But all the same--nay, for that very reason you had better stay, Malcolm! You may be glad, later on, that you were present tonight!" My heart sank down, down, at her words; but I thought it better to say nothing.

Fear was stalking openly enough amongst us already! By this time Mr.Trelawny, assisted by Mr.Corbeck and Doctor Winchester, had raised the lid of the ironstone sarcophagus which contained the mummy of the Queen.

It was a large one; but it was none too big.

The mummy was both long and broad and high; and was of such weight that it was no easy task, even for the four of us, to lift it out.

Under Mr.Trelawny's direction we laid it out on the table prepared for it.
Then, and then only, did the full horror of the whole thing burst upon me! There, in the full glare of the light, the whole material and sordid side of death seemed staringly real.