OF SAID ABDALLAH 



went to the Horse Show, and saw there for the 

 first time, a good team of high-acting horses, 

 a pair that almost bumped their chins with 

 their knees. At first his eyes nearly bulged 

 from their sockets. He held up his hands in 

 horror as he exclaimed "Mashalla! Mashal- 

 la ! Is there truly a race of horses that go up 

 and down in the same place?" 



When told that what he saw was the result of 

 training and artificial breeding, and that the 

 horse himself was not to blame, he uttered an 

 exclamation of pity. Then he said suddenly : 

 "No," and pointed above him; "the desert isn't 

 up there, but always in front of you; God made 

 a horse to get over it with the least effort, not 

 the most." I have no comment to make on 

 these remarks of Said. I do not think any are 

 necessary. 



Within a year Said had mastered enough of 

 English to get along in ordinary conversation, 

 especially if it pertained to horses. There was 

 only one thing he could not understand and 

 does not to this day. He cannot comprehend 

 how the newspapers know that it is or is not 

 going to rain to-morrow. He admits that 

 God knows, but he is doubtful if any news- 

 paper does. 



[227] 



