Samantha Jones And The Secret Of The Mummy's Crypt (standard:adventure, 8318 words)
Author: Waldo Pepper	Added: Dec 05 2002	Views/Reads: 3739/2280	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Samantha Jones and her assistant are hired to locate a missing archaologist in Egypt.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

"Do you actually expect us to go there." 

"Oh yes, I would come too and pay for everything," she replied.  "And I
would make the trip very worth wile to you Miss Jones money is no 
object." 

"I think that a little sunshine and desert air may do us some good,"
said Samantha smiling.  "We shall try and find your father for you.  
Now, do you know the exact location of the excavation were he was 
headed. 

"No, not exactly," she replied.  "This was one of the things that he was
constantly arguing  with his colleagues over.  He claimed that the 
location and key to opening the crypt lay hidden in a piece of 
parchment that I have here.  I do not know were he got it but the night 
before his ship sailed he made a copy of it and told me to lock it in 
my safe and not show it to anyone." 

"Interesting," said Sama    ntha.  "Let me see it." 

Harker unrolled the parchment and laid it out on the table.  The two
young women peered at the document for a few moments without saying a 
word. 

"Ancient  Egyptian documents are not my specialty Miss Harker," said
Samantha looking up.  "But I know someone in  Cairo that may be able to 
help us.  His name is the Dutchman and he is the owner of a bar in the 
old section of the city.  He is a scoundrel but for a little money he 
may be of some use.  He also knows the comings and goings of everyone 
in and around the city." 

"Yes, but can he be trusted," said Harker.  My father told me to guard
this parchment with my life." 

"The Dutchman and I go back a long way," said Samantha "He owes me a
favor or two.  I don't this that he will screw with me." 

In the next few days Susan Harker purchased steamship tickets to Egypt
and by the end of the week the three young women were headed for 
Africa.  The passage was uneventful and at the end of three weeks two 
luxurious rooms a    t the Hotel Majestic were waiting for them. 

The Hotel Majestic was the most exclusive boardinghouse in all Egypt
having the softest beds, coolest showers, and above all the Oasis Bar 
And Grill. In this extension of the hotel one could relax with a 
friend, talk politics, arrange for a forged passport, purchase almost 
anything on the Black Market, or simply enjoy one of the finest gin and 
tonics in all Egypt. 

"I would like to have a little chat with your father's associates Miss
Harker," said Samantha. "Perhaps they can give me some more details 
about what type of relic they were searching for." 

"Yes certainly." she replied.  "I shall have them met us for drinks in
the bar." 

Susan Harker contacted the two professors that had worked with her
father and invited them to have a drink with her that evening.  She 
then got in touch with the local police and asked about her father's 
disappearance. 

"We are doing our best Miss Harker," said the police commissioner.  "But
you  must understand that these inv    estigations take time." 

The Oasis Bar And Grill was doing a thriving business when the three
young women entered and found the two professors sitting at a side 
table drinking wine. Harker was the first to spot them and the trio 
quickly made their way to were they were seated. 

"It is good to see you here in Cairo Miss Harker," said professor Simms.
 "I am afraid that your father's sudden disappearance has depressed us 
all." 

"And exactly wear were you working professor," asked Samantha? 

"We had set up camp three miles north of the Blue Nile in a valley known
as the Forbidden Plateau," he replied. "There were reports that 
artifacts had been found in that area and I thought that it would be a 
good place to search for the crypt of Ramsis 11.  Professor Harker  had 
other ideas.  He argued that my concept was all wrong and he had 
brought with him a copy of a parchment with map references that the 
place to search was two miles further north.  When I told him that this 
was all a lot of bulk he b    ecame quite agitated and said that we 
would never open the crypt without him.  He also claimed that he knew 
the meanings of the symbols on the seal of the vault and if the wrong 
ones were tampered with the grave robber would be dead.  The next 
morning he packed his things, took a couple of bearers and told us that 
he was going to this new location.  That was the last we saw of him we 
have searched the area three times and found nothing.  It is as if the 
earth have swallowed him up." 

"Yes, the Sahara is constantly changing," said Rebecca.  "A sudden
sandstorm can wipe out any trace of a human being." 

"Have others been searching for this crypt professor," said Samantha? 

"Yes most certainly," she replied.  "The English have an expedition to
the south of here and the Germans are to the north." 

"It is odd that the Germans would be interested in Egyptian artifacts,"
said Rebecca.  "they don't strike me as a people that have much 
culture." 

