Batouch

"Batouch," she said, "you are the smartest" -- she used the word

The Garden of Allah Robert Smythe Hichens 1907

"Batouch," she said, "will you ask if Monsieur Androvsky is with Pere

The Garden of Allah Robert Smythe Hichens 1907

Batouch stared before him, and perceived that there was in truth a lifting of the darkness beyond, a whiteness growing where the desert lay.

The Garden of Allah Robert Smythe Hichens 1907

And Batouch, in his glory, had not been slow to speak of the wonders prepared under his superintendence to make complete the desert journey of his mistress and

The Garden of Allah Robert Smythe Hichens 1907

"I shall see you at the station, Batouch," Domini said quickly.

The Garden of Allah Robert Smythe Hichens 1907

He wished to accompany her, and was evidently filled with treacherous ideas of supplanting his friend Batouch, but she gave him a franc and sent him away.

The Garden of Allah Robert Smythe Hichens 1907

Androvsky was there, standing bare-headed in the sun and looking down at Batouch and the horse.

The Garden of Allah Robert Smythe Hichens 1907

Batouch on his employer's behalf before either Domini or Androvsky had time to say a word.

The Garden of Allah Robert Smythe Hichens 1907

But his guide had something to say to Batouch, and altered his pace to keep beside them for a moment.

The Garden of Allah Robert Smythe Hichens 1907

"If Madame will allow me I will salute the marabout," said Batouch.

The Garden of Allah Robert Smythe Hichens 1907