CHAPTER VI
MYSTERIOUS MOSLEM
To Mary the next lap in their long journey will always remain a blank, but the oasis at which they arrived will stand out vividly in her memory.
The reason for the blank was quite simple, for, as soon as they were safely in the air, Sparky said:
“Mary, you look tired. I know you are tough as a hickory limb and you’ve got all kinds of grit—”
“Oh, thanks, Sparky,” she grinned. “I’m glad you’ve got my number.”
“Got your number!” Sparky exploded. “Of course I have and just now you need sleep. That secret cargo of ours won’t wait and so—”
“Sparky! Tell me what our secret cargo is,” she begged.
“Will you stop interrupting me?” he stormed. “How do I know what it is? That’s a military secret. All I know is that China needs all the help we can bring her, every bit! And that this cargo of ours is of the greatest importance. I shouldn’t wonder,” his voice dropped as if he were afraid someone were listening, “I shouldn’t wonder if the enemy knows it’s important. I got a warning to be on my guard not an hour ago, and that goes for you as well. This is a dangerous land. It’s all full of Italians, wild natives, and even a few traitorous Frenchmen that would sell us out for a dime or kill us just for fun.
“And so—” He paused for breath.