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The Mystery of the Ancient Pyramid (Cairo, Egypt)

The Mystery of the Ancient Pyramid (Cairo, Egypt) received the 2013 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine! Mimi, Papa, Grant, and Christina fly over the sunny sands of the desert and land in the middle of a mystery that takes them back to the times of the ancient Egyptians! The action begins in Cairo, takes them aboard spitting camels, down the famous Nile River, and into too many tombs to count! A mummy goes missing...there’s a curse, of course...and they are being followed by a mad archaeologist in search of a missing pyramid he believes the children have stolen. Only by following hieroglyph clues do they have any chance at all of solving the mystery and saving themselves from becoming mummies!

The Mystery of the Ancient Pyramid (Cairo, Egypt) received the 2013 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine! Mimi, Papa, Grant, and Christina fly over the sunny sands of the desert and land in the middle of a mystery that takes them back to the times of the ancient Egyptians! The action begins in Cairo, takes them aboard spitting camels, down the famous Nile River, and into too many tombs to count! A mummy goes missing...there’s a curse, of course...and they are being followed by a mad archaeologist in search of a missing pyramid he believes the children have stolen. Only by following hieroglyph clues do they have any chance at all of solving the mystery and saving themselves from becoming mummies!

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What Kids Say About<br />

Carole Marsh Mysteries . . .<br />

“I love <strong>the</strong> real locations! Reading <strong>the</strong> book always makes me<br />

want to go and visit <strong>the</strong>m all on our next family vacation.<br />

My Mom says maybe, but I can’t wait!”<br />

“One day, I want to be a real kid in one <strong>of</strong> Ms. Marsh’s<br />

mystery books. I think it would be fun, and I think I am a<br />

real character anyway. I filled out <strong>the</strong> application and sent it<br />

in and am keeping my fingers crossed!”<br />

“History was not my favorite subject till I starting reading<br />

Carole Marsh Mysteries. Ms. Marsh really brings history to<br />

life. Also, she leaves room for <strong>the</strong> scary and fun.”<br />

“I think Christina is so smart and brave. She is lucky to be<br />

in <strong>the</strong> mystery books because she gets to go to a lot <strong>of</strong> places.<br />

I always wonder just how much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> book is true and what<br />

is made up. Trying to figure that out is fun!”<br />

“Grant is cool and funny! He makes me laugh a lot!!”<br />

“I like that <strong>the</strong>re are boys and girls in <strong>the</strong> story <strong>of</strong> different<br />

ages. Some mysteries I outgrow, but I can always find a<br />

favorite character to identify with in <strong>the</strong>se books.”<br />

“<strong>The</strong>y are scary, but not too scary. <strong>The</strong>y are funny. I learn a<br />

lot. <strong>The</strong>re is always food which makes me hungry. I feel like<br />

I am <strong>the</strong>re.”


What Parents and Teachers Say About<br />

Carole Marsh Mysteries . . .<br />

“I think kids love <strong>the</strong>se books because <strong>the</strong>y have such a wealth<br />

<strong>of</strong> detail. I know I learn a lot reading <strong>the</strong>m! It’s an<br />

engaging way to look at <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> any place or event. I<br />

always say I’m only going to read one chapter to <strong>the</strong> kids, but<br />

that never happens—it’s always two or three, at least!”<br />

—Librarian<br />

“Reading <strong>the</strong> mystery and going on <strong>the</strong> field trip—Scavenger<br />

Hunt in hand—was <strong>the</strong> most fun our class ever had! It really<br />

brought <strong>the</strong> place and its history to life. <strong>The</strong>y loved <strong>the</strong> real<br />

kids characters and all <strong>the</strong> humor. I loved seeing <strong>the</strong>m learn<br />

that reading is an experience to enjoy!”<br />

—4th grade teacher<br />

“Carole Marsh is really on to something with <strong>the</strong>se unique<br />

mysteries. <strong>The</strong>y are so clever; kids want to read <strong>the</strong>m all.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Teacher’s Guides are chock full <strong>of</strong> activities, recipes, and<br />

additional fascinating information. My kids thought I was<br />

an expert on <strong>the</strong> subject—and with this tool, I felt like it!”<br />

