"In person? Never."
"Oh, he must have been."
"Why do you say so?"
"Because of the brass plate yonder."
"What does it prove?"
"Ah, yes!" the man answered laughingly. "Joqard and I pick up many odd things, and meet a world of people—don't we, fellow?" Another furious jerk of the leading strap brought a whine from the bear, "But it is good for us. We teach school as we go; and you know, my friend, for every solidus its equivalent in noumia is somewhere."
"I will give you a noumia, if you will give me an answer."
"A bargain—a bargain, with witnesses!"
Then after a glance into the faces around, as if summoning attention to the offer, the hamari proceeded.
"Listen. I say the brass up there proves Prince Mahommed was here in person. Wishing to notify his people that he had taken in his care everything belonging to this property, the owner included, the Prince put his signature to the proclamation."