Lion, Tiger, Bear I 57 Thanks. My father cherishes this shite, but Ill not complain. Always a perennial favorite, and most likely favorable to my slender constitution of late. Im not one for the heat, but the desert is rather beautiful. He chewed loudly. Take me back to my island and Ill never leave again. What Id give for a fuckin dressed pie and slice of cool pineapple. She pointed. Well, well, Colonel Lawrence has arrived as a one-man caravan, and with an Equus africanus asinus Who? Of Arabia. Gwafa returned leading an old jackass. La! Two rifles and ammunition go far, madame, but I had to negotiate hard. One deal after the next, one hand paid then another. I have robes for you both. Dates, olives, nuts, bread. A big goat skin of water. Salt. A crude map in Arabic that took me forever to negotiate for its ownership. Three torches and matches. And a small pair of Italian Army binoculars. The donkey I stole, but we will try to return him. Bea examined the binoculars. Well done, Sergeant. Top marks. Gwafa popped a nut. How are you feeling? Tired, dizzy. I suggest another day of rest, madame. Agreed. Whats happening with the Germans? she asked. More have arrived.Transport aircraft have landed with fuel drums and supplies from the northwest. They are readying themselves for a push north and west like you said. Or perhaps a last stand here. Bea rubbed her chin, pacing a little. All oases are valuable, but what the hell are they doing this far southeast besides water supplies? Our lads have stalled them up at El Alamein. Rommels up to something dirty again. Hell definitely attack to the northwest from here most likely as a secondary thrust. An asymmetrical pincer movement. Something clever. Either that or theyll hold on to this place no matter the cost. Its getting hot, madame, we should go back in the cave. Our water will last longer. Bea yawned. Could use a kip. After an hour or so, Bea felt the cool breeze from the caves interior again, causing little hairs on her arm to come to attention as she awoke from a half-sleep state. Thats certainly refreshing. You said you have torches?