"You are correct they are not," replied professor Simms.  "But    
recently the Germans have been interested in everything.  In almost 
every newspaper you read were Germany is discovering something or 
other.  They have even sent one of their highest ranking officers to 
supervise this operation.  His name is Kruger and I believe that is him 
sitting in the far corner seated with two men." 

Samantha gazed over to were the professor had indicated and spied a tall
heavyset blond man seated with two companions engaged in an intense 
conversation. 

What were they speaking of, she thought.  The location of the hidden
crypt, or perhaps of professor Harker and the best way to dispose of 
his corpse. 

"I think that we will need a little more help with this," she said
turning back to her party.  "I know someone in the old s    ection of 
the city that may be able to come to our aid.  Becky and I will see him 
tonight and we will all meet back here for breakfast tomorrow." 

"Do you think the Dutchman can really help us Sam," said Rebecca as the
two young women approached a run down bar in the old section of the 
city.  "As I recall we were forced to leave this establishment  rather 
in a hurry the last time we were here." 

"Yes, I remember Becky," she replied.  "It was that counterfeit money
Sam that we were investigating.  the Dutchman did send Manuel to help 
us though when things got a little sticky.  Those two gorillas  that 
belonged to that oil merchant were going to give us a one way ride out 
into the desert and kill us and I don't think that is any way to end a 
promising career.  Besides the Dutchman has his finger on everyone that 
comes and goes in this city and I like him.  If anyone can help us find 
Johnathen Harker he can." 

The Lucky Spot was quiet that night.  Money was tight and with the treat
of war people were not s    pending.  A few regular patrons sat 
drinking at the bar and its owner Lars Jenkins sat playing solitaire.  
He had owned the Lucky Spot for the past ten years and hoped to cash in 
if the hostilities in Europe and the Far East escalated.  He was 
considered a fixture in Cairo and throughout Egypt and if you wanted a 
forged passport  and couldn't pay the exorbitant rate at the Oasis Bar 
And Grill he would give you a good price.  If you also had a shipment 
of stolen guns to sell or were on the Lam and had to get out of the 
country you saw the Dutchman.  He made his business to know the dark 
side of everyone and enjoyed this seedy lifestyle. 

"Ah Miss Jones this is a pleasant surprise," said the Dutchman looking
up.  "What brings you to Cairo and my modest little establishment?" 

"I need some information Dutchman," she replied.  "Any you may be the
only one in all Egypt that can give it to me." 

"You know that you only have to ask," he replied continuing to play out
his hand.  "Now sit down and tell     me what is on your mind." 

The two women drew up chairs next to the saloon owner and Samantha began
to tell him of professor Harker's disappearance.  She also told of how 
his daughter had hired her to find him and had brought her half way 
around the world on this quest.  He listened carefully all the wile 
continuing to play cards and when she was finished he set his remaining 
cards down and looked up. 

"I really never could understand this game Miss Jones," he said. "And
yes I have heard of your professor Harker and this search for the 
missing crypt.  It is a bad business that he is engaged in, very bad.  
I suggest that you not get involved in it." 

"And why do you say that," said Samantha? 

"There are people and forces at work who believe that the crypt should
not be disturbed and other who plan to open it at any cost.  I think 
that your professor Harker has fallen in with one of these two and may 
have suffered the consequences." 

"I see," said Samantha.  "I have seen some of the German archaologal    
team and I am not impressed." 

"Yes, their leader is Colonel Kruger and he has just arrived from
Berlin," said the Dutchman.  "He should be avoided at all cost for he 
is a sadistic bastard that would kill his own mother if the price was 
right or is it would bring glory to the Fatherland.  But the forces 
that oppose him  are just as cruel and in some ways more powerful." 

"And just who may they be," said Rebecca? 

"It is a secret order called the Red Scorpion," he replied.  "They are
said to be dated back to ancient times were the Pharaohs used these 
servants to guard their burial grounds from tomb raiders.  They still 
exist today and have a large following here in Egypt." 

"Do you think that this Red Scorpion has captured professor Harker,"
said Samantha? 

"That is a good question Miss Jones," he replied sitting back in his
chair.  "I would think that the Germans would be your best choice in 
that respect.  Colonel Kruger is so intent in finding this crypt that 
nothing will stop him.  If yo    ur professor Harker hold the key to 
its location he may have him concealed somewhere and is trying to force 
the information out of him." 

"Would you know were he would be held," said Rebecca? 

"That is hard to say," he replied.  "The hills and mountains that line
the Nile and its tributaries are filled with caves.  Perhaps he is 
being held captive in one of them." 

"Yes, well we have taken up far too  much of your time Dutchman," said 
Samantha getting to her feet.  "Thank you for what you have told us and 
we shall take care." 

