e waiting for the photographer and the Chief
Inspector.

Michael's imagination was ever too vivid. He could see a hundred
plundering hands stretched out in the darkness to seize the buried
treasure. He could visualize the poisoning of the watch-dogs and the
silent killing of the guards, and Freddy waking up to find that his
"pet tomb" had been burgled and robbed of its ancient treasures.

A good deal of discussion ensued between Michael and Freddy which was
above Margaret's head. The approximate date of the tomb and a hundred
different suggestions and problems which were still beyond her
knowledge were gone into by the two Egyptologists. The soothsayer's
predictions were not improbable; there were evidences which suggested
that the tomb was one of great importance.

"Let's get back to dinner," Freddy said. "I scarcely had any lunch--I
couldn't leave the men. I'm ready for some food."

Instantly they retraced their steps. Margaret was humming softly the
air of some popular song. Both she and Michael were always anxious to
administer to Freddy's wishes.

"It's topping to be back," Michael said. "The smells in Cairo were
pretty bad. This is glorious!"

They had almost reached the hut.

"We have only mummy smells here," Margaret said. "But they get pretty
thick, as the store-room fills up with finds." She looked round.
"Freddy, if I'd a little water, I could make the desert blossom like
the rose." She sighed happily. "As it is, it's 'paradise enow'--I
don't think I want it other than it is."

While they were at dinner, which, compared to their usual simple fare,
was of the fatted-calf order and one of Margaret's devising, Michael
told them of all that he had done in Luxor and Cairo, not keeping back
even his excursion to the Pyramids or his visit to el-Azhar. Freddy
was greatly entertained by both episodes, the one as a strong antidote
to the other.

Michael had, of course, given but few details of either experience.
The mystic's counsel was not, he felt, suited for discussion and
certainly he had no wish to annoy Margaret by unnecessary remarks about
Millicent Mervill.

There was something in Mike's manner which assured Freddy that the
influence of the mystic had triumphed, that the beautiful Millicent had
not exercised her usual powers over his friend.

During the recital of his doings, Margaret met Mike's eyes frankly.
Hers were without questions or doubts. She felt as Freddy did--that
the