"
"And yet I confide in you," said Cousrouf, "as I know you are
repairing the misfortune of your birth by your deeds. But I would
never place the same reliance in the old troops of Albania; and,
therefore, I have formed a corps of Nubians, and selected a body-
guard from the number of these black slaves, and upon them I can and
do rely. They have become good soldiers; I have taken a number of
French soldiers into my service, and they have drilled my body-guard
well. Yes, upon them I can rely. If traitors should come near me,
they would slay them."
"How could traitors come near your highness?" said Mohammed, with an
air of dismay. " Who could dare to threaten Cousrouf Pacha, the kind
and noble ruler, with treason! No. You can sleep in peace. Treason
must stand aloof from your great and sacred person."
The pacha shook his head. "The viceroy will not sleep in peace,
Mohammed, until you can announce to him that the last Mameluke bey
lies dead at your feet."
"I trust, highness, that I shall soon be able to make this
announcement," said Mohammed, in kindly tones. "My most ardent
desire is to march out to battle, and prove to my kind master that I
am not only a good soldier, but also a true and devoted servant."
"Then march out to battle, Mohammed, and be mindful of what I before
said. Cousrouf will, perhaps, be able to reward the victorious
Mohammed with a beautiful young wife, with a rich dowry.
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