Yet it is known that Osman Bardissi and L'Elfi Bey,
the two Mameluke chieftains, were not long since in Cairo, and that
they paid the Sitta a visit. They both love her. They adore her, and
defy every danger in order to see her. Of this I am certain,
highness."
"If this is true," cried Cousrouf, "I have some pretext for calling
her to account."
"And true it is, I assure you," replied Mohammed. "I myself saw
Bardissi as he stepped out of the back gate of the park and mounted
his horse, and a short time before I saw L'Elfi. Perhaps they had
both come for money for the payment of their troops."
"I well know, myself," said Cousrouf, "that Mourad's widow is very
rich, and generous to her friends. I will see her this very day, and
this very day shall she be called to account."
"But by whom?" asked Mohammed, quickly. "The cadi and the sheik will
not answer; for they, like all Cairo, love Sitta Nefysseh."
"Then I will call her to account myself!" cried Cousrouf, in
resolute tones.
"But have you proofs of her guilt?" asked Mohammed. "Sitta Nefysseh
is wise, and knows how to defend herself. Therefore proofs, and not
the accusation only, are needed."
"I shall secure proofs! When we are determined to accuse any one,
proofs are never wanting. Else of what use were our clerks and
police? And now you may go, sarechsme. I thank you for your advice,
and will quickly proceed to raise money from the Sitta before she
suspects any thing.
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