JM checked the condition of his twin pistols, added a lead sap and a large pocket knife.

Roger had been quite jolly to meet with his old chum, John-Marc, and the rest of their associates, and the former RAF pilot had spent a great deal of time in catching up with the others and their explorations to date.  He was heartily grateful to have been released from his temporary detainment on Cyprus and was keen to join the others, though he was reluctant to leave the Brisfit behind.

He looked forward to Cairo, hoping that it would not be all research and that he would get a chance to soak up the atmosphere, particularlyt he Gezireh Sporting Club for the athletic pleasures it provided.   He was less enthusiastic about knocking about the various museums in the city, but he was ready to do his duty and accompany the others on their excursions throughout Cairo.

He grinned at the idea of all of them trooping into the curio shop like a flock of geese.  "I'm for the more discreet approach, J.M.," Roger said.  "We needn't all go in at once, I'd think."

"We all need not enter the store to be sure, but several groups of western tourists in this area would not be out of place. Therefore all those who which to go should be able to. No that we are all gathered again should we not undertake this visits at the earliest opportunity ?"

"The shop of Faraz Najir is on the street of the Jackals. This is in the Old City, a warren of streets and alleys. My man Salim can guide you."

He showed them the letter from Faraz Najir to the group.

"I think I may have a few more leads. I have not identified this "agent" of Carlyle's that is spoken of in the letter. But I have a contact at the Cairo Bulletin that is familiar with the Carlyle expedition, he might even know where it went. He says that there have been several more expeditions sent by the Penhew Foundation in the last six years, at least one or two per year.

"Finish up, then I will send for a car. It will take you across the Great Nile Bridge into Cairo, then through the city Old City, and the street of Jackals."

Keeper's Note: This letter is in the Clues thread. You would be well advised to have a look at it now.

"Do we know anything of this Mr. Najir? Do you suppose he is open to a visit by women? I know it is sometimes an issue in Moslem countries."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 22):

"Street of Jackals?  It doesn't sound the most pleasant. Are the streets named after who settled there earlier?"

Molly was curious to the name as well as to which curios were for sale.

Molly read the letter and shook her head.  "It is hard to say, of course, but it really does look like an attempt to fleece us of currency.  These are reputable people?  I don't mean of their professions but of the men themselves.  Honor amongst thieves and all that."

JM laughed in response to Roger's comment.  "Yes, we'd look like a fine flock of geese trooping in all together Roger."  He gave a slight nod to the Count.  "I think that the idea to pose as several independent groups might be the best idea.  We had best keep nearby though and the sooner we can go the better."

Recalling the letter he shook his head.  "It would be good to identify the agent Alexander but even better if we could determine where the Carlyle expedition actually went.  It could save a good deal of effort."  JM frowned.  "The Penhew Foundation continued to send expeditions?  But why?  Alexander, see if you contact knows why the Foundation would continue to send so many people here."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 24):

"Why indeed the Penhew Foundation would continue to send expeditions is a good question! They have been expertly covering their tracks but I am confident that, given enough time, we can find out their destination.

"My reporter contact is Nigel Wassif. We go to the same clubs, you know."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:12, Wed 19 Feb 2014.

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 25):

"Oh! Nige is a dear. He's helped me with publicity for the orphans' charity.

"About a tenth of the population of Cairo are foreign-born, with many Europeans. I daresay you won't find too much trouble going in a group, that is how most Europeans travel. Sadly, anti-European feelings were stirred up by the nationalists in order to rabble-rouse the people, which worked all too well."

Roger smiled broadly.  "Then if we don't all look out of place, by all means, we can pile in the car."  He frowned and stroked his chin.  "This agent of Carlyle's could be an important lead, if we could locate him.  Perhaps Mr. Najir has further information, a contact or something."

"Well then, I suppose I'm ready to go visit "Nige". This is a beautiful house, but the Penhew business has been like a mouse scratching at the back of my brain. The sooner we get back on the trail, the ... well, not happier, but less fidgety I'll be."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 28):

Alexander nodded his assent.

