I did so earnestly and eloquently. Our eyes remained locked until Ramses intervened, saying, “Your train is about to depart, Father. I will take full responsibility for Mother’s safety, with David and Daoud at my side. As soon as we have located Herr Morgenstern and Harun, I will send a telegram to Minya.”

Emerson boarded the train with visible reluctance. We waited on the platform until it laboriously departed the station on its journey south, and then made our way to the street. Ramses drew David aside for a hushed conversation; I did not attempt to eavesdrop, since I knew I would find it distressing, if not alarming.

“Well, Daoud,” I said cheerfully, “I think it’s time to go shopping. This is a splendid opportunity to prepare for Christmas. Once we’ve begun to excavate in Amarna, it will be inconvenient to return to Cairo.”

Ramses was not above eavesdropping. He appeared beside me and said, “We shall come with you.”

“I am shopping for you and David, among others. I can hardly have you hovering over my shoulder. Daoud will escort me. I have my little gun in my handbag and my parasol, should anyone dare to accost us.”

“Please do me one favor, Mother. Stay out of the bowels of the Khan el-Khalili and confine your shopping to the Muski, although even that is not very safe if the events of yesterday are any indication.”

“I suppose I could do that,” I said. “We shall meet you at the hotel for tea.”

A cab took us to the edge of the neighborhood. As Daoud and I made our way through the narrow streets, I could hear him behind me, humming tunelessly. I knew his eyes were moving constantly from side to side, watching for possible danger (and perhaps taking note of the wares on display, with an eye to gifts to be given during Ramadan. Daoud has several wives and a number of children).

We went directly to Mayer’s, where I meant to do most of my shopping. He had the best selection of knives in Cairo. I was able to select a new one for Ramses (I had noticed a few notches along the edge of his), and a very nice one for Nefret, whose hand was smaller than those of the men. It is essential that the shaft fit snugly and comfortably into the hand. Those made for the tourist trade, studded with false gems and wrapped with gold wire, would lacerate the user’s palms before they could strike a stout blow.