The Mummy Snatcher of Memphis Read Online Free PDF

it.”
    As soon as I saw her my heart began to pound. This could be awkward. Might she unmask Ahmed?
    I needn’t have worried. Aunt Hilda was so full of her latest idea she scarcely glanced at the rest of us. She had changed into a more ordinary dress, though she still wore her mannish shoes and was lugging a large sackcloth bag. Clumping on the wooden floor, she strode up and began talking, banging on the table to emphasize her words.
    â€œThis will get Monsieur Champlon’s goat! Why even the New York papers will sit up and take notice. I expect an international sensation!”
    â€œWhat are you—” Father began but Hilda cut him off.
    â€œYou know how much interest my collection has caused. I’ve had
The Times
, the
Manchester Guardian
…” Aunt Hilda began ticking off newspapers on her fingers. “Fully a dozen papers and magazines would like to attend the unveiling of the Hilda Salter Bequest. Youknow me,” Aunt Hilda embraced us all in her glance. “I don’t do half measures. I can’t be bothered with mayors making tedious speeches. Let’s treat the newspapers to something special, I thought. So I had my inspiration! It is a wonderful idea.”
    â€œYe-es,” Father said, dubiously.
    Abruptly, Aunt Hilda noticed us: “Not in front of the children, Theo.”
    â€œPardon?” Father asked.
    â€œWe will discuss this in private. I’m sorry, Kit, my dear, but this is a delicate matter. As they say, walls have ears. Come along, Theo.”
    Father trotted along after Aunt Hilda, as she marched to the drawing room, slamming the door shut. “I’ll be back in a moment,” I whispered to the others and tiptoed after them. I stood outside, my ear pressed to the door. Unfortunately all I could hear was a dull murmur. I was just about to give up when suddenly, the voices rose.
    â€œTheo!” Aunt Hilda barked.
    â€œI
will not
,” my father’s bleat came through the door.
    â€œI can’t have explained myself properly, Theo.”
    â€œI won’t change my mind.”
    â€œThat is your last word on the subject?”
    â€œIt is.”
    There was the sound of stomping feet. In panic I pressed myself against the wall but Hilda didn’t noticeme as she flung the door open, though I was an inch away from her.
    â€œI will have to take the Hilda Salter Bequest elsewhere,” she shouted at my father over her shoulder. “The mummies will go tomorrow to a museum where they are properly appreciated.”
    â€œSo be it,” Father replied. “You will
never
get me to change my mind.”

Chapter Six
    â€œWhy did I let Hilda persuade me to do this?” Father wailed. He was backstage at the museum, looking a little comical dressed up in a flowing costume as the Egyptian god Anubis. Of course poor Papa had given in to every single one of his sister’s demands and now he was gazing at the audience assembling for his entrance. Such was his horror, he could have been watching his executioners gather, rather than a perfectly respectable Oxford crowd.
    â€œYou have to learn to stand up for yourself, Papa.”
    â€œHow? How am I to stand up for myself?”
    â€œYou must learn to say no.”
    â€œI said no a thousand times.”
    â€œSay it once and mean it. Let your NO be the end of the matter.”
    Father wasn’t listening.
    â€œI am undone,” he moaned. He had recognized someone in the crowd. My eyes followed his finger, whichwas pointing to a white-bearded old gentleman in the middle of the front row. The gentleman was accompanied by a lady in purple sateen, carrying a black parasol. They looked distinguished and, well, rather nice, if a bit grumpy.
    â€œIt is Charles Darwin, Kit. Oh, I am ruined.”
    Poor, poor Father. The great naturalist was his hero. Mr. Darwin’s theory that men are descended from apes caused huge controversy, but Father reckoned him the