“I looked at him in silence. Then I said:
“‘What have you seen?’
“He led me to the door, and pointed towards the great dune beyond the dancing-house.
“I saw your friend this afternoon talking there with one whom it is especially unsafe to be seen with in Beni-Koujtlar.’
“‘With whom?’
“‘A dancer called Àlgia.’
“‘Talking, monsieur! Marnier knows no Arabic.’
“The aumônier pursed his lips in his black beard.
“‘The conversation appeared to be carried on by signs,’ he responded. ‘That did not make it less but more dangerous.’
“I’m afraid I was rude, and whistled softly.