right do you annoy us with your presence aboard this boat?” she -continued.</p> - -<p>“That I will explain when you permit me to see you,” he answered.</p> - -<p>For a few moments there was silence.</p> - -<p>“Your breakfast is here, and the servant is waiting for you to open the -door,” continued Kāra.</p> - -<p>Somewhat to his surprise the bar was removed, and Aneth threw the door -wide open.</p> - -<p>“One moment, please!” cried Mrs. Everingham, and as Kāra was about to -enter he saw the lady standing in the middle of the cabin with her -revolver pointed toward him.</p> - -<p>“I was so startled last night that I missed you,” she said, calmly; “but -I am almost certain I can shoot straight this morning.”</p> - -<p>Kāra shrank back a little.</p> - -<p>“Why do you fear me?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“I don’t,” she answered. “It is you who fear, and with reason. But I do -not trust you, because you have convinced me that you are a consummate -scoundrel. If you have anything to say to me or to Miss Consinor, we are -prepared to hear it; otherwise you had better go, for I am extremely -nervous and my finger is upon the trigger.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_264" id="page_264"></a>{264}</span></p> - -<p>“I have taken possession of this steamer,” he announced. “All on board -are now my prisoners.”</p> - -<p>“How dramatic!” she returned, with a laugh. “May I ask what you intend -to do with us? Will you scuttle the ship, or raise the black flag and -become a modern pirate of the Nile? Come, my buccaneer, confide to us -your secret?”</p> - -<p>“In due time, madam, you shall know all, and more, perhaps, than will -please you,” he answered, furious at her gibes. “One thing, however, is -certain. Miss Consinor”—and here he cast an evil glare at the girl, who -stood with white face in the background—“shall not escape me again. I -intend to take her to Cairo and keep her secure in my villa. As for you, -Mrs. Everingham, your life hangs by a thread. If I could depend upon -your discretion and silence I might spare you; but you are clever enough -to understand that I cannot afford to take chances of future -accusations.”</p> - -<p>“My man,” replied Mrs. Everingham, “your own miserable life is at this -moment not worth a farthing’s purchase. If you dare to molest this girl -or me again, or even show your ugly face in this cabin, I swear to shoot -you upon the spot. Here, Selim, bring in that tray. Place it on the -table; that will do. Now, Prince Kāra, I will give you one minute to -disappear.”</p> - -<p>That was too long; he was gone in an instant, his face contorted with -rage as he cursed the woman who had so successfully defied him.</p> - -<p>On deck he met the sheik.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_265" id="page_265"></a>{265}</span></p> - -<p>“Tell the engineer to urge the boat forward,” he said; “we must keep -moving day and night until we reach Gebel Abu Fedah.”</p> - -<p>“Very good,” responded the sheik. “I am even more impatient than you -are, my brother. It is only the prisoners, who have been watching us -sharpen our knives, that are in no hurry.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_266" id="page_266"></a>{266}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br /><br /> -<small>THE BRONZE BOLTS.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">O</span>ld Sĕra kept watch faithfully that day and the next at her post of -observation on the hill, finding solace through the tedium of the hours -in an occasional cigarette from her precious box.</p> - -<p>Soon after noon of the second day she hurried to Tadros.</p> - -<p>“He is coming,” she said.</p> - -<p>The dragoman sprang up.</p> - -<p>“From which direction?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>“From down the river. He is in the steamboat, and in half an hour will -be at the landing.”</p> - -<p>“Go back at once,” commanded Tadros. “Wait until he lands, and then come -to me immediately. I will be in Hatatcha’s house.”</p> - -<p>Sĕra obeyed, and, to the dragoman’s surprise, Nephthys followed her -mother to the hill. The girl had roused herself when the old woman -returned, and seemed to comprehend, from the eager conversation and the -dragoman’s orders, that Kāra was coming. She said nothing, however, but -hastened after her mother and took a position beside her on the height -commanding the river.