I stumbled over a stone no bigger than a Ping-Pong ball. Larry’s hand steadied me. ‘Sorry. You didn’t know?’

‘I don’t know a damn thing,’ I sputtered. ‘That son of a polecat Burck – ’

‘Let’s not mention the name again, okay? Don’t get the wrong idea, Vicky.’ His face wrinkled in an attractive, deprecating smile. ‘I haven’t been leading a double life, like some superhero in the comics. I was informed of the situation by the Egyptian government. They know how intensively I have worked for better relations between Egypt and the West, and how deeply I care about the wonderful antiquities of this country. The announcement I will make this evening . . . Well, you’ll hear that in due course. The idea that someone could use this trip as a cover for activities designed to destroy everything I’ve worked for . . .’

‘I understand.’

‘I know you do. And I can’t tell you how much I – all of us – appreciate what you’re doing. It was for your own protection that I was told not to contact you earlier. Now things have changed.’

‘That’s why Mr Schroeder came,’ I said. ‘To tell you – ’

‘That the refrigerating unit didn’t break down, Vicky. It was a deliberate act of sabotage. It can’t be repaired, it will have to be replaced. God knows how long that will take. The tour will have to be cancelled. Hamid will make the announcement when we return at noon. You see what that means, don’t you?’

My eyes were fixed on Schmidt, who was gesturing animatedly. A sound like the howl of a coyote drifted to my ears. I caught a few of the words; they had to do with heaven, mama, and train whistles.

‘I’m not sure I do,’ I said slowly. ‘What alternatives will the passengers be offered – aside from a refund of the fare?’

‘That, of course. But I expect most of them will choose to remain in Luxor for a few days, since this is the high point of the tour. Fortunately – or unfortunately, from the viewpoint of the tourism industry – there are plenty of hotel rooms empty. After that . . .’

He looked expectantly at me. ‘Some may decide to return to Cairo,’ I muttered. ‘Sooner or later everybody will end up in Cairo. Where the museum is.’

‘Yes. Vicky, have you any idea of who these people are?’

‘Yeah.’ I gestured. ‘Him.’

Schmidt and John had stopped, waiting for us to join them.

‘Not Anton!’ Larry exclaimed.

‘Don’t be ridiculous. Him.’ I couldn’t pronounce his name.

‘Mr Tregarth?’ Larry sounded almost as incredulous. He slowed his steps. ‘But he’s a well-known – ’

‘Crook. I’ve encountered him before. I don’t know who the others are; he’s the only one I recognized.’

‘Surely he wouldn’t bring his pregnant bride along.’ Larry looked shocked.

‘Excellent cover, wouldn’t you say?’