Reinforcements including Captain Ali weren’t the only thing the helicopters brought. They also brought the director of Egyptian Antiquities who promptly took over the site. He was polite but requested that Samantha and her friends leave the site.

I think if Tommy hadn’t needed medical care, she might have argued the point. Instead, the second helicopter brought us back to Cairo. Only Leila and Mounir stayed behind.

We did find out that what happened to Tommy wasn’t exactly a poison. Certain chemicals inhibit the body’s natural processes, including storing electrolytes. Some of these chemicals even occur in nature in certain spices and seasonings. Turns out that Jurgen bought some sort of spice at the bazaar before they’d left Cairo.

Captain Ali requested we stay in Cairo until the full matter was settled. So here I was, shivering in our shared hotel room. I went searching for the thermostat and raised the temperature a few degrees. Since we’d returned to civilization Joe seemed to determined to freeze us.

“Hey, who turned off the air?” Joe stepped out of the bathroom, clad in shorts and a tee shirt.

“It’s freezing in here.”

He moved toward the thermostat and I dodged in front of him. “Stop it.”

“You stop it.”

“I’ll kick you off the nearest balcony if you touch that thermostat again.”

Joe grunted and slumped down on a chair. “Whatever. I think I’m finally cooling off anyway.”

I decided not to mention we’d been back in Cairo for nearly twenty-four hours. I sat down on the sofa. “I think I’m ready to get back to Bayport.”

“Me too.”

A knock on our door had us scrambling to see who would answer it first. I got there seconds before Joe. I gave him a smirk and opened the door. “Captain Ali.”

He nodded to each of us. “May I come in.”

I stepped back to allow him inside. “As Salaam Alaikum,” I said, motioning him to the sofa.

“Wa Alaikum Salaam,” said Captain Ali gravely. “I have come with news. I would assume you wish to be updated before leaving for home.”

Joe nodded. “You bet we do.”

We all sat down, ready to hear about everything. “Your companion, Tommy McGurk, will make a full recovery. Miss Chilton has been announced as generous benefactor in the discovery of Menes’ treasure.”

Joe frowned. “So Mounir did steal her thunder?”

“Not exactly. Dr. Hawiss has put Dr. Mounir on suspension until an investigation can be finished concerning his finances. Hawiss has expressed gratitude for Miss Chilton’s unwavering desire to find the treasure and her generosity in her time and patience.” Captain Ali gave a little shrug and grinned.

“The three gentlemen who decided they merely wanted gold and gems will be detained in Cairo until further notice. If indeed, they are guilty of murder and attempted murder, they may not leave for quite awhile.”

Joe cleared his throat. “What about Volsky?”

“He is on probation for his hand in this mess. Although his actual involvement was minor, Dr. Hawiss prefers to be thorough.”

I nodded. “I got that impression out at the site. I mean he just swept in, took over and everything fell in line.”

“Dr. Hawiss is a credit to Egypt.” Captain Ali got to his feet. “I wish to thank you for your assistance in all of this. Perhaps you are not amateurs after all.” He touched the brim of his hat and gave a slight bow. “Mshakreen awe – thank you.”

I grinned. “Glad we could help.”

Ali went to the door and opened it. “Saida – that means good-bye.”

Joe stood up. “Ma’-salama.”

Ali’s smile widened and he was gone. I turned to Joe and sighed. “Well, I guess we can go home.”

Joe gave me a hard look. “Don’t sound so excited,” he muttered.

“Egypt grows on you.”

Joe grunted and glanced out the window. After a long moment, he sighed. “You’re right. And I have just the idea of what to do until we can catch a flight home.”

Something told me I wasn’t going to like it. “What?”

“Let’s go sightseeing. We won’t come back to the hotel until we’ve seen everything.”

“Joe—“

“Come on, live a little, Frank. Who knows, we might get a lead on another magnificent treasure hunt.”

I shook my head. “I’ve had enough treasure to last me a lifetime.”

Joe rolled his eyes. “Whatever. You coming or do I have to wing this sightseeing gig on my own?”

The idea of just playing tourist was appealing. I found myself returning his grin. “You’re on.”

Joe laughed and headed for the door. “Last one to the lobby pays for the taxi!”

I was right behind him. “Then you’d better be prepared to shell out some dough.”

“You wish.”

I laughed and chased after my brother. It was time to have some fun....

The End

Let the author know what you think of this story

Home Library Authors Rogue's Gallery Vehicles Chums Message Board Rap Sheet Links Contact

Disclaimer

The Hardy Boys belong to Simon and Schuster and the Stratemeyer Foundation. The authors have just borrowed them for an adventure or two. The authors promise to put the boys back when they are done with them. The authors do claim copyright to the original characters in this story. Please do not borrow original characters without express permission of the authors.