ide of the opening, I found
a similar spot, indicated by other representations of the
constellation; but this was itself a figure of the seven stars, and
each was wrought in burnished gold. I pressed each star in turn; but
without result. Then it struck me that if the opening spring was on
the left, this on the right might have been intended for the
simultaneous pressure of all the stars by one hand of seven fingers.
By using both my hands, I managed to effect this.

"With a loud click, a metal figure seemed to dart from close to the
opening of the serdab; the stone slowly swung back to its place, and
shut with a click. The glimpse which I had of the descending figure
appalled me for the moment. It was like that grim guardian which,
according to the Arabian historian Ibn Abd Alhokin, the builder of the
Pyramids, King Saurid Ibn Salhouk placed in the Western Pyramid to
defend its treasure: 'A marble figure, upright, with lance in hand;
with on his head a serpent wreathed. When any approached, the serpent
would bite him on one side, and twining about his throat and killing
him, would return again to his place.'

"I knew well that such a figure was not wrought to pleasantry; and that
to brave it was no child's play. The dead Arab at my feet was proof of
what could be done! So I examined again along the wall; and found here
and there chippings as if someone had been tapping with a heavy hammer.
This then had been what happened: The grave-robber, more expert at his
work than we had been, and suspecting the presence of a hidden serdab,
had made essay to find it. He had struck the spring by chance; had
released the avenging 'Treasurer', as the Arabian writer designated
him. The issue spoke for itself. I got a piece of wood, and, standing
at a safe distance, pressed with the end of it upon the star.

"Instantly the stone flew back. The hidden figure within darted
forward and thrust out its lance. Then it rose up and disappeared. I
thought I might now safely press on the seven stars; and did so. Again
the stone rolled back; and the 'Treasurer' flashed by to his hidden
lair.

"I repeated both experiments several times; with always the same
result. I should have liked to examine the mechanism of that figure of
such malignant mobility; but it was not possible without such tools as
could not easily be had. It might be necessary to cut into a whole
section of the rock. Some day I hope to go back, properly equippe