“So you planned to offer the copy to the Service des Antiquités and smuggle the real one to Germany?” I was hard pressed to believe a word of it.

“Ja, that was my plan. Somehow I became confused and futilely searched the Khan el-Khalili for the forger’s shop. I was unable to eat or sleep. I was outside Shepheard’s Hotel because my mind associated it with comfort in the past. I do not know what would have become of me if you had not taken me inside.”

“Why did you not go to the German embassy?”

Morgenstern rubbed his temple with one hand while he utilized the other to take yet another drink of schnapps. “I tried, Frau Emerson, but I was disheveled and my clothes were covered with filth. The guard at the entrance refused to allow me to pass. I have enjoyed our conversation, but it is now time for me to return to the excavation. I do not want Mr. Ridgemont to conclude that I have been wasting his funds.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “As you know, Mr. Buddle claims he is here to protect his patron’s investment, but in reality he is a spy for the Austro-Hungarian alliance. He has been sent by Franz Ferdinand himself in order to thwart further archaeological exploration until his empire seizes control of Egypt and all of North Africa.”

I blocked the front door. “Herr Morgenstern, where did you learn of Mr. Buddle’s secret identity? I have seen no indication that he is any more than what he claims to be.”

He frowned. “The scoundrel also works for the Ottomans. He is a nefarious double agent and a threat to your husband, as well as to me. When I find him, I shall beat him until blood gushes out of his mouth.”

He was in the grasp of paranoia, I realized with alarm. I gripped his shoulders and shoved him back into the room, uncertain that I could overpower him indefinitely. “Herr Morgenstern, you must control these illogical feelings. Please sit down and allow me to rekindle the fire in order to make tea. Do you have a tin of biscuits?”

“Fatima made me a plentiful breakfast, so I have no desire for biscuits. We must hurry to the site before Buddle escapes with more precious artifacts. He is armed with a pistol. We must protect your husband, Frau Emerson.”