“I have a thousand apologies to make to you, my dear fellow,” he said immediately, with a frankness that I have never seen in any other man.  “You must be furious with my importunity in upsetting your plans and delaying your departure.”

“By no means, Captain,” I replied coolly.

“You really have only yourself to blame.  It is on account of your knowledge of the southern, routes, so highly esteemed at Paris, that I wished to have you to initiate me when the Ministries of Instruction and of Commerce, and the Geographical Society combined to charge me with the mission which brings me here.  These three honorable institutions have in fact entrusted me with the attempt to re-establish the ancient track of the caravans, which, from the ninth century, trafficked between Tunis and the Soudan, by Toweur, Wargla, Es-Souk and the bend of the Bourroum; and to study the possibility of restoring this route to its ancient splendor.  At the same time, at the Geographic Bureau, I heard of the journey that you are undertaking.  From Wargla to Shikh-Salah our two itineraries are the same.  Only I must admit to you that it is the first voyage of this kind that I have ever undertaken.  I would not be afraid to hold forth for an hour on Arabian literature in the amphitheatre of the School of Oriental Languages, but I know well enough that in the desert I should have to ask for directions whether to turn right or left.  This is the only chance which could give me such an opportunity, and at the same time put me under obligation for this introduction to so charming a companion.  You must not blame me if I seized it, if I used all my influence to retard your departure from Wargla until the instant when I could join you.  I have only one more word to add to what I have said.  I am entrusted with a mission which by its origin is rendered essentially civilian.  You are sent out by the Ministry of War.  Up to the moment when, arrived at Shikh-Salah we turn our backs on each other to attain, you Touat, and I the Niger, all your recommendations, all your orders, will be followed by a subaltern, and, I hope, by a friend as well.”

All the time he was talking so openly I felt delightedly my worst recent fears melting away.  Nevertheless, I still experienced a mean desire to show him some marks of reserve, for having thus disposed of my company at a distance, without consulting me.

“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.”