[Queen Sheba’s Ring by H. Rider Haggard]@TWC D-Link book
Queen Sheba’s Ring

CHAPTER XIX
8/27

I remember that the last load he brought in was the golden head he had spoken of, the wonderful likeness of some prehistoric king which has since excited so much interest throughout the world.

The thing being too heavy for him to carry in his weakened state, for it is much over life-size, he was obliged to roll it before him, which accounts for the present somewhat damaged condition of the nose and semi-Egyptian diadem.
Never shall I forget the sight of the Professor as he appeared out of the darkness, shuffling along upon his knees where his garments were worn into holes, and by the feeble light of the lamp that he moved from time to time, painfully pushing the great yellow object forward, only a foot or two at each push.
"Here it is at last," he gasped triumphantly, whilst we watched him with indifferent eyes.

"Japhet, help me to wrap it up in the mat and lift it into the box.

No, no, you donkey--face upward--so.

Never mind the corners, I'll fill them with ring-money and other trifles," and out of his wide pockets he emptied a golden shower, amongst which he sifted handfuls of dust from the floor and anything else he could find to serve as packing, finally covering all with a goat's-hair blanket which he took from his bed.
Then very slowly he found the lid of the box and nailed it down, resting between every few strokes of the hammer whilst we watched him in our intent, but idle, fashion, wondering at the strange form of his madness.
At length the last nail was driven, and seated on the box he put his hand into an inner pocket to find his note-book, then incontinently fainted.


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