The gentleman came bearing a particularly chilling story. It seems that 14 years before, Forthright's uncle had disappeared into the Nubian desert along with his beautiful child-bride, never to return. Now a mysterious letter from an unknown source has convinced Forthright's disconsolate grandfather that his son and daughter-in-law are still alive. In spite of Forthright's protests to the contrary, the senior Willoughby is intent on pursuading the two archaeologists to find them.