him back forcibly. "Tschorbadji, it becomes your ambassador to seek
you and give an account of his mission. I myself will hear him."
Still holding the tschorbadji's arm, he stepped to the divan, seated
himself, and drew the governor down beside him. And now the door was
opened, and Mohammed, with glowing cheeks and ardent eyes, holding
his sword aloft, entered the room. He advanced rapidly across the
spacious saloon to the tschorbadji, lowered his sword before him,
and bestowed a kindly glance on his friend Osman, who came forward
to greet him. With a few hasty words he explained to the tschorbadji
the events which had taken place; only when he spoke of the young
girl did his voice falter, but he made slight mention of her, and
passed on to narrate the conclusion of his bold adventure.

"So you have really made prisoners of four of the first men of
Praousta and brought them here!" said the tschorbadji, completely
taken by surprise. "Tell me what shall be done with them? It surely
cannot be your intention to put these men to death if the tax is not
paid?"

"Most certainly, sir, that is my intention," said Mohammed, throwing
back his head proudly. "They are all rebels, and the ulemas and the
sheik were their leaders--these, sir, were the men who counselled
the people not to pay the taxes. It is according to law that the
heads of the leaders of a rebellion should fall, and fall their
heads shall, for I have sworn it; if three men are not sent to-
morrow morning from Praousta, at the hour of prayer, with the double
tax, the heads of the prisoners shall answer for its payment!"

"But this is impossible," said the tschorbadji, whose tender heart
was moved by Mohammed's threatening words. "This is impossible; I