AFRICAN CAMP FIRES 



We ended finally at an imposing corner hotel 

 where we dined by an open window just above the 

 level of the street. A dozen upturned faces besought 

 us silently during the meal. At a glance of even 

 the mildest interest a dozen long, brown arms thrust 

 the spoils of the East upon our consideration. With 

 us sat a large benign Swedish professor whose erudi- 

 tion was encyclopaedic, but whose kindly humanity 

 was greater. Uttering deep, cavernous chuckles the 

 Professor bargained. A red coral necklace for the 

 moment was the matter of interest. The Professor 

 inspected it carefully, and handed it back. 



"I doubt if id iss coral," said he simply. 



The present owner of the beads went frantic with 

 rapid-fire proof and vociferation. With the swift- 

 ness and precision of much repetition he fished out 

 a match, struck it, applied the flame to the alleged 

 coral, and blew out the match; cast the necklace 

 on the pavement, produced mysteriously a small 

 hammer, and with it proceeded madly to pound 

 the beads. Evidently he was accustomed to being 

 doubted, and carried his materials for proof around 

 with him. Then, in one motion, the hammer dis- 

 appeared; the beads were snatched up, and again 

 offered, unharmed, for inspection. 



"Are those good tests for genuineness?" we asked 

 the Professor, aside. 



20 



