"Lay your
gold upon the block. What, through your obstinacy, has occurred,
cannot be obliterated by your gold. Lay your gold upon the block,
for to it you offer your gold."
Laughing wildly, he turned and bowed before the veiled maiden. "But
you pay for it with your honor, with your shame."
She fell forward, and a shriek of agony burst from her lips. But she
still gazed with tender eyes upon the youth who looked down upon her
so fiercely.
"Traitoress! You have forgotten your oath!"
"No, Mohammed," whispered she. "Hear me!"
"Away from me! do you still wish to deceive me?" Again he thrust her
from him. Masa would have fallen, had not Osman hurried forward and
sustained her.
"Forgive him," whispered he, softly. "He is wild with anger and
pain."
"O Osman, is all known to you?" asked she, in trembling tones.
Osman bowed his head. Tears stood in his eyes. "Be quiet--we are
watched. In the evening I will send you word."
"Open now the gates, and let the prisoners out," said the
tschorbadji to Mohammed. "The law has been vindicated."
"It shall be as you command," said Mohammed, with the calmness
sometimes born of despair. He drew forth the key, and placed it in
the lock. Masa sprang forward. The gate opened, and now she stood
beside her father. She threw her arms about him, and kissed his
lips. Then she bowed her head upon his breast, and wept bitterly.
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