I put down my spoon. “I must let Fatima know that we have a second guest for dinner. It would be so comforting if David and Ramses were on the train at this moment. What can they be doing in Cairo, Emerson? Breaking into the German embassy? Kidnapping the ambassador? Surely if they had been arrested, Mr. Russell would have sent a telegram.”

“Do not underestimate them,” he said before chomping down on the sandwich. Horseradish sauce dribbled down his shirt. Nefret and I managed to contain our laughter as he ineffectually wiped the mess with his napkin. “Damnation! All I requested was a simple sandwich. How difficult can that be?”

I excused myself and hurried into the kitchen before I broke into a wide grin. Although Emerson is very fond of my even, white teeth, it did not seem prudent to allow him a glimpse of them at that moment. Fatima and I discussed the menu. I told her about the second guest and the faint possibility that Ramses and David might arrive in time for dinner. Once we were in accord, I returned to our cabin to refresh myself. Emerson had flung his soiled shirt on the floor and was putting on a clean one. I was not concerned about the stain, since I was more accustomed to dealing with bloody discolorations. “I will need Daoud’s company this afternoon,” I said.

Emerson stared at me. “Are you intending to go galloping into the desert once again, Peabody?”

“I am going to the camp where the workmen live. Mr. Buddle seems to think von Raubritter was staying there. We need to find out why he came to Amarna and took control of the excavation. If indeed he had a tent or rented a hut, he may have left personal letters or a journal that will further our knowledge. Daoud can take me there in the small boat and serve as my bodyguard.”

“I don’t like it,” he said flatly. “You are much safer with me.”

“Of course I am, dear, but it is vital that we determine von Raubritter’s role. You cannot oversee the work in progress and accompany me at the same time. Daoud can protect me quite adequately, and translate should the need arise. We should be back in only a few hours.”

“In time to dress for dinner?” Emerson said with a grimace.

“Please remember to wear your pith helmet, dear.” I kissed him on the cheek and went to find my overly conscientious bodyguard, who was eating a civilized sandwich on the top deck. “Do you know where Herr Morgenstern’s workmen are staying?”

“Downstream, not too far. Sometimes at night I can hear them.” His jaw tightened. “It is not a place for ladies, Sitt Hakkim.”