</p> - -<p>Tadros ran to the house of Hatatcha, where Consinor, having rebelled at -the confinement in old Nefert’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_267" id="page_267"></a>{267}</span> hovel, had that morning installed -himself. It was as safe a refuge as the other, for none of the villagers -ventured to enter the grim archway, and so long as the viscount escaped -observation Tadros was content. There was little cheer in the gloomy -room, however, and Consinor had begun to believe that he could scarcely -be recompensed for the miserable hours of waiting by the promised reward -when, to his infinite relief, his fellow-conspirator entered to announce -that the long-anticipated time for action had arrived.</p> - -<p>“There is not a moment to be lost,” said Tadros. “Get under the rushes, -quick!”</p> - -<p>The viscount immediately burrowed beneath the dry rushes, and the -dragoman placed him in such a position that his head was elevated -slightly and rested against the stones of the wall, thus enabling him to -observe every corner of the room through the loosely strewn covering.</p> - -<p>Having safely concealed him, Tadros stood back and examined the rushes -critically to satisfy himself that Kāra would have no suspicion that -they had been recently disturbed. The arrangement was admirable. He -could not see Consinor himself, even though he knew he was hidden there.</p> - -<p>“Are you comfortable?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Not very.”</p> - -<p>“I mean, can you remain quietly in that position for an hour or more?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Consinor, through the rushes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_268" id="page_268"></a>{268}</span></p> - -<p>“Then I will go,” announced Tadros. “Be very careful in your actions. -Remember that a fortune for both of us hinges upon the events of the -next hour, and we must make no mistake. I go to watch the street and the -desert beyond. Farewell, and may fortune attend you!”</p> - -<p>He left the house, dropping the ragged mat over the inner arch and then -crossing to Nefert’s hut.</p> - -<p>Presently Sĕra came running toward him.</p> - -<p>“He has landed and is coming this way,” she reported.</p> - -<p>“Very well. Go home.”</p> - -<p>“The cigarettes are all gone.”</p> - -<p>He tossed her another box, and soon she had disappeared within her own -doorway. Nephthys was not with her, but Tadros had forgotten the girl -just then.</p> - -<p>He crept within Nefert’s front room and hid himself in the shadows in -such a way that he could see through the hole, which served as a window, -the opposite archway of Hatatcha’s dwelling.</p> - -<p>Kāra entered the narrow street and looked cautiously around him. It -pleased him that no curious native was in sight. The sheik and his band -were in possession of the dahabeah and the prisoners, and were awaiting -Kāra’s return with impatience. Therefore, he must enter the secret tomb -at once, without the cover of darkness to shield his movements; but the -inhabitants of Fedah were dull and apathetic—they were not likely to -spy upon him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_269" id="page_269"></a>{269}</span></p> - -<p>He glanced with pride at the ring he wore upon his finger. The talisman -of Ahtka-Rā was indeed powerful, for it had enabled him to accomplish -all that he desired, and was protecting him even now. Should he take -this occasion to restore it to the tomb of his ancestor—that ancient -one who had entreated that it be left with his mummy for all time, and -had threatened with dire misfortune anyone who dared to remove it? Why -should Kāra leave the precious Stone of Fortune in that mountainous -dungeon? Why should he deprive himself of the powers it bestowed upon -its possessor? It could not now benefit Ahtka-Rā, who was long since -forgotten in the nether world; but it might be of service to Kāra in -many ways. Yes; he would keep it, despite the pleading and curses of -that dead one who so foolishly and selfishly wished it left with his -mummy.</p> - -<p>Perhaps some day, years hence, he would restore the stone to the -sarcophagus from whence he had taken it; but not now. Again he looked at -the strange jewel, which seemed of extraordinary brilliancy at that -moment, shooting its tongues of flame in every direction. The curse? -Henf! Why should he care for the curse of a mummy, when the greatest -talisman of fortune in the world was his?