“The Great Pyramid,” Blamey breathed. “Amazing, eh?” The huge pyramid was breathtaking in its immensity. “See the top, old boy? Flat. Legend has it that the capstone was pure gold. Legend, amazing eh?” The tractor with its huge wheels moved easily over the sand. Blamey waved a hand. “Lots of pies in the construction of that marvel.”

“Pies?” Bill was startled. “They must be stale by now.”

“Ha-ha. No, I mean the ratio of the circumference to the radius thingo and the Golden Mean and the Fibonacci Series. Jolly mystical, what?”

He glanced at a big camel was keeping pace with them. Its mouth and wide lips were busy chewing the cud. Very busy. Suddenly, Blamey really noticed him.

“No, no! Don’t you…! Don’t you dare!” he shouted.

The camel pursed its lips. Bill half turned. “Ramses, bark!” he shouted. The dog came alive, barking loudly. The camel gave one aloof look, turned aside and spat. A huge wet gob splattered the sand. “Good boy,” Bill said. He patted the Professor on the head. “Good boy. Oh!” He realised what he’d done. “Sorry, I’m used to Ramses sitting besides me.”

“No harm done, old boy. No harm. Well done, that dog. Well done.”