The following morning we were able to enjoy a plentiful breakfast while Emerson concentrated on coffee. I would have preferred to spend the morning alone, trying to assimilate the events of the previous day, but Emerson insisted that I accompany him to the site. Selim conferred with him, and ordered our men to go back to the original site to continue excavating there. The remaining workmen were visibly pleased when they were told that Borchardt would take charge soon. Morgenstern had infuriated them. It is true that my beloved husband has been known to express his temper when he is not pleased, and this excavation had been a series of frustrations. Ramses, David, and Nefret meekly accepted their assigned duties. Latif scampered about, leaping on and off rocks and offering everyone his assistance. He, like Emerson, had discarded his pith helmet.

“I must have a word with Mr. Buddle,” I told Emerson. “He deserves to be informed so that he can send a telegram to his patron.”

“I do not trust that man. Based on what you have told me about him, he is so arrogant that he fancies himself above danger. I am going to interrogate each workman to assure myself that he is not that bl—blasted assassin. Stay within my sight, Peabody.”

“Of couse, my dear.”

Mr. Buddle put down his notebook as I approached him. “Once again, I have heard disturbing rumors. Can you tell me if any of them are true?”

I sat down on a convenient rock. “Regrettably, most of what you have heard is true.” I elaborated at length, but glossed over the more gruesome details. “I feel remorse that I did not recognize Dullard’s involvement earlier. I could have saved Morgenstern from his ludicrous adventures. He is gone now, and I shall pray that he does not imperil himself before he runs out of schnapps.”

“I feel similar remorse that I was unable to persuade Miss Smith to depart Amarna. I am aghast that she attempted to hurt you, Mrs. Emerson.”

“She did admit that she had borne six sons. One of them, Geoffrey, was married briefly to my goddaughter. Nefret was in a disturbed state of mind at the time, and allowed herself to be blinded by his charming demeanor and handsome features. We failed to see the evil in his heart.”

“That is often the case, is it not? We prefer to think the best of people. Sometimes we are wrong.”