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told me enough concerning their resting-place to make me eager for every scrap of news. He is a marvellous old scamp who calls me "of his family" and thanks God for the discovery of our relationship. When he kisses my hand, crosses his breast and licks the end of his fingers, I try to think of Allah and look serious.
 
But the farce, the sickening coffee and the surrounding filth will give me bad dreams. The excitement, after so many quiet days on board, thus far almost prohibits sleep. I must confess however, to enjoying the quest greatly. Poker and all other games are as nothing. It's real living, real experience - and beats winning a big contract for cars quite out of sight. In dealing with these Eastern devils ones imagination is really stirred; then, too, the environment is in keeping. In America, the same individuals and quest would be impossible! The blazing sun, the oriental colors, the crooked trails about Gezeh, the veiled but sill queerly unveiled women, the strange home-life, the quaint hospitality, the kind of courtesy offered by the head of the house, the thirst for gold; what it will buy, is all wonderful to a novice like myself- Money never seemed to display its power to me, until I made the acquaintance of this new side partner of "my family", old Ali Arabi.

With all high wishes to you and yours,
Always sincerely yours,
C.L.F.