But I feel myself in better health; it seems as though
the thought of such a possibility had given me new strength and
energy. Who knows, perhaps, the luxurious, effeminate life I have
always led is the great cause of my ill-health and weakness; a new
or adventurous life may do me good. It is often said that the
greater part of disease is mere imagination. If one shakes this off,
he shakes his disease off with it. Therefore, I have decided to try
this remedy myself. After full consideration, I have concluded to
accept the position of captain of our troops."
"You are really in earnest!" exclaimed Mohammed, springing to his
feet in alarm. "You will actually take this position of captain, go
to the war, and leave as!"
"Leave us? " repeated Osman. "No, we two, of course, remain
together, my friend. You go with me. You are selected as my
lieutenant. You know Cousrouf Pacha added words of praise and
acknowledgment for you, too."
Mohammed's eye glittered for a moment, but he looked down quickly.
"Yes, he did this, and his conduct is very noble and generous, for
he well knows that I do not love him, and that I was once his
enemy."
"Once," repeated Osman, closely regarding his friend. "But that was
a long while ago, and we have done with the dreams of our youth long
since, have we not, Mohammed? What then was, has passed away. He no
longer thinks of the childlike defiance you displayed toward him,
the great pacha; and the sorrow and suffering he caused you are long
since forgotten.
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