"Be sure that you do Miss Jones," he replied.  "The Red Scorpion would
take great pleasure in staking both of you out over an ant hill and 
leaving you to die.  thee people should not be trifled with.  And the 
Germans may have something even more sadistic in store for you.  So 
please be careful.  In any case if I can be of any help you have only 
to ask." 

The two young women  left the Lucky Spot and hired a taxi to take them
back to their hotel.  It was well past midnight when     they got back 
to their room and all the wile Rebecca thought of what the Dutchman had 
told them 

"Do you think that the Dutchman was right about this Red Scorpion group
Sam," she said as she began to undress for bed.  It sounds a little far 
fetched to be true." 

"In the past the Dutchman has always been honest with us Becky," she
replied. "I would take his words seriously." 

"Then I suppose we should begin to look in the area were he set up his
second camp," said Rebecca.  "Maybe his assistants and the authorities 
have missed something." 

"Yes, I will arrange for Susan Harker to arrange for a new search party
first thing tomorrow," she said crawling into her bed.  "I think the 
sooner we find him the better." 

The next morning after listening carefully to what Samantha had learned
from the Dutchman Susan Harker began to organize a new search party.  
Pack mules, supplies, and horses were purchased and the following 
morning the party set out for the Blue Nile and the area known as the 
Forbidde    n Plateau. 

"This whole area looks like nothing more then  barren rack and sand Miss
Jones," said Harker drawing her horse to a halt and wiping perspiration 
from  her brow.  "If my father was ever here he is now long gone." 

"Yes, this area is  quite desolate," she replied.  "I suggest that we
set up camp by that small hill though and then Becky and I can have a 
look around." 

As  Susan Harker with the aid of her bearers began to set up the camp
Samantha gazed over a low range of hills with a pair of field glasses.  
They lay over three hundred yards to the north of were she stood and 
were mere rocky outcropping against the flat landscape of the desert.  
Meanwhile Rebecca withdrew a pair of Browning automatic pistols and 
holsters from her saddle bag and strapped one around her waste. 

"Do you think those hills may have caves in them Sam," she said slipping
a couple of spare clips of ammunition into her jacket pocket? 

"there is a good chance that they do Becky," she replied strapping on
the other pis    tol.  "We will know better after we have had a closer 
look at them." 

The two young women crept swiftly to the base of one of the largest
hills and took cover behind a mound of jagged rock.  Samantha panned 
the horizon with her fyield glasses and then turned to her friend. 

"There does not seem to be anyone around," she said.  "i think that we
will cover more ground if we split up.  You continue straight ahead  
and I will swing down to the other side of the hill and work my way 
back towards you.  If you find something fire one of your flares but do 
not go exploring alone. you never know what you will find." 

As Rebecca slowly made her way up the south side of hill  and Samantha
worker her way over to the north Colonel Kruger and three of his guards 
continued to question professor Harker in one of the hidden caves on 
the southern slope of the hill.  They had him tightly secured to a 
stake and had been questioning him all morning.  They had kidnapped him 
almost six weeks ago and had been hold    ing him captive in one of the 
smaller caves that they had converted into a cell.  He had all ready 
told them the location of the crypt and now they were trying to learn 
the password that would allow them to enter. 

"Now professor Harker why don't you tell  me what I want to know," said
Kruger.  "You have disclosed the location of the crypt that you found, 
its password cannot be too difficult." 

"I would rather die first," he spat back.  "You will never get into that
crypt." 

"We have ways of making you talk professor," said Kruger.  "So please
make it easy on yourself." 

"Colonel Kruger," said one of the guards snapping to attention.  "One of
my men  have captured a young woman prowling around the entrance to the 
cave.  "What shall we do with her?" 

"Bring her here," he replied.  "We shall see what she has been up to." 

a few minutes later the slim figure of Rebecca Clark was pushed before
the colonel.  The young woman trembled slightly from fear but quickly 
regained her composure. 

"And what is your business here," said Kruger looking over the young
woman.  "I suggest that you answer me wile you are still able." 

"Just taking a walk in the sunshine Captain," she replied smiling. 

Kruger turned and suddenly lashed out with his open right hand slapping
Rebecca across the face.  The blow sent her reeling to her knees in a 
state of shock. 

`	"Now, no more jokes young lady," he said.  "What are you doing here
and answer me truthfully?" 

"Nothing, i was just taking a walk," she replied.  "Who are you guys
anyway?" 

"Guard, take  her away," he said.  "Perhaps a little time in one of our
cells will improve her memory and her manners." 

Meanwhile Samantha had reached the top of the hill  and was searching
for some sign of Rebecca.  She looked for smoke from a flare or any 
other indication that the young girl was safe. 

