“It may mean little to you, but it has meant much to me. I foresee that reproductions of it will occupy a place in the library of every student of Egyptology. It will be more sought after than the Papyrus Harris, or the Papyrus Ebers. The discovery of the Rosetta Stone, itself, will almost be dwarfed by the publication of the Danbazzar Papyrus----” “Mr. Cumberland!” Danbazzar’s voice broke in imperiously. “You have heard my proposition with all its conditions. If you accept them, the papyrus shall be known as the ‘Cumberland Papyrus.’ Upon this I insist. It is no more than your due. By your efforts its authenticity must be established.” “A minor point,” John Cumberland assured him. “My share will be that of a backer. You are the discoverer.” “Not of the sarcophagus,” was the reply. “This has yet to be discovered, and can only be discovered by your help.” “Tremendously thrilling!” said Barry, standing up restlessly and lighting a fresh cigarette; “but, as I expected, right over my head. Does it mean a job of exploration or something?” “It does,” said his father, looking at him. “Might I take a peep at this papyrus?” Danbazzar bowed gravely, and from the other side of the library table took up a large portfolio having double locks. He opened it carefully and spread out a stained fragment, some three feet in length, part of which was clearly missing and other parts of which were defaced by curious stains. It bore rows of figures of a type quite familiar to Barry, but nevertheless meaningless, and some of the colouring retained much of its original freshness. It seemed to deal with the inevitable subject of burial, but upon one figure, perfectly preserved, he fastened his gaze as if hypnotized. It was that of a slender girl, more delicately drawn than any he ever remembered to have seen. But that which held him enthralled was the resemblance, the uncanny resemblance, of this figure to the girl of the balcony. Allowing for the conventional methods of the ancient artist, it might have been her portrait! He heard Danbazzar speaking. “My own translation is here,” he was saying, indicating a manuscript which he held in his hand. “I have asked your father to have it checked by any two authorities he may select. But the theory that I have based upon this is the point that will interest you.” “It will startle you out of your life!” John Cumberland interjected. Barry looked up. “What _is_ the theory?” he asked, looking from face to face. “The theory is,” Danbazzar replied, “that unless some unforeseen accident occurs, or has already occurred, we shall shortly be in a position to learn some of the secrets of Ancient Egypt from the lips of one who lived there!” CHAPTER VII. ZALITHEA “I should be glad,” said John Cumberland, “if you would just run over the main facts again for Barry’s benefit.” Danbazzar inclined his head in that courtly manner which was his and glanced aside at the younger man.