48
PARTISAN REVIEW
by throwing a stone up . As we watched the sunset over the distant
dunes, the heat subsided. With darkness a mysterious hush fell upon
the desert.
I lay wrapped in a blanket, looking at the moon shining on the
cliffs and listening to Major Golan snoring in his sleeping bag. I
can't recall when I fell asleep, but I was awakened by a frightful
sound. I sat up and reached for my gun. The sand creaked . Some–
one was drawing near with heavy steps and a low growl. As I watched,
four gigantic shadows detatched themselves from the darkness,
looming among the palm trees. I recognized them by their humps.
Four camels out of the desert. Trudging through the trees, swaying
from side to side, they lowered their long necks, stuck their heads
into empty cans and drew up with a moan, driven mad by the smell
of water. Finally they found the trough . They lapped up the water,
snorting and gurgling, then trotted around among the palm trees,
chewing the dates that lay on the sand . Then, all at once, they turned
in unison and headed back to the desert.
Above the palm trees the sky was gold with glittering stars, but
the stars were fading fast, and the moon grew paler. I lay awake and
watched a pink beam oflight, hesitant and trembling, split the East.
Dawn broke indolently. I got up and washed in the spring. The light
was soft, caressing; it would be a while before it hardened and be–
came harsh and blinding.
On the way back I talked to Major Golan about Muna. Eye–
brows raised, he listened attentively. "Interesting. I thought the hos–
pital was deserted when you took it over. What is she suffering from?"
"Leukemia."
"At what stage?"
"It's critical. "
"I suppose you have no facilities to treat her here . Would you
rather send her north? That is, if she'll benefit from it. "
"I'll have to ask her ."
"Do that."
Back at the hospital I realized that Muna was in a worse state
than I thought. But when I suggested sending her to a better hospital
for proper chemotherapy, she propped herself up on the pillows,
shaking with agitation, and cried, "Don't send me away! Please!"
"I can't give you the best treatment there is, Muna."
"You are good enough for me !"
"But here I'm limited in what I can do ."