"I hope that she hasn't decided to go exploring on her own," she thought
continuing on down the far side of the hill.  "I warned  her about 
doing that." 

Suddenly     about twenty feet ahead she noticed an opening that
indicted an entrance to a cave.  the faint sounds of voices could be 
heard coming from it and Samantha quickly took cover.  Two German 
guards emerged and stood  in its entrance one  lighting  a cigarette. 

"It is good to get some  fresh air Hans," said one leaning on his rifle.
 "These caves that the Coronal has us worker are so small you can 
barely breath." 

"Yes they are," he replied.  "And now we have this young woman to watch
over.  "I only hope that the Colonel learns the password soon so that 
we can eliminate some of these people." 

"So the Germans have captured both Becky and professor Harker," thought
Samantha.  "Well she won't tell them anything and if the professor can 
hold out a little longer I may be able to rescue both of them." 

She then quickly crept away from the German guards and made her way back
to camp.  After telling Susan Harker the events that had occurred she 
said that she had a plan to rescue both of them. 

"My     plan is really quite simple," she said.  "The Germans  have
their base camp just beyond this hill.  "I will steal some of their 
explosives and we will use this to  create a diversion when we set your 
father and Becky free." 

Yes, but do you think i will be able to handle the explosives Miss
Jones," said Harker? "I have never done anything like this before." 

"Trust me you will be fine," she said getting to her feet.  "Now wile i
am gone you lay out my throwing knife, some extra ammunition, and find 
a  pistol for yourself.  you will  find everything in  my saddlebags." 

Samantha arrived back at the camp half an hour later with a full nap
sack of explosives, detonators, and grenades.  Susan had laid out two 
of her finest throwing knives, four boxes of ammunition, spare clips, 
and had selected a Mauser automatic pistol and holster for herself. 

"That is a nasty weapon that you have there Miss Harker," said Samantha.
" 

"Have you ever fired a gun before?" 

"My uncle took me pigeon hunting on   äce when i was a little girl," she
replied. "He said I had a knack for shooting." 

"Well this isn't going to be any pigeon shoot," said Samantha.  "If you
make a mistake or your gun jams it may be the last day in your life.  I 
suppose I should give  you a few hints about that cannon you are 
holding.  It is a Mauser Automatic Machine Pistol the "Broom Handle" 
they use to call it in the last war.  It holds ten round in a clip and 
kicks like a mule.  I suggest that you use two hands like this when you 
fire it.  Once you release the safety you just pull the trigger.  Now 
remember fire only when you have a target and gently squeeze the 
trigger the gun will do the rest.  I am now going to arm  these 
explosives so I suggest that you take it easy and think of what i have 
told you.  when it gets dark we will pay our German friends a little 
visit." 

It was quite dark when Samantha finished at    taching the last of
detonators to the explosives.  They were quite small and a new clock  
device that the German's had just invented.  It allowed a would be 
saboteur only to turn a handle to set the detonation in motion. 

"I would like you to look at this Miss Harker," said Samantha getting to
her feet and holding one of the explosive charges.  "You simply turn 
this handle to the right as far as it goes and then run like Hell.  I 
figure that we will use three or four charges, that will give me enough 
time to free both your father and Becky.  Do you think you can handle 
this?" 

"Yes, it seems simple enough," she replied.  "But what is one of us is
captured?" 

"That is the chance we take," said Samantha packing the explosives into
her knapsack.  "Just keep your eyes open and your pistol ready and you 
will have no problem.  and above all remember all that I have told 
you." 

The moon had made its way behind some clouds and the entire desert was
pitch black when Samantha laid her last charge.  She had laid     them 
twenty yards apart and were Susan could spot them easily in  the gloom. 


"That is the last one Miss Harker," she whispered.  "Now I shall wait
for the first explosion. Good luck." 

Samantha left  Susan and quickly made her way to the entrance of the
cave.  One guard stood on duty and the young woman quickly dispatched 
him with her throwing knife.  suddenly the first explosion was heard 
and three guards came running out to investigate.  then the second 
explosion was sounded followed by small arms fire.  Samantha made her 
way into the cave complex and quickly  found the small cell that held 
Rebecca.  she opened the cell door with a key that held nearby and her 
friend scampered to freedom. 

"Sam, you are a sight for sore eyes," she said stepping out of the small
enclosure.  "These Germans are not at all friendly." 

"Do you know were they are holding professor Harker Becky," said
Samantha? 

`"I think they took him away for some more questioning," she replied. 
"they have a regular tor    ture chamber down at the end of this 
passageway." 

