Transvestia

since the sickbed interview.

If Turner had entertained any hopes about the Lama changing his mind, they were dashed immediately: "Mr. Turner, you must make your preparations to leave Lo Mantang," The Lama coughed delicately by way of punctuation. "You are well enough to travel and I'm sure you will agree that you will soon have pressed hospitality to its limits. Ah--when may we expect the sorrow of your absence?"

"I don't

Turner inclined his head sorrowfully. know." he said honestly. "I--I haven't any money. I don't know how I'll make arrangements."

"What? Is there no-one you may borrow money from, then? A relative? A friend?"!

ff

"No-one. said Turner. In the stone-walled room, the word echoed.

"What possessed you, Mr. Turner, to come this great distance knowing you would not be able to leave? Surely you could not have reasonable ex- pected us to welcome you out of hand, Whatever gave you such an idea?" were raised,

Both the Lama's eyebrows

"The movie--" said Turner, "After I saw the movie, I thought--I thought--that maybe here I would be understood."

The Lama clucked his tongue sympathetically. "Forgive this stupid one. Aiee! That movie! In exchange for some small considerations--some trinkets that struck our fancies, we permitted the taking of pictures. And what has it brought us? I have re- ceived hundreds of letters, inquiring about this place. Hundreds of letters--and one fool who staggers through the mountains demanding to live here." The Lama smote himself on the forehead.

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