Проклятие мумии, или Камень Семи Звезд

           Thoughonlythechiefknewofit,mydoubtwasperhapsevengreater;forhecouldsoordermattersastohavemeathismercywhenhewould.Iguardedmyself,therefore,withwakefulnesssowellasIcould,determinedthatatmyearliestopportunityIshouldleavethisparty,andcompletemyjourneyinghome,firsttotheNilebank,andthendownitscoursetoAlexandria;withotherguideswhoknewnotwhatstrangemattersIhadwithme.

           "Atlasttherecameovermeadispositionofsleep,sopotentthatIfeltitwouldberesistless.Fearingattack,orthatbeingsearchedinmysleeptheBedouinmightfindtheStarJewelwhichhehadseenmeplacewithothersinmydress,Itookitoutunobservedandhelditinmyhand.Itseemedtogivebackthelightoftheflickeringfireandthelightofthestars—fortherewasnomoon—withequalfidelity;andIcouldnotethatonitsreverseitwasgravendeeplywithcertainsignssuchasIhadseeninthetomb.AsIsankintotheunconsciousnessofsleep,thegravenStarJewelwashiddeninthehollowofmyclenchedhand.

           "Iwakedoutofsleepwiththelightofthemorningsunonmyface.Isatupandlookedaroundme.Thefirewasout,andthecampwasdesolate;saveforonefigurewhichlayproneclosetome.ItwasthatoftheArabchief,wholayonhisback,dead.Hisfacewasalmostblack;andhiseyeswereopen,andstaringhorriblyupatthesky,asthoughhesawtheresomedreadfulvision.