No one had heard the brief conversation that passed
between them, but every one saw Cousrouf's cheek grow pale, and his
eye sparkle with anger.
"I will send you an answer," said he, after a pause. "Return to your
house, and order the soldiers to return to their barracks. My
defterdar will bring you an answer."
He turned and left the apartment.
"Well, for this time we will be patient and wait," said Mohammed,
addressing his officers.
His voice was threatening, and his officers understood that their
general was prepared to resort to extreme measures, and they
rejoiced over it, for the viceroy was always haughty and overbearing
in his manner toward them, and they all hated him. They would all
have been pleased to see their bold general revolt against him.
"We will wait," they whispered to each other--" we will wait! What
our sarechsme does, we will do also!"
They returned, in obedience to his command, to their quarters and
barracks.
The sarechsme, Mohammed Ali, a peculiar smile on his lips, also
returned to his palace.
"The decisive hour approaches! Cousrouf Pacha shall be convinced
that I, as he says, am still the same Mohammed Ali I was at Cavalla!
Yes, still the same, and still determined to have revenge!
CHAPTER IV
THE REVOLT.
To have gained a week is to have gained a great deal.
Within this time the viceroy will succeed in replenishing his
coffers.
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