“Get the trunk in the freight car!” Ramses roared as he punched an assailant in the nose. Blood splattered on both of them. The man howled as he escaped into the crowd. Ramses jumped onto the ledge of the car and helped lift the trunk to safety. Gunter’s men were scrambling to flee while the police ineffectually yelled that everyone was under arrest.

Latif joined Ramses. “We have beaten them, Brother of Demons! Your trunk is safe.”

“Only when David and I are seated in a compartment and the train has left the station,” replied Ramses with a confidence he did not feel. He had not spotted anyone who might be Sethos incognito, but it was implausible that the Master Criminal had conceded defeat. The bust of Nefertiti would be of tremendous value on the black market. Private collectors were rich, greedy, and bereft of scruples.

David was arguing with the police officers when he glanced up at Ramses. “Watch out!” he yelled. “Behind you!”

Startled, Ramses turned as Latif leapt onto the back of a man holding up a dagger. The man froze, giving Ramses the opportunity to kick him in a most vulnerable location. Latif screamed as he clawed the man’s face with the fury of a cornered wildcat. The assailant staggered forward and began to fall toward the platform.

Ramses grabbed Latif at the last second and stepped away from the ledge. “Your hand is bleeding,” he said as he examined the boy. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and wrapped it around the wound.

“It is nothing. That man was going to stab you. I could not let that happen after all that you done for me, Brother of Demons. I only wish that I had found a weapon to knock him in the head.”

“You are a loyal and true friend, and you have earned the five pounds English. I am worried that if the others learn this, you will be robbed before the train departs, and also, the Germans and their thugs will be looking out for you. Therefore you must come with us until I determine what is best for you. Do you agree?”

“I have never been on a train, but I will try to be brave. What will happen to me if I come with you?”

Ramses smiled at him. “In this case, plentiful food and a safe place to sleep. Jump down and join David, who will purchase a ticket for you. Once the two of you are on the train, I will pay my recruits.” He dragged the trunk into a corner, climbed down to the platform, secured the freight car door, and began paying the men. He ignored demands to acknowledge the recipient of the reward, stating only that he kept his promise. Some of the men were glowering as he hurried up the steps to the carriage.