“He didn’t,” replied Don. “But Tezra let it out when he told Mr. Phalos that he was going to make him tell the secret of the Tombs of Gold.”
“The Tombs of Gold!” exclaimed Professor Bruce, with a start.
“Ever hear of them, Amos?” asked his brother-in-law, casting a keen glance at him.
“Many times,” replied the professor. “But I never knew how much faith to put in their existence. There have been persistent rumors that there are such tombs in the Egyptian desert, and more than one expedition has been organized to search for them. But they’ve always had their troubles for their pains.”
“Then you think they’re myths?” asked the captain.
“I wouldn’t say that,” was the reply. “There are so many wonderful things in that mysterious country that I’d hesitate to say offhand that anything was impossible. And our own experience in connection with the city of Brass and Cave of Emeralds in the Sahara have taught us how much truth there may often be concealed in tradition.”
“True enough,” agreed the captain. “I’m beginning to think we may find this old Egyptian a very interesting person.”
“He promised to look us up to-morrow morning,” said Don. “If he does, I’ll introduce him to you.”
The boys were eager the next morning to learn whether the rascals had been apprehended. Don sought out the officer whom he had seen the night before, a Mr. Maitland.
“Anything doing, Mr. Maitland?” he inquired.