"
"And why double taxes?" asked Cousrouf Pacba, with a contemptuous
smile.
"Do not ask me, excellency," replied the tschorbadji, with a bow;
"one portion of the taxes goes as usual to Stamboul, into the
coffers of his highness; the other portion--"
"Ah, I understand," said Cousrouf, with a proud smile; "the other
portion is, through an order from Stamboul, destined for me. That is
so, is it not, tschorbadji?"
"Yes, excellency, if you wish to know the truth, it is."
"And these dogs refuse to pay for the benefit of Cousrouf Pacha, the
grand-vizier of his highness, the friend and comrade of the Admiral
Hussein, and you will not shoot them down like mad dogs,
tachorbadji; you wish to negotiate with these audacious men, who
mock at my greatness in refusing me the tribute! These slaves
believe that, because Cousrouf Pacha condescends to live in this
desolate place--this miserable nest they can mock and deny me their
respect with impunity. But I tell you, tschorbadji, I tell you, and
all the men of Praousta and Cavalla, you shall remember this day! If
these men do not submit, if they do not pay what they ought to pay,
then you may all beware, for a day will come, and, by Allah, it is
not far off, when Cousrouf Pacha will leave his exile with new
honors! Remember this, tschorbadji, and act accordingly."
"I shall remember it, excellency," said the tschorbadji,
respectfully; "I have never failed in reverence and respect to the
noble guest whom his highness graciously sent here; I accepted it as
a favor, and during my entire life I shall remember the days that it
pleased Cousrouf Pacha to become a guest in my house.
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