t she caught sight of him,
she left the terrace and hurried down the street to meet him. There
was no one else within sight. He was walking with his head bent and as
though he was deeply immersed in thought.

When she got within speaking distance, she called out, "Oh, Freddy,
what is it? Why have you come?"

His expression had convinced her that something was wrong, that
something very serious had brought him to Cairo.

Freddy linked his arm in his sister's and took a deep breath before he
spoke. "Chum dear," he said, "I've brought bad news for you."

"Michael's dead!" Meg stood still and dropped her brother's arm. It
was a pitiful face, that paled to the lips as her eyes gazed into
Freddy's.

"No, Meg, Mike's not dead."

"Then he's dying, and you're afraid to tell me!" Margaret strode
forward, as if she was then and there starting off to find her dying
lover. Freddy laid his hand on her arm. "Freddy, let me go!" she said
impatiently. "Take me to him quickly. Wild horses won't detain me!"
She shook off his hand.

"Steady, old girl. Let me tell you all about it. Mike's quite well,
so far as I know. I've heard nothing about any illness."

"Then what's the matter? More lies? Hadassah Ireton doesn't believe a
word of them! She is an angel--she is going to help me." Meg's head
dropped; her chest rose and fell with suppressed emotion.

"Don't walk so quickly, Meg. I can't tell you while you dash on like
that. Have some pity on me--I hate my job."

Meg fell back. "Well, tell me--out with it!"

"The Government has got wind of the 'site.' Michael's discovery has
been anticipated. Experimentary digging has begun."

"And where is Mike?" Meg's eyes blazed.

"That is just it! He ought to have reached the hills two weeks ago, at
least. While he has been idling, someone has played him
false--betrayed him--informed the Government for the sake of the
reward."

Meg gave a little cry. It lashed Freddy to fury against Michael; it
was the cry of a crucified soul.

"It's just his casual drifting again!"

"But you didn't believe in the treasure!" Meg's loyalty was up in arms
against Freddy's voice of accusation.

"I know I didn't, and it's yet got to be proved that it is there. But
the fact remains that I heard from the Director of Public Works that a
temporary camp has been pitched on the very site Mike was going for.
The whole story is a complication of truth and fiction."

Meg spoke with