Mark and Hugh are school friends. When Mark visits Hugh's house, where there is the most odd museum, complete with mummies. For Hugh's father is an archaeologist and Egyptologist. One day, Mark receives word from his friend to 'Come at once if you can.' He finds Hugh has taken over his father's work and is in possession of a secret encoded in a papyrus that is thousands of years old. He has discovered that the descendants of the ancient pharaohs are still living in the Lybian desert. The two friends set out at once for Egypt. Their journey involves incredible adventures, strange sights, a beautiful princess and great dangers.