—3rd grade teacher<br />

“My students loved writing <strong>the</strong>ir own Real Kids/Real Places<br />

mystery book! Ms. Marsh’s reproducible guidelines are a real<br />

jewel. <strong>The</strong>y learned about copyright and more & ended up<br />

with <strong>the</strong>ir own book <strong>the</strong>y were so proud <strong>of</strong>!”<br />

—Reading/Writing Teacher<br />

“<strong>The</strong> kids seem very realistic—my children seemed to relate to<br />

<strong>the</strong> characters. Also, it is educational by expanding <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

knowledge about <strong>the</strong> famous places in <strong>the</strong> books.”<br />

“<strong>The</strong>y are what children like: mysteries and adventures with<br />

children <strong>the</strong>y can relate to.”<br />

“Encourages reading for pleasure.”<br />

“This series is great. It can be used for reluctant readers, and<br />

as a history supplement.”


<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Ancient</strong><br />

<strong>Pyramid</strong><br />

<strong>Cairo</strong>, <strong>Egypt</strong><br />

by Carole Marsh


Copyright ©2006 Carole Marsh/ Gallopade International<br />

Third Printing March 2009<br />

Ebook edition Copyright ©2011<br />

All rights reserved.<br />

Carole Marsh Mysteries and its skull colophon are <strong>the</strong> property <strong>of</strong> Carole Marsh<br />

and Gallopade International.<br />

Published by Gallopade International/Carole Marsh Books. Printed in <strong>the</strong> United<br />

States <strong>of</strong> America.<br />

Managing Editor: Sherry Moss<br />

Cover Design: Michele Winkelman<br />

Some photos courtesy <strong>of</strong> Steve Winkelman<br />

King Tut Riddles courtesy <strong>of</strong> Michael Longmeyer<br />

Picture Credits:<br />

<strong>The</strong> publisher would like to thank <strong>the</strong> following for <strong>the</strong>ir kind permission to<br />

reproduce <strong>the</strong> cover photographs.<br />

Alex Kitching, Hartlepool, United Kingdom Hieroglyphs;<br />

©2006 Stephen O’Dell Khafre’s <strong>Pyramid</strong>, <strong>The</strong> Great Sphinx <strong>of</strong> Giza;<br />

© Scott Rothstein | Agency: Dreamstime.com Mummy; Kaspars Upmanis, Ogre,<br />

Ogres raj., Latvia Smiling Camel<br />

Gallopade International is introducing SAT words that kids need to know in each new<br />

book we publish. <strong>The</strong> SAT words are bold in <strong>the</strong> story. Look for this special logo beside<br />

each word in <strong>the</strong> glossary. Happy Learning!<br />

Gallopade is proud to be a member and supporter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se educational<br />

organizations and associations:<br />

American Booksellers Association<br />

American Library Association<br />

International Reading Association<br />

National Association for Gifted Children<br />

<strong>The</strong> National School Supply and Equipment Association<br />

<strong>The</strong> National Council for <strong>the</strong> Social Studies<br />

Museum Store Association<br />

Association <strong>of</strong> Partners for Public Lands<br />

Association <strong>of</strong> Booksellers for Children<br />

Association for <strong>the</strong> Study <strong>of</strong> African American Life and History<br />

National Alliance <strong>of</strong> Black School Educators<br />

This book is a complete work <strong>of</strong> fiction. All events are fictionalized, and although <strong>the</strong> names <strong>of</strong><br />

real people are used, <strong>the</strong>ir characterization in this book is fiction. All attractions, product<br />

names, or o<strong>the</strong>r works mentioned in this book are trademarks <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir respective owners and<br />

<strong>the</strong> names and images used in this book are strictly for editorial purposes; no commercial<br />

claims to <strong>the</strong>ir use is claimed by <strong>the</strong> author or publisher. <strong>The</strong> words attributed to Zahi Hawass<br />

are purely fictional.<br />

Without limiting <strong>the</strong> rights under copyright reserved above, no part <strong>of</strong> this publication may be<br />

reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by<br />

any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or o<strong>the</strong>rwise), without <strong>the</strong> prior<br />

written permission <strong>of</strong> both <strong>the</strong> copyright owner and <strong>the</strong> above publisher <strong>of</strong> this book.<br />

<strong>The</strong> scanning, uploading, and distribution <strong>of</strong> this book via <strong>the</strong> Internet or via any o<strong>the</strong>r means<br />

without <strong>the</strong> permission <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only<br />

authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy <strong>of</strong><br />

copyrightable materials. Your support <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> author’s rights is appreciated.


