That was the tip-off, then. Crawford had already revealed himself to
these people as El Hassan. Very well.
Donaldson spoke in Arabic, not knowing the Tamaheq tongue. "Aselamu,
Aleikum, El Hassan. I come to obey your wishes."
A sigh had gone through the Tuareg. "Aiiiii." _Wallahi, even the
djinn obeyed El Hassan!_
With dignity, Homer Crawford said, "Keif halak, all in my house is
yours."
Rex Donaldson inclined his small bent body again, in respect.
Crawford said in English, "Let's not carry this _too_ far. Come on
into the tent."
Ignoring the Tuareg, who still gaped but held their distance, the four
English-speaking Negroes headed for the larger of the two tents that
had been set up for El Hassan.
As they passed Guemama who stood slightly aside from the other Tuareg
with his uncle Melchizedek, the Amenokal, Crawford nodded and said,
speaking to them both. "A messenger from my people to the south.
Continue with your newly arrived warriors, O Guemama."
Cliff Jackson had picked up the folded heliohopper and was now
carrying it easily.
Guemama looked at the device and blinked.
Crawford refrained from laughing at his commander of irregulars. "It
is not a _kambu_ device. My people deal not in magic. It is but one of
the many of the things the new ways bring. One day, Guemama," Homer's
face remained expressionless, "perhaps you will fly thus."
The teguelmoust hid the other's blanch.
In the tent, Homer turned to the Bahaman, motioned to what seating
arrangements were available.