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 THE RED RUGS OF TARSUS

hiss of the flames and smell kerosene in the smoke. Then the rending and crashing of the floors made a deafening noise, and the sparks began to alight on our property.

This is the regular order of things, kill, loot, burn. The Armenian quarter is the most substantial part of the city. Most of the peo- ple store cotton on the ground floor, and this, together with liberal applications of kerosene, served to make a holocaust. Now at evening- time we realize our own imminent danger.

I have made tea about twenty times during the day. What a blessing you sent those pro- visions. Good thing we chose from among our wedding gifts the chafing-dish and the tea- basket to bring along on our journey. I have given away everything I could spare. Things to drink out of are a vital necessity. I gave away my tooth-mug to a thirsty old woman, and reserved as my drinking cup the little china affair one keeps tooth-brushes in on a wash- stand. It stands unabashed beside the smart [116]

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