" Ahmed unfastened the breast-strap, then remounts and
departs. While he proceeds he sees before him the encampment of a tribe,
and perceives a horseman coming, mounted on a white mare, engaged in
herding camels.
"Blessings upon you!" cried Ahmed; "you behind the camels!" The horseman
kept silence, and would not return his salutations.
"Greetings to you," cried Ahmed again, "you who are in the middle of the
camels." The same obstinate silence.
"Greetings to you, you who are before the camels." The horseman still was
silent. Ahmed then said: "Greetings to you, you who own the white mare."
"Greetings to you!" replied the horseman.
"How comes it that you would not answer my greetings for so long?"
The horseman answered: "You cried to me, 'Greetings to you, you who are
behind the camels,' Now, behind them are their tails. Then you said,
'Greetings to you, you who are in the middle of the camels,' In the middle
of them are their bellies. You said, again, 'Greetings to you, you who are
before the camels.' Before them are their heads. You said, 'Greetings to
you, O master of the white mare,' And then I answered to you, 'Greetings to
you also,'"
Ahmed el Hilalieu asked of the shepherd, "What is your name?"
"I am called Chira.
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