"Be on your
guard! You are beset with spies, for these eunuchs are battling for
their lives. If they have not restored Masa alive to their master in
a week, their heads fall; he has sworn this, and they know he will
keep his word. They are cunning, and have sharp eyes. Mohammed, if
you can avoid it, do not go down into the grotto to-day. Everything
pends on deceiving the spies and putting them on a false track.
Therefore, pass the night in your own house."
"Impossible! quite impossible!" said Mohammed, his eyes kindling at
the thought of his love. "It cannot be, even if it should cost my
heart's blood! I cannot remain in my house."
"Then remain with me. Do so for her sake. I tell you your white dove
is in danger! I am better informed than the rest, for I have in my
service a spy, a good angel, whose eyes rest neither by day nor
night, and whose ears hear everything that concerns Mohammed Ali."
"And who is this angel? " asked Mohammed.
"You know her well," said Osman. "It is Marina, my dear cousin. She
often goes into the pacha's harem, and has formed the acquaintance
of two of the young women, who tell her a great many things in their
thoughtlessness. Nothing escapes Marina's ear, for I will confess,
my friend, that she loves the young boulouk bashi, and is ready to
separate herself from her jealous husband on his account. But I
candidly told her that he did not love her, and that she must bury
her wishes.
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