"
"And in what does this proof consist?" asks Cousrouf.
"He sends your highness a hero who has the determination to do all
things, and the capacity to do all he determines. He gave evidence
of his courage and address at Aboukir. The capitan pacha can leave
you no better token of his friendship than this young hero, who is
entirely devoted to you. May I present this last best gift of the
capitan pacha; may I present to your highness the young bim bashi?"
The pacha nods his assent, and Hassan noiselessly withdraws,
returning in a few moments, accompanied by the young bim bashi, so
warmly recommended to the viceroy. Cousrouf Pacha wearily raises his
head and casts a glance of indifference at the tall figure of the
bim bashi; but as his glance falls on the young man's countenance,
he starts. It seems, to him that he has seen those eagle eyes
before. He hastily casts his eyes down, and then looks up again at
the bim bashi, who holds his head proudly erect, awaiting the
viceroy's address.
"What is your name, bim bashi? Where do you come from?" asks
Cousrouf, after along pause.
The bim bashi advances a step, and, looking steadily in the
viceroy's countenance, bows profoundly. "My name is Mohammed Ali,
and I come from Cavalla."
"Cavalla!" repeats Cousrouf, with a start. Now he remembers that he
has sometimes seen these eyes before him in sleepless nights.
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