“IT’S all your fault!” whispered Jenny fiercely. “How could you leave the notebook behind?”

“You’re the one who created all the panic,” hissed back Pam.

“It’s no use fighting. Let’s think what to do next,” said Kate sensibly.

The girls stared at each other in dismay. It was past six o’clock and they were locked inside the National Institute of Historical Artefacts.

It had all started earlier in the day when Miss Williams had given them the history homework. Pam had to write a detailed report on Mayan civilisation. She had the grand idea of visiting the museum to see the artefacts, costumes and weapons on display to get the ‘feel’ of the ancient civilisation.

After spending hours in the marbled halls, they had compiled an excellent report. When the alarm went off to signal closing time, the girls hurriedly stuffed their things in their bags. Just as they were going out, Pam discovered that they had left the notebook behind. As they hurried back to retrieve it, the guards locked the doors and left for the day. They were locked inside with no way out.

“Mom thinks we’re spending the night at your place,” wailed Jenny

“And mine will think I’m crashing in with you two,” said Kate. “Our mobiles are locked in at the reception desk so we can’t call them. What should we…”

“Hush, what’s that?” Hearing a thud sound, they all froze in their tracks.

“Maybe the statues come alive at night like they show in movies,” whispered Kate.

“Don’t be silly. Statues don’t come alive.”

“Then who’s making these sounds? We’re the only ones here, remember?”

Pam pushed the other two behind a counter displaying a dizzying array of Mayan jewellery. They carefully peered towards the main hall. What they saw made their hearts jump into their mouths.

Three men, dressed entirely in black were surveying the area. They were wearing ski masks with holes for eyes. Each was carrying a flashlight and a rucksack. They seemed at ease in the semi darkness.

“Do you know what’s in there?” gasped Pam. “Nefertiti’s mask, which is on loan to us from Egypt. How embarrassing if this priceless artefact is stolen from our museum.”

“There’s only one thing to do. We have to stop these rotten burglars,” declared Jenny.

The three girls made up their minds. The men might be adults, armed and dangerous, but there was no way the girls were going to let them make their country a laughing stock in front of the whole world. But how? That was the question.

They looked around, searching for something they could use.

“I have an idea,” said Pam excitedly. “Let’s push this statue of the warrior king towards that man.” She indicated towards one of the thieves who was walking nonchalantly towards a painting. The girls hid behind the massive sculpture and pushed with all their might. Luckily, it was mounted on a well oiled trolley, probably to make cleaning easier. The statue slid noiselessly across the marbled floor. The thief looked up at the looming shadow in horror. His eyes widened his knees gave way and he toppled silently on the floor.

The girls dragged the unconscious man into a broom closet and locked the door.

“One down, two to go,” Pam crowed.

“Kate, you’re taller than us. Get inside this armour quickly.” The other two girls helped Kate into the armour and jammed on the visor. In the darkened cavernous hall, she looked a very frightening figure.

Heart thumping, Kate approached the second robber and swung her mace menacingly. The robber howled and scrambled backwards on the floor. In fright, he toppled a vase which smashed down on his head. He looked about dizzily, and fell into a faint.

The girls had to think quickly now. The third thief had been alerted by the shrieks of his partner. He looked around, gun in hand, his eyes narrowed with suspicion. All he could see was his accomplice crumpled on the floor and a knight’s armour nearby.

Eyes darting, he crept cautiously towards his friend. Kate tapped him on the shoulder. He whipped around and she brought her shield crashing down his skull.

Pam and Jenny searched him. They found a phone which they used to call their parents and the police. There was quite an uproar, but, as Kate said, all’s well that ends well. Nefertiti’s mask was safe and so was their country’s honour.