en restored, and the headless mummy removed into the
Professor's bedroom, since Captain Orme declared that he could not talk
business in the presence of a body, however ancient, we resumed our
discussion. First of all, at Higgs's suggestion I drew up a brief
memorandum of agreement which set out the objects of the expedition,
and provided for the equal division amongst us of any profit that might
accrue; in the event of the death of one or more of us, the survivors or
survivor to take their or his share.

To this arrangement personally I objected, who desired neither treasure
nor antiquities, but only the rescue of my son. The others pointed out,
however, that, like most people, I might in future want something
to live on, or that if I did not, in the event of his escape, my boy
certainly would; so in the end I gave way.

Then Captain Orme very sensibly asked for a definition of our respective
duties, and it was settled that I was to be guide to the expedition;
Higgs, antiquarian, interpreter, and, on account of his vast knowledge,
general referee; and Captain Orme, engineer and military commander,
with the proviso that, in the event of a difference of opinion, the
dissentient was to loyally accept the decision of the majority.

This curious document having been copied out fair, I signed and passed
it to the Professor, who hesitated a little, but, after refreshing
himself with a further minute examination of Sheba's ring, signed also,
remarking that he was an infernal fool for his pains, and pushed the
paper across the table to Orme.

"Stop a minute," said the Captain; "I forgot something. I should like my
old servant, Sergeant Quick, to accompany us. He's a very handy man at
a pinch, especially if, as I understand, we are expected to deal with
explosives with which he has had a lot to do in the Engineers and
elsewhere. If you agree I will call him, and ask if he will go. I expect
he's somewhere round."

I nodded, judging from the episode of the mummy and the policeman that
the Sergeant was likely to be a useful man. As I was sitting next to it,
I opened the door for the Captain, whereon the erect shape of Sergeant
Quick, who had clearly been leaning against it, literally fell into the
room, reminding me much of an overset wooden soldier.

"Hullo!" said Orme as, without the slightest change of countenance, his
retainer recovered himself and stood to attention. "What the deuce are
you doing there?"

"Sentry go, C