He would recognize it as the original,
though it is now quite misleading. If he is digging at the right place
by reason of the directions given there, it is something beyond belief,
yes?"
"You speak of Alfieri recognizing the papyrus. Evidently, then, he had
seen it earlier. In what manner was he connected with its discovery?"
Mr. Fenshawe's coldly direct question came in sharp contrast with the
Austrian's impassioned outburst. Von Kerber did not reply. With his
elbows resting on his knees, and supporting his chin between clenched
fists, he looked through the open door of the tent with eyes that
stared into vacancy. The man was in a frenzy of despair. He saw the
chance of his life slipping away from him, but he could urge no plea in
his own behalf. It was Mrs. Haxton who answered, and her composure was
oddly at variance with von Kerber's distress.
"Alfieri was assistant curator of a museum at Naples when the Italian
occupation of Erythrea led to his appointment as government
archeologist in this territory," she said.
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