CHAPTER V

Jill had an entrancing speaking voice. She spoke on a low note, and
having trained the muscles of the throat to relax or tighten at will,
she was able to throw all manner of inflection into the words, and all
shades of tone and melody into the chords of the beautiful musical
instrument which is so terribly neglected the world over.

So that when she spoke, her words sounded like the chiming of distant
bells in the ears of the man, and his heart seemed likely to be
engulfed in the golden stream of a voice through which continuously
rippled a gentle laughter.

"Monsieur will forgive me for speaking in this abrupt way, but the
moments are few in which to make my request. I hear that in the desert
is a beautiful oasis, and many beautiful Arabian horses. I have never
seen an oasis, for you see I know nothing of Egypt, but I once had an
Arab mare. She was wonderful and white. Perhaps Monsieur has some of
her brothers or sisters? And just for once I should like to see the
desert stars at night, and the desert sun at dawn. Could Monsieur take
me to see these things if----" And then the golden voice stopped
short, and the girl involuntarily took one step backward.

Those who know the race know that the Arab has a tremendous control
over his emotions. He can love and kill in one moment, but until the
woman is literally swept off her feet, or the man or woman is dead, in
a heap, neither by voice or gesture will he betray the passion
consuming him.