"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
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.
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