however, tell your father that he must submit himself, and prevail
upon these rebels to become obedient. If he succeeds, I swear, in
the name of Allah, that he shall return with you to his home. Speak
to him, and prove the power of your words."

"Return, Masa," said the sheik, in an unfaltering voice. "It was
most improper for you to come here. You did it from love to me,
therefore it must be pardoned. Now, however, I order you to go home,
and remain there, as it becomes a woman. I, however, praise Allah;
he alone must decide my fate, and the fate of all."

"No, father, I cannot leave you," cried Masa, breathlessly, pressing
her father's hands to her lips. "Remember, you are the Lord of my
life, the light of my eyes! Remember that I have no one but you in
all the world, and that your Masa is as solitary as in a wilderness
when you are not beside her. Remember that, O my father!"

"Enough!" interrupted Mohammed, in a harsh voice. "Enough words.--
You there, you men of Praousta, will you pay the tax, the double
tax, as the tschorbadji has ordered?"

The men, who had pressed close against the high porch outside the
mosque, remained silent for a moment and looked hesitatingly before
them.

"Will you pay it?" repeated Mohammed. "You will, I am sure."

"No!" cried the sheik, aloud. "You will not, you shall not, pay this
tax!"