</p> - -<p>He slipped within the archway of his dwelling and drew the mat closely -behind him. Tadros had marked his every movement, and now breathed a -sigh of relief. For the present, at all events, the adventure was in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_270" id="page_270"></a>{270}</span> -Consinor’s keeping rather than his own, and Consinor must suffer the -risk of detection.</p> - -<p>The dragoman settled himself upon an earthen bench and kept his eyes on -the archway. Presently Nephthys came stealing into view, treading with -the caution of a cat and crouching low beneath the stone arch. She did -not attempt to draw aside the mat, but squatted upon the ground just -outside the barrier. Tadros observed her curiously, and noticed that one -of her hands was thrust within her bosom, as if clutching some weapon.</p> - -<p>A dagger? Perhaps. Nephthys had been wronged, and might be excused for -hating Kāra. Should the dragoman interfere to save him? To what end? -Before the girl could strike, the royal one’s secret would be in -Consinor’s possession, and then—why, Nephthys would save them any -annoyance their discovery might entail. Clearly, it was not a case that -merited interference.</p> - -<p>Meantime Consinor had noted the entrance of Kāra, as well as the care -with which the matting had been fastened to keep out prying eyes. It -shut out most of the light, also; but that bothered the Egyptian more -than it did the Englishman, whose eyes had now grown accustomed to the -dimness.</p> - -<p>Kāra had to feel his way along the wall to the secret crypt, but he knew -the location of the place exactly, and soon found it. Consinor saw him -take from the recess a slender bronze dagger with a queerly shaped<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_271" id="page_271"></a>{271}</span> -blade, and an antique oil lamp. With these he approached the opposite -wall of the room—that which was built against the mountain—and pushed -vigorously against one of the stones.</p> - -<p>It swung inward. The spy saw only blackness beyond; but his first -consideration was to count the stones from the corner to the opening, -and then to note that it was in the third tier or layer of masonry. By -this time Kāra had crept through and closed the orifice.</p> - -<p>Consinor was breathing heavily with excitement. The great discovery had -been made with ease. All he need do was to wait until Kāra came out and -left the village, and then he would be able to visit the secret tomb and -its treasure-chamber himself.</p> - -<p>But as the moments slowly passed—moments whose length was exaggerated -into seeming hours—Consinor began to feel uneasy. He remembered that -Tadros had impressed upon him the necessity of following Kāra wherever -he went. The secret might not be all upon the surface.</p> - -<p>Fearful that he had wasted precious time in delay, he threw aside the -covering of rushes and approached the wall. It was scarcely necessary to -count the stones. He had stared at them so long that he knew the exact -spot which Kāra had touched.</p> - -<p>Responsive to his push, the great stone again swung backward and he -crept through as the other had done and found himself confronted with -blackness.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_272" id="page_272"></a>{272}</span></p> - -<p>The dragoman had foreseen such an event, and had thoughtfully provided -his accomplice with a candle. Consinor lit it, and, leaving the stone -entrance somewhat ajar, so that he might have no trouble in escaping if -he were compelled to return in haste, he began a cautious exploration of -the various passages that led into the mountain.</p> - -<p>He lost some time in pursuing false trails; but at length he came upon a -burnt match, tossed carelessly aside when Kāra had lighted his lamp, and -it lay within the entrance of a rough and forbidding-looking gallery -between the rocks.</p> - -<p>However, Consinor followed this trail, and after stumbling along blindly -until it had nearly ended in a cul-de-sac, he came to a circular door in -the cliff which stood wide open. Beyond was a passage carefully built by -man into the very heart of the mountain.