Shortly thereafter, they entered the narrow streets of the Khan el-Khalili and went past Harun’s workshop (dark and vacant) to the shop of a notorious antiques dealer. Ramses placed a liberal sum in Latif’s hand and sent him on his way. He and David went inside and examined the wares on shelves and in display cabinets, speaking to each other in Arabic.

“Is this all you have?” Ramses said to the proprietor. “Trash?”

“Be away with yourselves,” the man said dismissively. “I have nothing you beggars can afford. If you do not leave immediately, I will throw you out the door. Everyone will laugh when you sprawl in the street.”

“Is this how you address the Brother of Demons?” said David.

The proprietor gasped, his eyes flickering with fright. “Oh no! I did not realize it was you. You must forgive me for my impudence, but I did not recognize you dressed like this. I am overcome with shame, Brother of Demons!”

Ramses regarded him with icy disdain. “I have been told that you have a rare find from Amarna. Show it to me.”

“Of course, of course. I acquired it only yesterday and have kept it back until I can appraise it, but I will fetch it for you. May I offer you tea?”

“Show it to me,” Ramses repeated flatly.

David was stifling laughter, his shoulders quivering. “You sound remarkably similar to someone whose name I need not mention.”

“Do you think there is any chance he has the original?”

“We shall find out in a minute,” David said, “unless Sethos arrives in disguise and snatches it from under our noses. The last time he pretended to be an American in cowboy apparel.”

“I will be on the lookout for pregnant women in burkas, Italian counts, British lords or ladies, Turkish pashas, and Chinese art dealers. You stay on the lookout for everyone else.”

“Of course, of course,” David replied, mimicking the proprietor. “Anything I can do for the Brother of Demons.”

The proprietor returned from his back room and placed the statue of Nefertiti on the counter. “It is most beautiful. As I said, I have not yet appraised its value, but I will give you an excellent price. Please examine it to your satisfaction.”

“Damn,” Ramses muttered quietly, “another forgery. They are beginning to pop up like weeds. We must stop Harun before he makes more copies and scatters them across Cairo.”

“A forgery?” said the proprietor. “That cannot be. I was assured that it is original and worth much money.” He paused for a long moment and then said, “This very day I planned to take it to the museum and give it to them, since I do not deal with thieves. You must take it, Brother of Demons, and tell the authorities of my good intention.”