“No, but I have read about it.” She bent down and uncovered Herr Morgenstern’s florid face. “He is not sweating—a bad sign. The only reason he has survived thus far is that his skin has been kept moistened. We must get him on board and in the tin bathtub immediately.” She began to issue orders with such authority that no one hesitated. As her patient was transported along the plank, she looked back at me with a grimace of frustration. Luckily, I have had extensive practice calming touseled emotions. It is an essential skill in dealing with my family members.

After a spirited protest, Fatima allowed Daoud to place the tin bathtub in the cabin utilized by Ramses and David. Once it was filled with tepid water, Nefret and I unwrapped Herr Morgenstern and supervised as he was lowered into the bathtub by the crew members. I dunked the kaffiyeh and draped it over his face, then abruptly sat down on the edge of the bed as my knees folded.

“Peabody!” exclaimed Emerson, who had been pacing in the background. “Are you ill?”

Nefret spun around. “Aunt Amelia, are you feeling faint? Shall we assist you to your cabin so you can rest?”

I forced myself to sit upright. “I am not in need of rest at this moment. I am in need of a whiskey and soda on the top deck, where the breeze will be restorative. Emerson, your arm, please.”

“But I have prepared tea,” Fatima objected. She may have intended to elaborate, but caught Emerson’s glare and scurried to relative safety near the door. “I will send up a platter of sandwiches and scones.”

Nefret appraised me. “Before you go up to the deck, you must change into a robe that allows better ventilation.” She held out her hand. “Come along, Aunt Amelia.” It was not an invitation.

I took her proffered hand and squeezed it. We went into the cabin, and I meekly allowed her to help me out of my dusty and odiferous clothes. I would prefer to claim that I had perspired delicately during the journey to and from the Bedouin village, but I could not deny the wet patches that afflicted various areas of my person. Furthermore, I had been in close proximity to a camel for several hours. There is a reason why Eau de Camel is not sold in the finest shops in London.

After I had utilized soap, water, and a towel, Nefret helped me put on my dressing gown and slippers. I emerged from the cabin and almost bumped into Emerson, who was lurking outside the door. He offered me his muscular arm. I accepted his assistance as we went up the steps to the deck, and I allowed him to settle me into a chair as if I were a frail dowager. Fatima had provided an abundance of tea sandwiches, as well as slices of cake, fresh scones, and a pot of strawberry jam.