The Topeka state journal., 1919-11-15
1.-the Death-Ring of Sneferu

duties. remained profoundly mysterious.
The episode had rendered further work
impossible. and I descended to the ter
race. with no more definite object in
view than that Of finding quiet corner
where I might mediate in the con-
genial society Of my briar, and at the
same time seek inspiration from the
er-changing throng in the Sharia
Kane1 Pasha-
1 had scarcely set my foot upon the
terrace, however, ere a hand was laid
upon my arm Turning quickly 1 rec
ognized, in the dusk, Haasan es-sugra,
for many years q trusted employee OF
the British Archaeological Society.
His deneanor was at once excited
and furtive, and I recognized with
something akin to amazement that he,
also, had story to unfold. I mentally
eatalogued this eventful evening the
night of strange condolences"
Seated at a little table on the deserted
balcony (for the evening was very
ohiliy) and directly facing the shop Of
Philip, the dealer in Arab woodwork,
Hassan es-Sugra told his wonder tale;
and as the narrative unroiled itself be-
fore me, perceived wheels within
wheels: was wholly absorbed. yet half
ineredulous.
a." When the professor aban-
doned work on the pyramid, kernaby
Pasha, be said. bending eagerly for
ward and laying his muscular brown
hand upon my. sleeve ut was not be-
cause there was no more to learn
there"
"I am aware Of this. O Hassan." in
terrupted, at was in order that they
might carry on the work at the Pyra-
mid OF Illahun. which resulted in a hnd
of 5ewelry almost unique in the annals
Of Egyptology."
do I not know all thisi" exclaimed
Hassan impatiently "and was not mine
ureus7 But the work projected at the
Pyramid of Meydurn was never COM
pleted, and can tell you why"
1 stared at him through the gloom;
for had already some idea respecting
the truth of this matter. ."-a.
"It was that the men. over two hun
dred OF them, refused to enter the pas
sage again." he whispered dramatically,
"it was because misfortune and disaster
visited more than one who had pene-
trated to a certain place therein" He
bent further forward .'The Pyramid
of Meydurn Is the home Of powerful
Etreet, Kernaby Pasha. But I who
was the last to leave It, know what is
concealed there. In a certain place,
low down in the corner. Of the Kings
Chamber, is ring Of gold. bearing
cartouche. 1t is the royal ring Of the
Pharaoh who built the pyramid"
He ceased, watching me intent1y.
did not doubt Hassan's word. for had
always counted him a man Of integrity;
-
and much that was mysterious IN his
story.
''Why did you not bring It away?" I
asked,
II feared to touch It, Kerpaby Pasha;
1t is an evil talisman- Until today I
have feared to speak Of it,
And today7"
Hassan extended his hands. palms
upward.
"I am threatened with the loss OF my
house." he said simply. "if I do not
find a certain sum Of money within a
period Of twelve days"
I sat resting my chin on my hand
and staring into the face Of Hassan es-
Sugra. Could it be that from super
stitious motives such a treasure had
indeed been abandoned? Could il be
that Fate had delivered into my hands
a relic SO priceless as the sisnet-ring Of
Snefsru, one Of the earliest Mernphite
Pharaohs? Since / had recently In
Cured the diSpleasure of my principals.
Messrs. Moses. Murphy 6 Co. OF Bir-
minEham, the mere anticipation OF such
find" was sufficient to raise my pro-
fessiona1 enthusiasm TO white heat. and
in those few moments of silence I had
decided upon instant action.
Meet me at Rikka Station. tonor-
row morning at nine O'Clock" I said,
"and arrange for donkeys to carry US
to the pyramid"
On my arrival at RikAa, and there
fore at the very outset OF my inquiry, I
met with what one slightly prone to
superstition might have regarded as an
unfortunate omen. A native funeral
was passing out of the town amid the
wailing OF women and the chanting by
the Faith, with its queer monotonous
cadences, a performance which despite
its familiarity in the Meas East never
failed to affect me unpleasantly. BY
the token Of tho tGrbttsh upon the bier.
knew that this was a man who was
being hurried to his lonely resting place
on the fringe Of the desert s
As the procession wound its way out
across the sands, saw to. the removal
OF my baggage and Joined Hassan es-
Sugra, who awaited me by the wooden
barrier. / perceived immediately that
something was wrong with the man
he was paipably laboring under the In
fiuence Of some strong excitsment- and
his dark eyes regarded me almost fear
fully. He was muttering to himself like
one suffering from an ove--indulsence
IN RdshEsh, and I detected the wcrds
"AItahw GIbar!" (Ged is most great
several times repeated.
] What ails you. Hassan, my friend ?
/ said. 'SWas the dead man some relation
OF yours - ,l, zTe