"The scarabæus," said the Doctor, "was the symbol of resurrection among the ancient Egyptians, and hence we find it very frequently used about the mummies, and the places where they were laid away to rest. This large one was deposited in place of the heart of our desiccated friend in the box, and these necklaces, principally composed of scarabæi, were around his neck. This flat one lay upon his breast in direct contact with the flesh; the circle in the centre represents the sun; on each side of it is the asp, a snake that was sacred to one of the gods, and the outstretched wings on either side are to indicate the power of the soul to take flight from the body. The Egyptians had some process of cutting stone that is unknown to us, as the carving of these scarabæi, in the hardest materials as we find them, would defy the skill of modern lapidaries." After a general survey of the contents of the case the party moved to another room, where a quantity of gold and silver ornaments were conspicuously displayed. [Illustration: JEWELLER WITH BLOW-PIPE.] As they halted in front of the collection, the Doctor explained that the jewels they were looking at were found in the coffin (and with the mummy) of Aah-Hotep--a queen who is supposed to have been the wife of one of the kings of the eighteenth dynasty. The show-case of a modern jeweller could not have been more attractive, and the boys were enchanted with the beauty of the articles displayed as well as with the exquisite workmanship. [Illustration: EGYPTIAN GOLDSMITHS (FROM A PAINTING AT THEBES).] There was a bracelet with gold figures engraved on blue glass, in imitation of lapis lazuli; there was a large bracelet, hinged in the centre, representing a vulture, its wings composed of bits of lapis lazuli, carnelian, and green glass, in a gold setting, and its back ornamented with lines of small turquoises; and there was a gold chain nearly three feet long, with a scarabæus at the end. This chain, with the other treasures of the queen, was exhibited at the Paris Exposition of 1867, and attracted much attention. It is composed of links curiously woven and twisted together, and a committee of French jewellers who examined it said that if it were broken they did not believe there was a jeweller of modern days who could properly mend it! And to think that this chain was made many centuries ago! [Illustration: GOLDEN BASKETS (FROM THE TOMB OF RAMESES III).] We have not time to describe all the wonderful things in the case of Aah-Hotep, nor in the other cases near it. Our friends lingered long among the treasures of the museum, and when the shadows indicated the hour for closing, and the attendants hinted that the official day was at an end, they were in no mood for departure. They all agreed that hereafter they should hold the ancient Egyptians in great respect, and regretted that the arts and accomplishments they seem to have possessed are, in great measure, lost to the world.