The bright brash city of Cairo was a far cry from the humble villages and mud-brick towns of the Nile Valley. The native population had been contaminated by the European elements established throughout the land. The city boasted hospitals, golf courses, theaters and even a racetrack, all hallmarks of the westerners who now dominated the ancient capital.

Harrison Thorne hated the city. After two seasons spent excavating the ruins of Abydos the Philadelphia born archaeologist came to prefer the simplicity of life in the field. He would never have come here if he didn’t need money. His benefactors were sending one of their own to inspect his work. Probably some fat old philanthropist who was a member of Philadelphia’s social elite! Harrison knew the type. The board members of the American Exploration Society were all the same, they cared nothing for his historical finds. Pottery shards and objects of mundane use were of no interest to them. The wanted something spectacular, like a Rosetta Stone or mummies, to add to the University Museum’s Egyptian collection and bolster their own reputations. Harrison had been unable to provide any of these, and while his work had uncovered numerous finds that thrilled the academic world, it did little to impress his sponsors. He feared that his time in Egypt would soon come to an end. He would have to return to teaching. The thought made him utterly nauseous.

Dr. Thorne arrived at the Hotel Cairo on the Giza Plateau in the early afternoon. The extravagant hotel was once the manor of a wealthy British banker. It was sold and converted into a hotel at the turn of the century. Since then it had become one of the ritziest resorts in all of North Africa. Harrison had to admit that it certainly was beautiful. He had overheard a tourist on the dahabiya from Abydos quoting an advertisement describing the hotel as a desert oasis of manicured gardens and stately palms lying in the shadow of the pyramids. It appeared exactly as described!

The hotel lobby was abuzz with newly arrived travelers from all over the globe. European bluebloods and American nouveau riche mingled in the richly decorated lobby. Harrison felt out of place in his brown sacque suit, but it was the best that he owned. It would have to do. He raised his eyebrows at some the women, especially the Americans. Their short hairstyles and even shorter skirts were something else. Perhaps this stay in Cairo won’t be as bad as I thought. Harrison chuckled.

Upon checking in Harrison learned that the representative from the American Exploration Society hadn’t arrived. He was relieved by that news, it would give him time to relax. The beautiful young desk clerk recommended the Khedivial Salon for some tea. Harrison agreed and headed off in that direction.