"Yes; I travelled night and day, I came first of all to Ain-Sefra in search of you."
"Thank you," said Stretton.
He did not ask how it was that Warrisden had come first of all to Ain-Sefra; such details held no place in his thoughts. Warrisden had found him, had brought the letter which Pamela Mardale had written. That letter, with its perplexities and its consequences, obliterated all other speculations.
"You have a camp here?" Stretton asked.
"Yes."
"Let us go to it. The news you have brought has rather stunned me. I should like to sit down and think what I must do."
The incredulity had vanished from his face. Distress had replaced it.
"It is all true, no doubt," he went on, "but for the moment I don't understand it. Will you tell me where your camp is?"
"I will show you the way," said Warrisden.
"I think not. It will be better that we should not be seen together," Stretton said thoughtfully. "Will you give me the direction and go first? I will follow."