"Guy N. Smith - Accursed" - читать интересную книгу автора (Smith Guy N)

'Bad place.' The old man was clutching the boy to him. 'Very bad place. See!' His voice rose to a pitch,
an extended finger shaking.



'It's only a painting.' The clergyman was aware how his own tone shook. A kind of emblem on the
narrow portal, a double-headed snake with piercing eyes that would seek you out wherever you tried to
hide.



'/t is the sign of Set!' The old native was backing away, dragging the boy with him. 'This is an evil
accursed place. Let us flee now before we are murdered as Osiris was, put to the sword as were
Dalukah and Aba-aner!'



'Leave now and you get no money!' Mason shouted, his words echoing in the enclosed space. 'Money
no matter.'



'Look.' He moved with surprising agility for his age, barred their way. Tm not going to have everybody
running out on me when the goal is in sight. I'll bargain with you. Help me smash down this door and then
I'll pay you your wages and you can go. I will go into the tomb alone.'



The native sucked his toothless gums, glanced back again at that painting on the door. The boy was
tugging at him, crying, and begging him to leave now.



'All right, we'll break the door for you. But then you pay us quick and we go.'



Mason nodded, gave an audible sigh of relief, and picked up his crowbar.




Now he was all alone. The vicar listened to the padding footsteps of the retreating natives and wondered
if he ought to follow them. No, not now he had come this far, spent a large part of his savings in finding
this tomb. It was barely noon yet; he would work for five or six hours, take out as much as he could in
the time, load up the truck and be away before dark. At all costs he had to be away from here before
dark!