The Vicomte shrugged his shoulders, and, going to his suit-case, took
from it an English illustrated paper, and opening it at the central
page handed it to the Sheik silently.
Ahmed Ben Hassan moved closer to the hanging lamp so that the light
fell directly on the paper in his hands. There were two large
full-length photographs of Diana, one in evening dress and the other as
the Vicomte had first seen her, in riding breeches and short jacket,
her hat and whip lying at her feet, and the bridle of the horse that
was standing beside her over her arm.
Under the photographs was written: "Miss Diana Mayo, whose protracted
journey in the desert is causing anxiety to a large circle of friends.
Miss Mayo left Biskra under the guidance of a reputable caravan-leader
four months ago, with the intention of journeying for four weeks in the
desert and returning to Oran. Since the first camp nothing has been
heard of Miss Mayo or her caravan. Further anxiety is occasioned by the
fact that considerable unrest is reported amongst the tribes in the
locality towards which Miss Mayo was travelling. Her brother, Sir
Aubrey Mayo, who is detained in America as the result of an accident,
is in constant cable communication with the French authorities. Miss
Mayo is a well-known sports-woman and has travelled widely."
For a long time the Sheik studied the photographs silently, then with
slow deliberation he tore the page out of the paper and rolled it up.
"With your permission," he said coolly, and held it over the flame of
the little lamp by the bedside. He held it until the burning paper
charred to nothing in his hand and then flicked the ashes from his long
fingers. "Henri has seen this?"
"Unquestionably. Henri reads all my papers," replied Saint Hubert, with
a touch of impatience.
"Then Henri can hold his tongue," said the Sheik nonchalantly,
searching in the folds of his waist-cloth for his case and lighting
another cigarette with elaborate carelessness.
"What are you going to do?" asked Saint Hubert pointedly.
"I? Nothing! The French authorities have too many affairs on hand and
too high an appreciation of Ahmed Ben Hassan's horses to prosecute
inquiries in my direction. Besides, they are not responsible.
Mademoiselle Mayo was warned of the risks she ran before she left
Biskra. She chose to take the risks, et voila!"
"Will nothing make you change your mind?"
"I am not given to changing my mind. You know that. And, besides, why
should I? As I told you before, she is content."