"Whenever you like. Tomorrow, this evening. I have already delayed you. Your preparations must have already been made for some time."
My little maneuver had turned against myself. I had not been counting on leaving before the next week.
"Tomorrow, Captain, but your luggage?"
He smiled delightfully.
"I thought it best to bring as little as possible. A light pack, some papers. My brave camel had no difficulty in bringing it along. For the rest I depend on your advice, and the resources of Owargla."
I was well caught. I had nothing further to say. And moreover, such freedom of spirit and manner had already captivated me.
"It seems," said my comrades, when the time for aperitives had brought us all together again, "that this Captain of yours is a remarkably charming fellow."
"Remarkably."
"
You surely can't have any trouble with him. It is only up to you to see that later on he doesn't get all the glory."