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Shepheard's Hotel and Ghezireh Palace Cairo

Shepheard's Hotel May 20th, 1908.

My dear Colonel Hecker,

It seems more than agreeably strange to find plans dreamed beside last winter's hearth, working successfully under this gray dust-enveloped desert moon.  My quest takes me to Gizeh, to strange haunts of old Arabi, and he works best when the light is not too bright.  I return to my hotel, along the Nile, under the old tree covered drive, in the moonshine, and the contrast with Ferry Avenue and my quiet home is entertaining.  Those who drive to and fro with me sometimes, are also entertaining, but not in looks or smell.  In pure deviltry and intrigue they are fascinating.  Thread by thread they unwind the secret story of stealthily digging at night for the manuscripts in an anciently abandoned town on the edge of the Fayum.  It's a thrilling story as yet only partly told, but it is the true one I believe.  They are giving me more and more of it along with what seems to me to be absolute evidence and within the present week, I am to know all that they will tell.  Some of the material evidence already in my possession, at liberal cost, will surprise you when you see it.  I mention no details as yet because of hoping for more of greater interest.  I want you to know however, that I am more than pleased with what I accept as prompt success.

The heat too, does my throat much good, hoarseness and pain have both gone and there has been no recent swelling.  The sun is shockingly hot, but I seldom see much of it, except early and late in the day.  Ceylon hours work well here at this season as you know.

Your interesting letter of May 1st is rec'd. and enjoyed.

Very sincerely yours
Charles L. Freer

Long hand.