"First, I shall have Salim take you to the Street of Jackals in Old Cairo. No doubt named for the beasts who settled there, and not the jackal-headed god named Annuibs." He winked at Molly. "You are a newspaperwoman, yes? You should have a lot to talk about with Nigel. I shall call him, perhaps an afternoon meeting at the Cairo Bulletin would be possible."

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 29):

Alexander's man Salim took this as his cue. "Very good, effendi.

"My friends, the Bentley is being readied. Who shall be joining us?"
This message was last updated by the player at 04:49, Thu 20 Feb 2014.

Molly chuckled at Alexander's statement about Annubis.  "Yes I have family in the newspaper business.  I thought we were to be more under cover though so should I confess to that?  I would like to meet him either way."

"I would like to meet this curios seller. I've been sitting on my hands for too long, and I have a nagging suspicion my bankroll may be called upon."

"Yes I would like to see this street and the shop. I will collect my things and asked Mr Perkins if he will accompany us."

Salim brought the Bentley around to the estate's front driveway. JM, Cynthia, Molly, Roger, the Count and Perkins were going along. That was about the limit the large touring car could handle comfortably.

"Are you wanting me to wait nearby with Basara brothers as backup?"

He checked his Luger pistol, a souvenir of his service days in the Imperial German Navy. He tucked a spare magazine into his coat pocket.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 34):

Salim placed an Enfield rifle in the boot of the car, and a Webley pistol in his robe.

"What weapons shall we prepare with? Would you like me to get robes for you so that all of you look more Egyptian?"

Nodding his head, Roger said in response to Karlheinz, "That's a good idea.  It would be best if you didn't draw too much attention to yourself, but it would be good to have you three on hand should anything untoward happen."

He rubbed his chin at Salim's request.  "I'll feel rather foolish, but yes, I'll take a robe."

In reply to Roger Bedford (msg # 37):

"I shall have robes and headgear for the men. After the rule of the Ottomans, European dress is common with the tarboosh (fez) for the upper classes with most others wearing a gallibaya robe or thobe. Women wear different robes and can wear a hijab or the niqab (full veil) as well.

"If you wish, I can fetch a fair amount of military weapons through my contacts in the Egyptian army. Maybe not one of those tanks or a water-cooled Vickers machinegun but let me know if you have some thoughts."

Indeed, such clothing seemed to be fairly universal, although European fashions were quite common, at least with the upper classes.

Keeper Edit: Added some female clothing choices.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Mon 24 Feb 2014.

"I'm not a fan of bundling up women like forgotten furniture, but the hajib is quite a blessing in these circumstances. Not to mention, it keeps me from taking on the lobster's hue. I think I'd like to maintain that attire.

"As for weapons, I imagine this is a crowded street. Something smaller we can use easily in a crowd would be ideal, yes? I don't imagine a rifle will work very well."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 39):

Molly chuckled.  "I always thought it was more like bundling them up like a curtain.  You are right in regards to it hiding a lot of things.  I'm afraid that it will probably have to be revolvers.  Definitely stay behind me then if I have to shoot. Blades could also be had and in a pinch, the good old sap."  Molly coughed when she mentioned the sap.  She had seen it used quite effectively and she didn't plan on playing fair if she got in a fight because well...they shouldn't pick on women in the first place.

"KH, definitely stay nearby with the brothers as a back-up.  We'll want you to have the heavier weapons in the boot of the car in case of a problem.  I'd suggest a few shotguns as well as rifles."  He patted his pistols.  "I intend to bring my brace of pistols.  The robe will do well to keep them concealed."

"I would suggest pistols, knives and such for zee frauliens undt herren. Do not worry, the Basara brothers and I shall be following in zee Peugot motor car mit zee Lewis gun, rifles and mills bombs."

He began directing the 2 Egyptian brothers in loading up one of Alexander's other vehicles.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:40, Thu 27 Feb 2014.