Excavation by James Rollins Read Free Book Online

unfortunately, it was European.”
    â€œWhat?” Sam’s shock was shared by the others.
    Henry held up a wavering hand. “As near as I can tell, he was a Dominican priest, probably a friar.”
    Maggie leaned toward the microphone. “And the Incas mummified one of their hated enemies—a priest of a foreign god?”
    â€œI know. Strange. I plan to do a little research here and see if I can trace this friar’s history before returning. It’s not what I wanted to prove, but it is still intriguing.”
    â€œEspecially in the light of our discovery here,” Sam added.
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Henry asked.
    Sam explained about their discovery of the sealed door and the Latin inscriptions.
    Henry was nodding by the end of Sam’s description. “So the conquistadors truly did find the village. Damn.” Henry slowly took off his glasses and rubbed at the small indentations on his nose. His next words seemed more like he was thinking aloud. “But what happened here five hundred years ago? The answer must lie behind that door.”
    Sam could almost hear the gears whirring in his uncle’s mind.
    Philip grabbed the mike. “Should we open the door tomorrow?”
    Sam interrupted before his uncle could answer. “Of course not. I think we should wait until Doc returns. If it’s a significant find, I think we’d need his expertise and experience to explore it.”
    Philip’s face grew red. “I can handle anything we discover.”
    â€œYou couldn’t even handle—”
    Henry interrupted, his voice stern and tight. “Mr. Sykes is right, Sam. Open the door tomorrow. Whatever lies hidden beyond the sealed portal may aid my research here in the States.” His uncle’s eyes traveled over the entire group. “And it is not just Philip I trust. I am counting on all of you to proceed as I’ve taught you—cautiously and meticulously.”
    Even with these last words, Sam noticed the gloating expression on Philip’s face. The Harvard grad would be unbearable from there on out. Sam’s fingers gripped the table’s edge with anger. But he dare not question his uncle. It would sound so petty.
    â€œSam,” his uncle continued, “I’d like a few words in private.” Henry’s words were severe and scolding in tone. “The rest of you should hit your pillows. You’ve a long daytomorrow.”
    Muttering arose from the others as they said their good-byes and shuffled off.
    Henry’s voice followed them from the tent. “And good work, folks!”
    Sam watched the others leave. Philip was last to slip out of the tent, but not before shining a tight smile of triumph on his lips. Sam’s right hand balled into a fist.
    â€œSam,” his uncle said softly, “are they all gone?”
    Forcing his hand to relax, Sam faced his uncle again. “Yeah, Uncle Hank,” he said, dropping to a more familiar demeanor.
    â€œI know Philip can rankle everyone. But he is also a smart kid. If Philip can grow to be half the archaeologist his father was, he’ll be a fine scholar. So cut him some slack.”
    â€œIf you say so…”
    â€œI do.” Henry slid his chair closer to the computer. His shaky image grew on the screen. “Now as to the reason I wanted to speak to you in private. Though I voiced my support of Philip, I need you to be my eyes and ears tomorrow. You’ve had a lot more dig experience, and I’m counting on you to help guide Philip.”
    Sam could not suppress a groan. “Uncle Hank, he’ll never listen. He already thinks he’s the big buck at the salt lick.”
    â€œFind a way, Sam.” Henry replaced his eyeglasses, ending the matter. He stared silently at Sam as if weighing him. “If you are to be my eyes and ears, you’ll need to know everything I know, Sam. There are some items I’ve kept from the others. To