“‘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.
“The priest smiled.
“‘I have lived here for four years,’ he said, ‘and cannot resist my cigar. But you are right. The air of Beni-Kouidar is extraordinary. When first I came here it used to mount to my head like wine.’