Adis Ababa
30 April.
My dear Gertrude –

I have read your travel diary with the very deepest interest – I send it to you back my dear because I am sure you will want it – Of course you will write of this same journey – for it’s a great feat – Why you say its more than a partial failure I do not see. To me it is a live thing well & finely done – difficulties & dangers surmounted, all in the real surmounting vein of strength & courage – and patience – Yes I know one wants patience for the desert – but everywhere else also – Is it not the most esteemed of qualities among the Arabs – and the philosophers – I even I have been called a philosopher and certainly am a caller after patience also –

I like those long cryptic days in Hail [?] – I don’t see why they shut you up, or why they released you – Were you to them some spy of the Turk? You could scarcely have been a spy of Ibn Sa'ud – but then it is “in their dark minds” as you say.

Thank you for the book my dear and famous Traveller – It was of the very nicest things that you thought to send it – and to write it – What shall I do to thank the Queen of the Desert – I thank her.

But I can’t thank you - only I’d like you to know that few things have pleased me more than to find your daily thought set down – to have a share in that journey – it’s a colossal compliment. And for its own sake I love the book – “went not my heart with you” all those days and into the Nejed valleys - & to the call “Eom”[?] - & the Tracks – and the uncertain wait to see whether friend or foe – It is not fear that you felt – I suspicion [sic] you are ignorant of fear – that’s only the thrill of excitement – And you were nearly shot out side Najef-

Where’ll you be now as I write? at Carchemish peradventure –

Things look moving in the country wars & summers of wars – I have scarcely began anything yet, because it is still so uncertain what there is to deal with – there must be two to make a treaty –

I also shall rather hate to fail – but probably shall, as I can’t even begin yet – And anyway in my philosophy has long lain a certain appraisement of failure – it is a man testing atmosphere superior to success – Still one prefers success – not being yet a renouncer of delights altogether –

The social part of the Legation bores me to death - the horrible old French Minister, his wife, his Consul, his Consul’s wife, the German Minister & his ministry had to be fed here today – then came a boring reception by the Russians - and all the time lay in my head the wish to write to you & the chafe at the waste of time - & the tosh they talk & we talk –

But the peace here is lovely fit to delight your soul – a sweep & distance in it & flowers the most of which I planted for a foreground – When will you come & walk in my garden?

I’m loath to say goodbye to the travel book – but go it must for you’ll want it –

Love from us both and thanks –
Dick.