"No; there are worse men in this world than I. But we are getting away
from the point, of women traveling alone in the East. Oh, I know you
can protect yourself to a certain extent. But everywhere, on boats, in
the hotels, on the streets, are men who have discarded all the laws of
convention, of the social contract. And they have the keen eye of the
kite and the vulture."

To Elsa this interest in her welfare was very diverting. "In other
words, they can quickly discover the young woman who goes about
unprotected? Don't you think that the trend of the conversation has
taken rather a remarkable turn, not as impersonal as it should be?"

"I beg your pardon!"

"I am neither an infant nor a fool, Mr. Warrington."

"Shall I go?"

"No. I want you to tell me some stories." She laughed. "Don't worry
about me, Mr. Warrington. I have gone my way alone since I was
sixteen. I have traveled all over this wicked world with nobody but
the woman who was once my nurse. I seldom put myself in the way of an
affront. I am curious without being of an investigating turn of mind.
Now, tell me something of your adventures. Ten years in this land must
mean something. I am always hunting for Harun-al-Raschid, or Sindbad,
or some one who has done something out of the ordinary."

"Do you write books?"

"No, I read them by preference."