Page:Red Rugs of Tarsus.djvu/127

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THE RED RUGS OF TARSUS

Another telegram has come from Herbert saying, "Tout bien. Retournerai Tarsous aussitôt que possible, peut-être pas avant demain."

The afternoon train failed to appear.

Just before dark, the boys of the Sub-Freshman class who were spending the Easter vacation at the college came and told me they wanted to be my bodyguard. They are to sleep to-night on my balcony – the balcony on the inside of the building just outside my bedroom. Their beds, mattresses and blankets have been given to refugee women for the little children. It is April – but still cold at night. I have taken from the walls and floors all our Turkish rugs – every single one of our treasures – and spread them on the boards for the boys to sleep on – or under. They mean absolutely nothing to me. I do not care if they are lost in the confusion.

Johnny tells me there is not much oil in my lamp. I cannot be without light. It may be needed badly in the night. It may be vital for

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