I heard the man mumbling words and saying “well, maybe we can work something out madam, so you do not have to go and get the money”I stopped fiddl...ng with my purse, got the card in hand, walked back facing him, smiling and saying “Like what? It would be only a few extra minutes to get the money out of the ATM machine”He smiled saying “Nah, it would be too much hustle for you, going out, I am sure we can find an easier way to work things out”I knew exactly what he was talking about of course, he. ) and clad in sumptuous robes. Then he had to await The Emperor's pleasure. A anxiety causing pause, to be certain.Despite the uncertain circumstances, the Caravan master was able to sleep, and he wasn't called to The Emperor's pleasure until early afternoon of the following day. He knelt before a low dais in an informal audience room, head to the floor. A languid young man whispered in the ear of a bellicose and rotund man who acted as his amplifier.Whisper whisper. "His royal highness, the. J. might have done though. You probably ought to talk to her, because she thinks you're gonna be famous some day. She's probably already bragging that she's a close personal friend." Shit, you think?" I wouldn't be surprised. If you want, I'll call her and ask her to squash it." Would you? I'd sure appreciate it." No problem. Hey, you wanna come over for dinner and some TV tonight?"Another surprise."I thought I was too young for you. And anyhow, wouldn't your new boyfriend object?"She shrugged. From time to time, I try again to pick the lock but it remains desperately frozen. I?m so close to freedom! And still I can feel the cold death progressing from my extremities towards my heart.I begin to feel dizzy. I am panting short gasps of breath. Hardly any vapour is coming out of my wide-open mouth. But finally I feel the keyhole has freed. I push my pin. It enters. I force my trembling fingers to work, pushing, pulling and twisting my tools, and then the padlock clicks. With trembling.