The two young women crept down the stone corridor and found that it led
to a much larger grotto.  It was well lit and contained implements of 
punishment and torture too numerous to mention.  Professor Harker hung 
in  the center of this alcove shackled to the ceiling by his wrists.  
Colonel Kruger stood in front of him banishing a heavy leather strap. 

"Now professor Harker I will ask you once more for the password to the
crypt," he said.  "And let me remind you if your answer is not quick 
and truthful  it will be very unpleasant for you." 

Suddenly a guard appeared in the room and snapped to attention.  he
appeared to be out of breath and his normally clean and pressed uniform 
was dirty and seat stained. 

"My coronal," he said clicking his heels.  "We have caught a young woman
prowling just outside the cave.  what are we to do with her?" 

"A prowler you say," he replied. "Bring her in here and let us  have a
look at her." 

A few minute    s later Susan Harker was pushed before colonel Kruger. 
her hair was disheveled and her blouse torn and dirty.  she flecked a 
loose strand of hair from her forehead and glared at the German. 

"You may have captured me but I killed three of you swine," she cried
looking defiant.  "i only wish one of them could have been you." 

"Now, now, Miss, why all this hostility," replied Kruger softly?  "No
one here is going to hurt you.  I only want one simple little thing, 
the password to the crypt.  Once I learn that we all can be friends." 

"Friends, yes I have heard of what you Grout Bastards do to your
friends," she said once more flying into a rage.  "Once we tell you 
what you want to know you simply kill us and leave our bodies in the 
desert for the buzzards." 

"So, the little princess got three of the German bastards," whispered
Samantha.  "Not bad for someone who has never fired a gun before.  But 
I am afraid Kruger will not let her off lightly." 

"Yes, but we have to do something Sam," said Rebecca.      "is there not
anything we can do to set them both free?" 

"Patience Becky, she replied. "There are too many of them now. We will
have to wait for the right opportunity." 

Kruger motioned to the guard and Susan was quickly shackled and hung
next to her father. She struggled for a moment but found this useless. 

"Now professor Harker, you see that we have a guest in our presence,"
said Kruger once more focusing his attention back to the old man.  "And 
I think that you know her quite well for she is your daughter." 

"My daughter," he replied his face suddenly growing pale.  "What are you
going to do?" 

"Why nothing professor," he replied smiling.  "Provided that you give me
the correct password to the crypt.  If you don't the suffering she will 
suffer will be unmentionable." 

"You win Kruger," said Harker looking at the floor.  "I will tell you
what you want to know.  But please release my daughter." 

Kruger nodded to the guard and Susan was quickly untied and led to one
of the cells.      the German then turned to the professor and smiled. 

"You have made a wise decision," he said.  "You have spared that young
girl much pain and discomfort." 

After Kruger had learned all that he wanted to know professor Harker was
also placed in he cell with his daughter.  "Two bowls of soup and some 
dried bread were given to them for supper and the cell was secured for 
the night. 

"We will open the crypt at first light Hans," he said to the guard. 
"Tell the workmen to be prepared to carry out all the treasures after 
we have entered." 

"The workmen claim that they will not go into  the crypt Colonel,"
replied  the guard.  "They boast that something known as the Red 
Scorpion protects the tomb and all it holds and those that enter will 
die." 

"Do they now," he replied.  "Bring the workman that is spreading these
lies to me and I shall get the truth out of him." 

The workman was brought before Kruger by one of the guards.  the man
stood defiantly in front of the German commander awaiting     his fate. 


"So, you are the one who is spreading all these lies about his Red
Scorpion to your people," he said.  "What do you have to say for 
yourself?" 

"They are not lies Commander Kruger," said the workman.  "The Red
Scorpion does exist and has existed for hundreds of years.  Its spirit 
protects the crypt of our ancestors.  I urge you to give up this insane 
quest of yours." 

"You urge me to give up do you," said Kruger walking around the man for
a second or two.  "And who are you to tell a member of the German party 
and possibly the future rulers of the world what he can and cannot do.  
Guard put this man in a cell with the others and inform the rest of his 
rabble that is my orders are not carried out they will be all shot.  We 
will enter the crypt at first light." 

Meanwhile Samantha and Rebecca crept out of the cave complex and quickly
made their way back to their own camp.  It was well past midnight and 
Samantha knew she might have only one chance left to stop Kruger and 
save Susan and her fath    er. 

"Do you think that Kruger will get into the crypt Sam," said Rebecca? 

"I think that he will Becky," she replied.  "He appears to be holding
all the cards to do so.  But his Red Scorpion business has me puzzled.  
Do you actually think that a spirit  could be guarding that tomb and 
would cause harm to anyone who entered it?" 

