Power of Karma

Author(s): Alexander Cannon
Publisher: Rider and Co

Page 66

66
THE POWER OF KARMA The French do not encourage magicians in their African colonies.
The District Commissioner (Chef d'Annexe) decided to put this Arab to the test.
In company of two Administrative officers, three members of the Military General Staff, and four priests belonging to the White Fathers, the District Commissioner rode to the magician's gitoun or tent on the banks of the Oued Dzira accompanied by an escort of eight Legionnaires from the Compagnie Montée.
On arrival at the wizard's abode, the usual greeting and civilities were exchanged, after which Captain Labriffe explained the object of the visit. The magician a young man in the early twenties-just laughed, and did not seem to mind.
The White Fathers insisted that he should be told to do the utterly impossible. At that time of the year, the snow of the Djebel Aissa was thawing and the Oued Dzira was a veritable torrent. Captain Labriffe thereupon ordered the magician to make the river stop flowing, light a fire in the middle of the bed, and cook a meal for the guests!
"Is that all?" queried the Arab, in surprise. "I was afraid you would want something difficult I"