Abbeville progress. (Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, La.) 1913-1944, 1913-06-28
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Man Who Didn't Care.

1t was the first of February when
Ackermann's caravan drew into the
ancient city of Damascus. That part
Of the caravan deserted by Mahomed
put out for Cairo Immediately they
struck the regular camel-way. For
tune. George and Ryanne were in a
pitiable condition, heart and body
weary, In rage and tatters. George,
now that the haven was assured,
dropped his forced buoyancy. his pratt
tie, his jests. He had done all a NOR
tai man could to keep up the spirits
Of his co-unfortunates; and he saw
that, most Of the time. he had wasted
his talents. Ryanne, sullen and mo-
rose, often told him to shut up"
which wasn't exhilarating. And For
tune viewed his attempts without
sensing them and frequently looked at
him without seeing him. Now, all this
was not particularly comforting to the
man who loved her and was doing
what he could to tighten the dreari-
ness Of the journey. He made allow
ances. however; besides suffering I'M
usual privations, Fortune had had a
frightful mental shock A girl of her
depth of character could not be ex-
pected to rise Immediately to the old
level. Sometimes. while gathered
about the evening fire, he would look
VI. to find her sad eyes staring at him.
ard 1t mattered not If he stared in re-
turn; kind Of clairvoyance blurred
vf.fbilities. for she was generally look
ing into her garden at Mentone and
wondering when this horrible dream
would pass. Subjects for converse
ton were exhausted in no time. Dig
as he might. George could find moth
ing new; and often he recounted the
same tale twice of an evening. Sar.
donic laughter from Ryanne.
Ackermann had given them up as
hopeless. He was strong, vain, DOM
ineering man, kindly at heart, how
ever, but impatient. When he told a
story. he demanded the attention of
all; so. when Ryanne yawned before
his eyes, and George drew pictures in
the sand, and the girl fell asleep with
her head upon her knees, he drew
Of abruptly and left them to their
own devices. He had crossed and re-
crossed the silences so often that he
was no longer capable of Judging &C
curately another mans mental BRO
cesses. That they had had a strange
and numbing experience he readily
understood; but now that they were
out of duress and headed for the
coast. he saw no reason why they
should not act like human beings.
They still put up the small tent for
Fortune, but the rest of them slept
upon the sand, under the stars. Once,
George awoke as the dawn was gild-
ing the east. Silhouetted against the
sky he saw Fortune. She was stand
ing straight. her hands pressed at her
sides, her head tilted back-a tense
attitude. He did not know It, but
she was asking God why these things
should be- He threw of his blanket
and ran to her.
Fortune. you mustn't do that. You
will catch cold"
Il cannot Sleep" she said simply.
He took her by the hand and led
her to the tent. Try" he said. Then
he did something he had never done
before to any woman save his mother
He kissed her hand, turned quickly.
and went over to his blanket She
remained motionless before the tent.
The hand fascinated her. From the
hand her gaze travelled to the man
settling himself comfortably under his
blanket. Pity, pity! that
was ever 10 be her portion: pity!