Selim was supervising the workmen when we arrived at the site of Thutmose’s studio. Mr. Buddle had found a sheltered spot in which to observe and take notes. I was eager to speak to him about the grisly events of the previous evening (and about the card we had found in Absalom’s pocket), but I concluded it could wait. I turned around abruptly, nearly stepping on Daoud’s toes. “I need you to go to the workmen’s camp and bring back the German girl, her luggage, and all the possessions of von Raubritter. Leave the tent and camping equipment for the workmen. Do be polite, please, but if she resists, be gentle. Emerson is nearby, so you need not be concerned about my safety.”

I could see the displeasure in his expression as he stalked toward the path that led to the collection of tents and temporary huts. Nefret and Selim were engaged in a spirited disagreement about the reflective screens. Emerson squatted in the sand, examining a shard of pottery, while Abdul flittered nearby. Had Ramses and David been present, I would have deemed this to be the paragon of archaeological harmony.

Sixteen

From Manuscript H

“Aren’t we clever?” said David as he, Ramses, and Tahir drank tea in Tahir’s sitting room. “We now have five busts of that blasted queen, comprising four forgeries and the original—unless it is a perfect forgery.”

“It is the original. The other one is an exemplary forgery with only two nearly indistinguishable flaws. Harun’s work merits his reputation.” Ramses winced. “I estimate their collective weight to be more than two hundred pounds. Miss Annabelle Hadley’s steamer trunk may prove inadequate for such an onerous load.”

“Do you speak of Queen Nefertiti?” Tahir gasped. “I have heard rumors . . .”

“Everybody has heard rumors,” Ramses retorted coolly. “I heard a rumor that Howard Carter has sworn to find Tutankhamun’s tomb within the decade. He is more likely to find mummified cats.” He turned to David. “I have wrapped each bust with towels, newspapers, and our clothing. It may take us hours to transport the trunk from here to the train station.”

“Which gives that bastard Helmut Gunter all day to find us. He will have his thugs at the train station, as well. It will be a bit of a challenge to fend them off while struggling with the trunk. Latif will not be an adequate bodyguard.”

“I will come with you!” Tahir leapt to his feet.