Minute 41 – plot summary The Last Egyptian by L. Frank Baum
an English Egyptologist; an Egyptian, Kāra, and a dragoman named Tadros. Kāra, being whiteskinned,
is mistaken by Bey for a Copt, though he is no Christian, and he has no respect
for Arab Muslims, either. Kāra claims to be a descendant of Ahtka-Rā, High Priest of Ămen,
whom he says ruled Rameses II as his puppet, including hiding the latter's death for two years-
-archaeology says Rameses reigned 67 years, but according to Kāra, he ruled only 65.
All of this Kāra has learned since he was a child from his grandmother, Princess Hatacha, who
had come to England when she was 17 and created a stir, ultimately marrying a Lord Roane,
Kāra's grandfather. She tells him of their family past, and explains that he is the grandson of
an English aristocrat, Lord Roane. Roane had impregnated and abandoned Hatacha when both
were young; Hatacha demands that Kara work her revenge on Roane and his family.
Hatatcha is a cruel and vindictive old woman, but as she is dying, she gives him information
about the large treasure cache that they have been living on, including
many hieroglyphic papyri from which she educated him as a child that will prove to the world
that he is of royal lineage and avenge her against Lord Roane for leaving her in poverty.
Hatacha and Kara are the last descendants of an ancient Egytptian family; during the reign of
Rameses the Great, their ancestor Ahtka-Ra was treasurer and power behind the throne. His
descenants have accumulated a vast store of wealth, heaps of gold and gems of the rarest
quality.
Now, she is an old and decrepit woman, living in dire poverty with Kāra. But she is also wise,
and has taught Kāra about his ancestors. And she knows where the tombs are and the buried
treasures of the ages. She does not disturb them, but when they need something desperately,
she will produce coins.
When he returns to the hut, Hatacha is very ill—dying in fact. Kāra gives his grandmother the
last of the soothing draught. But later on, she calls Kāra, and tells him Anubis is calling her.
Before she dies, she imparts some last minute instructions, which include a promise from Kāra
to inflict vengeance upon Lord Roane, who wronged her so cruelly. She also tells him where
the treasures are located, and how to enter the secret passage which is accessed through a
moving stone in their hut.
After her death, Kāra makes arrangements for the embalming with the dwarf, Sebbet, who is
prepared. He comes to take her body during the night. Meanwhile, Kāra has followed his
instructions well, and has found the cache which also includes valuable hieroglyphic papyri.
He grabs a bundle, plus handfuls of treasures and even worse, items that never should have
been removed. He also finds the casket with Hatacha's name on it. In forty days, her body will
be ready.
Vinit Suri
