It was exceedingly probable that the
first march of the return journey to Pajura would be ordered forthwith.
Indeed, Fenshawe rose to his feet, meaning to bid Abdur Kad'r prepare
to strike camp after the evening meal, when Mrs. Haxton, divining his
intent, cried shrilly:
"May I ask what new circumstance has brought about this remarkable
change in your plans, Mr. Fenshawe? It is true that we have been
favored by an extraordinary vision of an Italian expedition at no great
distance from our own, but what proof have we that it is successful, or
even engaged on an errand similar to ours?"
"The mere fact that extensive research is being carried on is
sufficiently convincing. Italian soldiers and Arabs do not form huge
earthworks in the desert for amusement," said Fenshawe.
"They may be trying a last desperate chance," she retorted.
"You forget that they have the same information as ourselves. There is
no trouble in deciphering demotic Greek and the hieroglyph minerals are
quite simple. Once the papyrus left Baron von Kerber's possession, our
exclusive right to it vanished, and you can hardly expect me to engage
in an armed attack on the military forces of a friendly nation.
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