Прокляття мумії, або Камінь Семи Зірок
Chapter 19
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.