The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-09-04
By George Gibbs

the game would now be doubly
difficult. How could she even at
tempt to get the information she
wanted unless she could manage
in some way to cajole Hassan into
believing in her loyalty? In what
mood could she expect to find
him since the defeat Of NAH
moud's attempt on Ronnie's life?
And what had become Of NAH
mould?
She had the answer to one OF
these questions when the phone
rang and Hassan Isar's voice in
quired for her.
Cali right, Joe, just headache,
so I didn't go to Bethlehem with
Josie and the others this morn
ing. I've been there before. Yes,
I'd like to see you . Lunch
here at one? Delighted. I'll be
down in twenty minutes"
The maitre d'hotel showed them
to a quiet corner where HasSan
Isar ordered her a cocktail and
then a very good lunch.
81 suppose 1 may as well tell
you, Camilla, that my name is not
Joseph Asad. In Syria it's Hassan
Isar. Across the Jordan they call
me that" He added then narrow
ly, 'You knew it, didn't your"
eyes," she said, Ronald Bark
er told. me-"
He went on quickly, you're
driving to Damascus with the 9TH
er tourists in few days, I under
stand. I want you to know the
real Syria that can't be seen from
motor bus. That's what l asked
you to lunch to talk about-didn't
you suspect it? q caravan - a
train of camels with baggage and
servants and everything that you
could desire. I want you to see the
desert under these conditions, IN
the starlight"
cit sounds fascinating. But I'm
afraid"
"Of what are you afraid?" Has
san asked Camilla. "In America
it's nothing for a girl to drive
with a man until three o'clock in
the morning"
"This is slightly different. Cos
Sip travels fast. Doesn't my repu-
tation mean anything to your"
give offered to make you my
wife E. my only wife. That can
be quickly arranged"
81 don't want anything quickly
arranged. I can't change my whole
life, my mode of living, my ma
tionality, just in moment. You
see I have friends and relatives
who would be scandalized. l can't
do anything in hurry"
He frowned at his coffee cup
and spoke slowly. ''None of these
things should matter to you II
you cared for me as you said you
did the other night on the train.
Or was that just convenient
falsehood? Oh, it doesn't matter
to me if you lied that night-a
lie to a man is a Woman's prlvl-
Geographically if she thinks she
cares for another man."
"Who gave you this idea? Kitty
Trimble?'
eyes, she says you're in love
with Ronald Barker"
"You believe herr"
s'What else can I believer" He
gave her an unpleasant smile and
shrugged. II have no fear of Ron
aid Barker. He is too cool, too
calculating for one of your sort
too British to suit your pattern,
which is my pattern of every
thing a woman should be-"
Thanks" she gasped, breath
less and a little alarmed at his
omniscience.
He smiled again. "You see I'm
more honest than you are, l lay
all my cards on the table. I want
you at any cost. If I were sure OF
you you would lose half your
charm"
One of the Turkish-looking
flunkies who stood around the re-
volving door of the lobby now
approached him with a sealed
note which her companion tore
open and read. He pushed back
his chair, still froWning. eyes,
Camilla, I'm sorry to be OBJ
iged to leave you but 1--we
been sent for and I must go at
once. If you'll excuse me-"
He rose, bowed and went out,
while she followed him slowly. At
the revolving door she saw him
meet a man attired in tarboosh
and European clothing, and hur-
wv off in taxi.