"You did well," said the capitan pacha. "Why should we not appear to
regret this deed of bloodshed, now that it is accomplished? Why not
deplore that which is irrevocable? Death holds fast to its victims.
The living, we must, however, deliver over to the stormy Englishman,
as I have no desire to take upon myself the responsibility of a war
with England. Moreover, I shall be well pleased to leave this place.
My work is done. Let the newly appointed viceroy see what he can do
with these Mamelukes. Egypt is dripping with blood, and the
atmosphere of this land is freighted with the scent of corpses. I
can no longer endure it, and am about to return to beautiful, sunny
Stamboul. Let my last deed be to comply with the demand of this
haughty Englishman. Have the wounded put into the boats, Bim Bashi
Mohammed Ali; you understand me--I call you bim bashi. You may
inform your friend, Bim Bashi Osman, that his request is granted;
you will take his place, and it rests with you to make it the
stepping-stone to future greatness. I believe such will be the case,
for I can read your soul in your eyes; and this one thing, it seems
to me, you still have to learn: to keep your eyes from betraying
your thoughts, Remember that this is essential to success. And now,
you may have the prisoners conveyed to the shore. Lord Hutchinson
shall count the living, and the dead, too; not one of his favorites
shall be withheld! When this is done, bim bashi, return to the ship
on which you came.
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