“Good man,” said he to the countryman, “where are you going with that Pelican?” “To the other side of the city,” replied the countryman, “where I know a man who will buy him and cut his throat when he grows older for the sake of his skin and feathers.” “You need not go so far,” said the young man in yellow, “for I myself will give you what price you name for him.” At this the countryman was glad enough, for he was tired of carrying the bird, and the young man paid him and took the poor Pelican into the court behind his shop, where he put him down near a small fountain in the middle of it. As time went on, the Pelican grew so big that there was scarce room for him in the little tank, and the young man took him to sit in front of the shop. [Illustration: THAT IS THE MOST CHARMING GIRL I HAVE EVER SEEN] One day, as they were there together, there passed before them a girl carrying a basket of melons on her head. She was slender, and her naked feet and ankles were as fine as though she had been a great lady; she had long, dark eyes, and the plait of her hair hung down behind her, below the edge of her veil. With one hand she drew the black folds over her mouth. The young man in yellow was so much struck that he could not refrain from speaking his thoughts aloud. “That is the most charming girl I have ever seen,” he said. “I wonder where she lives.” “On the banks of the Nile some way down stream,” said the Pelican, who was standing behind him. At this, his master was so exceedingly astonished that he nearly fell off his seat, for he never suspected that the bird could talk. “How do you know that?” he asked. “There is a patch of brown Nile mud upon the border of her garment,” replied the Pelican. “That is very well,” said the other, “but how can you tell what distance she comes from?” “Her face is unveiled,” was the reply, “like those of the women in the remoter country places.” “And how do you know that her home is down stream?” asked the young man again. “Sir, I observed that the stems of the melons were freshly cut, and must have been gathered this morning. Those who bring melons to the town embark early, as soon as their load is ready. Had the owner of these lived up the river he would have arrived with his merchandise before noon, being carried by the current. But it is now afternoon.” “You are a great reasoner,” exclaimed the young man, “but how do you know that the girl has not been in the city since morning?” “Her basket is full,” answered the bird. “Since you are so clever,” continued he, “perhaps you will inform me if she often comes this way. I have never seen her before.”