“But we must find proof of Dullard’s guilt,” I protested. “I will awaken early and be back here in time for breakfast.” He crossed his arms and gave me a steely look. “The Copts might not confide in an unknown person, especially an official, and they will be more comfortable with a fellow Christian who is known to them, at least by reputation.” I returned the steely look. “I will take Daoud with me on the off chance we might stumble upon the pesky assassin. His name is Flitworthy, if I recall correctly. Such a ridiculous name. He doesn’t sound at all menacing.”

Emerson’s eyes slitted like those of a viper. “His name is of no importance if and when he attacks you, Peabody.”

Nefret fluttered her fingers. “I would like to come, too. Daoud will have to remain at a distance, and two females will not seem intimidating to them, Aunt Amelia.”

“You will miss the arrival of Ramses and David,” Emerson said reproachfully. “They will be deeply disappointed if you are not waving at them from the deck.”

I was amused by his final desperate attempt to dissuade me. “They will be here long before dawn, and they will not be able to see me waving or dancing a jig. When they are on board, I will embrace them and send them to bed. That means I will be able to take Daoud with us. We will comprise a landing party as formidable as Trojan warriors.”

“I prefer to think of us as ferocious Amazon warriors,” Nefret corrected me.

Emerson was not amused. “Then I shall be the one leading this party to Deir el-Mowass, even though it will delay work on the serdab.”

“No, my beloved husband,” I replied, trying not to make a horrified face, “the Copts will not even come out of their houses if they see the Father of Curses. They most certainly will refuse to talk to us. I will win their trust with an avowal of religious fellowship.”

I was too excited to sleep. Emerson had escaped into slumber, intermittently uttering nonsensical phrases that I construed to be references to the serdab. I ardently hoped that Nefret and I would complete our mission and return to the dahabeeyah in time to join him, Ramses, and David as they departed for the site. Emerson required caffeine in order to function, so although he might gulp down breakfast (to Fatima’s dismay), he would have to drink several cups of coffee.

I sat up as I heard heavy footsteps on the deck, along with thumps and whispered exclamations. I put on my dressing gown and hurried out to the sitting room to greet Ramses and David. Once I had conveyed my extreme happiness with hugs and kisses, I noticed a young boy in the doorway. “Who is this?” I inquired.