The great pyramid passages and chambers

a line from the Entrance down to the edge of the plateau on which the Pyramid is built, to pass the rubbish along and deposit it clear of the Pyramid itself. The cost might be from thirty to fifty pounds ($150 to $250), and might even be more. I felt downcast, as I knew we could not afford to pay so much. However, as it was important that accurate measurements should be made, not only of the Descending Passage, but also of the Small Horizontal Passage leading to the Subterranean Chamber, I decided to get at least this latter passage cleared out. Accordingly, I instructed Judah, who has been my right-hand man for the past week, to engage and superintend three men to do this limited portion.

237 They finished the work in a day, with three hours still to spare; and so by way of a trial, just to see what could be done in a humble way with the three men, I directed Judah to ascertain how much of the rubbish in the Descending Passage could be carried out in baskets in these three hours. They commenced at the top a few feet below the point where the First Ascending Passage leaves the Descending Passage—Plate IX. At this place there is a large granite block which was discovered by Professor Flinders Petrie in 1881, and is mentioned in his book. A few years ago Mr. Covington closed the eighteen-inch space between this granite block and the roof with an iron grill-door. From here downward, according to Professor Petrie, the Descending Passage measures, approximately, 235 feet.

238 One of the men filled basket after basket with the rubbish, and the other two carried these up the passage to the Entrance, and then down to the great rubbish mound in front of the Pyramid where they emptied them, taking care to keep clear of Mr. Covington’s newly excavated casing-stones. It was wonderful how much they did in those three hours. I felt encouraged, and asked Judah’s advice about carrying on the work next day. He recommended me to engage nine men, and to leave it to him, and he would see that the work was done. Judah was as good as his word. The men did so well that I was determined to continue the same method till the passage was cleared throughout its entire length. The number of men was increased each day, as more ground had to be traversed in carrying out the rubbish, till during the last two days I have had eighteen men in addition to Judah working there.

239 This particular part of the work is now complete, and it has not cost more than five pounds! Mr. Covington is astonished, and expresses it as his opinion that the men have worked well for me in order to spite him, for they do not seem to like him overmuch, although he is very good to them in many ways. Judah impressed upon me several times during the work, that I was to trust him and he would see that the work was well done. He said: ‘Me and my father are going to deal straight with you. Trust Judah. We have received two letters from M. Maspero, saying that we are to take care of you, and we would be afraid not to please you. We want you to be pleased.” He is constantly asking me if I am pleased, and I always answer that I am satisfied, as indeed I am, for everything has gone on much better than I had been led to expect.

240 I have not employed boys, having been advised by Mr. Covington to employ men only, for although their wages are higher, they can do the work much more quickly and satisfactorily. They begin work at half-past six in the morning, and continue till noon, and then, after an interval of two hours, they resume work till six in

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