THE LEAK

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 July 1932, Page 12

THE LEAK

AND MOHAMMEDAN PLUMBER On Sunday morning Abdel Aziz presents himself- From his expression it is apparent that some calamity has occurred, and I prepare myself to hear that yet another of his near relatives has died. To my relief I find that it is not leave of absence which is to be the subject of his remarks. It is a leak in a water-pipe. I follow Abdel Aziz to the yard, and find the cook and gardener staring despondently at a sheet of water which is creeping slowly towards the kitchen door. It is clearly a case for professional assistance, but it is Sunday morning, and the European plumber does not assist on Sundays. Perhaps Abdel Aziz knows of a Mohammedan plumber? He does. He recommends a man called Mahmoud.

The garden boy is sent to-fetch Mahmoud, who duly arrives on a bicycle. When relieved of his bicycle he is seen to be a man of dignified presence, with flowing robes and a large, curling moustache. Clearly, also, an honoured friend of Abdel Aziz and the cook, who fetch 'chairs from the kitchen and invite him to take coffee. The gardener, whose social position is less assured, remains at a distance. When the coffee-drinking is over, and Mahmoud’s health has been discussed at fitting length, Abdel Aziz refers casually to the presence of water. Although it is -within a foot of his chair, etiquette has hitherto prevented his seeing it. Now he regards it with an experienced eye. “This water, ” he says, impressively, “is due to a leak.”

UNQUESTIONED REPUTATION Abdel Aziz and the cook click their tongues and look admiringly at this technician, whose wisdom enables him to put his finger so unerringly on the source of the trouble. Mahmoud smiles indulgently. He sits back in his chair and curls his great moustache. He- talks of water-pipes, giving the company to understand that they are in. the presence of a man whose reputation in sanitary circles has long stood unquestioned. This gives an opening to Abdel Aziz to suggest that, if such an unimportant leak is not beneath his notice, here is an opportunity of actually demonstrating his skill. As his chair is now prac-

I tically surrounded by the flood, Mahmoud admits that this suggestion is , not ill-timed. He accordingly asks ' Abdel Aziz to request the gardener to ’ command the garden boy to -dig a _ trench and reveal the faulty pipe. ’ This is done, and water .is seen to be ; spouting out of a hole in it. Mahmoud points out the hole. “It is as I thought,” he says, “a leak in the pipe.” Mahmoud now regards the hole from all angles, and is eventually able to state that the repair is • not outside the compass of his ability, although a less experienced man might reasonably hesitate to attempt it. Abdel Aziz also examines the hole, and it is clear that ’he regards it as unimportant. “What would you charge,” he asks, non-committally, “for this trifling repair?” Mahmoud ponders and a subtle

change comes over him. He is no longer the master-craftsman impartially discussing the theory of his mys- [ tery. , He dwindles into the practical I man determined to defend his rights. I “My usual charge,” he replies, “is : one hundred and fifty piastres, but for the sake of the khwagah”—there is a trace of the familiar whine, in his tone —“I will take a hundred.” 1 Abdel Aziz stiffens in well-simulated horror, and the spectators, who have been magically reinforced by the sufragi from next door, and a policeman assume the judicial expressions of ringside connoisseurs. “A hundred piastres!” says Abdel Aziz with a hollow laugh, “say, l rather, thirty.” J CUT TO THE HEART ' Mahmoud makes no reply, and it evident that he is cut to the heart He shrugs his shoulders and moves eff, with pained dignity, towards the gate. Abdel Aziz waits until he is almost out of ear-shot and then calls him back.

“Come now, ya Mahmoud,” he says, as if relenting, “what is the least, the very least, you would take' for mending this small leak?” Mahmoud folds his arms sternly. “Ninety piastres,’’ he says firmly, “is my last word, and that solely as a favour to you.” Abdel Aziz is grieved in his turn. He shrugs his shoulders and moves off towards the kitchen. He also is called back

“Let us not beat about the bush,” says Mahmoud. “Tell me frankly what you consider a reasonable price, and let us finish the argument.” Abdel Aziz increases his offer to forty-five piastres, but Mahmoud sud denly becomes angry. • He dwells on the thoroughness of his work and his reputation for honourable dealing, and brings down his price-, to eighty piastres, while the spectators lean forward and suck in their breath. Abdel Aziz also becomes angry and. speaks highly of a rival practitioner, who would be ashamed to demand more than fifty piastres. Both men now take a deep breath and shout at the same time, holding their faces about an inch apart, and it eventually appears that they have agreed on a price of sixty-five piastres for the work. The storm ends as suddenly as it began, and Mahmoud becomes, once more the craftsman a little condescending, a little aloof. More chairs are brought and, wfrile the garden boy is sent for the necessary tools, the company settle down to an animated talk on the absorbing subject of money.

The garden boy returns, arid Mahmoud girds up his garments and descends into the trench, whence there issues the sound of hammering and the splash of water. At length Mahmoud emerges. He intimates that his skill has triumphed, and invites the company to inspect the repair. This is done with due solemnity, after which Mahmoud departs amid general felicitations. The next morning Abdel Aziz presents himself. He informs me, with a certain diffidence, that there is water in the yard. H. K. Z.