"
"Yes, they are standing there listening, and, if we should charge
upon them, they would fire at us, and we should all be lost. No, we
will be cautious; but this is certain, we will not pay the tax; the
sheik has commanded it, and the ulemas have decided; therefore we
will not pay."
"No, we will not pay," repeated all the other men. No longer loud
and defiant, but in low voices one to another, and their eyes turned
suspiciously toward the three figures, and then up the mountain-
path, toward the rocks behind which they believed the sharp-shooters
were concealed.
Mohammed looked also toward the mountain-path, and, seeing that the
prisoners and their guard had reached the top of the mountain, he
turned toward the fishermen
"Ismail, Marut, Berutti," he cried, "do you not recognize me, you
know Mohammed Ali, son of Ibrahim?"
"Yes, we know you, and we would not have believed that the son of
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.
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