"No, that's not true," she protested and cast about for explanations.
"He—he has had a long day and to-night he was tired—and when you are
tired—Oh, as a rule he's different." And to her relief she heard
Ballantyne's voice outside the tent.
"Thresk! Thresk!"
She came forward and held out her hand.
"There! Your camel's ready," she said. "You must go! Goodbye," and as he took it the old friendliness transfigured her face. "You are a great man now. I read of you. You always meant to be, didn't you? Hard work?"
"Very," said Thresk. "Four o'clock in the morning till midnight;" and she suddenly caught him by the arm.
"But it's worth it." She let him go and clasped her hands together. "Oh, you have got everything!" she cried in envy.
"No," he answered. But she would not listen.
"Everything you asked for," she said and she added hurriedly, "Do you still collect miniatures? No time for that now I suppose." Once more Ballantyne's voice called to them from the camp-fire.
"You must go."
Thresk looked through the opening of the tent. Ballantyne had turned and was coming back towards them.