Any one could guess the
uncertainties of a quest depending on a document two thousand years
old, while its dangers were manifest. Mr. Fenshawe and Irene must be
cognizant of the open risks, and it was idle to suppose that they did
not appreciate the unobtrusive way in which the yacht was being hurried
to her destination. Why, then, should von Kerber and Mrs. Haxton share
some secret understanding, the outcome of which was doubtful, and,
above all else, why should they fear the influence that a young and
unknown man might exercise on the crew?
"Egypt is the land of riddles," mused Dick, as he gazed at the russet
and purple hills which spring up so suddenly to guard the strange sea
thrust by nature into the bosom of a fiery land. "My best course is to
adopt the attitude of the Sphinx. I shall keep my eyes open and say
nothing."
He forgot, however, that the chief characteristic of the Sphinx is an
enduring patience, and he chafed at the colorless monotony of the next
few days. The Aphrodite crept under sail five hundred miles to the
south, until the wind died of sheer exhaustion.
Pages:
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143