They have now come close to him. Mohammed sees them deposit a cot on
the ground. He sees a white veiled figure lying motionless on this
cot. He also sees and recognizes the haughty man who now comes to
the side of the cot. It is Cousrouf Pacha, his hated and now dreaded
enemy. Alas! he is now in his power. The young lion lies bound at
the panther's feet; he is helpless and must submit to all.
Cousrouf commands the eunuchs, who had stood still awaiting his
orders, to retire after first placing the cot a little nearer to the
sea.
They noiselessly do as directed, and then retire. Now they are
alone--Cousrouf Pacha and the two bound, helpless creatures.
A few rosy little clouds have appeared in the east, it is growing
lighter, and the dark mantle of night is being lifted. The sea is
beginning to swell with the breath of morning, and to caress the
beach, and murmur at the feet of the fettered man. He looks neither
at the sea beneath, nor at the heavens above. He gazes up with
flaming eyes at him who stands composedly by his side, looking down
upon him contemptuously.
"Mohammed, you have a friend who loves you well, and this friend was
too shrewd for me. I had sworn with the triple oath that I would
grant the request he should ask of me. He asked for your life and
your safety."
A low groan escaped the breast of the bound man. Though be could not
denounce his enemy in words, he could nevertheless give expression
to the curse that burned in his heart in the proud, fierce glance of
his eye.
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