30 Years Ago . . .<br />

As a mo<strong>the</strong>r and an author, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fondest periods <strong>of</strong><br />

my life was when I decided to write mystery books for<br />

children. At this time (1979) kids were pretty much glued to<br />

<strong>the</strong> TV, something parents and teachers complained about <strong>the</strong><br />

way <strong>the</strong>y do about web surfing and blogging today.<br />

I decided to set each mystery in a real place—a place kids<br />

could go and visit for <strong>the</strong>mselves after reading <strong>the</strong> book. And<br />

I also used real children as characters. Usually a couple <strong>of</strong> my<br />

own children served as characters, and I had no trouble<br />

recruiting kids from <strong>the</strong> book’s location to also be characters.<br />

Also, I wanted all <strong>the</strong> kids—boys and girls <strong>of</strong> all ages—to<br />

participate in solving <strong>the</strong> mystery. And, I wanted kids to learn<br />

something as <strong>the</strong>y read. Something about <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

location. And I wanted <strong>the</strong> stories to be funny. That formula<br />

<strong>of</strong> real+scary+smart+fun served me well.<br />

I love getting letters from teachers and parents who say<br />

<strong>the</strong>y read <strong>the</strong> book with <strong>the</strong>ir class or child, <strong>the</strong>n visited <strong>the</strong><br />

historic site and saw all <strong>the</strong> places in <strong>the</strong> mystery for<br />

<strong>the</strong>mselves. What’s so great about that? What’s great is that<br />

you and your children have an experience that bonds you<br />

toge<strong>the</strong>r forever. Something you shared. Something you both<br />

cared about at <strong>the</strong> time. Something that crossed all age<br />

levels—a good story, a good scare, a good laugh!<br />

30 years later,<br />

Carole Marsh


Hey, kids! As you see—here we are ready to embark on<br />

ano<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> our exciting Carole Marsh <strong>Mystery</strong> adventures!<br />

You know, in "real life," I keep very close tabs on Christina,<br />

Grant, and <strong>the</strong>ir friends when we travel. However, in <strong>the</strong><br />

mystery books, <strong>the</strong>y always seem to slip away from Papa and<br />

me so that <strong>the</strong>y can try to solve <strong>the</strong> mystery on <strong>the</strong>ir own!<br />

I hope you will go to www.carolemarshmysteries.com<br />

and apply to be a character in a future mystery book! Well,<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> Girl is all tuned up and ready for "take-<strong>of</strong>f!"<br />

Gotta go...Papa says so! Wonder what I've forgotten<br />

this time?<br />

Happy "Armchair Travel" Reading,<br />

Mimi


About <strong>the</strong><br />

Characters<br />

Christina, age 10: Mysterious things really do<br />

happen to her! Hobbies: soccer, Girl Scouts,<br />

anything crafty, hanging out with Mimi, and<br />

going on new adventures.<br />

Grant, age 7: Always manages to fall <strong>of</strong>f boats,<br />

back into cactuses, and find strange clues—even<br />

in real life! Hobbies: camping, baseball,<br />

computer games, math, and hanging out with<br />

Papa.<br />

Mimi is Carole Marsh, children’s book author<br />

and creator <strong>of</strong> Carole Marsh Mysteries, Around<br />

<strong>the</strong> World in 80 Mysteries, Three Amigos<br />

Mysteries, Criss, Cross, Applesauce Detective<br />

Agency Mysteries, and many o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

Papa is Bob Longmeyer, <strong>the</strong> author’s real-life<br />

husband, who really does wear a tuxedo,<br />

cowboy boots and hat, fly an airplane, captain a<br />

boat, speak in a booming voice, and laugh a lot!<br />

Travel around <strong>the</strong> world with Christina and Grant as <strong>the</strong>y<br />

visit famous places in 80 countries, and experience <strong>the</strong><br />

mysterious happenings that always seem to follow <strong>the</strong>m!


