He had not spoken of it during these days; Cousrouf's mention of him
seemed to have made no impression on him, and his attention appeared
to have been directed wholly to the equipment of the soldiers. Now
that all was in readiness, Osman sent his friend word to come to
him, as he wished to converse with him on a matter of grave
importance. Mohammed willingly acceded to this request and repaired
at once to the garden-house, where, since the days of his childhood,
a couch had at all times stood in readiness for the governor's poor,
sickly son, and seated himself at his side, as he was in the habit
of doing.
"You wished to see me about something, Osman. What is it?"
"What is it?" said Osman, with his softest smile, laying his hand on
his friend's shoulder and regarding him fixedly. "Well, I should
think you ought to know. Try to divine it!"
Mohammed slowly shook his head. "By Allah, I am ignorant what it is,
Osman!"
"Well," said the latter, smiling, "I wish to speak of our departure
with the troops."
"What do you mean by that?"
"What do I mean? The pacha, Cousrouf, has appointed me captain of
the three hundred soldiers, and you my lieutenant."
"He has done so, to be sure, but we of course decline the
appointment," said Mohammed, shrugging his shoulders.
"And why?" asked Osman, with an expression of profound astonishment.
"Why? Well, my Osman, you surely cannot think of--"
"I understand you," said Osman, nodding his head; "you mean I cannot
think of accepting any such position as it would beseem a man of my
rank to hold.
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