He, a gentleman of the
modern world, would not show the white feather before a crowd of ancient
Egyptian ghosts. Turning to the child, he smiled at her, then drew
himself to his full height and walked on quietly. Here it may be
stated that Smith was a tall man, still comparatively young, and very
good-looking, straight and spare in frame, with dark, pleasant eyes and
a little black beard.
"At least he is a well-favoured thief," said one of the queens to
another.
"Yes," answered she who had been addressed. "I wonder that a man with
such a noble air should find pleasure in disturbing graves and stealing
the offerings of the dead," words that gave Smith much cause for
thought. He had never considered the matter in this light.
Now he came to the place where Ma-Mee stood, the black-browed Pharaoh
who had been her husband at her side. On his left hand which held the
cigar-box was the gold Bes ring, and that box he felt constrained to
carry pressed against him just over his heart.
As he went by he turned his head, and his eyes met those of Ma-Mee. She
started violently. Then she saw the ring upon his hand and again started
still more violently.
"What ails your Majesty?" asked the Pharaoh.
"Oh, naught," she answered.
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