I beg
that your excellency will graciously permit me to return home with
the ship to Cavalla, after the soldiers shall have been disembarked.
I also entreat of your excellency that my boulouk bashi be made
captain in my stead."
The capitan pacha turned and looked at young Mohammed Ali. Perhaps
his tall, well-knit frame, and his earnest countenance, with its
sparkling eyes, and his determined bearing, impressed him favorably.
"Bim bashi, we will see what can be done. It will depend chiefly on
the events of this day, and I will observe your boulouk bashi
closely. If he proves capable of doing well what I shall require of
him, I give you my word he shall be made bim bashi, and you shall
then be permitted to return to your home. I will, however, first
observe your boulouk bashi, and see of what stuff he is made.--I
have orders for you, boulouk bashi. But first tell me your name."
"I am called Mohammed Ali, son of Ibrahim Aga," replied Mohammed,
inclining his head with an expression of such profound reverence
that the proud capitan pacha was well pleased, and smiled
graciously.
"Mohammed Ali, son of Ibrahim Aga, step aside with me; I have
something to say to you."
The pacha walked to the end of the deck, motioning to the two slaves
who accompanied him to withdraw; he then turned to Mohammed, who
stood before him, his head bowed down in humility; his ear all
attention to the words spoken by the pacha, in low, impressive
tones.
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