I wrote down the simple statement that I wished to go to El-Kerak
for personal reasons, and that I waived all claim against the
British Administration for personal protection, whether there or
en route. A clerk, who looked as if he could not have been hired
to know, or understand, or remember anything without permission,
came in answer to the bell. I signed. He witnessed.

Sir Louis put the letter in a drawer, and the clerk went
out again.

"How soon will you go?"

I told about the promised escort, and that a day or two would be
needed to get word to ben Nasir. I forgot that ben Nasir would
not start before moonrise. It appeared that Sir Louis knew more
than he cared to admit.

"Can't we get word to ben Nasir for him, Grim?"

Grim nodded. So did Sir Louis:

"Good. There'll be no need, then, for you to take any one into
confidence," he said, turning to me again. "As a rule it isn't
well to talk about these things, because people get wrong ideas.
There are others in Jerusalem who would like permission to go
to El-Kerak."

"I'll tell nobody."

He nodded again. He was still considering things in the back