“On the banks of the Nile some way down stream,” said the Pelican, who was standing behind him.
At this, his master was so exceedingly astonished that he nearly fell off his seat, for he never suspected that the bird could talk.
“How do you know that?” he asked.
“There is a patch of brown Nile mud upon the border of her garment,” replied the Pelican.
“That is very well,” said the other, “but how can you tell what distance she comes from?”
“Her face is unveiled,” was the reply, “like those of the women in the remoter country places.”
“And how do you know that her home is down stream?” asked the young man again.
“Sir, I observed that the stems of the melons were freshly cut, and must have been gathered this morning. Those who bring melons to the town embark early, as soon as their load is ready. Had the owner of these lived up the river he would have arrived with his merchandise before noon, being carried by the current. But it is now afternoon.”
“You are a great reasoner,” exclaimed the young man, “but how do you know that the girl has not been in the city since morning?”
“Her basket is full,” answered the bird.