'However, this other small token of our appreciation was the suggestion
of the President himself.' The minister snapped his fingers and one of
his secretaries stepped forward with a leather-covered medal case, which
he opened before he isented it to Abou Sin.
re On a bed of red velvet nestled a magnificent decoration, a star
encrusted with seed pearls and tiny pay6 diamonds. In the Centre of the
star was a golden lion rampant.
Abou Sin lifted the star from its case and advanced on Nicholas. 'The
Order of the Great Lion of Egypt, First Class, he announced, placing the
scarlet ribbon over his head. The star hung resplendent on Nicholas's
grubby shirt-front, heavily stained with sweat and dust and Nile mud.
Then the minister stood aside and made a gesture to the army colonel who
was standing to attention at the foot of the ramp. Immediately there was
an orderly rush of uniformed men up the ramp. The detachment of soldiers
obviously had their orders. First they picked up the litters on which
the wounded Ethiopians lay.
'I am glad that your pilot had the good Sense to radio ahead that you
had wounded men on board. Rest assured that they will receive the best
care available,' Atalan Abou Sin promised as they were carried down to
the waiting ambulance.
Then the soldiers returned and began carrying the ammunition cases down
the ramp. They were loaded neatly into the three-tonner. Within ten
minutes Big Dolly's hold was bare and empty. A tarpaulin cover was roped
down securely over the back of the loaded truck. An escort of heavily
armed motorcyclists fell into formation around it, and then, with sirens
wailing, the little convoy roared away.
'Well, Sir Nicholas.' Abou Sin held out his hand Courteously, and
Nicholas took it with an air of resignation.
am sorry to have taken you out of your way like this. I BMW
know that you will be anxious to continue on your journey, so I will not
detain you further. Is there anything I can do for you before you leave?
Do you have sufficient fueV
Nicholas glanced at Jannie, and he shrugged. 'We have plenty of juice,
Thank you, sir.'
Abou Sin turned back to Nicholas, 'We are planning to build a special
annexe to the museum at Luxor to house these artefacts of Pharaoh Mamose
that you have returned to Egypt. In due course you will be receiving a
personal slid invitation from President Mubarak to attend, as an
honoured guest, the opening of that museum. Dr Al Simma, whom I am sure
you know has been appointed the new Director of the Department of
Antiquities, will be in charge of the museum. I am sure she will be
delighted to review the exhibits with you when you come back.' He bowed
to Sapper and the two pilots.
'Go with God,' he said, and went down the ramp.
Royan began to follow him, but Nicholas called softly after her.
'Royanl' She froze, and then turned her head slowly and reluctantly to
meet his eyes for the first time since they hadlanded.
'I didn't deserve that,' he said, and then with a stab of emotion he
realized that she was weeping softly. Her lips quivered and the tears
ran slowly down her cheeks.
