Atewy, the Arab, taking advantage of his knowledge of English, often
circulated among the Americans, asking questions, gossiping. They had
become so accustomed to him that they thought nothing of his presence
among them; nor did his awkward attempts at joviality suggest to them
that he might be playing a part for the purpose of concealing ulterior
motives, though it must have been apparent to the least observing that
by nature Atewy was far from jovial.
He was, however, cunning; so he hid the fact that his greatest interest
lay in the two girl members of the company. Nor did he ever approach
them unless men of their own race were with them.
This afternoon Rhonda Terry was writing at a little camp table in front
of her tent, for it was not yet dark. Gordon Z. Marcus had stopped
to chat with her. Atewy from the corners of his eyes noted this and
strolled casually closer.
"Turning literary, Rhonda?" inquired Marcus.