Page 144 - The Pirate Coast (By Sir Charles Belgrave)

over which a car is driven, than performing the old-fashioned
weight-lifting tricks.
The next tiling which Loch came across was an unmistakable
‘take-off’ of himself and Shaikh Abdul Rasool. The man who
played the part of Loch had somehow got hold of a naval cocked
hat, which he wore perched on the top of liis turban, and a
straight uniform sword, which was slung at his side. He imitated
Loch paying a visit on the Shaikh, strutting about and grimacing
and bowing, going through all the gestures which an Englishman
is supposed to make. He mimicked the awkward manner of a
European who fuids that he has to sit on the floor, first looking
for a chair, then subsiding on the floor, drawing his legs under­
neath him with his hands, with great apparent difficulty and
exertion. ‘Then followed a most ridiculous mock interview
between the Shaikh and myself, which, I have no doubt, was
remarkably well imitated, for it caused bursts of applause, parti­
cularly owing to my being there, enjoying it as much as they did.’
Even today, nothing delights an Arab audience more than watching
the repercussions of a European, who is being cleverly and intelli­
gently mimicked, in some sort of theatrical performance.

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