Page:Harris Dickson--Old Reliable in Africa.djvu/309

, Zack couldn't resist the temptation to produce a badge and pin it on the middle of his apron. Thenceforward the gorging of King Quat Kare dwindled into secondary importance, for His Majesty craved the Black Effendi's jewel. Every time Zack approached with additional installments of fried fish, the King stuck out a skinny finger and touched the button. Once he tried to snatch it off, but Zack drew back.

"Hole your hosses, old feller; I'll give dis to you when you goes home. Tell him dat, Side." Said proudly translated, and Tombi, the crippled Shilluk, interpreted to his King.

When Tombi made the King comprehend, His Majesty rose promptly and reached for the jewel, but Zack jerked it away. "No, you don't. Not till you gits in dat boat. I don't aim fer Cunnel to see dis button an' cuss me, jes' fer pastime."

Thereupon Quat Kare led his retinue to the water side and entered his canoe. The royal stomach was full of catfish, and now the royal soul was full of peace, for the Black Effendi leaned over and attached the coveted jewel to his shirt. Shilluks crowded waist deep into the Nile, and went into a powerful 'miration. Quat Kare was paddled away in state, the royal fingers playing with the decoration upon his breast.

At all of this Said opened his eyes very wide,