It is no uncommon thing for an Arab to buy a horse in partnership with another. The usual conditions of such a compact are after this fashion. An Arab sells a mare to another for 100 _douros_, but receives only 50 _douros_ in payment, the balance representing his share in the animal. The purchaser rides the mare about, and makes use of her for war, the chace, and for his private journeys. If he make a razzia, three-fourths of the plunder belong to himself, and one-fourth to his partner. Should the mare be killed in war, in an expedition mutually agreed upon, the loss falls upon them equally. But should death overtake her at a fantasia, a wedding, or any other festival, the purchaser is alone answerable—he has to make good 50 _douros_ to the vendor. If the animal, however, is killed in front of the tent, suddenly, or under the horseman, while the latter is defending his wife, his children, and his flocks,—the circumstances were beyond his control, and he is not called upon for any reimbursement. Should the mare produce a colt, it is reared until it is a year old, when it is sold, and the proceeds equally divided between the partners. On the other hand, if the mare has produced a filly, the latter is valued when a year old, and the vendor has the privilege of choosing the filly or the dam, paying or receiving the difference of value. This sort of compact is never made with respect to horses. An Arab who wishes to sell a horse will never consent to be the first to name a price. Some one comes up and says: "Sell; thou wilt gain." The vendor replies: "Buy; thou wilt gain." "Speak thou first." "No, speak thou." "Was he purchased, or reared?" "Reared in my tent, like one of my own children." "What hast thou been offered for him?" "I have been offered 100 _douros_." "Sell him to me at that price—thou wilt gain. Tell me, then, what thou asketh." "See what is written with Allah." "Come, let us drive away the previous bidder, and do thou take 10 _douros_ over and above his offer." "I accept. Take thy horse, and Allah grant thou mayst be successful upon his back as many times as he has hairs upon it." And should he be desirous to avoid all risk of future annoyance on the subject of warranty, he adds in the presence of witnesses: "The separation between us is from this very moment. Thou dost not know me, and I have never seen thee." It is not permitted to mount a horse for a trial until after the price has been agreed upon. Nevertheless, before the bargain is completely concluded the animal is tested against a horse that has a certain local reputation. The mode of trial is somewhat singular. The riders are barefooted, and are not allowed to touch their horse with the heel during any part of the race.