“‘You’re too done up, I expect?’ I said to him.
“His face was pale, and he certainly had the demeanour of a tired man.
“‘No,’ he answered. ‘I should like to stroll in this wonderful air.’
“I turned to the priest.
“‘Yes, monsieur,’ I said.
“‘I come here to take my meals, but I live at the edge of the town. Perhaps you will permit me to accompany you for a little way.’
“‘We shall be delighted, and we know nothing of Beni-Kouidar.’
“As we stepped out into the market Marnier paused to light his pipe. But suddenly he threw away the match he had struck.
“‘No, it’s a sin to smoke in this air,’ he said.
“And he drew a deep breath, looking at the round moon.