“Really smart people,” Jim commented, “wear a feather--a small, neat feather--stuck in the band just above the left ear. I am told that everyone will be wearing them this season. Didn’t they tip you this at Dobbs’, Micky?” “They tipped me a lot of things,” Micky returned, lighting a cigarette, “and there are lots of things I could tip _you!_” “I know it,” he said; “my ignorance is appalling. But on one point Park Avenue is agreed. I _do_ know how to dress. Further, I don’t merely put on my clothes--I wear them! Allow me, Barry.” He raised his hands and settled the helmet at an angle over Barry’s right ear, then took a step back to contemplate the result. “Better,” he muttered, “better. That is the British Army rake. Of course--” again grasping the helmet and tilting it forward--“there is the Rajah rake, very popular in India, and _also_----” He was about to take further liberties when Barry gave him a playful but powerful punch in the chest. “And _also_ there is the complete limit,” he said, “and you reach it every time, Jim.” Taken all around, however, the period of preparation was an exciting one for Barry. His father was an experienced traveller and, under his guidance, Barry acquired all sorts of equipment for the journey. On the advice of Danbazzar, most of the camp gear, the firearms, and the impedimenta of the excavator, they were picking up in London. Danbazzar had prepared a formidable list of these, and Barry discovered a great fascination in merely reading it. The papyrus had disappeared into Danbazzar’s great safe, and Barry often wondered if his imagination had played him tricks in regard to the portrait of Princess Zalithea. He had abandoned hope of ever seeing this girl of dreams again; but Fate had one more curious experience in store for him, and it came about in this way: Professor Blackwell was leaving for Europe a week ahead of them, and later joining the party in Egypt. Bound to strictest secrecy regarding the nature of the expedition, his scientific curiosity had been greatly aroused, and he had consented to be present at the opening of the tomb when that time came. The steamer sailed at midnight, and Professor Blackwell had dined at the Cumberland home prior to joining her. Barry and his father went on board with him, inspected his stateroom, ascertained that his baggage had arrived safely, and then: “There is no point in waiting,” said the Professor. “We don’t sail for another twenty minutes or so, but it is my custom on these night sailings to turn in. I leave unpacking until the morning. I hate all this fuss and bustle!” “As you like, Blackwell,” said John Cumberland. “See you in Cairo--or, if you have gone up the river, in Luxor. Hope you have a nice crossing.”