The waiter was rather surprised at Paul's selection of a table companion, but payment being thus guaranteed, could interpose no further objections.
"Sit down there, Johnny," said Paul, indicating a seat at one of the side tables and taking the seat opposite himself.
"Now what'll you have?" he asked, handing his young guest the bill of fare.
The young Arab took it, and holding it upside down, looked at it in perplexity.
"I can't read," said he, handing it back.
"I suppose you can eat, though," said Paul. "What'll you have?"
"Anything that's good; I ain't pertikler," said the boy.
"Do you like stewed oysters?"
The boy eagerly replied in the affirmative.
"Stewed oysters for two," ordered Paul. "That'll do to begin on, Johnny. What's your real name?"