But I noticed opposite to the door a little shop in which a man sat with an array of heavy country-made bolts and locks hung upon the walls and spread about him as he squatted on the floor.

I crossed over to the booth, and sitting down upon the edge of the floor, which was raised a couple of feet or so from the ground, I made some small purchase.

Then, looking across to the sign, I asked him what the writing on it meant.

I suppose that I did not put my question carelessly enough, for the shopkeeper leaned forward and peered closely into my face.
"'Why do you ask ?' he said, sharply.
"'Because I do not understand,' I replied.
"The man looked me over again.

There was no mistake in my dress, and with my black beard and eyes I could well pass for an Arab.