A group of British officers went laughing by, and one of them recognised Donovan and hailed him.

Two spahis crossed out of the shade into the light, their red and gold a picturesque splash of colour.

Behind them glared the staring pictures of the cinema show on a great hoarding by the wall.
"Come on, Graham," called Donovan, "hop in." The four packed in closely, Peter and Tommy opposite the other two, Julie farthest from Peter.

They started, and he caught her profile as the street lights shone in and out with the speed of their passing.

She was smoking, puffing quickly at her cigarette, and hardly silent a moment.
"It's been a perfect treat," she said.