The Sheik

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."