"
"Does not my word suffice?" cried Cousrouf, passionately. "I tell
you that she is guilty, that I have proof of her guilt, and I
declare that this suffices. I repeat what I have said, if she pays
my soldiers she is free."
"That does not suffice!" replied the sheik. "We must first know
whether Sitta Nefysseh confesses herself guilty. In accordance with
the law and with your permission, highness, let two of the sheiks go
to Sitta Nefysseh and ask her if she confesses herself guilty; and,
further, what she has to say in her defence. This is just, and this
must be done."
"Do as you say. Go to her. But her own declaration of her innocence
will not suffice for me. She must have as much proof of her
innocence as I have of her guilt. Go to Sitta Nefysseh. You will
find her in the house of Sheik Hesseyni."
With a profound bow the sheiks withdrew from the viceroy's apartment
and repaired to the house of Sheik Hesseyni.
Sitta Nefysseh greeted the cadis and sheiks with profound deference
and perfect composure.
"I see," said she, gently, "you believe in my innocence, and know
that Sitta Nefysseh is guilty of no crime, and has been unjustly
covered with shame."
"We well know that you have committed no crime," said the sheik.
"The viceroy, however, accuses you of having attempted to corrupt
his soldiers through your kachef; tell us, is this true?"
"You well know that it is not true! Why should I do it, and how
could I be so foolish as to attempt such a thing? I give you my
word, I swear by the memory of Mourad Bey, I am innocent of the
crime of which I am accused.
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