"No, speak thou."
"Was he purchased, or reared?"
"Reared in my tent, like one of my own children."
"What hast thou been offered for him?"
"I have been offered 100 douros."
"Sell him to me at that price—thou wilt gain. Tell me, then, what thou asketh."
"See what is written with Allah."
"Come, let us drive away the previous bidder, and do thou take 10 douros over and above his offer."
"I accept. Take thy horse, and Allah grant thou mayst be successful upon his back as many times as he has hairs upon it." And should he be desirous to avoid all risk of future annoyance on the subject of warranty, he adds in the presence of witnesses: "The separation between us is from this very moment. Thou dost not know me, and I have never seen thee."
It is not permitted to mount a horse for a trial until after the price has been agreed upon. Nevertheless, before the bargain is completely concluded the animal is tested against a horse that has a certain local reputation. The mode of trial is somewhat singular. The riders are barefooted, and are not allowed to touch their horse with the heel during any part of the race.