He
was himself one of the powers that be. He held his head aloft while
the sheik approached.
"I was summoned in the name of the tschorbadji," said the sheik,
looking with astonishment at Mohammed. "It is very strange that I
find here no one but Mohammed Ali, the son of Ibrahim Aga. Had I
known that the tschorbadji had sent a boy to me, I would have
required him to bring me the message."
"I summoned you in the name of the tscborbadji, and in his name I
stand here!" said Mohammed, proudly. "I am not a boy, as you are
pleased to call me, but an acknowledged authority. I have received
my authority from the tschorbadji, and I demand submission from
you!"
"Submission to you!" exclaimed the sheik, with a contemptuous
glance.
Mohammed's eyes flashed fiercely, as he placed his hand
threateningly on his pistol.
"Yes, you the sheik, must yield to me. See! there are the others who
dared to revolt. -Guard the sheik well, you men; the ulemas also!"
The latter had now approached, accompanied by the soldiers, and
Mohammed informed them that he, in the name of the tschorbadji,
insisted upon their gathering in the taxes.
"We cannot and will not do it!" answered the sheik, proudly. "It is
an injustice to demand the double tax, and it, would be folly to pay
it. It is our duty to protect the community, and we will do it!"
"Well, do as you will!" cried Mohammed, with flashing eyes.
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