Ibrahim Aga could have become a spy upon his old friends."

"I am not a spy, I am only a servant of that law and justice which
you wish to violate. Step nearer, and listen to what I have to say
to you."

They came cautiously, hesitatingly, a few steps nearer, and again
looked anxiously toward the mountain.

"What have you to say, Mohammed, son of Ibrahim Aga?--but remember
that one who--"

"Silence!" commanded Mohammed; "I shall remember what is necessary,
and I do not need the advice of rebels and rioters. I did not call
upon you to speak, but to listen to what I have to say. Hearken, men
of Praousta, in the name of the tschorbadji! I give you until early
to-morrow morning to decide; if, at the hour of second prayers, you
have not sent three men to the palace of the tschorbadji, double the
amount that you have formerly paid, the sheik and the three ulemas
will lose their heads for your disobedience, and you will be the
murderers of four of the first men of Praousta."

He slightly lowered his gleaming sword, and, as a farewell greeting,
turned and walked up the mountain-path, not swiftly, not hastily, as
if he feared the men would fall upon him, but slowly, step by step,
not even glancing back to see if the crowd were following him,
quietly, sword in hand, and in front of him the two collectors.