Moroccan Stories 2

This story comes from Ned, a volunteer in a small Berber village near the desert. His host father tells stories at night to the family and Ned has been translating and writing them down.

Scene: In Morocco there are weekly souks in larger towns where people from the neighboring countryside come to town and sell their wares and produce. An important man, the Pasha of the town, goes to Souk every week to buy food for his family and sees an old beggar woman trying to sell rocks. At this curious sight the man approaches the woman...

Pasha: What are you selling?
Beggar Woman: These rocks, they come from the desert and have magical properties.
Pasha: How much do they cost?
Beggar Woman: 5 dirhams
Pasha: (He contemplates the purchase and of the woman's dire appearance.) Well, I have no use for these rocks, but I will give you 5 dirhams out of charity. May Allah protect you!

(Each week the Pasha continues to see the woman and continues to giver her money and takes nothing in return. Finally, on the 6th week something happens...)

Pasha: Here is your 5 dirhams, may Allah protect you!

(As the Pasha is walking away he hears somebody calling after him and a tug on his djelleba.)

Pasha: Yes? How may I help you?
Old Woman: The price of the rocks has increased to 10 Dirhams! (As she holds out her hand.)