</p> - -<p>The viscount paused to examine the door carefully. It had been most -cleverly constructed, and fitted its opening accurately. Six huge bronze -bolts, working upon springs, were ranged along its edge, and the single -hinge was of enormous size and likewise composed of solid bronze. But he -could see no keyhole nor lever by means of which the door had been -opened. The outer surface was an irregular rock, harmonizing with the -side of the passage, but the edges and the inner surface were carefully -dressed with chisels. An examination of the casing showed bronze sockets -for the bolts securely embedded in the cliff, and he could<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_273" id="page_273"></a>{273}</span> understand -that when the door was closed the bolts fastened themselves -automatically. But how had it been opened? That was a mystery he could -not penetrate; for Kāra, after unlocking the door, had inadvertently -withdrawn the dagger from the secret orifice and carried it with him -into the tomb. It was a foolhardy proceeding, for if by chance he -dropped the dagger inside the passage, he would forever afterward be -powerless to enter the tomb again, since it was the only key to the -treasure-chamber in existence. Besides, the removal of the dagger from -the orifice was useless; for, as Hatatcha had once explained to Kāra, -the door could not be opened from the inside.</p> - -<p>Consinor felt convinced that the Egyptian must have gone through this -passage, so he cautiously entered the doorway. It was a long, straight -way, slanting downward, and before he had proceeded far, the atmosphere -became dense and stifling. Still, he decided that where Kāra had gone he -also could go, and so persevered, holding the candle above his head and -walking as swiftly as he dared.</p> - -<p>Meantime the Egyptian had penetrated to the vast mummy chamber, where, -because of his haste, he neglected to light any of the bronze lamps, -depending alone upon the dim illumination which the flickering wick of -his small lamp afforded. He passed the bodies of Hatatcha and Thi-Aten, -with scarcely a glance in their direction, and hastened between the rows -of mummy cases toward the upper end of the room. Here,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_274" id="page_274"></a>{274}</span> majestically -imposing, stood the great sarcophagus of Ahtka-Rā, its thousand jewels -glittering wierdly in the fitful glare of the floating wick, as Kāra -held the lamp close to its side to detect the secret spring in the -malachite slab that opened the way to the treasure-chamber.</p> - -<p>The stone slid back with a sound that seemed like a moan of protest, and -the Egyptian gave a nervous start as, for the first time, a realization -of his dread surroundings flashed upon him.</p> - -<p>But he controlled himself and muttered: “Perhaps it is the ghost of my -great ancestor, bewailing the loss of his talisman. If his spirit could -creep back from the far nether world, it would doubtless demand of me -the return of the Stone of Fortune.... Not yet, Ahtka-Rā!” he called -aloud, mockingly; “save your curse for a year longer, and it will not be -required. Just now I have more need of the talisman than you have!”</p> - -<p>With these words he crawled into the aperture and descended the steps to -the room below. He had brought with him two canvas sacks, one of which -he proceeded to fill with the poorest and least valuable of the -ornaments that littered the place. Even then the tribute to Sheik Antar -was far in excess of the value of his services, and Kāra groaned at the -necessity of bribing the crafty Arab so heavily.</p> - -<p>The other sack was to contain his own treasure, and that he might avoid -frequent visits to this gloomy<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_275" id="page_275"></a>{275}</span> place, which he began to dread, he -selected the rarest of the great gems and the richest golden jewelry for -himself, tumbling all together into the receptacle until it was full to -overflowing and could only be tied at the neck by shaking down the -contents.</p> - -<p>The two sacks were heavy when he picked them up to carry them away. He -suspended the bronze lamp in front of him by attaching its chain to a -button of his gray coat. Then, a burden under either arm, he ascended -the stairs and stepped from the orifice into the chamber above.