There isn’t a chance in the world of communicating with him, I’m afraid.

However, and Alec please note, I want to find that needle and plan to sift every piece of sand in the desert looking for it. I now definitely agree with Alec that the Black is the result of years of selective and careful breeding. Abu Ishak may have others like him.

Fortunately, an old friend of mine is now in the town of Haribwan, which is located on the western edge of the Great Central Desert. I’ve cabled him and he has assured me that he’ll be able to get me a guide and caravan to take me across the desert. There’s even the possibility that one of the traders in Haribwan may know the location of Abu Ishak’s kingdom.

I’m taking quite a gamble, I know, in attempting to locate him. Frankly, though, I’m excited about the trip—it could be a lot of fun, and, if successful, profitable.

I realize, however, that with chances so slim of finding Abu Ishak and the Black, you may not want to make this trip with me. If not, I’ll understand. But if you still want to go, wire me immediately as I intend to leave on next week’s plane providing space is available.

Best regards,
Charles I. Volence

Alec and Henry finished reading the letter together. “Gosh, Henry!” Alec said. “It sounds wonderful!”

“Sure does!” Henry agreed enthusiastically. “And I have a feelin’ that Volence won’t leave any stone unturned tryin’ to find Abu Ishak. He’s used to gettin’ what he wants.” He paused, then continued, “How about your folks, Alec … you said anything to them yet?”

“Yes, Henry, I did. Told them right after Mr. Volence was here. They didn’t know what to make of it at first. Mom’s a little scared, but I think Dad’s on my side. They didn’t tell me one way or another … whether I could go or not, I mean. Dad said they’d let me know as soon as Mr. Volence decided for sure he was going. I think I can win Mom over. It’s not as though I were going alone.”

Henry rose from the bench and stretched. “You’re a lot better off than I am,” he said. “Haven’t said a word to the missus yet.”

“What do you think she’ll say, Henry?”

“Plenty” was the rueful answer.

They started walking slowly toward Henry’s house. “You going to have trouble with her?” Alec asked.

“Always have trouble,” Henry replied, glancing apprehensively at the house from which came an energetic thumping and swishing and sounds of furniture being dragged. “Guess she’s housecleaning.”

“Maybe you ought to give a hand,” Alec suggested. “It might help.”

“Yeah, maybe you’re right. I aim to tell her right now … no sense puttin’ it off any longer.”

Alec knocked some mud off his shoe. “Gee, Henry, I hope nothing goes wrong with either one of us. I plan to speak to Dad as soon as he gets home.