Books in<br />

This Series<br />

#1 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at Big Ben<br />

(London, England)<br />

#2 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Eiffel Tower<br />

(Paris, France)<br />

#3 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Roman Colosseum<br />

(Rome, Italy)<br />

#4 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ancient</strong> <strong>Pyramid</strong><br />

(<strong>Cairo</strong>, <strong>Egypt</strong>)<br />

#5 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Great Wall <strong>of</strong> China<br />

(Beijing, China)<br />

#6 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Great Barrier Reef<br />

(Australia)<br />

#7 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at Mt. Fuji<br />

(Tokyo, Japan)<br />

#8 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> in <strong>the</strong> Amazon Rainforest<br />

(South America)<br />

#9 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at Dracula’s Castle<br />

(Transylvania, Romania)<br />

#10 <strong>The</strong> Curse <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Acropolis<br />

(A<strong>the</strong>ns, Greece)<br />

#11 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Crystal Castle<br />

(Bavaria, Germany)<br />

#12 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> in Icy Antarctica<br />

#13 <strong>The</strong> Rip-Roaring <strong>Mystery</strong> on <strong>the</strong> African Safari<br />

(South Africa)<br />

#14 <strong>The</strong> Breathtaking <strong>Mystery</strong> on Mount Everest<br />

(<strong>The</strong> Top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> World)


Table <strong>of</strong> Contents<br />

1 “Tut, tut!” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1<br />

2 Pharaoh in <strong>Cairo</strong> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5<br />

3 Sphinx, Sphinx, You Stink! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11<br />

4 Welcome to Civilization? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17<br />

5 Walk Like An <strong>Egypt</strong>ian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21<br />

6 Piles <strong>of</strong> <strong>Pyramid</strong>s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27<br />

7 No Clue? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35<br />

8 Gold! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41<br />

9 A Curse? Of Course!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49<br />

10 Eenie, Meenie, Mummy, Mo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55<br />

11 Nile, Nile, Crocodile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63<br />

12 Unlucky Luxor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69<br />

13 <strong>The</strong> Amazing Karnak. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75<br />

14 Belly Dancing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81<br />

15 Valley <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87<br />

16 Water Over <strong>the</strong> Dam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95<br />

17 <strong>The</strong> Spitting Camel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101<br />

18 Are You My Mummy? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105<br />

19 Oh, Rats! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107<br />

20 A Date in <strong>the</strong> Oasis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111<br />

Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118<br />

Built-In Book Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120<br />

Hieroglyph Alphabet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124<br />

<strong>Egypt</strong>ian Fast Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126<br />

About <strong>the</strong> Author. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131<br />

Write Your Own <strong>Mystery</strong>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132


<strong>Egypt</strong><br />

Mediterranean Sea<br />

<strong>Cairo</strong><br />

<strong>Egypt</strong><br />

Red Sea


1<br />

1<br />

“Tut, tut!”<br />

“All I know about <strong>the</strong> country <strong>of</strong> <strong>Egypt</strong> is King<br />

Tut,” said Christina. “But I can’t wait to learn<br />

and see more—much more!”<br />

Christina, age 10, was more excited than she<br />

had been in a long time. She <strong>of</strong>ten traveled<br />

around <strong>the</strong> world with her grandmo<strong>the</strong>r, famous<br />

children’s mystery book author Carole<br />

Marsh…her grandfa<strong>the</strong>r Papa, <strong>the</strong> pilot<br />

cowboy…and, <strong>of</strong> course, her bro<strong>the</strong>r Grant,<br />

age 7. But <strong>the</strong>y had never before been any place<br />

as exotic and mysterious as <strong>the</strong> country <strong>of</strong> <strong>Egypt</strong>.<br />

“Hey, Mimi,” called Grant in a loud voice. He<br />

was sitting with his sister in <strong>the</strong> back <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> small<br />

red and white airplane, <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> Girl. “Are<br />

you going to write a mystery book on this trip?”<br />

Grant and Christina both leaned as far


2 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ancient</strong> <strong>Pyramid</strong><br />

forward as <strong>the</strong>ir seatbelts would allow to hear<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir grandmo<strong>the</strong>r’s answer.<br />

