Page:Harris Dickson--Old Reliable in Africa.djvu/310

 but kept his mouth shut—he knew the secret place of many jewels fit for kings.

The affair might have passed off as an incident had it not set a Grand Idea buzzing in the Dongalawi's head. These Shilluks would give much riches to wear such a royal bauble. He, Said, could supply them with the decoration of kings, reaping profit thereby, and the blessings of Allah. Allah had made these unbelievers deaf and blind, so that true Moslems might flourish upon their folly. Said would be crafty and find a way. First he dispatched Tombi among the Shilluks, extolling the present given to their king—a jewel worth herds of milch cows and goats without number. Meditating upon the fruits of his thrift, Said walked apart, planning a palace in his native village. Verily he would choose more wives than a pasha, and people should salaam before him as to a Great One.

So planning and dreaming, Said was summoned back to earth by the Black Effendi who leaned out of the catfish stand, and shouted, "Whar he? Side! What you doin', peeradin' 'round wid yo' shirt tail flyin'? Crazy folks talk to deyselves dat way. Come here an' wash dese pans. An' tell dese new niggers dat us is fixin' to have plenty hot cat fer 'em to-morrow."

Against this contingency Said had already