The band plays a lively air. Mohammed conducts his soldiers before
the eyes of the governor and his guest through a series of movements
and evolutions which he has long since practiced in secret. As they
now advance toward him, "Right about, halt!" resounds Mohammed's
word of command; and his soldiers stand there like a wall.
"Well done," said Cousrouf Pacha, with a gracious inclination of the
head. He then added in a loud voice, in order that Mohammed should
hear him: "You see, governor, street boys can watch soldiers
exercising to some purpose. Mohammed has not stared at them on the
street in vain."
He turns and leaves the court-yard, repairs to his private
apartments, and calls the two eunuchs who had held the fruitless
watch at the gate the previous night.
"When the soldiers have left the court-yard, twelve of their number
will be placed at your disposal. Let them load their muskets and
unsheath their swords. Then go to Praousta, to the sheik's house,
and demand the restoration of my slave. Demand it in my name. If her
father refuses, search the house and every place connected with it.
Break open the doors if he refuses to unlock them. If you do not
find her there, search the other houses of the village. I must have
her! If you do not find her to-day, then find her to-morrow or the
next day. I will allow you a week's time in which to get possession
of this runaway slave.
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