20-THE PHARAOH'S TREASURE

THE PHARAOH'S TREASURE Professor Sandsnout was ecstatic. He hugged Benjamin and Bugsy. "Great work, you two! Now we can finally figure out what the pharaoh's precious treasure is!" he cried excitedly. We went back to the professor's office. We were all curious to find out what the treasure would be. Would it be gold? Would it be jewels? Carefully, the professor fit the two pieces of papyrus together. Then he began to translate the mysterious Egyptian hieroglyphics.... HERE'S THE FIRST FRAGMENT OF THE PAPYRUS! HERE'S THE MISSING FRAGMENT!

I am the pharaoh of upper and Lower Egypt. I am now resting in a priceless golden sarcophagus. I ruled over the fertile lands near the River Nile and all of the rodents who lived there. I lived in a large palace with many servants. I commanded a powerful army. I knew many riches in my life. but my most precious treasure was... ... my beloved, loving bride, Neferati. beautiful and wise was Neferati.

She squeaked into my life Just when I needed her most. Her voice was like music to my ears. Her smile was like the brightest star in the sky. The love that united us Was truly worth more than gold. Therefore, my heart's desire Is to always rest At the side of my beloved bride. We were close in life, and so shall be in death... This is the desire of Pharaoh Akhenraten.

When Professor Sandsnout finished translating, no one squeaked a word. What a wonderful love story. Maybe someday I would be head-over-paws in love, just like the pharaoh. The professor turned on the computer. "Let's see what we can find out about Pharaoh Akhenraten," he said. He typed in the name. "Here it is!" he exclaimed. He began to read out loud. "Pharaoh Akhenraten was married to the beautiful, Wise, and extremely talkative Neferati. It is said their

love was stronger than the sharpest cheddar. They had twelve children. Their rule was happy and long. The pharaoh was against BATTLES and WAR. He strove to bring peace, love, and happiness to all of his people." Benjamin grabbed my paw. "If the pharaoh wished so much to be buried next to Nefcrati, then can we find a way to reunite them, Uncle?" he asked. Professor Sandsnout stared at the computer, deep in thought. He tugged on his beard, gnawed his paw nails, then twisted his tail up in a knot. Finally, he jumped out of his seat and pumped one paw in the air. "Yes, we can do it!" he squeaked. We can do it!