“I walk in the city, Toe-mas. It is how I know this place; I am a walker. I make my way through streets and alleys. Old sections that are new to me. New sections—you call these developments? So many things are young in this country. But there are old things inside homes, things that come from far away. I get to know where people are, where they work, where they live. I go to coffee houses. I set”—he corrected himself—“I sit, listen. I try to learn more English. Sometimes I do not know expressions. ‘See you,’ a man said to me one week ago at a coffee shop. I did not know this man. I did not know his meaning. I was on my way out after drinking coffee. I asked myself, Does he watch me? Am I followed? I worried for two days about what he was seeing until I understood that for him he was saying goodbye.”

“I would never have considered that,” said Tom. “If you need an explanation for any other turn of speech, let me know.”

“Turn of speech is good. I like that, Toe-mas. Also I tell you that I continue to learn English in a warm room of the library. Some mornings I read. Then I walk more. I stop at a business. I talk to merchants, owners. If I mention your name, they know right away about Rigmarole.”

“I could have a ready customer for this chair, Allam.”

“Good. A man? Woman?”

“Both—a married couple.”

“If they want this chair, perhaps they also want a tray, papier mâché. A scene after Chinese, maybe Japanese. That detail is not of importance. It was made in England, not China, not Japan. It tells the story of a procession. Some revered person—perhaps a dictator. Yes, dictator for certain; when I see one, I know. He sits on a platform, a lion throne, and others fan him with big leaves. There are musicians—a flute player, drummers—men who carry gifts. I think you will like the tray, Toe-mas. It is black and gold except for green robes and sashes. Sky is black. Dying sun is made of golden rays. And”—Allam paused here, for effect—“the tray can be used. Cared for. As in the past. Which makes it beautiful.”

“Bring in the tray and I’ll phone the couple to see if they’re interested. They might as well see the two together.”

“Tomorrow I will return to the owner of the chair and I will ask for the tray.”

“And Tuesday evenings? Have you thought any more about joining the group?”

“Yes.” This with no hesitation. “Until now I have not been free, but I will come soon. I thought about what you told me. I am interested.” A pause. “To know how things happen.”

“Excellent.”

Tom hoisted the new acquisition to a wide ledge where it would not be bumped into or knocked about, and the two men took up their usual chairs: Tom behind the desk, Allam keeping an eye to the entrance.