Rejtő, Jenő: The three musketeers in Africa; Q 19045

26 modest commission. The time is eleven-twenty

." "Please, sir," the headman whined plaintively. "Why are you people turning palm-trees into radio-trees in Hemmass-Roumba of all places?" "Because our corporal is a bastard. Our orders said to install radio in Oasis Soumbi, but the people there bribed the corporal: they gave him money, food, and camels so he'd go away quick, and leave them alone. There are some people who are low-minded and corrupt." "How about yourself, sir?... Er...Do you accept bribes?" The stubby soldier's eyes flashed, and he turned to fa

ce to headman. "Just you try it!" he said. "I -- I've never done anything like that." "Never mind. Go ahead and try. It'll work." And it did. There was some cash, too, and food, and camels. "All right. Now we'll go away. I only insist on a military-type farewell." "And what is that like?" "You bow to the east, and hand the radioman some arrack"... The signals man is later joined by one of his comrades /Fowler/ and together they have the bottle going until early morning, singing chansons, like "Paris, my heart belongs to you". They are given four camels, and the party sets off at a quick trot before the onset of the heat. The four travellers continue their arduous journey from one oasis to the other, sometimes resorting to violence, other times to ruse, in order to get water and food. They see a warrant that is out At this point the population prostrated itself, nd prayed...