New Britain herald., 1930-09-29
The Arab laughed.

The Arab laughed.
 "Lalla Vaughan, we should say he exclaimed. "Or Lalla Sekkin- the sekkin is smaller in blade than the yataghan. But perhaps you would be more truthfully described if you were Leila Mezrag - the Lady of the Lance, for you are straight and slender, and there is a fire of bravery in your eyes,
 Dagger's guide had followed this conversation with evident misgiv- ing, and he moved forward as the Arab ceased speaking.
 With submission, Sidi," he said humbly. The Lalla is unknown to you"
 But perhaps you are known to me, at least" Dagger broke in, de- termining to plunge deeper. Are you not Sidi Marut 2"
 This time the Arabs eyes re- garded her coldly, questioningly.
 Are you come recently to AL giers, Madame?" he asked.
 "Yes-to seek Sidi Marut.
 His eyes bored into hers.
 We will talk" he said. And to the guides: Wait in the street" To the proprietor he added a swift sentence in Arabic, and the rear room was promptly emptied. He bowed to Dagger: If you will honor my friend Madame? The accom- modations are poor, yet it is advis- able that we remain here."
 He arranged cushions for her to sit on and placed pot of coffee on a smoldering brazier. Then his eyes dwelt once more upon her face.
 You ask if I am sidi Marut," he said. T am he"
 You were Blaine Towards friend,' she cried eagerly.
 He bent forward.
 "Ah, yes, we were friends. Ho, many a night we have sat under the come of the People of the Book. He was my brother. And you? Were you his sister? Wife?
 Only a woman who loved him, Sidi."
 He stroked his beard thought fully.
 AS I recall, there was no woman in his life. A wife But no woman. He could have had>the fair est women in the desert- But he in, al
 T came after that" Dagger cx- plained. He was on his way to fight in France. And you did not see him again, I think" No he parted with me to journey to 1ndia-and there was talk of China. A few men he knew he car ried his problems to-
 "Yes, l remember what you said' cried Dagger. "'Be sure of Allah 8 will. then kiss the sword of the spirit"
 And you? What seek you from me-" he asked.
 T want you to tell me of Howard, show me where he went,> what he did. Perhaps, If I pattern myself after him, I shall find the happiness l am denied"
 The Sidi frowncd
 Devotion is an excellent virtue, and rare in women; but surely, there is life in store for one so young as you, Lalla. Set your feet on the path of wifehood."
 ''If a man touches my heart I will go to him." she answered. q do not think another one will, but I shall not be foolish. Will you help me, Sidi?"
 He made an impatient gesture.
 But what?" he demanded. "Al- Geria? It is all yours to see. You can go anywhere. The French have made it as safe as the Midi"
 No, I want to see the life of your people," she explained, q want to know the desert. Howard said that you were of the Senussi-"
 His eyes again bored into hers.
 That is not a subject for con- rcrsation in Algiers,' he rebuked her. "The Senussl are dreaded by Christian Roumis and apostate Mussulmans alike. It will be fore them to purify the world of the stain of disregard of the Prophets s purpose"
 If they have a purpose. if you have a purpose, will it do harm to teach it to me-" she asked. No" His answer was shot at her like a rife bullet. we will talk Of this another time, Lalla. To any woman but you I would say: Go. The desert is vast. Your place is in shelter But you were Howard 5 friend. you have a look in your eyes. I will do what I can"