human
This won't do, Lieutenant. We must be getting back.
gpt
Why, my Captain? asked he.
human
The Legionaries can care for themselves. If _Nissr_ is breaking up, in the gale, we can do nothing. And on the way we may be lost. To retrace our journey over the desert would surely be to invite death.
gpt
We must return, nevertheless. This storm may last all night, and it may blow itself out in half an hour. That cannot be told. The Legion may think us lost, and try to search for us. Lives may be sacrificed. Morale demands that we go back. Moreover, we certainly need not traverse the desert.
human
How, then?
gpt
We can descend the wady to the beach, and make southward along it, under the shelter of the dunes.
human
In the noise and confusion of the storm they may take us for Arabs and shoot us down.
gpt
I will see to that. Come, we must go! Carry Lebon, if you like. Rrisa and I will take Abd el Rahman.
human
ejaculated Rrisa,
gpt
Slave of Compassion; the latter,
human
Slave of the Devil.
gpt
As thou wishest, Rrisa. But come, take his feet. I will hold him by the shoulders. So! Now, forward!
human
And have a care not to breathe the sand, Master, Rrisa warned.
gpt
Turn thy face away when the _jinnee_ smite!