vered with some rugs.

The stranger unfastened the padlock of a similar box to one of those
upon which he was sitting with a key which hung from a chain at his
side. He raised the lid; it had been converted into a wine-cellar.

"Hold hard," he said, in a kindly voice. "I'll give you a drink."

Michael was not fainting; he was merely in a state of physical
collapse. He gladly accepted the proffered hospitality.

When he had swallowed the whisky, he said: "I'm sorry, but I've been
feeling a bit queer lately. For some days past I've had a touch of the
sun." He could not tell this stranger of his bitter disappointment.

"Have you ridden far to-day?"

"Yes. I've been in the desert for some time now. We started this
morning at dawn." He put the glass down on the rough trestle-table.
"Thanks most awfully. I feel a lot better. You said there was no
truth in the report about the gold and the jewels--what are you
expecting?"

"We have seen no trace of gold so far, but you must remember that it
was a native who brought the information. Any discoverer is bound to
inform the Government, and any portable object accidentally found must
be given up within six days."

"But the finder receives half its value?"

"Yes, but if there was this treasure-trove of gold and jewels, it's
doubtful if natives would hand that over. It would have been a
different thing if it had been monumental objects, or even antiques, as
they always run the risk of being caught trafficking in them. They
would be inclined to think that half their value is better than none,
with the added risk of the heavy penalty. The new rules are very
stringent."

"But the jewels? Is there no trace of any precious stones? Don't you
think there's a little fire for all that smoke?"

"We heard all these wonderful reports, but we have found no trace of
any treasure. What the native reported was that he, along with some
other _fellahin_, had accidentally come across some traces of ancient
masonry, not far from Akhnaton's tomb. After digging for a few days,
they discovered an underground passage, which led into a chamber; in it
we came upon some papyri."

"You have found papyri?" Michael said. His tired eyes suddenly glowed;
his excitement was obvious.

"Yes, we have found papyri. They promise to be of exceptional
interest."

"Of what dynasty?" Michael could scarcely speak, or hide his anxiety
while he waited for an answer to his question. To be a