Lion in the Valley by Elizabeth Peters Page A

assist him. What he needed
was a woman's firm and compassionate care, and I was about to say so when
Emerson nudged me with such force that I was caught off balance—squatting being
a position I never assume with ease—and toppled gently onto my side. While I
was endeavoring to reassume an upright position, Emerson continued.
    "I
have been searching for a muscular and dependable person to take charge of my
son. My name is Emerson, and this lady—"
    "I
know who you are, sir."
    "Then
you may also know that Mrs. Emerson is my professional associate as well as my
wife. (Do get up, Amelia, you look very unprofessional squirming on the ground
like an overturned beetle.) She has not the time to give Ramses the attention
he requires—"
    "I
would say that Master Ramses requires a good deal of attention, if the events
of this evening are typical." A faint smile accompanied this comment.
    "This
evening's events are not..." Emerson stopped. "Er—be that as it may,
we are leaving tomorrow morning for Dahshoor, in order to begin our excavations.
You would do us a favor if you would consent to take the position, for which
you have already proved yourself so admirably qualified."
    I
fancy the young man's surprise at this offer was scarcely less than my own. His
response was a sardonic laugh. ' 'You are out of your head, Professor. Would
you entrust your son to a renegade, a beggar, a smoker of opium, a
hashish-eater?"
    "As
to that," I began, but did not finish the sentence because I saw Emerson's
elbow jut out, and my balance was still precarious.
    "So
long as you refrain from indulging in drugs while on duty, your habits are not
my concern," said Emerson.
    "Well...
Why not? It would be a new experience, at any rate."

"Then
let us return to the hotel," I said, rising.
    "I
will not go with you," said the young man firmly.
    "In
heaven's name, why not?"
    "Because
... I choose not to," was the sullen reply.
    "You
may choose to go to Shepheard's or to the devil," snapped Emerson, whose
patience was at an end. "Do I understand that you have refused my offer,
Mr.—"
    "Call
me Nemo."
    Emerson
raised his eyebrows. Before he could comment, the young man continued, "I
do not refuse. But I have certain personal matters to attend to before I leave
Cairo. I will be at the hotel tomorrow—at what hour?"
    "Seven a.m."
    "Seven,"
Nemo repeated. "Until then, Professor."
    Disdaining
my offer of a supporting hand, he rose and walked away without a backward
glance.
    We
returned to our waiting carriage. Several other equipages were also waiting;
the one Kalenischeff had driven was not among them. When our
vehicle was underway, Emerson said, "Well, Peabody?"
    "Well,
Emerson?"
    "I
am awaiting your remarks concerning our new servant. I am surprised you have
not expressed your opinion before this."
    "Why,
really, Emerson, I consider this an excellent idea. I would have suggested it
myself had you not anticipated me."
    "Oh,
indeed," said Emerson.
    "We
have an obligation," I continued, "to assist unfortunate fellow
creatures, particularly those of our own nation. I don't doubt that the young
man has met some crushing disappointment—in love, most probably— which has
reduced him to his present plight. I hope you will not think me boastful if I
assert that my advice and experience have often proved beneficial in such
cases."
    "Bah,"
said Emerson. "My motives are less altruistic, Amelia; I simply want
someone to watch over Ramses while we are—while we are otherwise occupied. I
know full well the futility of asking you not to attempt to reform the young
man's habits, but I beg you will not irritate him to such an extent that he
quits our service. That is all I have to say on the subject, and there is no
need for you to comment. Well, Ramses, you are unusually silent; what do you
think?"
    Ramses
cleared his throat. "Thank you, Papa. I was waiting for someone to ask my
opinion, for after all I am the