The remainder of the journal dealt with grievances about the food, the insects, the hostile workmen, the impossibility of a decent bath, and the dearth of civilized companionship. When Dullard appeared after a week, von Raubritter had attempted to question him about his relationship with Morgenstern, but had received nothing beyond an avowal of camaraderie based on lingual compatibility and the missionary’s interest in archaeology. Von Raubritter intended to question him again.

I do not take defeat with grace. “So there are no comments about Mr. Buddle?” I asked Emerson, my fingers crossed that he had skimmed over paragraphs that he deemed irrelevant.

“Nothing,” he said, gazing at the site as if it were a reincarnation of Nefertiti seated on a throne. “My dear Peabody, I must return to Thutmose’s studio before some idiotic workman dislodges a corner of the stone atop the serdab. You do understand how significant this may be, do you not? I am distressed that Morgenstern will not be present at the opening.”

I knew that he was not at all distressed, and in reality was frantic to see whatever was to be found in the serdab, having excavated it to his exacting standards. And he was not averse to claiming some of the glory of discovering it. Although Emerson professes to abhor publicity, he is aware that notoriety (of the virtuous sort) leads to prestige and therefore more desirable firmans. I must admit I relished the praise and accolades awarded to him. “You must take charge of the excavation. I shall sit and ponder what was revealed or pointedly excluded from von Raubritter’s journal.”

“You have a suspect?” His question was sincere, but he was already on his feet and staring beyond me.

“I must make a list of everyone’s appearances and disappearances. We will discuss it when we stop to have luncheon on the dahabeeyah.” I looked up at his scowling face. “Or tea,” I amended quickly. “Nefret has taken von Raubritter’s fiancée to Minya to deal with the bureaucracy. Once the arrangements have been finalized, Liezel will take the train to Cairo. She claims to have met the ambassador, so I presume that he will offer her a guest room in the embassy. Nefret should be back in time for tea.”

Emerson’s brow furrowed. “Then there will be three of us for tea. If you inadvertently or otherwise invite anyone else, Peabody, I shall remain at this site until dawn to protect its integrity.”

“You are referring to Miss Smith and Mr. Dullard. I acknowledge they were not the most endearing of dinner guests. Miss Smith is annoying, but I see no indication that she is involved with this mayhem. I feel quite differently about Mr. Dullard. I cannot explain why.”

“A premonition?”

“Do not mock me, Emerson. My premonitions are usually well founded and accurate. Well, accurate to a degree. Human behavior is serendipitous, not easily foreseeable. I need to interrogate him without raising his suspicions.”