The Week at Mon Repose by Margaret Pearce Page B

what was wrong. I came clean about Ahmed needing to get the horse to the Pound before the Rangers returned, and he really came across. He’d put his money on Caliph too.” She paused and grinned. “He was surprisingly helpful and managed to drag the two Rangers along to dinner with us.”
    â€œDidn’t think there was anywhere to eat out around the area,” Jenny said.
    â€œThere’s a small place just outside the township. So Dad said as it was a celebration dinner, he wanted the Rangers to join us. That kept the Rangers around for the extra time that Ahmed needed to get Caliph into the Pound. We collected Ahmed when we were driving to Mon Repose.”
    â€œSo he’s back then?” Jenny said.
    â€œHe knocked up someone from the house to pay over the Pound fees and release the horses. He’s sent the four horses home, so we are all in the clear. He went straight to his room. Said he didn’t feel very well.”
    â€œWe’d better check him out,” Jenny said. “We’ve still got to find out how to return him.”
    The three girls tiptoed quietly down the passage. No one was around to notice them. Cheerful voices were raised in song around the Pianola in the lounge, where all the guests were still celebrating.
    They knocked quietly on the door at the end of the passage. There was no answer. They looked at each other, suddenly frightened, opened the door and went in. Jenny switched on the light.
    Ahmed was stretched out flat on the bed, very flat. His green skin glowed brightly. His eyes turned towards them as they came closer, but his body seemed rigid and unmoving.
    â€œHe’s fading again,” Jenny gasped.
    â€œMr. Masterton’s clothes,” Allie volunteered. “It helped last time.”
    They hurriedly took Mr. Masterton’s clothes from the wardrobe and drawers and dressed Ahmed in them. They waited anxiously. After a while his chest started to move up and down as he started breathing again.
    â€œYou beautiful ladies are just in time,” he said. “I’m sorry, but I can’t wait any longer. Get me to the dam and return me immediately.”
    â€œHow?” Marilyn asked.
    â€œThere must be a farewell chant that will work,” Ahmed said. “I’m sure that it will be accepted if you truly mean it.”
    â€œWe’ll get our stuff and be right back,” Jenny said. “Don’t fade on us.”
    She collected her bed sheet and the candles. Allie dragged out her white nightgown, still mud-covered, and Marilyn rushed off to collect her caftan. They met back in Ahmed’s room.
    The three girls pulled Ahmed to his feet. He was shivering and too weak to stand without help. His skin still glowed green. The girls helped him down the steps through the laundry and out across the yard towards the dam. It was a very dark night with clouds covering the moon.
    â€œI know all of the Maori Farewell,” Jenny said.
    â€œBut I don’t,” Allie said.
    â€œI know all the words of Goodnight Irene,” Marilyn said.
    â€œNever heard of it,” Allie said.
    â€œMe neither,” Jenny admitted.
    â€œI had an old uncle who always sang it when he got boozed,” Marilyn explained. “I know it by heart.”
    â€œNot much use if we don’t,” Jenny said.
    They reached the dam. Ahmed waited shivering. The glowing green of his hands and face lit the dark banks. The three girls lit the candles and gathered around him.
    â€œWill we ever be able to call you up again?” Marilyn asked.
    â€œIt is quite possible because time is different where I come from, but you must return me before time gets any older, or I will be trapped in nowhere.”
    â€œWhere’s nowhere?” Marilyn asked.
    â€œWhat about Goodnight Sweetheart?” Jenny said. “We all know that by heart.”
    â€œOnly the tune,” Marilyn admitted. “I always blanked out. The words are so