I have not attempted to corrupt the
soldiers of Cousrouf Pacha, nor have I authorized my kachef to do
so. Believe me, I speak the truth. But, tell me, was that all the
viceroy said? I think I see through his plans, and understand this
accusation. Did he not name the punishment he intended to inflict on
me?"
"He did. You are to he set at liberty as soon as you pay his
soldiers--what he maintains you promised--their double pay."
"Is it not as I said?" cried she, in derisive tones. "Cousrouf Pacha
wants money! He has heard stories of my wealth, and believes me
rich; and now, relying on a woman's timidity, he endeavors to extort
money from me. He wants money, and therefore makes this shameful
charge. Go, I beg you, to the viceroy, and tell him Mourad's widow
is poor, and has nothing with which to appease his rapacity. Let him
take my life if he will. I am innocent, and if be causes me to be
put to death, I shall charge him with murder at Allah's footstool! I
have nothing else to give him. Let him deal with me as he thinks
proper."
"We will tell him all you say, for you are in the right, Sitta
Nefysseh," replied the sheik. " And if you possessed all the wealth
of Egypt, with the millions that lie buried in its deserts, you
would be justified in secreting them from the tyranny and fraud that
seek to extort from you your property. We will therefore defend you
to the best of our ability.
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