"Yes," said Smith. "That is--no. I found a broken statuette hidden in
the sand outside the tomb. It is of the queen, but I thought perhaps you
would allow me to keep this."
"But certainly, Mr. Smith; it is yours indeed. We are not niggards here.
Still, if I might see it----"
From yet another pocket Smith produced the head. The Director gazed at
it, then he spoke with feeling.
"I said just now that you were discreet, Mr. Smith, and I have been
reflecting that you are honest. But now I must add that you are very
clever. If you had not made me promise that this bronze should be yours
before you showed it me--well, it would never have gone into that
pocket again. And, in the public interest, won't you release me from the
promise?"
"_No_," said Smith.
"You are perhaps not aware," went on the Director, with a groan, "that
this is a portrait of Mariette's unknown queen whom we are thus able to
identify. It seems a pity that the two should be separated; a replica we
could let you have."
"I am quite aware," said Smith, "and I will be sure to send _you_ a
replica, with photographs. Also I promise to leave the original to some
museum by will."
The Director clasped the image tenderly, and, holding it to the light,
read the broken cartouche beneath the breasts.
Pages:
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46