What cared he for the
old woman there on the stone, smoking her pipe?
When, after a short time, he steps out of his hut, she stretches out
her hand and begs for alms.
Hardly looking at her, he draws a copper coin from his pocket, gives
it to her and walks on.
The old woman keeps her seat, and mutters a few words to herself.
Mohammed walks on rapidly.
A boy is skipping along on the other side of the street, whistling a
merry air.
What does this concern Mohammed? He walks on down the street on the
one side, the boy follows him on the other.
Mohammed heeds the boy as little as he had heeded the old woman.
What does he care for the boy, who seems wholly absorbed in his
musical efforts?
He entered the store of the merchant, who dealt in all kinds of
provisions; in olives, meats, chocolate, sugar, and eggs. Mohammed
purchases some of all these articles, and it amuses and astonishes
the merchant to see the young officer become, of a sudden, his own
housewife. But he does not venture to say so, or ask any questions;
Mohammed's grave looks and bearing forbid any attempt at raillery.
A servant is ordered to put the things in a basket, and take them to
his house.
As he walks out of the store again, he hears the boy's shrill
whistling in the distance. He pays no attention to this, and walks
on quietly. The whistling suddenly ceases, and the boy, who had
posted himself in the vicinity, so that Mohammed could not see him
on coming out, now runs after him, stepping close to the basket in
passing; he casts a quick, searching glance at the articles it
contained, as if taking note in expectation of being called on to
give an account of its contents.
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