Atlantida

"I am very grateful to you, Captain, for your extremely flattering

words. When do you wish to leave Wargla?"

He made a gesture of complete detachment.

"Whenever you like. Tomorrow, this evening. I have already delayed

you. Your preparations must have already been made for some time."

My little maneuver had turned against myself. I had not been counting

on leaving before the next week.

"Tomorrow, Captain, but your luggage?"

He smiled delightfully.

"I thought it best to bring as little as possible. A light pack, some

papers. My brave camel had no difficulty in bringing it along. For the

rest I depend on your advice, and the resources of Owargla."

I was well caught. I had nothing further to say. And moreover, such

freedom of spirit and manner had already captivated me.

"It seems," said my comrades, when the time for aperitives had brought

us all together again, "that this Captain of yours is a remarkably

charming fellow."

"Remarkably."

"You surely can't have any trouble with him. It is only up to you to

see that later on he doesn't get all the glory."

"We aren't working with the same end in view," I answered evasively.

I was thoughtful, only thoughtful I give you my word. From that moment

I harbored no further grudge against Morhange. Yet my silence

persuaded him that I was unforgiving. And everyone, do you hear me,

everyone said later on, when suspicions became rife: "He is surely guilty. We saw them go off together. We can affirm it."

I am guilty.... But for a low motive of jealousy.... How sickening....

After that, there was nothing to do but to flee, flee, as far as the

places where there are no more men who think and reason.

Morhange, appeared, his arm resting on the Major's, who was beaming

over this new acquaintanceship.

He presented him enthusiastically: "Captain Morhange, gentlemen. An officer of the old school, and a man

after our own hearts, I give you my word. He wants to leave tomorrow,

but we must give him such a reception that he will forget that idea

before two days are up. Come, Captain, you have at least eight days to

give us."

"I am at the disposition of Lieutenant de Saint-Avit," replied

Morhange, with a quiet smile.

The conversation became general. The sound of glasses and laughter

rang out. I heard my comrades in ecstasies over the stories that the

newcomer poured out with never-failing humor. And I, never, never have

I felt so sad.

The time came to pass into the dining-room.

"At my right, Captain," cried the Major, more and more beaming. "And I

hope you will keep on giving us these new lines on Paris. We are not

up with the times here, you know."