Page:The Plutocrat (1927).pdf/318

 why he must go on as she had too adroitly planned: the concierge of the hotel had handed him a telegram from Cayzac's offices and it informed him that his rather anxiously expected letters had been received in Algiers and forwarded to Biskra. It might take them some time to be returned to Algiers; he was now within two days' easy motoring of Biskra; and the letters were growing daily more important to him.

Humiliating as it was to be used—and used by a woman to whom he had shown only the tenderest chivalry—he must continue to be used. Then, having reached this enfeebling conclusion, he thought of the Arab donkeys and their unfailing behaviour, which was what Mme. Momoro had prophesied of them. What a reproach to him! For they were ridden, yes; but at least they showed a fighting heel to the road, rider or no rider. He had none to show; and with a sickish laugh, he found himself facing a deduction that in spirit he was not their equal.

From a little distance there came on the night air a sonorous palpitation: the rolling of drums and a challenging music from the bugles of a detachment of French cavalry on the march. The sounds, so martial and stirring, roused him from his distressful reverie; and as he stepped out upon the small balcony