Are the soldiers disembarked?"
"Yes, excellency, and already, I believe, on the march to Cairo."
"It is well," said the pacha; "let them figure at the grand entrance
of the viceroy into Cairo. I will intrust you with a message to his
highness, and will recommend you to him as a useful man. Cousrouf
Pacha has need of such men."
Mohammed started at the mention of this name, but quickly recovered
his composure, and bowed his head in gratitude.
"You make me happy, indeed! You will send me to Cousrouf Pacha. I
thank you, for it has long been my most ardent wish to be in his
service."
"It has long been your wish!" said the capitan pacha, in surprise.
"I thought you had only been here a short time?"
"True, excellency, yet I have heard much of the great Cousrouf Pacha
in my distant home, and to serve him was my most ardent wish. I
swear, capitan pacha, that I will serve him as my heart prompts."
"But then it depends on what your heart prompts," said the pacha,
casting a long, searching glance at the pale countenance of the
young bim bashi. "The tone in which you say this has a strange ring,
and sounds almost like a threat! Yet, deal with his highness,
Cousrouf Pacha, as you think proper, and serve him as your heart
prompts. I will recommend you to him. We are good friends, the
viceroy and I, very good friends, and I have no doubt it will sadden
him to see me escape out of this confusion, which will require bold
and fearless management at his hands.
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