Saurid, the son of Sabaloc, who, it is said, was the first to
receive a warning dream of the coming flood. Saurid, being
convinced by his priests, astrologers and soothsayers that the
portent was a true one, became from that time possessed of one
idea, which was that the vast learning of Egypt, its sciences,
discoveries and strange traditions should not be lost,--and that
the exploits and achievements of those who were great and famous
in the land should be so recorded as never to be forgotten. In
those days, here where you see these measureless tracts of sand,
there were great mountainous rocks and granite quarries, and
Saurid utilized these for the hollowing out of deep caverns in
which to conceal treasure. When these caverns were prepared to his
liking, he caused a floor to be made, portions of which were
rendered movable by means of secret springs, and then leaving a
hollow space of some four feet in height, he started foundations
for another floor above it. This upper floor is what you nowadays
see when you enter the Pyramid,--and no one imagines that under it
is an open space with room to walk in, and yet another floor
below, where everything of value is secreted."

Dr. Dean drew a long breath of wonderment.

"Astonishing, if true!"

The Princess smiled somewhat disdainfully, and went on:

"Saurid's work was carried on after his death by his successors,
and with thousands of slaves toiling night and day the Pyramids
were in the course of years raised above the caverns which
concealed Egypt's mysteries. Everything was gradually accumulated