Part 29 (1/2)

”I can get them,” Cyrus replied. ”Since I did not know- ”

”I may want them later,” was the curt reply.

He refused to say more until we had reached Abdullah's campsite. Knowing Abdullah, I was not surprised to see that his efforts had consisted of putting up a few tents and gathering camel dung for a fire.

”Very nice, Abdullah,” I said. The reis, who had been watching me out of the corner of his eye, relaxed, and then stiffened again as I went on, ”Of course nothing is as commodious as a nice, convenient tomb. Why can't we- ”

”Because we are not going to work at the tombs,” said Emerson. ”This site is equidistant between the two groups, northern and southern.”

”Site?” Cyrus repeated indignantly. ”What the dev------ the d.i.c.kens do you want to waste your time on this area for? There can't be any houses out here, so far from the main city, and no one has found any evidence of tomb shafts.”

Emerson's well-shaped lips- now, alas, virtually hidden from my fond eyes by bristling black hair- curled in a sneer. ”Most of my colleagues couldn't find a tomb shaft if they fell into it. I told you, Vandergelt, explanations will have to wait till this evening. We have quite a distance yet to cover, follow me.”

The sun was now directly overhead and we had been walking (to use that term loosely) for several hours. ”Lead on,” I said, taking a firm grip on my parasol.

Emerson had already eyed this appendage askance, but had not asked about it, so I saw no reason to explain that a parasol is one of the most useful objects an individual can carry on such an expedition.

Not only does it provide shade, but it can be used as a walking stick or, if need be, as a weapon. My parasols had frequently been employed in the latter capacity. They were specially made, with a heavy steel shaft and a pointed tip.

Like the gallant gentleman he was, Cyrus came to my rescue. ”No, sir,” he declared. ”It's high noon and I'm famished. I want my lunch before I stir another step.”

Emerson was ungraciously pleased to agree.

The shade of the tents was welcome. One of Cyrus's servants unpacked the hampers his chef had provided, and we consumed a luncheon far more elegant than most field archaeologists enjoy. While we ate, Emerson condescended to lecture again. He directed most of his remarks at the two young men.

”The brickwork Miss- er- Peabody referred to is on the slopes and at the bottom of the hollow behind us. Some of it probably belongs to tomb chapels. The ruins on the floor of the hollow are clearly of another nature. I will start there tomorrow with a full crew. You, Vandergelt, and Miss -er- ”

”If the t.i.tle bothers you so much, you may dispense with it,” I said calmly.

”Hmph,” said Emerson. ”You two will a.s.sist me. I trust this meets with your approval, Miss Peabody?”

”Quite,” I said.

”Vandergelt?”

”I can hardly wait,” said Cyrus, with a grimace

”Very well.” Emerson jumped to his feet. ”We have dawdled long enough. Let us be off.”

”Back to the dahabeeyah?” Cyrus asked hopefully. ”Since you have decided where you mean to excavate- ”

”Good G.o.d, man, there are a good six hours of daylight left, and we have seen less than half of the area. Hurry up, can't you?”

Enviously the others watched Cyrus's servant strike off toward the river with the empty hampers then the procession formed again, with Emerson's entourage trailing after him.

I presumed he meant to complete the circuit of the cliffs, and my heart beat high at the thought of seeing again the southern tombs where we had dwelt for so many happy years. But somehow I was not surprised when he led us into the foothills toward an opening in the rocky ramparts. Cyrus, ever at my side, let out a stifled American oath.

”Great jumping Jehoshaphat! I had a horrible premonition about this. The royal wadi! It's a three-mile hike each way and I'll bet you the temperature is high enough to fry an egg on a rock.”

”I'll bet you it is,” I agreed.