"I have read that many tombs in these parts had a hex placed on them
when they were sealed," said Rebecca.  "There very well could be a cult 
of Red Scorpion followers that would prevent anyone from entering the 
tomb." 

"Yes, well maybe you are right.  said Samantha.  "But perhaps we should
try and get a couple of hours sleep so that we can be with Kruger when 
he opened that crypt.  It will be light soon and tomorrow could prove 
to be a very interesting day." 

The sky was just beginning to brighten as Colonel Kruger finished
shaving and began to button his shirt. He had been far too much on edge 
to sleep and the quick shave a strong after shave lotion he had     
applied had refreshed him somewhat.  Suddenly a guard stood at the flap 
of his tent at attention and saluted. 

"Everything has been made ready sir," he said.  "The workmen are not
happy but they will give us no trouble." 

"Good, Hans, good," replied Kruger slipping on his jacket.  "We can now
proceed to the excavation." 

The two young women crouched in the early morning shadows and watched as
Kruger left his tent and joined his workmen.  Samantha had packed the 
remaining ammunition and the last of the explosives into her nap sack 
and knew she could put them to good use.  The pack contained three new 
explosive charges that the Germans were testing that were far more 
powerful then their conventional ones.  Rebecca had retrieved Susan's 
machine pistol from a guard when she escaped from her cell and now wore 
it on her hip. 

"Do you think that we should hit them before they enter the crypt Sam,"
she said?  "We do hold the advantage of surprise." 

"No, I think we should wait a little longer Becky," replie    d
Samantha.  "Kruger will be waiting for something now.  "We will delay 
our attack until he is in the tomb.  He will then be more interested in 
its riches then to be concerted about us." 

The excavation was located some five hundred yards north of the campsite
at the base of a large hill.  As Kruger approached he was met by a tall 
thin man wearing a turban and of Hindu origin by the name of Chandra. 
The German had hired this man to translate the symbols on the door of 
the tomb for him. 

"Did you get the correct password," he said as they came to a halt?  "I
will remind you that one false move on those symbols come mean the end 
for all of us." 

"Yes, yes," replied the German.  "The good professor was finally
persuaded to give it to me.  He and his daughter will join us shortly 
and I think that i will allow him to open the tomb for us.  that way 
there will be no mistakes." 

A few minutes later professor Harker and his daughter were escorted to
the sight by two guards.  Kruger looked over the     raised symbols 
that formed a boarder around the entrance to the tomb once more then 
turned to face the professor. 

"I have decided that you will open the crypt for me professor." he said
smiling.  "In that way there will be no mistakes and to give you a 
little encouragement you will be aided by your daughter.  Now I suggest 
that you begin for if we are not in the tomb within the next hour the 
young woman will suffer the consequences." 

"You are truly mad Kruger," replied Harker.  "this tomb  has been sealed
for hundreds of years and you continue to tamper with it.  you have no 
idea what you are dealing with." 

"I think that the professor needs a little encouragement Hans," said
Kruger turning to one of the guards.  "Tie the young woman to that 
outcropping of rocks and we will see how receptive she is to a pair of 
thumb screws." 

"Okay, okay, Kruger you win," replied professor Harker.  "I will open
the crypt for you.  but remember you will be the one who will suffer 
the consequences if anything is des    troyed or stolen." 

The professor set about to depress certain symbols on the border of the
crypt. 

He then motioned to  three of the workmen and together they began to
push open the large stone door of the the tomb. 

"You have done well professor Harker," said Kruger as he lit one of his
torches.  "Now if you will excuse me I would like to see what this tomb 
may hold." 

Kruger stepped into the gloom of the ancient crypt and peered through
his flickering torch light.  Around him lay priceless artifacts some 
hundreds upon hundreds upon hundreds of years old.  In the center of 
all this was an enormous casket of the king and it too was adorned with 
gold and precious stone. 

"This is amazing,"  thought Kruger glancing around the tomb.  These
artifacts are worth millions to a collector.  I shall make sure that 
most of them end up in m own private collection." 

Meanwhile Samantha had moved within striking distance of the single
guard that stood over professor Harker and his daughter.  Drawing h    
er throwing knife she took aim at the center of the young man's back 
and let the weapon fly with deadly accuracy.  the solder collapsed in a 
pool of blood and she moved in quickly to retrieve her weapon. 

"Professor, make your way over to that large pile of rocks," she
whispered. "Becky is waiting for you there and will explain what I have 
planned next." 