Mimi laughed. “Well, Grant, you know how I<br />

usually say NO MYSTERY when we travel…so I<br />

can just relax and have a good time? This time,<br />

it’s a no-brainer—how can I come to ancient<br />

<strong>Egypt</strong>, land <strong>of</strong> pyramids, pharaohs, and many,<br />

many mummies—and NOT write a mystery? Of<br />

course I’m going to write a mystery!”<br />

Grant and Christina giggled and gave a<br />

“thumbs up” gesture. <strong>The</strong>ir grandfa<strong>the</strong>r, Papa,<br />

roared with laughter above <strong>the</strong> noisy propeller <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> plane he was piloting.<br />

“An honest woman!” he proclaimed. “You<br />

usually tease us that <strong>the</strong>re won’t be a mystery,<br />

but we know better, don’t we kids?”<br />

Mimi blushed and laughed and tossed her<br />

blond hair in <strong>the</strong> wind. “And you kids always<br />

promise you won’t get involved and try to help<br />

me solve any mystery,” <strong>the</strong>ir grandmo<strong>the</strong>r<br />

reminded <strong>the</strong>m. “And <strong>the</strong>n you always do…and<br />

end up getting into big trouble!”<br />

“But BIG TROUBLE is half <strong>the</strong> fun,” argued<br />

Grant.<br />

“And how would you ever solve a real mystery<br />

without us, anyway?” asked Christina. “You have


“Tut, tut!” 3<br />

to admit that we are a big help.”<br />

“NOT!” cried Mimi. “I always have to worry<br />

about you and hunt for you and explain why you<br />

have been places and done things that you just<br />

aren’t supposed to do,” she insisted.<br />

“But who cares as long as <strong>the</strong> mystery gets<br />

solved?” asked Christina.<br />

“Yeah,” added Grant, “who cares?”<br />

At <strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir lungs both Mimi and Papa<br />

screamed back from <strong>the</strong> cockpit: “YOUR<br />

PARENTS DO, THAT’S WHO!”<br />

Christina and Grant laughed. <strong>The</strong>y both<br />

thought that this was <strong>the</strong> trip <strong>of</strong> a lifetime and<br />

would be great fun. Of course, it was a little<br />

warm in <strong>the</strong> airplane. And <strong>the</strong> shimmering<br />

desert undulating below <strong>the</strong>m looked like a<br />

terrible place to have to make any emergency<br />

landing. And mummies were pretty creepy. And<br />

<strong>the</strong>y could certainly do without any <strong>of</strong> those<br />

ancient curses that <strong>the</strong>y had heard about.<br />

So, how could <strong>the</strong>se two innocent children<br />

have known that <strong>the</strong>y would soon encounter<br />

curses, mummies, lots <strong>of</strong> heat, a “crash landing”<br />

<strong>of</strong> sorts, and a mystery that <strong>the</strong>y never imagined,<br />

and, as Christina would say before it was all over:<br />

“We could have done without!”


5<br />

2<br />

Pharaoh in <strong>Cairo</strong><br />

Soon, Papa was winging <strong>the</strong> plane down to a<br />

smooth landing on a small airfield with runways<br />

covered in a glistening coat <strong>of</strong> sand. It was like<br />

landing on a sugar cookie, Christina thought.<br />

As <strong>the</strong>y taxied down <strong>the</strong> runway to <strong>the</strong><br />

terminal, Christina felt cold goosebumps tickle<br />

up and down her spine. <strong>The</strong>n she felt a little<br />

letdown. “All airports look alike,” she grumbled<br />

to herself.<br />

“Not this one,” argued Grant. “See that guy?<br />

He’s wearing his pajamas—right out here in<br />

public!”<br />

“Those aren’t his nightclo<strong>the</strong>s,” Mimi<br />

explained. “He’s wearing <strong>the</strong> traditional clothing<br />

many men here wear.”<br />

Grant and Christina stared at <strong>the</strong> long, white


6 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ancient</strong> <strong>Pyramid</strong><br />

cotton dress (or at least that’s what <strong>the</strong>y thought<br />

it looked like), twisted turban on his head, and<br />

<strong>the</strong> scarf around his neck, and giggled.<br />

“Papa, you would look handsome in an outfit<br />

like that,” Christina teased her grandfa<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

