The great pyramid passages and chambers

uncut! That this was their set purpose is proved by the fact that the orifices were not merely plugged, for there was no jointing, but, to quote Professor C. Piazzi Smyth, “the thin plate was a ‘left,’ and a very skilfully, as well as symmetrically left, part of the grand block composing that portion of the wall on either side.’ This is well seen in the photograph which we took of the orifice of the north air-channel—Plate CLXIII. Half of it is still covered by this five-inch thickness of once concealing stone. (This was the last flashlight photograph taken by us in the Great Pyramid of Gizeh.)

594 What purpose could the ancient architect have had in view to induce him to expend so much time and trouble in constructing two long air-channels, in such a way that they would be useless as conductors of air until someone would seek, find, and remove the barrier ? For we must remember that the first part of the channels to be laid down in the process of building the Pyramid, would be those portions which are incomplete to the extent of the five inches of uncut stone ; and that all the hundreds of feet of carefully executed channelling which ascend from the Queen’s Chamber at a steep angle, must have been added stone by stone as the Pyramid rose course by course. As even a casual examination of the various features of this great stone building convinces one that its erector was not by any means a fool, and that he had reason in everything he did, the problem of these air-conductors of the Queen's Chamber has puzzled the minds of many, even as numerous other features in the Great Pyramid have done.

595 Whatever may be the scientific reason, if any, for these incompleted channels, the symbolical meaning which appeals to us as correct is that suggested by C. T. Russell—See Pars, 141-143.

596 The greater part of the walls of the Queen’s Chamber is covered with salt incrustation, which makes it difficult to examine them to any great extent. But here and there are clear spaces, and on parts of the west wall especially we were able to examine the joints between the stones. These joints are marvellous in their closeness, and are barely discernible. Mr. Covington said he has great delight in pointing them out to interested visitors, and watching the look of astonishment on their faces. Some are at first inclined to believe that what are pointed out to them as joints, are really the ruled scratch of a knife. And yet, though so fine, these joints, both vertical and horizontal, contain cement !

597 When we had finished our work in the Queen’s Chamber and Horizontal Passage, we picked up our camera, measuring-tape, etc., and made our way down the First Ascending Passage for the last time. Then, taking a look into Al Mamoun’s forced passage to make sure that none of our measuring-rods had been left there (for we always hid them in that place when away from the Pyramid), we climbed up the Descending Passage to the Entrance, taking care not to give our heads a final knock against the low roof. On reaching the outside we found Judah sitting there, looking rather gloomy. We spoke cheeringly to him, and he brightened up. He had, lying beside him, all our measuring-rods tied in a bundle, and the rope-ladder coiled up ready to take over to Mr. Covington’s tent.

598 After lunch, we took leave of Abdul Salam Faid and his brothers (who are partners with him in the tent-contracting business), and thanked them for all their

299