You are their
countryman, and you shall be their leader."
"O highness, how great is your generosity!" exclaims Mohammed, his
countenance beaming with joy.
Cousrouf had observed him closely, and the young man's delight
showed him that he had acquired in Mohammed a true and devoted
friend, and he will have great need of such friends in the impending
struggles to uphold his power, which the course pursued by his
friend the capitan pacha will have made inevitable. The bloody
massacre at Aboukir, which the capitan claims as a friendly service
rendered him, has, he well knows, made him many passionate and
irreconcilable enemies. Yes, he needs true friends, and Mohammed
shall be chained to his service through gratitude.
Mohammed expresses his gratitude and devotion in such eloquent terms
that Cousrouf's heart is touched, and he feels impelled to address
some kindly words to the new sarechsme. He dismisses Hassan Aga with
friendly greetings to the capitan pacha, and motioned to the
sarechsme to remain. Cousrouf walks thoughtfully to and fro in the
room for a time, his gold-embroidered caftan trailing on the carpet
behind him, and the crescent on his turban glittering in the
sunlight. Mohammed raises his eyes for an instant, and sees the
figure sweep past him like a brilliant meteor. Quickly he casts down
his eyes again, that his soul's inmost thoughts may not be betrayed,
and least of all to the viceroy.
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