Page:Harris Dickson--Old Reliable in Africa.djvu/219

 "Huh! Dat sho' mus' be one fine little mule; dem niggers is trimming him up so partick'lar." To one of the donkey men Said whispered fiercely: "Hamuda, thy mind is the mind of a sheep. Why dost thou wait here?"

"The place is good," responded Hamuda undisturbed.

It had been the thrifty Said's desire that his master should first proceed to Achmet, and buy his camel at a high price; but Hamuda waylaid them along the road.

Zack sidled up closer to the donkey and admired the lace-like patterns of his clipping. He even stroked the friendly little beast—"Dat's jes 'zackly de kind o' mule I needs. Is he a good plow mule?"

Hamuda knew three words of English, and spoke them: "Excellency will ride?"

"Reckin I mought jes as well try him; I tries ev'ything I buys, 'specially mules."

Hamuda looked meaningly to Said, who began earning his commission by helping the trade. "Him very fine donkey; very fine donkey. Excellency will ride."

They piled up goatskins on the donkey's back and strapped them down, making a seat most soft. Then all three Arabs hoisted Zack straddle-wise across the beast. Zack pulled the bridle tight, and felt around with both feet for the absent