The young woman then made her way to the entrance to the tomb were she
began to lay out the explosives that she carried.  She placed them 
around the en    trance and set the timers for the longest duration 
that she could.  finishing this she quickly returned to her friends. 

"I have set the chargers and have yet to arm them," said Samantha. "We
have enough explosives to blow half that hill away." 

Meanwhile inside the crypt Kruger began to select choice pieces of the
artifacts and place them  in his knapsack.  He turned as Chandra 
approached. 

"What are you doing," he cried his voice trembling with rage?  "I told
you that these artifact are     not to be touched." 

"I am just borrowing a few for my own private collection." replied
Kruger as he continued to fill his bag.  "And who are you to tell me 
what I can and cannot do." 

"But Colonel Kruger," said the still flustered Chandra.  "There is a
curse on all these objects.  To remove them could be very dangerous." 

"A silly superstition," he replied.  "All these artifacts will be taken
to Germany were they will be put on display to show the world what a 
great country we are.  these few in my knapsack will go into my own 
private collection." 

Chandra shook his head realizing he was able to reason with the man,
turned and made his way to the entrance leaving Kruger to continue his 
looting.  the German officer looked over the remaining artifacts and 
his gaze settled on a large black  carved onyx cat decorated with ruby 
eyes and a collar of gold and imported jade.  This exquisite statue 
rested at the head of the casket and was indeed a thing of beauty.  
Kruger grasped it with both hands but its si    ze and weight made 
moving it impossible.  He took a few steps to the entrance of the crypt 
and shouted for two guards to help him. 

"I would like this statue taken to my tent and packed so that it can be
sent to my villa in Germany," he instructed the two men.  "along with 
these other artifacts that I have here." 

The two guards saluted and then seized the heavy work of art and slowly
began to lift it.  In doing so they accidentally triggered a small 
leaver hidden beneath its base that began the discharge of a deadly gas 
that began to fill the chamber.  the vapor was colorless and odorless 
and after a few moments the two men were overcome by the fumes and sank 
to their knees dead. 

"Hans," cried Kruger looking in the direction of his men.  "What is it,
are you ill?" 

Kruger realized instantly that it was poison gas that was filling the
crypt and made a desperate lunge for the entrance and the clean fresh 
air that his body now disparately needed.  He took three or four steps 
and found himsel    f on his knees his lung burning and his eyes unable 
to focus on his surroundings.  the German for forced to crawl the 
remaining distance before he could breath the fresh morning air.  He 
lay for a moment in the dawn sunlight more dead then alive disparately 
forcing air into his body. Slowly regaining his senses he made his way 
to his feet.  He took two or three more deep breaths of the morning air 
and found that it cleared his head.  As he stood for a moment 
contemplating his next move the tall dark figure of Chandra approached. 


"Have you completed your looting so soon Coronal," he said? "Or have you
finally come to your senses and  have decided to leave these treasures 
were they lay." 

"If I had more time you would regret saying those words Chandra,"
replied Kruger his anger building.  "In the past I have cut out the 
tongues of those that have spoken to me in such a tone.  Now I suggest 
that you make yourself useful and stay out of my way." 

"Coronal, I do not wish to offend you but you must realize t    he
danger that you are in," said Chandra.  "This burial site must not be 
trifled with." 

"Yes, well perhaps I have been a little too harsh in my remarks,"
replied the German.  "But you must understand the tremendous stress 
that I am  under.  My government wants these artifacts shipped to 
Germany as quickly as possible.  I have supervisors that are not all 
all understanding and I do need your help.  Now I suggest that you 
fetch two of my guards and join me in the crypt." 

Meanwhile Samantha, Susan, and Rebecca took cover behind a pile of rock
that lay near the entrance to the tomb and began to plan their next 
move.  suddenly professor Harker darted out of the morning shadows and 
joined the group. 

"Father, you should be back in camp resting," said Susan.  you have
undergone a horrible  ordeal and are in no condition to be dashing 
about." 

"Yes I know, but I thought that I could be of some assistance to you,"
he replied.  "That tomb is alive with every pitfall and decoy 
imaginable.  If Kruge    r disturbs anything in that  tomb the 
consequences could be devastating." 

"Yes, well I myself have a little surprise en store for our German
friend," said Samantha.  "I have hidden enough explosives in  that 
hillside to blow him and his artifacts to Hell and back.  All I have to 
do is arm the charges." 

Kruger entered the crypt and pulled the two  dead bodies of the German
guards out of the way and into the shadows.  The poison gas had 
dissipated and was no longer a threat.  the German examined the base of 
the statue that the two men were attempting to move and discovered the 
small lever that triggered the gas.  Turning he saw Chandra and two 
guards enter and look around. 

