short, and there is much to say and do before the sun-god Ra arises
and we depart each to his place. Therefore it seems best that we should
leave these wicked ones in their wickedness till we meet them face to
face beyond the world."

Smith, who had been following the words of Khaemuas with the closest
attention and considerable anxiety, breathed again, thanking Heaven
that the engagements of these departed monarchs were so numerous and
pressing. Still, as a matter of precaution, he drew the cigar-box which
contained Ma-Mee's hand from his pocket, and pushed it as far away from
him as he could. It was a most unlucky act. Perhaps the cigar-box grated
on the floor, or perhaps the fact of his touching the relic put him into
psychic communication with all these spirits. At any rate, he became
aware that the eyes of that dreadful magician were fixed upon him, and
that a bone had a better chance of escaping the search of a Rontgen ray
than he of hiding himself from their baleful glare.

"As it happens, however," went on Khaemuas, in a cold voice, "I now
perceive that there is hidden in this place, and spying on us, one of
the worst of these vile thieves. I say to your Majesties that I see him
crouched beneath yonder funeral barge, and that he has with him at this
moment the hand of one of your Majesties, stolen by him from her tomb at
Thebes."

Now every queen in the company became visibly agitated (Smith, who was
watching Ma-Mee, saw her hold up her hands and look at them), while all
the Pharaohs pointed with their fingers and exclaimed together, in a
voice that rolled round the hall like thunder:

"Let him be brought forth to judgment!"