</p> - -<p>As he did this, the weight of the treasure shifted, and he stumbled and -fell heavily against the massive sarcophagus of Ahtka-Rā. The jar of the -impact was enough to send the golden bust of Isis toppling from its -place. It struck Kāra in the breast, upsetting the lamp and leaving him -in total darkness. Then it rebounded and caught his hand, crushing it -against the marble side of the tomb. The sharp pain caused by this made -him cry out and cling, faint and ill, to the stones of the sarcophagus. -There, motionless, he stood in the dark and listened while the bust fell -into the opening at his feet, and slowly rolled, step by step, into the -treasure-chamber beneath, finally adding itself with a hollow crash to -the rich hoard the ages had accumulated therein.</p> - -<p>Kāra shuddered. The awful incident, the blackness that enveloped him, -the clamor of noise in that silent place and the quiet suspense -succeeding it, all<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_276" id="page_276"></a>{276}</span> conspired to unnerve him and fill his heart with -consternation. The sacks had fallen from his grasp. He raised his -injured hand, felt it, and gave a sudden cry of terror. The ring -containing his ancestor’s precious Stone of Fortune had been broken by -the blow and the talisman was gone.</p> - -<p>Gone! Then the curse had fallen. It was upon him even now, and perhaps -at his side stood the grim spirit of Ahtka-Rā, leering at him through -the darkness and exulting in his discomfiture.</p> - -<p>Trembling in every limb, the Egyptian fell upon his knees and began -creeping here and there upon the clammy stones, his eyes staring into -the gloom and his fingers clutching at every slight protuberance in the -hope of finding again the wonderful stone that could alone protect him -in his extremity. The curse was upon him, but he would resist its awful -power. He <i>must</i> resist; for if he succumbed now, there would be no -future escape from his fate. The stone—he must find the stone! -Somewhere in that vast chamber of death it lay, slyly waiting for him to -reclaim it.</p> - -<p>The cold indifference that was an integral part of Kāra’s nature had -completely deserted him. The superstitious fear inherited by him from -the centuries had gripped his heart securely and made him its bond-man. -He mumbled incoherently as, prone upon all fours, he shuffled hither and -thither in his vain search. The words of warning contained in the tiny -parchment, the solemn curse of his ancestor upon any who deprived<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_277" id="page_277"></a>{277}</span> him -of the talisman of fortune, seemed alone to occupy a mind suddenly -rendered witless and unruly by the calamity of the moment.</p> - -<p>The darkness was oppressive. There was no sound since the golden bust -had bumped its way into the treasure-chamber. The atmosphere, although -fed and restored from some hidden conduit, seemed stagnant and full of -the bituminous stench of the mummies. Kāra drew his quaking body about -with an effort, feeling that the silence, the dead air and the blackness -were conspiring to stifle him. He found the lamp presently, but the oil -was spilled and the wick gone. It did not occur to him to strike a -match.</p> - -<p>“If the stone is here,” he thought, “I shall see its flaming tongues -even through the darkness. It cannot escape me. I must seek until I find -it.”</p> - -<p>Twice he crept around the colossal sarcophagus of Ahtka-Rā, feeling his -way cautiously and glaring into the darkness with distended eyeballs; -and then came his reward. A streak of fire darted before his eyes and -vanished. Another succeeded it. He paused and watched intently. A faint -blue cloud appeared, whence the flames radiated. Sometimes they were -crimson; then a sulphurous yellow; then pure white in color. But they -always darted fiercely from the central cloud, which gradually took form -and outlined the irregular oblong of the wonderful stone.</p> - -<p>The radiance positively grew; the tongues of flame darted swifter and -more brilliantly; they lighted the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_278" id="page_278"></a>{278}</span> surrounding space and brought into -relief the glistening end of Ahtka-Rā’s tomb.</p> - -<p>Kāra stared with an amazement akin to fear; for the talisman lay upon -the floor just beneath the triple circlet of gold whence he had pried it -with his dagger. It had not only escaped from its unlawful possessor, -but had returned to where the ancient Egyptian had originally placed it; -and now it mocked him with its magical brilliance.