Beyond Cairo there is
fighting, but how canst thou go there without a correspondent's passport? And
in the desert there is always fighting, but that is impossible also," said she.
"I must go to Suakin." He knew, thanks to Alf's readings, that Torpenhow was at
work with the column that was protecting the construction of the Suakin-Berber
line. P. and O. steamers do not touch at that port, and, besides, Madame Binat
knew everybody whose help or advice was worth anything. They were not
respectable folk, but they could cause things to be accomplished, which is much
more important when there is work toward.
"But at Suakin they are always fighting. That desert breeds men always--and
always more men. And they are so bold! Why to Suakin?"
"My friend is there.
"Thy friend! Chtt! Thy friend is death, then."
Madame Binat dropped a fat arm on the table-top, filled Dick's glass anew, and
looked at him closely under the stars. There was no need that he should bow his
head in assent and say--"No. He is a man, but--if it should arrive . . .
blamest thou?"
"I blame?" she laughed shrilly. "Who am I that I should blame any one--except
those who try to cheat me over their consommations. But it is very terrible."
"I must go to Suakin.
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