"
"And yet he dares, in his littleness, to meet me with haughty words
and to look at me as though he were my equal! Should the boy not
step respectfully aside, and bow his head in humility, when he sees
me? You are right, Osman, I hate this proud, obstinate lad!"
"I have uttered my only wish," said Osman, gently. "You will grant
it, for I have your triple oath. I repeat my wish once more:
Cousrouf Pacba, protect and spare my friend Mohammed Ali; swear that
no harm shall be done him, either by you or by your servants. Let no
wicked hand seek his life, neither by poison, by weapons, nor by any
other means. Let him go his way in peace. By the triple oath which
you have sworn, I conjure you to grant this wish."
The pacha regarded him long and gloomily, and then bowed his head
slowly.
"I swore the triple oath, and Cousrouf Pacha has never yet broken
his word. Your wish is accorded; the life of this lad shall be
sacred to me henceforth; no hair of his head shall be injured; his
life shall not be sought either by poison, by dagger, or by other
means; he may go his way in peace, but woe to him if we should meet
elsewhere than here, in Cavalla, where I honor my host and my oath!
Be assured now and fear nothing. Mohammed Ali's life is sacred to
me; I swear it!"
"I am content, and I thank you. You have made me happier than I have
been for a long time.
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