Проклятие мумии, или Камень Семи Звезд

           Theinflammablesubstancesusedinembalmingbecamenewfuel,andtheflamesroared.Afewminutesoffierceconflagration;andthenwebreathedfreely.QueenTera’sFamiliarwasnomore!

           WhenwewentbacktothecavewefoundMargaretsittinginthedark.Shehadswitchedofftheelectriclight,andonlyafaintglowoftheeveninglightcamethroughthenarrowopenings.Herfatherwentquicklyovertoherandputhisarmsroundherinalovingprotectiveway.Shelaidherheadonhisshoulderforaminuteandseemedcomforted.Presentlyshecalledtome:

           "Malcolm,turnupthelight!"Icarriedoutherorders,andcouldseethat,thoughshehadbeencrying,hereyeswerenowdry.Herfathersawittooandlookedglad.Hesaidtousinagravetone:

           "Nowwehadbetterprepareforourgreatwork.Itwillnotdotoleaveanythingtothelast!"Margaretmusthavehadasuspicionofwhatwascoming,foritwaswithasinkingvoicethatsheasked:

           "Whatareyougoingtodonow?"Mr.Trelawnytoomusthavehadasuspicionofherfeelings,forheansweredinalowtone:

           "TounrollthemummyofQueenTera!"Shecameclosetohimandsaidpleadinglyinawhisper:

           "Father,youarenotgoingtounswatheher!Allyoumen...!Andintheglareoflight!"

           "Butwhynot,mydear?"

           "Justthink,Father,awoman!Allalone!Insuchaway!Insuchaplace!Oh!it’scruel,cruel!"Shewasmanifestlymuchovercome.