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 THE RED RUGS OF TARSUS

Albanian officer and the soldiers were under his command. The train he had seized in Adana was still at the station. He could try to get down the line to Mersina. His coming with the soldiers might stave off the mas- sacre for a few hours. The ships were bound to reach Mersina soon.

I had no choice, Mother. It all seemed so simple the only thing to do. It is still life or death, and we don't know which. But we do know each step as we go along. I put my hands on Herbert's shoulders to hold myself up. For I only pretend to strength and cour- age. I really have neither. And I said to him : "You are all the world to me, but I must remember that you are only one man to the world." He answered : "Of course. That 's the way it is. I shall try my best to get back to-night." He kissed me and went out. We would both have lost our nerve if we had talked longer. I 'm glad he hurried. I threw [142]

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