Page:Harris Dickson--Old Reliable in Africa.djvu/326



EVERAL weeks dragged by, as weeks must drag when one lies in jail listening for the key of liberation. Old Reliable got powerful sick of Afriky Landin', and paid attention to nothing, except when the Colonel talked of finishing his work and going home. That's when Zack heartened up and took notice. Said rarely sat up at all, and never took heed. Heed was for the Great Ones, Said himself being chastened and dispirited. Business at the catfish stand proceeded listlessly—as things go on in Africa—yesterday, to-day, and to-morrow merging in its tepid monotone.

A level sun at morning sent the shadow of the Hot Cat Eating House wriggling across the Nile; Said squatted on the ground, patiently mending his nets, while Old Reliable, bent over him: "Side, us is startin' fer home to-morrer; an* you gits de eatin' house business—sho' nuff, no foolin' dis time."

"May Allah grant thee good reward." Said uttered the words perfunctorily, squinted 312