This is the first of Peabody's adventures in which Rameses plays a vital role. Here, we learn how Peabody and Emerson first encountered the Master Criminal, how the Lion came to Chalfont, and how Rameses began his career as an excavator. To me this book works on several levels; with the conflict between religions and cultures, the animal rights theme (courtesy of Rameses) and the introduction of the Master Criminal weaving in and out of the narrative in a manner that makes the story truly three-dee. Rameses is now about five years old and his doting Papa is now willing to risk the dangers of Egypt. John the Footman, comes along to keep an eye on the alarmingly accident prone lad, but fails to prevent Rameses from conducting his own excavations and investigations alongside his Mama and Papa. In the end, however, it is Rameses' talent for languages that solves the case.