"I'll tell you a real story, Sahib," said the disgusted Buralli, "but it is naughty. Do you mind?"
Now what does it matter what I answered for Buralli told the story.
"Once upon a time," said he (it wouldn't be a real story if it did not start like that), "there was a very rich Somal who had a lovely daughter, and he swore on the Koran a hundred 'By Gods' that he would kill the first man who asked for her hand in marriage. He was a powerful Sheiba,[4] very handy with his spear or dagger, so, though many a youth loved the girl, not one dared approach her father with an offer of marriage. Now, the old man had large flocks and employed many herds to shepherd them, but it was his custom every morning to drive the animals himself forth from the kraal, allowing the herds, who had to be out all day in the sun, to sit until eight o'clock preparing their food and water for the day. On such occasions he went quite unarmed, and left his spear, shield, and dagger in his gurgi;[5] when his herds relieved him he walked back alone to his camp.
"A certain young man noticed the old man's habit and thought to himself, if I go armed in the morning to intercept and ask him for his daughter he cannot kill me because he carries no arms, therefore I will do this thing.
"So one morning the father found a young man awaiting him on the road.
"'What do you want?' he asked.
"'The hand of your daughter in marriage,' was the bold reply.
"'Have you not heard,' said the old man, 'what I have sworn to do with anyone making that request? Get out of my way!'
"'Not a bit of it, Old Man. I refuse to leave the path or to allow you to pass until you consent to my marriage with your daughter.'