</p> - -<p>He could have reached out a hand and seized it in his grasp; but so -great was his horror of the curse of Ahtka-Rā that his impulse was -rather to shrink from the demoniacal gem.</p> - -<p>How wonderful was its brilliance! It lighted the sarcophagus and the -wall beyond. It lighted the floor with a broad streak of yellow light. -It lighted even Kāra himself, groveling before it on hands and knees. No -ordinary gem could do this. It was sorcery, it was—</p> - -<p>He uttered a scream that echoed horribly through the vault and sprang to -his feet; for a glance over his shoulder had betrayed the secret of the -strange illumination.</p> - -<p>At the lower end of the room stood a man holding above his head a -lighted candle. He was motionless, gazing curiously at the prone form of -the Egyptian wallowing before a tomb encrusted with precious stones.</p> - -<p>But now he returned Kāra’s scream with a startled cry, and turned -involuntarily as if to fly, when the other sprang up and advanced -rapidly toward him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_279" id="page_279"></a>{279}</span></p> - -<p>Down past the rows of silent mummies sped the Egyptian, while Consinor -awaited him in a stupor of indecision. Then, finally realizing his -danger, he dashed the candle to the ground and ran up the passage as -fast as he could go.</p> - -<p>Kāra, although once more plunged into darkness by this action, knew the -way much better than the Englishman, and did not for an instant hesitate -to follow him. The curse of Ahtka-Rā was now forgotten—the talisman -forgotten. Kāra realized that another had discovered his secret, and the -safety of the treasure demanded that the intruder should not be -permitted to leave the tomb alive.</p> - -<p>Consinor, on his part, was slower to comprehend the situation; yet there -was no doubt the Egyptian meant mischief, and the only means of escape -lay up the long, narrow passage. As he fled he collided with the huge -pillar that divided the library from the mummy chamber and rebounded -against the wall of the gallery, falling heavily to the ground.</p> - -<p>In an instant Kāra was upon him, his knee pressing the viscount’s -breast, his slender, talon-like fingers twined around his enemy’s -throat.</p> - -<p>But when it came to wrestling, the Englishman was no mean antagonist. As -the native released one hand to search in his bosom for the bronze -dagger, Consinor suddenly grasped him around the middle and easily threw -him over, reversing their positions, his body resting upon and weighing -down that of the slighter<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_280" id="page_280"></a>{280}</span> Egyptian. Failing to find the knife, Kāra -again gripped the other’s throat with his powerful fingers.</p> - -<p>There was but one thing to do in this desperate emergency. Consinor -raised his enemy’s head and dashed it against the stone floor. The -Egyptian’s grasp relaxed; he lost consciousness, and, tearing himself -from the fatal embrace, the viscount rose slowly to his feet, his brain -reeling, his breath gradually returning to him in short gasps.</p> - -<p>For a few moments he leaned against the wall for support; then, rousing -himself to action, he tottered slowly along the passage, feeling his way -by keeping one hand against the wall of rock.</p> - -<p>He had not proceeded far, however, when a rustling sound warned him that -Kāra had returned to life. His ears, rendered sensitive by his fearful -plight, told him that his enemy had arisen, and he heard the fall of -footsteps pursuing him.</p> - -<p>But Consinor was already retreating as rapidly as possible, impelled to -swiftness by the spur of fear. Proceeding through the intense darkness, -at times he struck the sides of the rocky gallery with a force that -nearly knocked him off his feet; but in the main it was a smooth and -straight way, and the Egyptian did not seem to gain perceptibly upon -him, being evidently as dazed by the blow upon his head as was the -Englishman by the throttling he had endured.</p> - -<p>And so they pressed on, panting along through the stifling atmosphere, -until suddenly Consinor ran full<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_281" id="page_281"></a>{281}</span> against the rocky end of the passage -and fell half stunned upon the floor. He heard the pattering of Kāra’s -footsteps, the sound indicating that the Egyptian was gradually drawing -nearer, and, dazed as he was, realized that sudden death menaced him. -With a final effort he sprang to his feet, tumbled through the circular -opening, and slammed the door into place with all his remaining -strength.