Lion in the Valley Read Online Free PDF

you said
no."
    "We
could hardly ask poor John to abandon his new bride," said Emerson,
briskly whisking the soap into foam. "Once we reach Dahshoor, Selim can
take up the duties he performed last season."
    "Selim
was perfectly useless, Emerson. I didn't say so, for I would not hurt the lad's
feelings for the world, but he proved incapable of preventing Ramses from doing
anything. Indeed, he became Ramses' accomplice in crime rather than his guard.
    "What
he really needs is a tutor," I went on. "His education has been
extremely one-sided, to say the least. He can translate hieroglyphic Egyptian
as easily as most children of his age can read English, but he has only the
feeblest acquaintance with the sciences, and none whatever with the history of
his great nation."
    "He
has a good working knowledge of zoology, Peabody. He is always picking up stray
animals."
    "Physics,
astronomy—"
    Emerson
snorted so vigorously that foam flew all over the mirror. He wiped it off with
his arm. "What difference does it make whether the earth goes round the
sun or vice versa? It is an inconsequential piece of information."
    "It
seems to me, Emerson, that that sentiment has been expressed by someone
else."
    "No
doubt. It is the sentiment of any reasoning individual. Never mind about
Ramses' education, Pea-body. He will do well enough."
    He
fell silent as he drew the shining blade of his razor across his cheek. Though
unconvinced, I refrained from further comment for fear of causing a
serious accident. When he had completed the delicate operation, I felt it safe
to refer to another grievance. "So we are to leave in the morning?"
    "If
that is agreeable to you, my dear."
    "It
is not at all agreeable to me. There are several tasks I had meant to
complete—"
    Emerson
whirled, brandishing the razor. "Such as interfering in the private
affairs of that Miss Devonshire."
    "Debenham,
Emerson. The lady's name is Debenham. I had meant to speak a kindly word or
two—the advice her mother would give her, were she still alive. I will simply
have to find an opportunity tonight, that is all."
    "Curse
it," Emerson said.
    "Do
hurry, Emerson. Mena House will be crowded; the pyramids by moonlight are a
popular excursion. No," I went on, winding my braided hair into a neat
knot. "The tasks I referred to were those of shopping. I feel sure you did
not get all the articles I need."
    "Yes,
I did. I even bought a load of those cursed medicines you are always inflicting
on people. Ipecacuanha, rhubarb, calomel, blistering plaster—"
    "You
didn't get a set of communion vessels, I suppose?"
    "Communion
... Peabody, I didn't object when you set yourself up as a physician, but I
will be forced to protest if you begin administering the sacraments. Not only
does that offend my principles—for I consider such activities the grossest kind
of superstition—but it is sure to get you in trouble with the authorities of
the Church of England."
    "I
presume you jest, Emerson. You know perfectly well why I want the vessels. They
are to replace the ones the Master Criminal stole from the church at Dronkeh
last year. The distress of the poor Sheikh El Beled touched my heart; we cannot
restore the originals, so I thought I would get him another set. I don't
suppose you even looked for one."
    "Antique
Coptic religious objects are not easily found, even in the bazaars of
Cairo," Emerson retorted. "It is all a ridiculous waste of time
anyway. Why didn't you just bring along a set of bathroom utensils from the
Penny Bazaar?"
    I
ignored this churlish remark, being accustomed to Emerson's unorthodox
religious views. However, when he reached for his trousers I was moved to
remonstrate. "Not those trousers, Emerson. I have laid out your evening
clothes. A tweed suit is—"
    "The
only attire appropriate for climbing the Great Pyramid, Peabody. You wouldn't
want me to spoil my only set of evening clothes, would you?"
    "Climb
the