Instead of an answer only countless clouds of smoke issue from the Sheikh’s mouth, and it is not until we repeat our question that he lays aside his pipe for some moments and says with dignity, “Sir, the number of the camels of Beni Said is known to Allah alone; no son of Adam has ever counted them.”
“Well, then, send me twenty-five beasts, and among them six trotters. And I have besides need of ten large water-bags.”
The Sheikh smokes afresh without giving answer.
“Wilt thou send the beasts we desire?” we repeat with emphasis.
“I shall do so to serve thee,” he answers, “but their owners require a high price.”
“How much?”
“At least four times the customary wages and hire will be necessary.”
“But Sheikh, Allah, the Most High, preserve thee: these are demands which no one will be willing to grant. Praise the Prophet!”
“God, the Preserver of all, be glorified and His messengers blessed! Thou art in error, my friend: the merchant who has his camp over there has offered me double what I ask; only my friendship for thee has allowed me to make so small a demand.”
In vain seems all haggling, all further business. Fresh pipes are brought and are smoked; renewed courtesies are exchanged; the names of Allah and His Prophet are freely misused on both sides; most precise inquiries after health and comfort are made mutually; until at length the studied courtesy of the native begins to waver and the traveller from the North loses patience.