e was talking
about. He'd have been murdered before he had gone fifty miles up the
country."

"It was very brave and true of him, though."

"Of course," said Landon, "and I should have risked taking him with me
if I could have obtained permission. But perhaps it was better that he
should stick to his chemistry."

"Yes," said the doctor, with a sigh, "and that you should have been sent
home."

"Nonsense! I say it was a disgraceful thing that a scientist like
myself should be so treated."

"But the result is that Harry's brother is safe at home, Fred, and that
I have not lost another companion."

The doctor stretched out his hand to his rather excitable friend, who
grasped it directly.

"That's very good of you, Bob, old fellow. Thank you; but I felt it
bitterly not being allowed to go in search of poor Harry."

"Yes, but so did Frank."

"Of course, poor boy. He would. Ah, well, I tried my best. I feel it,
though, and I am very miserable doing my work in the museum instead of
in Egypt amongst the sand. I suppose the upper country will become
settled again."

"Sure to," said the doctor, "and in the meantime why don't you go and
try Nineveh or Babylon?"

"No; I can't take up an entirely fresh rut. I must give years upon
years yet to the sand-buried cities and tombs of Egypt. Ah! what an
endless mine of wonders it is."

"Yes, I suppose so."

"With everything so preserved by the drifting sand."

"But the ruins of the Tigris and Euphrates must be equally interesting."

"They can't be."

"But look here: you can't go to Egypt now, and you could to Nineveh.
Have a trip there, and I'll go with you."

"You will, Bob?" cried Landon excitedly.

"I will, Fred, on my word."

"Then we will, Bob," said the professor enthusiastically. "We'll start
and--No, we won't. Egypt is my motto, and much as I should like to have
you for a companion, no, sir, no. As the old woman said, `Wild horses
sha'n't drag me from my original plans and unfinished work.' I must get
back to the sand. I'd give anything to be there digging."

"Humph!" ejaculated the doctor. "After all, it is a nasty, ghoulish
business: moleing in the old tombs and unrolling mummies."

"It may seem so to you, but to me it is intensely interesting. Besides,
much as you condemn it, this is the only way to find out the history--
the manners and customs of the people two and three thousand years ago."

"The bell!" exclaimed the doctor. "I h