"When do you expect to leave me?"
"To-day. The road which Eg-Anteouen proposes to take into Ahaggar crosses this one about four leagues from here. I have a favor to ask of you in this connection."
"Please tell me."
"It is to let me take one of the two baggage camels, since my Targa has lost his."
"The camel which carries your baggage belongs to you as much as does your own mehari," I answered coldly.
We stood there several minutes without speaking. Morhange maintained an uneasy silence; I was examining my map. All over it in greater or less degree, but particularly towards the south, the unexplored portions of Ahaggar stood out as far too numerous white patches in the tan area of supposed mountains.
I finally said:
"You give me your word that when you have seen these famous grottos, you will make straight for Timissao by Tit and Silet?"
He looked at me uncomprehendingly.
"Why do you ask that?"