Backpacking Through Africa 27

 Faced with these new facts, their demands decreased: Could I at least buy them an  essen  (meal—the only German word the future German students knew) ?

When they realized that even this wish would go unfulfilled due to my dire financial state: my story is just as tragic, and I would be grateful if they could spare some shillings and help me.

They suddenly had urgent business elsewhere. Before I could even pay for the drink they had invited me to, they were gone.

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)