I say that honor,
power, and consideration, often spring from hypocrisy and slavish
submission; and that through cunning, deceit, and shame, many a free
human soul becomes abject and lost. I hope I am understood by
Cousrouf Pacha!"
"I regret that I can neither understand nor explain these strange
words. But you must feel, tachorbadji, that I have to deny myself
the pleasure of remaining longer with you in the company of this
wild young man, whose mind seems bewildered by the honors conferred
on him. Enjoy yourselves in quiet repose, and be happy at your
feast."
"Do as it suits you," cried Mohammed. "I shall not share it. I am
exhausted, and shall retire to rest and refresh myself. Farewell!"
He bowed his head, and carried his hand in greeting both to lip and
brow. He then turned, and hastened rapidly away.
The pacha followed him with an evil glance. "The forward youth is
forever in my path," said he, threateningly. "It was well for him he
withdrew, for it might have come to bitter enmity between us. Should
he dare again what he this day ventured upon, his life would no
longer be secure. Being a guest in your house, and meeting him
there, made me considerate to-day. But woe unto him should he cross
my path, when no such considerations restrain me! Bitterly shall he
repent of his words."
CHAPTER VII
THE MESSENGER.
Joy and merriment prevailed throughout the day in the village of
Praousta; a continuous firing of guns was kept up, which delighted
the boys, and terrified the sick, and the timid little girls.
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