</p> - -<p>He heard the sharp click of the bolts as they shot into their sockets, -and the muffled cry of terror from the imprisoned Kāra.</p> - -<p>Thoroughly appalled at what he had done, he again arose to his feet and -moved rapidly along toward the entrance to the outer corridor.</p> - -<p>For a certain distance the floor of this natural passage was as smooth -as that of the artificial one, and before he came to the rougher -portion, Consinor saw a dim light ahead that came from the opening in -the wall of the room.</p> - -<p>All semblance of composure had now deserted him. His cowardice fully -manifested itself at his first discovery, and he was not sure, even now -that the bronze bolts shut in his enemy, that he was safe from pursuit. -With Kāra’s despairing cry still ringing in his ears, he reached the -wall, passed through the opening, drew the stone into place behind him -as a further precaution, and then sped in a panic across the room.</p> - -<p>Nephthys heard him coming and thought it was Kāra. As he tore down the -matting and dashed through<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_282" id="page_282"></a>{282}</span> the arch, the girl rose to her feet and -viciously thrust out her hand.</p> - -<p>Consinor fell with a moan at her feet, drenching the hard ground with a -stream of blood. By the time Tadros had rushed to his assistance he was -dead.</p> - -<p>The dragoman, on ascertaining that the victim was his accomplice, was -frantic with despair. He rushed into the dwelling and gazed around him -anxiously. The room appeared to his eyes just as it had a hundred times -before. Kāra was nowhere to be seen, and the secret that Tadros had -plotted so artfully to discover was lost to him forever.</p> - -<p>“Confound you, Nephthys!” he cried, returning to the archway, “you’ve -killed the wrong man and eternally ruined my fortunes!”</p> - -<p>But the girl had disappeared. In her mother’s hut she had quietly seated -herself at the loom and resumed her work at the shuttle.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_294_lg.jpg"> -<img src="images/i_294_sml.jpg" width="344" height="500" alt="Image unavailble: Consinor fell with a moan at her feet, drenching the hard -earth with a stream of blood" /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Consinor fell with a moan at her feet, drenching the hard -earth with a stream of blood</span> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_283" id="page_283"></a>{283}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br /><br /> -<small>THE DRAGOMAN WINS.</small></h2> - -<p><span class="letra">A</span>ntar, the sheik, waited for Kāra until his patience was exhausted; then -he left the dahabeah and came up through the sands to Fedah to discover, -if possible, what had delayed the prince from returning with his -promised reward. To Antar this cluster of hovels seemed mean and -unattractive when compared with his own village, and these hills were -not likely places for treasure tombs. He knew that the French and -Italian excavators had been all over them, and found only some crocodile -mummy pits.</p> - -<p>The sheik grew suddenly suspicious. Kāra’s promises were too extravagant -to be genuine; doubtless he had deceived Antar from the first, and -sought to obtain his services without payment. It was true that Kāra was -reputed in Cairo to be wealthy, but he might easily have squandered his -inheritance long ago. One thing Antar was certain of—the Egyptian -prince must produce his treasure at once or the sheik, thinking he was -duped, would undertake to exact a bit of vengeance on his own account.</p> - -<p>Thus musing, he turned the corner of the hill and came full upon Tadros, -who was expecting him. The dragoman’s thumbs were thrust into the -pockets of his gorgeous silver and blue vest. He stood with his feet<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_284" id="page_284"></a>{284}</span> -spread well apart, in an attitude of dejection; his countenance was -sorrowful and discontented.</p> - -<p>“Ah,” growled the sheik, “this is the man Kāra requested me to kill!”</p> - -<p>“I do not doubt it,” returned Tadros, meekly. “It is so much easier to -kill one than to pay him the wages he has earned.”