'Fill in this application form,' the official said. 'And bring the form and three photographs of yourself and two dollars. Come back tomorrow.'

'I want an Identity Card,' I told him. 'But I need three photographs of myself.'

I walked to the Ministry of the Interior. I waited in another queue. I spoke to another official. I asked for an Identity Card.

'Tomorrow?' I said. 'Can I have an Identity Card today, please? I live in Minta. I live five hours' journey from Darpur. I'm an old man.'

'I need an Identity Card,' I said. 'I want three photographs of myself.'

I walked away from the Ministry of the Interior. I walked to the market. At the market I looked at everyone. I was looking for a man from my village. But I could not find a villager. So then I walked to the shop of Rick. I spoke to Rick.

'Yes, come back tomorrow.' And the official turned away.

'I see. You need some photographs.' And he showed me the way to a photographer.

I found the house. The photographer was asleep but he came to me quickly. The man's clothes were dirty and he looked tired.

We walked into his room. In the middle of the room was a large camera.

'Yes, you want three photographs of yourself,' the photographer replied. 'And I take very good photographs. Come and see my camera.'

'This is the best camera in Darpur. This camera is very, very good,' the photographer said proudly.

'I've never seen a camera,' I said. 'I don't know about cameras. Hurry up and take a photograph of me.'

'Please do not hurry me, old man,' the photographer said. 'I am an artist.' And he gave me a mirror and a comb.

'Yes,' he said. 'But first the price. This is the best camera in Darpur and I'm the best photographer. Three photographs will cost you two dollars fifty.'

'I don't want a mirror, I don't want a comb. Please take my photograph. I'm going to Minta this afternoon. And I'm in a hurry,' I said.

'Two dollars fifty!' And I laughed.

'Two dollars fifty -- and pay me now please,' the photographer answered.

I did not know the price of photographs. What could I do? Then the photographer said, 'You are an old man. For you, the price is two dollars.'

So I gave him the money and he took the photographs. 'Come back tomorrow morning,' he said.

What could I do? So I said, 'Yes. Tomorrow morning.'

'I want my three photographs now, immediately,' I said.

'Don't be stupid,' the photographer said. 'Photographs take twenty-four hours. Come back tomorrow.'

'Good,' said the photographer. 'Now go. I have a lot of work. I'm very busy.'

I went back to the bus station. I sat on the bus for three hours. I walked ten miles back to my village.

'Tomorrow I am going to Darpur again,' I said. Then I did not talk again. I was very tired and it was late at night. I lay on my bed and I slept.

'I have no money. I cannot change the money order. First I must have an Identity Card.' And I told Martha everything.

It was night time and I was very tired. Martha and my friends were waiting for me. 'Where is the money?' Martha asked.