Thank you all for your comments.
Part Four - Disappointments ... and a DecisionThe next morning, Delshad brought more camel's milk.
'Er, no thank you,' said Elma, 'But we would like to visit your Farm Shop. What time does it open?'
'It's always open,' said Delshad, 'Just go and let yourselves in whenever you like. If you want to buy something, just put the money in the dish - you'll see it there with a few coins in, in case you need change.'
'I hope there are some lettuces and tomatoes,' said Elma, 'We could serve the children a nice healthy salad for lunch.'
'Children, remember not to touch anything. There might be insects full of germs on the vegetables.'
'Wh-What?' cried Elma, 'This isn't a Farm Shop; it's a Junk Shop!'
'Oh dear, we must be polite to Delshad, and hide our disappointment,' said Norman, 'I know, let's go and ask him about the children's pony riding.'
'Yes, of course your children can ride the ponies,' said Delshad, 'Skye! Come here! Please get the ponies ready for the guests to ride.'
'Wonderful!' said Norman, 'Now Betty and Billy, go and get your hard hats while Skye gets the ponies.'
'Here they are!' said Skye.
'You've forgotten to put their saddles on,' said Elma.
'Oh, we don't have any saddles,' said Skye, 'I always ride bareback.'
'Betty and Billy can't possibly ride bareback!' cried Norman, 'It's too dangerous! They could easily slip and fall and get trampled underfoot! Children, I'm sorry, but you can't ride these ponies; it wouldn't be safe!'
'Perhaps we should just go for a little walk,' said Norman, 'Oh, hello again, Delshad. What is that you are carrying?'
'It's a tray of meat for the farm volunteers,' said Delshad.
'Oh, do you sell fresh meat?' asked Elma.
'No,' said Delshad, 'I just provide meals for the volunteers.'
'You know,' said Norman, 'It seems to me that Delshad has no idea about how to run a good business. He's a nice chap, but he's making lots of mistakes. I think that I should help him by sharing my expertise with him.'
'Yes, that's a good idea,' said Elma.
'Delshad!' said Norman, 'I'd like a chat with you. As you may know, I'm a very successful businessman, and I'd like to share a few tips with you. Can my wife and I come and see you this evening?'
'Yes, I guess so,' said Delshad.
Tomorrow: Part Five - The Talk with Delshad