“I am certain I would,” Papa insisted<br />

seriously and Mimi nodded in agreement.<br />

“Papa wore a skirt once,” Grant reminded<br />

<strong>the</strong>m.<br />

“It was a kilt,” Papa corrected.<br />

As <strong>the</strong>y neared <strong>the</strong> terminal, Grant said,<br />

“Look at that funny writing.” He motioned to<br />

various signs posted on <strong>the</strong> wall <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> terminal.<br />

“Those are hieroglyphs, right?”<br />

“Not quite,” said Mimi. “That writing is in<br />

Arabic. You’ll know hieroglyphs when you see<br />

<strong>the</strong>m—trust me.”<br />

“Hey, <strong>the</strong>re’s a camel!” Christina squealed.<br />

“Maybe he’s coming to get our baggage,” said<br />

Papa.<br />

“Can we ride a camel to town?” Grant asked<br />

eagerly.<br />

“No, we cannot!” Mimi insisted. But as usual,<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir grandmo<strong>the</strong>r was full <strong>of</strong> information to<br />

share. “<strong>The</strong> camel has been used in <strong>Egypt</strong> for<br />

thousands <strong>of</strong> years as transportation. <strong>The</strong>ir


Pharaoh in <strong>Cairo</strong> 7<br />

meat, milk, and wool are also used. Plus, <strong>the</strong>y’re<br />

designed for <strong>the</strong> heat and sand <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> desert.<br />

<strong>The</strong>y even have a transparent extra eyelid <strong>the</strong>y<br />

use sort <strong>of</strong> like sunglasses to keep <strong>the</strong> sand out.<br />

And if you watch, you’ll see that <strong>the</strong>y walk with<br />

two legs on one side, <strong>the</strong>n two legs on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r,<br />

sort <strong>of</strong> rolling along. That’s how <strong>the</strong>y got <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

nickname Ships <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Desert.” Mimi rubbed<br />

her brow with her lacy handkerchief. “I’m not<br />

sure I’m ready for this heat.”<br />

“At least you don’t have a hump,” said Grant.<br />

“Gee, thanks for noticing, Grant,” Mimi said.<br />

Papa pulled <strong>the</strong> airplane into <strong>the</strong> parking area<br />

and let <strong>the</strong> stairs down. As <strong>the</strong> kids grabbed<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir backpacks and hopped out, <strong>the</strong>y stopped<br />

cold—or really, <strong>the</strong>y stopped HOT!<br />

“Wow! It really is hot,” said Christina.<br />

“And windy,” said Grant, gritting some sand<br />

between his teeth. “Sand-wiches,” he grumbled<br />

to himself.<br />

Suddenly, a very handsome tanned man with<br />

glistening white hair dressed in a suit, white<br />

shirt, and tie strode forward across <strong>the</strong> tarmac to<br />

greet <strong>the</strong>m. He looked cool, relaxed, and<br />

charming.<br />

“Welcome!” he said as he approached <strong>The</strong>


8 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ancient</strong> <strong>Pyramid</strong><br />

<strong>Mystery</strong> Girl.<br />

“I am here to <strong>of</strong>ficially welcome your family to<br />

<strong>Egypt</strong>,” he cried in a deep, jovial voice. “And to<br />

aid Mimi with her mystery!”<br />

Papa helped Mimi down <strong>the</strong> steps <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

plane. “Zahi Hawass!” she said in delight,<br />

extending her hand which <strong>the</strong> man took and<br />

kissed. Mimi smiled. “It is so kind <strong>of</strong> you to<br />

meet us.”<br />

“What’s up?” Grant whispered to his sister.<br />

“Mimi usually says ‘no mystery.’”<br />

“Grant, she always says that,” said Christina.<br />

“She doesn’t really mean it, anymore than she<br />

means that <strong>the</strong> man shouldn’t have come—she’s<br />

obviously absolutely thrilled that he came to<br />

welcome us.”<br />

“I don’t understand,” Grant grumbled.<br />

Christina lowered her eyebrows and gave her<br />

bro<strong>the</strong>r her “detective” look. “All things will be<br />

made clear,” she said.<br />

“Don’t be so mysterious,” Grant said.<br />

Christina smiled. “Why not?” she asked. “It’s<br />

my job!”<br />

When Grant caught up with Mimi, he asked,<br />

“Is that man some kind <strong>of</strong> funky pharaoh?”<br />

Mimi laughed. “No,” she whispered to


Pharaoh in <strong>Cairo</strong> 9<br />

Grant. “He’s much more famous than that! He’s<br />

<strong>the</strong> Secretary General <strong>of</strong> <strong>Egypt</strong>’s Supreme<br />

