Atlantida

"Many times I have studied with Dom Granger that formidable epoch when

the aborigines opposed the conquering Arabs. With him I have seen how

the army of Sidi-Okba, one of the companions of the Prophet, invaded

this desert to reduce the Tuareg tribes and impose on them Mussulman

rules. These tribes were then rich and prosperous. They were the

Ihbggaren, the Imededren, the Ouadelen, the Kel-Gueress, the Kel-Air.

But internal quarrels sapped their strength. Still, it was not until

after a long and cruel war that the Arabians succeeded in getting

possession of the capital of the Berbers, which had proved such a

redoubtable stronghold. They destroyed it after they had massacred the

inhabitants. On the ruins Okba constructed a new city. This city is

Es-Souk. The one that Sidi-Okba destroyed was the Berber Tadmekka.

What Dom Granger asked of me was precisely that I should try to exhume

from the ruins of the Mussulman Es-Souk the ruins of Tadmekka, which

was Berber, and perhaps Christian."

"I understand," I murmured.

"So far, so good," said Morhange. "But what you must grasp now is the

practical sense of these religious men, my masters. You remember that,

even after three years of monastic life, they preserved their doubts

as to the stability of my vocation. They found at the same time means

of testing it once for all, and of adapting official facilities to

their particular purposes. One morning I was called before the Father

Abbot, and this is what he said to me, in the presence of Dom Granger,

who expressed silent approval.

"'Your term of inactive service expires in fifteen days. You will

return to Paris, and apply at the Ministry to be reinstated. With what

you have learned here, and the relationships we have been able to

maintain at Headquarters, you will have no difficulty in being

attached to the Geographical Staff of the army. When you reach the rue

de Grenelle you will receive our instructions.' "I was astonished at their confidence in my knowledge. When I was

reestablished as Captain again in the Geographical Service I

understood. At the monastery, the daily association with Dom Granger

and his pupils had kept me constantly convinced of the inferiority of

my knowledge. When I came in contact with my military brethren I

realized the superiority of the instruction I had received. I did not

have to concern myself with the details of my mission. The Ministries

invited me to undertake it. My initiative asserted itself on only one

occasion. When I learned that you were going to leave Wargla on the

present expedition, having reason to distrust my practical

qualifications as an explorer, I did my best to retard your departure,

so that I might join you. I hope that you have forgiven me by now."