"Mohammed Ali, the friend of my son, Osman, has pledged himself to
bring the rebels to reason; I have given him my body-guard of eight
men, and he has gone down to Praousta."

"Gone to this seditious village, where more than fifty strong men
are in revolt!" exclaimed Cousrouf. "Truly such daring reflects
honor upon the young lad."

"Upon what young lad?" asked Osman, in seeming surprise; "of whom
does your excellency speak?"

"Of the young lad your father spoke of; he who volunteered to settle
this difficulty. Is he your slave, or your freedman, of whom you
make a companion because unfortunately you can find here no better
social intercourse?"

"He is my friend," said Osman, in a calm, firm voice, "my best
friend, and I trust that all who honor my father's house with their
visits will observe a proper respect to the friend of his son. I
expect this, and, if need be, will require it, for--"

"Here comes Mohammed!" cried the governor, rejoicing at any
occurrence which interrupted his son's speech. "Here comes Mohammed,
and with him four prisoners. By Allah! it is the sheik and the three
ulemas of Praousta! The soldiers are conducting them; their hands
are bound behind their backs. Mohammed is a bold fellow; he has made
prisoners of four of the richest and most influential men of the
village, and is bringing them here. I must speak with him." The
governor arose hastily, but Cousrouf Pacha seized his arm and held