As the trip was a long and quiet one, I stopped the car and asked the Aboriginal man if he would like a ride.

With a silent nod of thanks, the old man got into the car.

Resuming the journey, the old man just sat silently, looking intently at everything he saw, studying every little detail, until he noticed a brown paper bag on the back seat.

'What's in the paper bag boss, the old bloke said.

Without looking at the bag I said, ...'It's a bottle of wine. I got it for my wife.'

The old Aboriginal man was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, he said:

'Good trade...'