We visited a shop where coffee-pots were exposed for sale.

TCD MS 10515 folio 119 verso

TCD MS 10515 folio 119 verso

afternoon in the Bazaar. Accompanied by our brigade interpreter, I gained some insight into the customs of an Arab town. First we visited a shop where metal urns and coffee-pots were exposed for sale. Hidden away in a dark corner of the shop were two China bowls; here perhaps was something antique and, to a European, of value; here was chance of exercising that universal desire of human nature; the driving of a cheap bargain with one who was ignorant of the worth of the goods. The bearded shopman, with simple and solemn contenance, yet full of that subtlety possessed by all the sons of Islam, must have read our very minds. Here he thought were two foolish dupes. “Yes, of course”, he said, “the China was ancient; hundreds