A Fogy who lived in a cave near a great caravan1 route returned to his home one day and saw, near by, a great concourse of men and animals, and in their midst a tower, at the foot of which something with wheels smoked and panted like an exhausted2 horse. He sought the Sheik of the Outfit3.
“What sin art thou committing now, O son of a Christian4 dog?” said the Fogy, with a truly Oriental politeness.
“Boring for water, you black-and-tan galoot!” replied the Sheik of the Outfit, with that ready repartee5 which distinguishes the Unbeliever.
“Knowest thou not, thou whelp of darkness and father of disordered livers,” cried the Fogy, “that water will cause grass to spring up here, and trees, and possibly even flowers? Knowest thou not, that thou art, in truth, producing an oasis6?”
“And don’t you know,” said the Sheik of the Outfit, “that caravans7 will then stop here for rest and refreshments8, giving you a chance to steal the camels, the horses, and the goods?”
“May the wild hog9 defile10 my grave, but thou speakest wisdom!” the Fogy replied, with the dignity of his race, extending his hand. “Sheik.”
They shook.
1 caravan | |
n.大蓬车;活动房屋 | |
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2 exhausted | |
adj.极其疲惫的,精疲力尽的 | |
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3 outfit | |
n.(为特殊用途的)全套装备,全套服装 | |
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4 Christian | |
adj.基督教徒的;n.基督教徒 | |
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5 repartee | |
n.机敏的应答 | |
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6 oasis | |
n.(沙漠中的)绿洲,宜人的地方 | |
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7 caravans | |
(可供居住的)拖车(通常由机动车拖行)( caravan的名词复数 ); 篷车; (穿过沙漠地带的)旅行队(如商队) | |
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8 refreshments | |
n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
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9 hog | |
n.猪;馋嘴贪吃的人;vt.把…占为己有,独占 | |
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10 defile | |
v.弄污,弄脏;n.(山间)小道 | |
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