Page:Harris Dickson--Old Reliable in Africa.djvu/221

 street. Where none admire 'tis fruitless to excel. Beyond the corner Zack saw many people moving amongst the bazaars:

"I'm gwine up dis here street," he called to those behind him. So Old Reliable whacked his donkey on the left ear, aroused a burst of speed, and wheeled to the right—up the middle of the Street of the Bazaars. Said stared aghast at Hamuda, for Achmet would be waiting on that street—Achmet, the desert man of strong arm and savage mood. Nor did Hamuda have mind to seek a crowd until his donkey were well sold. Of which the donkey was not informed, so from the distant rear Said reviled Hamuda's beast, then he stopped, wiped the sweat from his face, and resigned himself to whatever fortune Allah might be pleased to send. But Hamuda was not to be so lightly cheated. He ran doggedly, and by calls, hisses, shouts, and other private blandishments, brought his donkey to a stop. Breathing very hard, Hamuda jerked the bridle and turned him back. After which Hamuda never ceased berating his beast until he dragged both runaways behind the corner again. "I hates to git off dis here little saddle mule. Gwineter buy him right now. How much do he cost?"

"Ten pounds," Said panted out the price, and Hamuda never blinked at the greatness of it.