reat thickness; but the cover was lightly cemented
down with what seemed gum and Paris plaster, as though to insure that
no air could penetrate. The Arabs with me so insisted in its opening,
thinking that from its thickness much treasure was stored therein, that
I consented thereto. But their hope was a false one, as it proved.
Within, closely packed, stood four jars finely wrought and carved with
various adornments. Of these one was the head of a man, another of a
dog, another of a jackal, and another of a hawk. I had before known
that such burial urns as these were used to contain the entrails and
other organs of the mummied dead; but on opening these, for the
fastening of wax, though complete, was thin, and yielded easily, we
found that they held but oil. The Bedouins, spilling most of the oil
in the process, groped with their hands in the jars lest treasure
should have been there concealed. But their searching was of no avail;
no treasure was there. I was warned of my danger by seeing in the eyes
of the Arabs certain covetous glances. Whereon, in order to hasten
their departure, I wrought upon those fears of superstition which even
in these callous men were apparent. The chief of the Bedouins ascended
from the Pit to give the signal to those above to raise us; and I, not
caring to remain with the men whom I mistrusted, followed him
immediately. The others did not come at once; from which I feared that
they were rifling the tomb afresh on their own account. I refrained to
speak of it, however, lest worse should befall. At last they came.
One of them, who ascended first, in landing at the top of the cliff
lost his foothold and fell below. He was instantly killed. The other
followed, but in safety. The chief came next, and I came last. Before
coming away I pulled into its place again, as well as I could, the slab
of stone that covered the entrance to the tomb. I wished, if possible,
to preserve it for my own examination should I come again.

"When we all stood on the hill above the cliff, the burning sun that
was bright and full of glory was good to see after the darkness and
strange mystery of the tomb. Even was I glad that the poor Arab who
fell down the cliff and lay dead below, lay in the sunlight and not in
that gloomy cavern. I would fain have gone with my companions to seek
him and give him sepulture of some kind; but the Sheik made light of
it, and sent two of his men to see to it whilst we went