"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
cannot allow these men to be executed."
"I have sworn it shall be done, and it must be done, unless you wish
to see your authority overthrown."
"But how can it be done?" exclaimed the tschorbadji, pale with
anxiety and horror. "Who will put these men to death? I have no
executioner."
"If necessary," said Mohammed, his eyes flashing with resolve--"If
necessary, I will behead them myself."
"Bravely said!" cried Cousrouf Pacha, rising from his seat. "Truly,
Mohammed Ali, I begin to be pleased with you."
"That, sir, is more than I desire," said Mohammed, calmly; he gave
one threatening glance at the proud pacha, and then turned quickly
to the tschorbadji.
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