“Well, life is full of extraordinary coincidences, isn’t it? And when a woman who can do so little sees a wounded man—”
There were other wounded men scattered about the deck. I glanced at them as I said, “And have you done that for all the wounded men on board?”
“I’ve done it for all I know.”
“And how many do you know?”
She averted her profile, with an air of having had enough of the subject.
“I wanted you to tell me a minute ago why you were asking me these questions, and you said for nothing.” I could see her smile behind the chiffon of the yashmak as she went on, “Since that’s your only reason, perhaps you won’t mind if I don’t answer you.”
“But if I had a reason for asking, would you tell me then?”
“Wouldn’t it have to depend on the reason?”
“You’re very careful.”
She shot a daring, smiling glance at me as she riposted, “Well, aren’t you?” Before I had time to recover from the slight shock that these words dealt me she pointed to the horizon. “See, there’s smoke over there. I do hope it’s not another U-boat.”