The Schliemann Legacy Read Online Free PDF Page B

considered the ancient past important. Instead of worshipping or completely forsaking the past, the country needed a balance, a delicate and difficult balance between past and present, she thought. The Greeks must surround themselves with the art and traditions of their ancestors without denying the advantages of progress. Progress without a past was unfulfilling and sad. An illustrious and celebrated past without a progressive drive leads to death and decay. In Katrina's opinion, the latter was the current direction of Greek society.
    "Welcome!" Katrina jumped. The accented voice seemed to come from nowhere.
    Switching effortlessly to English, George addressed the Englishman standing on the wall above him. "Professor Michael Milner?"
    The man climbed down a ladder, showing an agility that denied his advanced age. He wiped his dusty palms on his pants before shaking hands with George. "The very man," he said.
    "My name is George Stamatakes, Professor. This is Katrina Kontoravdis."
    Milner's hand lingered momentarily as he shook with Katrina. The professor did not receive many female visitors at the site. She could feel his eyes run over the thin white material of her dress, but she was neither embarrassed nor angered. Amused, she toyed with the old man, following his gaze and shaming him into keeping eye contact. Her dark brown eyes burrowed deep into his lecherous soul. Soon, he was blushing and turning back to George.
    "So, how can I help a member of the Greek government?" he asked. "I trust I am not in some violation."
    "Far from it, Professor," George assured him. "The Ministry informs me you are most welcome in our country. We need information about Heinrich Schliemann and, apparently, you are an authority on the man and his work."
    The professor's stooped shoulders straightened as he puffed with pride. "You flatter me, sir. I would not call myself an authority, but Schliemann's work has always been a passion of mine. Please, join me in my tent for a drink. We'll be more comfortable out of this heat. I'm sure you're thirsty after your long drive."
    Milner led the way to the tent where he poured them glasses of lemonade. He pointed at two uncomfortable chairs while he went through a complicated ritual of making a cup of tea. The tent was hot, almost as hot as the outdoors, and the odor of the canvas was overpowering. Katrina felt a trickle of perspiration run down the length of her spine. She took a long drink that temporarily choked off the urge to be sick. The professor immediately refilled her glass and then remembered to turn on the exhaust fan. The large blades stirred the air, creating a small breeze, and the smell and the heat lost some of their intensity.
    Sitting heavily in a small chair in the corner, the professor brought his fingertips together in what Katrina suspected was his standard lecture pose. "Schliemann's critics have written many unkind statements about him," Professor Milner began. "There are even those who consider him a thief. Imagine, a thief! I suppose he wasn't entirely honest, but neither were those he dealt with. A man has to protect himself, don't you think? Of course," he hastened to add, "I've never had any problems with your countrymen, Mr. Stamatakes. But then one can't compare the Greeks to the Turks, now can one! I only say this so you will understand my position on Schliemann. He was a great man. Is there anything in particular you wish to know?"
    "Just background information," George replied. Experience told Katrina her boss was trying to sound nonchalant. George had specifics in mind and was hiding something. "What the man was like, his major discoveries," he said. "His life in general. Of course, we would like to hear about Troy."
    The professor nodded. "Yes, Troy, naturally. Well, as I said, Heinrich Schliemann was a great man. He was born a German in 1822, but also became an American citizen. By the time of his death, he spoke eighteen languages. He made a considerable fortune in