Council <strong>of</strong> Antiquities.”<br />

“What does that mean?” Grant asked<br />

Christina.<br />

“I think it means he’s in charge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

mummies!” Christina answered.<br />

“<strong>The</strong>n he’s my new best friend!” said Grant<br />

as he skipped across <strong>the</strong> sandy tarmac into <strong>the</strong><br />

cool, air-conditioned terminal.


11<br />

3<br />

Sphinx, Sphinx,<br />

You Stink!<br />

Christina was very frustrated. It seemed like<br />

it took forever to get <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> Girl squared<br />

away. Papa was very particular about his<br />

airplane. Mimi and Mr. Hawass were sipping<br />

cups <strong>of</strong> abwa in <strong>the</strong> c<strong>of</strong>fee shop. Grant had<br />

disappeared to explore something somewhere,<br />

as usual. So Christina busied herself by<br />

wandering into <strong>the</strong> gift shop.<br />

She loved to collect business cards and<br />

inexpensive souvenirs. <strong>The</strong> business cards were<br />

free, and she liked to pay for her own souvenirs<br />

herself with spending money she had earned. Of<br />

course, Papa had not yet gone to <strong>the</strong> money<br />

exchange and converted <strong>the</strong>ir U.S. dollars into


12 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ancient</strong> <strong>Pyramid</strong><br />

<strong>Egypt</strong>ian currency, so she just window-shopped.<br />

Christina was admiring <strong>the</strong> little toy<br />

pyramids, lea<strong>the</strong>r camels, packs <strong>of</strong> papyrus<br />

paper, and backgammon boards when she<br />

spotted something that seemed most peculiar to<br />

her.<br />

Outside <strong>the</strong> shop, a young man in jeans,<br />

tennis shoes, a King Tut tee shirt, and a baseball<br />

cap snooped around a luggage cart. Perhaps he<br />

was looking around for something that belonged<br />

to him, but Christina doubted it. <strong>The</strong> reason she<br />

thought so was that he would snoop a little, <strong>the</strong>n<br />

stoop a little when someone came by, <strong>the</strong>n stop<br />

and look all around as if to make sure no one was<br />

watching him.<br />

Suddenly, he grabbed a very handsome<br />

lea<strong>the</strong>r briefcase from <strong>the</strong> bottom <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pile <strong>of</strong><br />

luggage. He tugged hard until it came free, <strong>the</strong>n<br />

turned to run. Just <strong>the</strong>n he looked up and saw<br />

Christina looking at him. He gave her a mean<br />

stare and bumped into her, almost knocking her<br />

backpack <strong>of</strong>f her shoulders.<br />

As he started <strong>of</strong>f, Mr. Hawass came running<br />

out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>of</strong>fee shop and shook his fist and<br />

hollered at <strong>the</strong> man, “Stop, thief! That is my<br />

case!!”


Sphinx, Sphinx, You Stink! 13<br />

Christina continued to stare out <strong>the</strong> window<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> shop in surprise as Mimi joined Mr.<br />

Hawass. He threw his hands up in exasperation.<br />

“You see what I mean?” he cried. “This is very<br />

bad. <strong>The</strong> plans for <strong>the</strong> pyramid renovation were<br />

in that case!”<br />

Policeman scurried through <strong>the</strong> airport<br />

chasing <strong>the</strong> man. Christina ran out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> shop<br />

just in time to see <strong>the</strong> young man and <strong>the</strong><br />

policemen running out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> airport. Mr.<br />

Hawass followed <strong>the</strong>m. She heard a big THUD,<br />

<strong>the</strong>n saw Grant come limping into <strong>the</strong> terminal.<br />

