Page:Harris Dickson--Old Reliable in Africa.djvu/349

 thing I know you'll burn sumpin' fer somebody what's mean enough to tell."

For answer Said nodded amiably, as the mastiff wags his tail when the poodle barks.

"Now lissen to me, Side. You march yo'self right straight to dat friend o' your'n an' git my hat. De Cunnel gimme dat hat."

With fathomless gravity Said produced a tightly rolled wad from underneath his jibba, and passed it to the Illustrious Effendi, who received his creased and wrinkled hat. Zack took his seat, unfolded the hat, smoothed it out upon his knee, and pondered deeply before committing himself to the remark: "Side, you sho' is one big liar!"

Once more the Dongalawi outspread his palms and smiled inscrutably: "Allah hath given me understanding. It is not wise for the lame to travel without a crutch"—upon which pearl of wisdom the Illustrious Effendi meditated in extenso. Serenely Said regarded his master until Zack sprang up with sudden violence. Taken utterly by surprise, the Dongalawi bolted into the river, but stopped knee-deep, when Old Zack just as suddenly stopped and began to shout, "Cunnel, oh, Cunnel! Steamboat's a comin'. She's a comin'; she's a comin'."