"Not I, highness," says Mohammed, smiling. "Not I, the sarechsme,
but that wild, insolent boy, Mohammed, of whom no trace now remains.
He is buried in the sea, at the place where the waves closed over
Masa. Yet, if that Mohammed still lived and heard what you say, he
would bow down in the dust before the great man who condescends to
confess that he regrets what he has done. However, should I see that
Mohammed, I will tell him of this never-to-be-forgotten
magnanimity."
"I will give you a souvenir of this hour," says Cousrouf, gently. "I
am so happy myself to-day that I desire to see the happy only about
me. You are now a general. I should like to see you worthily fitted
out for your new dignity. Have you a steed suitable to your rank?"
"I am poor, highness, and have nothing but the salary which your
highness will bestow on me."
"Above all, you must have a good horse. I have received from the
grand-sultan, in Stamboul, in honor of my entrance into Cairo, four
beautiful horses. I make you a present of one of them. Go down to
the stables; they shall be shown you, and you shall select the one
that pleases you best. Be still! no word of thanks! Show your
gratitude by serving me faithfully. Are you already provided with a
dwelling?"
"No, highness. The bim bashi had but just arrived with Hassan Aga
from Alexandria, and has as yet had no time to look after a
dwelling.
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