“Hey!” he called to his sister. “Some guy just<br />

hit me in <strong>the</strong> knee with a big, brown briefcase. It<br />

hurt!”<br />

“Come here,” said Mimi. “Where have you<br />

been?”<br />

Grant nodded toward <strong>the</strong> outdoors and<br />

rubbed his leg. “Just helping Papa,” he said.<br />

“He’s right behind me.”<br />

<strong>The</strong>y all turned and did not see Papa, but<br />

Christina thought to ask her bro<strong>the</strong>r, “Did <strong>the</strong><br />

man who hit you with <strong>the</strong> case see you?”<br />

Grant looked at his sister, puzzled. “I guess<br />

so,” he said. “I looked at him, so I’m sure he saw<br />

me. Why do you ask?”


14 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ancient</strong> <strong>Pyramid</strong><br />

Mimi was busy looking around for Papa, so<br />

Christina bent down and whispered to her<br />

bro<strong>the</strong>r. “Because that guy just stole something<br />

important…and now he knows that you and I can<br />

identify him.”<br />

“Well, I don’t care,” said Grant. “When I see<br />

him again, I’m going to say ‘Sphinx, sphinx, you<br />

stink!’…and that will be my curse on him, cause,<br />

you know, it reaalllly hurts!”<br />

Mimi dashed back to Grant and stooped down<br />

to check his leg. “Are you ok?” she asked. “Is<br />

anything broken?” She rubbed Grant’s leg so<br />

hard that it made him giggle.<br />

“No, no, I promise!” he said. “I think <strong>the</strong><br />

corner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> case just hit <strong>the</strong> middle part <strong>of</strong> my<br />

knee; you know, <strong>the</strong> funny-feeling part. It’s<br />

feeling better.” He wrenched away from his<br />

grandmo<strong>the</strong>r and stood up. “See…I can walk.”<br />

Grant hobbled out <strong>of</strong> his grandmo<strong>the</strong>r’s reach<br />

as Papa dashed into <strong>the</strong> terminal. “What’s going<br />

on?” he asked <strong>the</strong>m. “<strong>The</strong>re’s a lot <strong>of</strong> activity out<br />

on <strong>the</strong> tarmac and a lot <strong>of</strong> running around.”<br />

Mimi explained to Papa what had happened.<br />

“Oh,” said Papa nonchalantly after her<br />

explanation. “Luggage gets stolen <strong>of</strong>f airport<br />

carts all <strong>the</strong> time I’m sure. That’s too bad, but I


Sphinx, Sphinx, You Stink! 15<br />

thought someone had gotten murdered or<br />

something.”<br />

“Don’t say murdered,” said Mimi in a funny<br />

voice.<br />

“Why?” asked Papa, surprised.<br />

“Yeah, Mimi, we know what that word<br />

means,” Christina said. “Why can’t Papa say it?”<br />

Mimi frowned. “I’ll tell you later,” she said to<br />

Papa with a wink that meant “so hush up!”<br />

But Papa and Christina were having none <strong>of</strong><br />

that! “What murder?” <strong>the</strong>y demanded toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

Mimi shook her blond curls back and forth in<br />

exasperation. “You don’t understand. <strong>The</strong>re<br />

hasn’t been a murder…yet.”<br />

“Well, what does that mean?” said Papa. “We<br />

just landed. How can a mystery involving us be<br />

starting so soon?”<br />

“It doesn’t involve us,” Mimi insisted. “<strong>The</strong>re<br />

have just been some threats, and now some<br />

important plans have been stolen, and, oh, well,<br />

I don’t know <strong>the</strong> whole story, so I don’t think we<br />

should worry about it.”<br />

Papa looked at Christina. “Did you see <strong>the</strong><br />

man who stole <strong>the</strong> case?”<br />

Christina nodded.<br />

Now Papa looked at Grant, puzzled. “What’s


16 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mystery</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ancient</strong> <strong>Pyramid</strong><br />

wrong with your leg? Did you see <strong>the</strong> man who<br />

stole <strong>the</strong> case?”<br />

When Grant admitted that he had, <strong>the</strong>n Papa<br />

said to all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m in a deep and serious and<br />

aggravated tone <strong>of</strong> voice that boomed through<br />

<strong>the</strong> terminal: “THEN I THINK WE SHOULD<br />

WORRY!”

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