There were fifty 'Hameds, donkey-boys (it is a very common name). But
though several came up, they all knew that it was our friend who was
called.
"See," said little Hassan (he had jumped off Albert Victor and stood
behind him), "there is the same 'zit'" (English lady) "clapping again,
she who hired you yesterday and the day before; and with her the little
'zit' with the long hair. Hurry, 'Hamed! I'm sure she means you!"
Hassan was right. In a few minutes Elfreda was mounted on Albert Victor,
and was patting his gray neck and long ears.
"He's _such_ a nice donkey, mother; heaps nicer than the dull, tired
donkeys I ride when we go to the seaside! He's got some go about him!
Why, he can canter almost as nicely as my pony at home, and 'Hamed has
to run to keep up with him! I should just like to take him back to
England for a pet!"
"I wonder what little Hassan would say," remarked her mother. "He would
miss his daily ride on Albert Victor, and I don't think he would be very
happy in England in that costume. The village boys would jeer at him!"
"Well, perhaps the pony _is_ the best to ride at home, and Albert Victor
here," considered Elfreda; "for certainly it _is_ very crowded and noisy
for any one not used to it," she added.
For they were now in the native town, on their way to the shops, there
to bargain for Oriental curiosities. It was a ceaseless delight to
Elfreda. She bought slippers for her uncle, a fan for her little sister
at home, and queer pots to decorate the schoolroom. Elfreda would have
lingered longer, but it was now time to return to lunch at the hotel.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------