</p> - -<p>“Does he owe you money?” demanded Antar, sharply.</p> - -<p>“Yes; and now I shall never get it.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?”</p> - -<p>“Have you not heard? Prince Kāra came to this village a few hours ago -and was met by a captain of police, who wants him in Cairo for more than -a dozen crimes.”</p> - -<p>“What! Have you brought the police upon us?” exclaimed Antar, angrily.</p> - -<p>“I? How absurd! I came here to get my money; but they have taken Kāra -south to meet a detachment of soldiers who are coming from Assyut. -Presently they will return here in force to rescue Winston Bey, who is -in some trouble through Kāra’s actions.”</p> - -<p>“You are lying to me,” declared the sheik. “It is you who have set the -officers upon us. You are a traitor!”</p> - -<p>Tadros appeared distressed.</p> - -<p>“You have known me long, my sheik,” said he, “and have always found me -an honest man. Never have I mixed with the police in any way. But do -you<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_285" id="page_285"></a>{285}</span> imagine the Government will neglect to watch over Winston Bey and -protect him from his enemies? Ask the captain when he returns with the -soldiers and Kāra. He will be here very soon now, and he will tell you -that Tadros the dragoman had nothing to do with his coming here.”</p> - -<p>The sheik glanced around nervously.</p> - -<p>“You say he will be here soon?”</p> - -<p>“At any moment. Something has gone wrong with Winston Bey’s dahabeah, it -seems, and the soldiers are to put things right.”</p> - -<p>Antar fell into the trap. In common with most natives, he greatly feared -the mounted police, and had no inclination to face a company of them. -Quickly he ran to the end of the hill overlooking the river, and blew a -shrill blast between his fingers as a signal to his comrades.</p> - -<p>Instantly his men swarmed from the distant boat and sped over the sands -toward him. The sheik met them and the whole band turned toward the -north, quickly disappearing among the rugged crags of the mountains.</p> - -<p>Tadros, convulsed with laughter at his easy victory, watched until the -last Arab was out of sight. Then he walked down to the dahabeah, where, -in the gathering twilight, he cut the bonds of the prisoners, assuring -Winston Bey and his party, with many bombastic words, that he had -vanquished their enemies and they owed their lives to his shrewdness and -valor.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_286" id="page_286"></a>{286}</span></p> - -<p>“You are free as the air,” said he. “Fear nothing hereafter, for I will -now remain with you.”</p> - -<p>“Where is Kāra?” asked Winston.</p> - -<p>Tadros did not know; but he suspected that Consinor, before returning -from the interior of the treasure-chamber, had murdered the Egyptian, -whose mysterious disappearance could in no other way be explained. Not -wishing to mention the viscount’s name, whose murder might involve both -Nephthys and himself in trouble, he stuck to his original lie.</p> - -<p>“Kāra is fleeing in one direction and the Arabs in another,” he said, -pompously. “I am too modest to relate how I have accomplished this -remarkable feat; but you must admit I have been wonderfully clever and -successful, and by remaining faithful to your interests, have saved you -from a terrible fate.”</p> - -<p>Winston did not answer, for he was just then engaged in holding Aneth in -a close embrace, while Mrs. Everingham looked upon the happy pair with -moist eyes and smiling lips.</p> - -<p>But old Lord Roane felt that their rescuer merited more tangible -acknowledgment of his services.</p> - -<p>“You are a brave man, Tadros,” he said.</p> - -<p>“I am, indeed, sir,” agreed the dragoman, earnestly.</p> - -<p>“When we return to Cairo I will see that you are properly rewarded.”</p> - -<p>Tadros smiled with pleasure.</p> - -<p>“Thank you, my lord,” said he; “it is no more than I deserve.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_287" id="page_287"></a>{287}</span></p> - -<p>“Just now,” continued his lordship, “we are bound for Luxor to celebrate -a wedding.”</p> - -<p>“With Tadros for dragoman,” remarked the Egyptian, calmly lighting a -cigarette, “all things are possible.”</p> - -<hr class="full" /> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Last Egyptian, by L. 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