208- The Return

Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape! Escape! Designed to free you from the four walls of today, for a half hour of high adventure!

We're standing at the entrance of a walled Arab town, while behind you, coming slowly through the night, are the shuffling footsteps of a blind beggar, who will lead you into a harrowing world of darkness and terror.

Listen now as escape brings you Kathleen Heights' terrifying story, the return. The freighter Menlo crept slowly through the breakwater of the Otter Harbor. Most of the twelve passengers were on deck, looking north beyond the converging jetties to the modern city of Bazarter.

But two of us, a man named Tuckett and myself, Bazarter was a destination. I didn't know what brought Tuckett here. I didn't really know what brought me here. I only knew that I'd looked for something all over the world without success.

I looked everywhere except for this journey. As sure I checked into the small hotel and a short time later I was part of the early evening crowd on the streets. Pachis. And there you go.

My shell and my shell are a friend. Sure. And you tell me how to get to the Arab town. Oh, sorry, I didn't notice about your eyes. One does not need eyes to perceive truth, Fendi.

No, I suppose not. What's your name? Niga. Niga. The Arab town is north, do north of here, and the truth is everywhere for all to see, if they will but see. I hope you're right.

Well, bye, Niga. Say the Fendi. Bye, she. It is Mr. Risa, isn't it? Oh, Tuckett, I lost track of you when we came ashore. Thought I'd find you again at the hotel, but they tell me you're not registered.