The Missing Mummy by Ron Roy Page A

built of large, flat rocks fitted closely together. Dink wondered how the museum people got those huge rocks inside.
    â€œThe tomb—and the mummies—are on the other side of this wall,” Dr. Tweed said. “Before we go inside, I want to tell you a little about how these people died, and how they became mummies.”
    He pointed to the benches. “Please be seated.”
    â€œLet’s sit in front,” Dink said, heading for a bench.
    When everyone was seated, Dr. Tweed began speaking in a deep voice. “Close your eyes and imagine you are standing on the bank of the River Nile four thousand years ago. Feel the sun on your back. See the river as it flows by. Hear the oxen bellow as they labor in the fields.”
    A hush fell over the group.
    â€œSuddenly, an earthquake shakes the ground!” Dr. Tweed shouted.
    Dink’s eyes popped open as goose bumps crept up his arms. All the kids opened their eyes and stared at Dr. Tweed.
    â€œLater,” he continued, “the survivors prepare the dead for burial. Three of the people who died in that earthquake are with us today.”
    Dr. Tweed walked over to the wall and pressed his hand against one of the stones. Immediately, the wall slid open.
    Through the opening, Dink could see a dim room. The stone floor was partly covered with sand and gravel.
    â€œWhat you see is the burial tomb,” Dr. Tweed said quietly. “Come in, please, but speak only in whispers and touch nothing.”
    â€œThis is so great!” Ruth Rose whispered as they entered the tomb.
    The tomb was cold, and Dink shivered. Old pots and farming tools were scattered around the floor. Strange-looking symbols were painted on the walls.
    Off to one side were three stone coffins.

One of the coffins was lying on a stone table. The other two were leaning upright against the walls to either side. Dink noticed that the coffin on the table was smaller than the other two.
    â€œYou are standing in an actual Egyptian tomb,” Dr. Tweed said in a hushed voice. “It was brought here in pieces and then reconstructed.”
    He pointed at the coffins. “An ancient Egyptian coffin is called a
sarcophagus
. Each sarcophagus holds amummy. In a moment, I will open the lids. But first, take a moment to appreciate the fine artwork.”
    On each lid, jewels and gold had been used to create a mask.
The faces look peaceful, almost happy
, thought Dink.
    â€œThe Egyptians believed that people who died would need their money in the next life,” Dr. Tweed said. “So rich people were often buried near their wealth.”
    He pointed through an arch into another room. “That is the treasure chamber,” he said. “You’ll get a chance to look in there after we view the mummies.”
    Ruth Rose raised her hand. “How come one of the coffins is so small?” she asked.
    Dr. Tweed walked over to the sarcophagus on the table. “Thissarcophagus contains a child mummy,” he explained. “The little boy died with his parents, who now stand beside him for eternity.”
    Dr. Tweed placed his hand on a standing sarcophagus. “This is the boy’s mother,” he said. Using both hands, he swung the lid open.
    â€œAnd the father.” Dr. Tweed opened the other standing sarcophagus.
    Without saying another word, he removed the lid of the smallest sarcophagus and leaned it against the wall.
    The kids stared at the three mummies. Each was covered with some kind of cloth, yellowed with age. Dink realized that Dr. Tweed was right—there was no smell at all.
    â€œEach mummy is wrapped in strips of linen,” Dr. Tweed said. “Beneath the cloth—”
    Suddenly, a woman with long blond hair who was wearing a baggy dress darted forward. She snatched the child and raced out of the tomb.
    â€œStop!” Dr. Tweed shouted, bolting after the woman.
    Everyone in the room began talking at once. Before the kids could figure out