Page:Harris Dickson--Old Reliable in Africa.djvu/228

, ax dis feller how do he sell dat lemonade."

Achmet left off beating his camel and engaged in disputation with Hamuda. "He is wise," said Achmet, "this Black Effendi is very wise. That is known. He did but fall so that he might show displeasure with my beast and cheapen its price. He will buy. I speak the truth."

"Not so, not so," contended Hamuda; "he but turned to the camel for a deception, so that I would sell my donkey for less. He is more wise than thou."

"Give heed, Humuda," Achmet sneered, "and may thine ears carry somewhat of sense to thine understanding" Zack paid them no mind, being absorbed in contemplating that marvelous glass beer keg full of lemonade. He drank three glasses, and the lemonade man asked for no pay, not wishing to annoy so capacious a customer.

"Come along, Side; I wants to git in de shade. I been takin' too much exercise in dis here hot sun."

At first Said did not hear, he being engaged in discourse with an old man, a man of singular beard, robed in striped blue and yellow, and a face that seemed fitted to the Father of Kindness. This was Mchammed ben Idris, keeper of the bazaar, who led Old Reliable gently by the