The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-10-04

iantly reflected upon a huge mummy
case of apparently solid and massey gold.
As is usual with mummy cases, the head
of the case was modelled into the form of
face. These faces are supposed to be
likenesses of the enclosed mummies as
they looked In life. The face was that of
man still young, of pleasing and yet
commanding presence. Two crystals in
serted for eyes gave it life-like and almost
terrifying appearance. The case was
carved with many and elaborate designs,
and was studded with the bodies of many
scarabaei. which were set deep in the gold.
These details I observed at a glance, but
an object lying at the side of the case and
partly upon it now attracted my attention.
This was large vase or flask of the purest
rock crystal, deliberately carved with mys-
teal devices, which was filled with lin
Did, colorless huid-perhapS four or five
quarts-which seemed to be lumin-
Gus. At least it reflected the torch
light with an intensity that was
almost binding. 1t was a wholly novel
discovery. Sarcophagi and mummies
were common enough, but meyer had [
seen or heard of the finding Of anything
like this. Had | found it in Grecian or
Roman tomb might have called it lach-
rymal vase but, SO far as l knew, no such
utensil was used by the Egyptians.
Reaching down into the great stone box
] managed to grasp the flask and take it
up. AS held it aloft the fellahin set up
terrified shout, as the light of their
torches were reflected from 1t in streams
of dazzling brilliancy.
"Body of Bacchus! So you are neither
craZylnor hoaxing."
1t was the voice of my friend, Dr.
Batesi, who entered the tomb at this mo-
ment.
DIR. Batesi was an Italian, some IS years
of age, though yet vigorous. and of an ex-
tremely nervous temperament. His figure
was tall, but thin and gaunt, and his
meager face was decorated by long and
flowing white beard. His eyes were small.
bright and restless. ANY one would have
readily known him as an enthusiast IN
whatever study he might be interested.
He always spoke in jerky, excitable man.
ner, and his usually nervous demeanor
was now heightened dozen fold by the
strange nature of our surroundings.
mo, you're not crazy. But great
heavensp What discovery"
Yes" replied, striving hard to appe ar
cool. II think this is something of find.
See here" and | made way for him To
stand upon the coil of rope in order tn At
he might look down into the sarcophagus,
As the gllttering mummy case met his
sight he began series of calculations n
has native tongue, apparently unconscious
| OF my presence At length he somewha 1t
regalned his composure, and the crystal
IL,
What is that?" he demanded
81 do not know. / found il inside the
sarcophagus. Did you ever see anything
like II before?"
He did not answer me, but, snatching
the vase from my hand, began to examine
1t very closely, at the same time muttering
excltedly 10 himself. His inspection
lasted some time. Finally his face bright
ened and assumed an expression of deci-
sion.
1T may be. 1t is possible" he said,
still speaking TO himself why not? DO
not the records of Manstho say so2 II is
not so improbable after all. Come, come,
we shall soon know.
Come" he said, turning to me, 1--WE
must see that mummy. Let Us get the
case out as soon as possible.
l gave the necessary orders to my men,
and the derrick was once more called into
requisltion TO lift the heavy case from the
sarcophagus
DO you suppose this is Thothmes?" l
inquired while the men were occupied
with this task.
at is no more Thothmes," he replied,
than II is Habhakuk. 1t is Nef-Rah, a
high priest of Osiris, of the Eighteenth
Dynasty" pointing at the same time 60 a
hleroglyph carved on the massive case,
which had overlooked by reason of It's
size, extending from one end of the case
nearly 10 the other.
In few moments the heavy case was
on the stone floor and the massive golden
cover was removed, revealing not the
ordinary swathed and bandaged mummy,
but naked body floating in an oily sub
stance, which emitted an aromatic smell.