They were still there when the
tschorbadji, before retiring for the night, came down to see his son
once more and bid him good-night; and there they remained until all
the lights were extinguished in the apartments of the tschorbadji as
well as in those of the pacha. Then, when all had become still, one
of them stooped down and addressed his master in low tones; after
they had carried on a short, whispered conversation the slave arose
and glided noiselessly away toward the garden-wall, which formed no
obstacle to his progress--as the faithful servant could climb like a
cat--and he was soon on the other side.
Osman remained on his couch, conversing in low tones with the other
servant. Both were attentively observing the pacha's harem, and it
surprised them to see that lights were being carried to and fro in
the lower apartments at so late an hour.
"Something extraordinary is surely taking place there," murmured
Osman, "and we must be on our guard, and listen to the slightest
noise."
Hours passed, and the same activity was still being displayed in the
harem; and from time to time the attentive servant perceived shadows
flitting up and down the avenue that led to the harem.
Footsteps are now heard approaching. It is the slave Nadeg, and he
comes swiftly to his master's couch, kneels down and speaks to him
for some time in low, earnest tones.
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