The Basha's Gorilla

"Right," said the Englishman. "Ibrahim, do thou wait in peace till we are fifty paces distant from the boat; then pursue swiftly, shouting and firing."

Ibrahim and his brothers nodded, their white teeth gleaming in the darkness. The Englishman twisted the donkey's tail, and we started to run down the beach to the boat.

Soon shots and yells rang out behind us. The Frenchman's voice called to us in a frightened falsetto.

We ran and the donkey galloped.

"Vite! Vite!" shrieked the count as we pulled up at the boat's bow.

"Where's the money? demanded the Englishman, shocing back two sailors who were attempting to lay hands on the gorilla.

"Ici! stuttered the Frenchman, holding out two plump bags that clinked alluringly.

"Right," said the Englishman, taking the bags. "Here's your fair lady. Quick, now. Her friends are coming. Never mind us."

Ibrahim and his brothers were doing their part of the performance nobly.