When the soldier refused, he promised to give him
the same pay he now receives from me."
"Highness, that is not true, I swear it is not!"
"Here is the proof!" answered Cousrouf, rising to his feet and
taking from the table a paper, which he unfolded. "Here is the
proof! Here it is, plainly written in his own handwriting! Herein
your kachef Youssouf promises my soldier, Sadok Aga, to give him his
whole pay, and even double the amount, if he will undertake to ride
to Bardissi's camp and convey a letter to the bey. Here it is in his
own handwriting, and signed by him."
"Highness, I beg you to let me see the writing," said Nefysseh,
extending her hand to take the paper. "Let me see it; I can read."
Cousrouf did not comply with her request. He folded the paper, and
laid it on the table again.
"It is unnecessary that you should read it. I insist that your
kachef endeavors to corrupt my soldiers and induce them to desert to
Bardissi's camp. This is clearly treason. As you yourself admit that
a mistress is responsible for her servant's actions, I declare and
shall hold you, Sitta Nefysseh, responsible for your servant's
crime."
"That you cannot do, highness! Youssouf is no longer my servant, is
no longer in my house. I have discharged him, not because I thought
ill of him, not because I desired to punish him, but because I
esteem him, because I know he was created for something better than
to be only the servant of a woman.
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