"
"You speak in enigmas, maiden," said the tschorbadji. "You have the
money, and yet you have it not. What does this mean?"
"I have not the money in coined sequins," said she, looking toward
the door as though she feared Mohammed might enter and be angry when
she presented her love-offering. "Look at this, tschorbadji; these
were my mother's jewels, but they are now mine, and no one else has
a right to them. Gladly will I part with them for the sake of the
men of our village. I have often been told that these jewels are
worth more than a hundred sequins. I pray you, take them of me for
that sum."
Still kneeling, she handed the tschorbadji the casket containing the
jewelry. He took it and regarded it thoughtfully.
"Did it devolve upon me alone to decide this question, gladly would
I take the jewelry, good maiden. But remember, I have sworn to
Mohammed Ali that the prisoners should only then be released when
the double tax shall have been paid in glittering gold-pieces. And I
must keep my word. Gladly would I give you their value, but I must
confess to the daughter of my sheik that I have not in my possession
so large a sum. But remain here; a thought occurs to me," said he.
"The ambassador who comes from Stamboul for the tax, and who arrived
here yesterday, brought with him for Couspouf Pacha a large purse
filled with sequins. If I show him this jewelry and ask him--yes, I
will do so.
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