"It has taken you long enough to return Chandra," said Kruger.  "Now
stop laying about and help my guards remove these remaining artifacts.  
I should warn you to be especially careful with this statue for it has 
released a strange gas that has put an end to two people.  I want 
everything packed and ready to ship by nightfall." 

As     Chandra and the guards began to work Kruger focused his attention
on the exquisite casket that lay before him.  It was lavishly carved 
and inlaid with gold and fine ivory. 

"This will also make a fine addition to my collection," he thought
looking it over.  "There will be no way the German people will get this 
priceless treasure." 

As Susan and professor Harker kept a sharp lookout for German guards
Rebecca and Samantha began to slowly crawl towards the entrance of the 
crypt.  Once there they quickly armed the explosives setting the 
charges to detonate at the longest possible time.  Once this was done 
they turned and was about to make their way back to their hiding place 
when they were suddenly surprised by two guards. 

"And what are you doing here," said one of the Germans pointing his
machine pistol at Samantha?  "I am sure that Coronal Kruger will be 
happy to see you." 

He pushed the barrel of his gun into the side of Samantha and made her
and Rebecca walk towards the entrance way to t    he tomb.  They 
entered to find Kruger still looking over the casket and trying to 
decide the best way to remove it. 

"Well Miss Jones and Miss Clark, this is a pleasant surprise," he said
looking up. "It is so nice that you could join us once more.  Were did 
you find them this time Carl?" 

"They were poking around just outside Coronal," he replied standing at
attention.  "I think that they are up to no good." 

"Yes, you are probably right," he replied.  "I will take  great pleasure
in questioning them both a little later but first I would like to get 
this casket removed.  Lend a hand so that it can be done more quickly." 


As the guards approached the casket and got into a position to move it
Chandra stepped forward to stop them.  He raised his hand and motioned 
to the men to stop what they were doing. 

"I would be very careful with that," he said.  "These old caskets are
often booby trapped to foil tomb riders and grave robbers." 

"I have personally looked over the coffin and have found it perfect   
ly safe," said Kruger.  "What you are telling us is nothing but rubbish 
that is based on superstition.  Now stop annoying my men and return to 
the task that I have assigned to you." 

Chandra shook his head in frustration and returned to the moving of the
artifacts. The guards once more took their positions alongside the 
heavy coffin and by pushing and pulling slowly began to move it. 

Kruger smiled as he watched his men work.  The casket and other
treasures that he had looted would arrive at his estate in Germany in 
about two months all going well.  Suddenly a small passage in the 
ceiling of the tomb slowly began to open directly over were the German 
stood.  This hidden vault contained  hundreds upon hundreds of 
piousness scorpions that had been at rest for countless years.  Now its 
inhabitants being disturbed by the activity below began to emerge and 
look for the cause of their annoyance.  This went unnoticed by Kruger 
and his men as they continued to move the heavy casket to the entrance 
of t   ñhe tomb. The teaming anthropoids began to emerge from the 
hidden openings in the walls and ceiling by the thousands.  In a matter 
of minutes the tomb was alive with the deadly creatures whose sting 
meant certain death. 

"Samantha look, cried Rebecca pointing to the deadly swarm.  "What is
that?" 

"Scorpions," she replied quickly scrambling to her feet and clasping her
friend by the hand.  "Kruger must have unknowingly released them when  
he  had  the casket moved. Lets get out of here wile we can." 

The scorpions began dropping on the German guards and Kruger by the
hundreds.  they crawled up pant legs and inside shirt fronts in search 
of anywhere to drive their deadly stinger.  In a few minutes everyone 
was covered and struggling furiously to rid themselves of this deadly 
menace.  Chandra took three or four steps and fell as one of  these 
crawling demons sank its tail into his arm.  Kruger managed to brush 
most of his attackers off and crawl to the far corner of the crypt that 
was relati   ývely clear. He huddled there surrounded on all sides by 
the crawling mass with no way out. 

"Chandra, Chandra," he called.  "For god sake help me.  Don't let me die
like  this." 

Suddenly a loud explosion was heard from just outside the entrance.  It
was followed by two more of equal force.  The tomb began to shake as 
tons of rock and sand began to fall burying everything. 

"Well that is the last we shall see of Kruger," said Susan as he stood
together with her father, Samantha, and Rebecca a short distance away.  
"And good riddance, he has come to a timely end." 

"Yes he has," replied Samantha.  "And your father is safe.  I only hope
that in the future he will look at artifacts in a museum instead of 
poking around in old tombs." 

End Please send all comments to RonK@Axion.net 


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