background, near the corner of the grille gate, the outline of a human
hand and the stylized picture mbols of the Coptic Church. You can see
-of a fish. Those are sy see them reproduced in any church or cathedral
in the land.' Each of them peered at their own copy of the same of them
ventured an opinion until von print, but none Schiller had given his,
'You are right,' von Schiller said softly. 'There is, as you say, the
hand and the fish.'
'But I assure you the hieroglyphics on the stele and the murals and the
wooden coffin are all Egyptian,' Nahoot . 'I would stake my life on it.'
defended himself stoutly Nogo shook his head, and began to argue. 'I
know what I am saying-'
Von Schiller held up his hand to silence them both while he considered
the problem. At last he came to some decision.
'Colonel Nogo, show me on the satellite photograph the site of
Quenton-Harper's camp where you obtained these Polaroids-'
Nogo stood up, and came around the table to stand beside von Schiller.
He leaned over the atellite photograph and prodded his forefinger at the
spot near where the Dandera river joined the Nile. The photograph had
once been in the possession of Quenton Harper, and had been captured in
the raid on his camp. There were numerous markings in coloured marker
pen on the copy, which Nogo presumed had been placed there by the
Englishman.
'It was here, sir. You can see that Quenton-Harper has marked the spot
with a green circle.'
'Now show me where the nearest Coptic church is situated.'
'Why, Herr von Schiller, it's right here. Again Quenton-Harper has
marked it with red ink. It is situated only a mile from the campsite.
The monastery of St. Frumentius.'
'There is your answer, then.' Von Schiller was still frowning 'Coptic
and Egyptian symbols together. The monastery.'
They stared at him, none of them daring to question his conclusion.
'I want that monastery searched,' he said softly. 'I want every room and
every inch of every wall examined.' He turned back to Nogo. 'Can you get
your men in there?'
'Of course, Herr von Schiller. I already have one of my reliable men in
the monastery - one of the monks is in my pay. Added to that, there is
still martial law in force here in Gojam. I am the military commander. I
am fully mpowered to search for rebels and dissidents and bandits
wherever I suspect they may be sheltering.'
'Will your men enter a church to perform their duty?' Helm wanted to
know. 'Do you personally have any religious scruples? It may be
necessary to - how can I put it desecrate hallowed premises.'
I have already'explained to you that I have renounced religion for other
more worldly beliefs. I would take pleasure in destroying such
superstitious and dangerous symbols as will certainly be found in the
monastery of St. Frumentius. As for my men, I will select only Moslems
or Animists who are hostile to the cross, and all it stands for.
I will lead them personally. I assure you that there will be no
difficulty in that respect.'
'How will you explain this to your superiors in Addis Ababa? I do not
