Page:Harris Dickson--Old Reliable in Africa.djvu/204

 soon appear. You must wait. The Black Effendi is a great one in his own land, with gold like unto the sands of the desert, or the drops of the Nile. Allah hath consumed him with craving for a camel; he burneth to possess a donkey; he yearns for the rich stuffs that Said hath already pointed him in the bazaar of Mohammed ben Idris. He, Said, alone could persuade the Black Effendi to shower them all with gold. He, Said, was a poor man and must have just reward. So he encouraged each according to his desire; until they departed each unto his own place, waiting in peace until Said should fetch the customer. Achmet, the insistent, returned, and came again—Achmet whose arms were of brass and whose kick could break a bullock's thigh. Said trifled not with Achmet, but gave heed as Achmet extolled his beast. Verily this camel was a jewel, and the foal of a jewel, wearing a marvelous fringed makloofa and striped trappings from Syria. While they discoursed thus together, Hamuda Hamad came almost upon the twain, which would not have been to Said's liking; for Hamuda desired to sell a wondrous donkey. Thereupon Said persuaded Achmet to depart, so that no clamor of contention might uprise between them.

Dawn warmed into morning. A white-hot sun slanted across the narrow, dusty gardens when Old Reliable emerged from the great front door