The voices
of women and children were now hushed, and the hoarse tones of men
only could be heard. He hastily stepped back from the window. No, he
must not be seen. If seen, he might be called and compelled to join
in the movement against his will, and the time has not yet come. He
must still wait.
He stood still in the middle of the room, and listened to the uproar
that came.
"This is revolt! These are soldiers!" said he to himself, stepping
to the door of the antechamber, and beckoning to a slave. "What is
the meaning of this uproar?"
"I know not, sarechsme. Shall I go down to inquire?"
"Go down, mingle with the crowd, and find out what it means, and
then return to me as quickly as possible."
The Nubian hastened to do his master's bidding. Mohammed continued
to walk to and fro. The uproar, as it came nearer, had become
intelligible.
"We want money! Give us bread! We are hungry. and must have our
pay!"
Such were the savage cries that resounded from the street below.
"Ah, I understand," said Mohammed to himself ; "these are Taher
Pacha's soldiers! He has marched with them into the city, to begin
the work on his own account; Taher is ambitious, and wants the
viceroy's throne. He begins the work of rebellion for himself, he
will end it for me; though I can as yet take no active part in it! O
Sitta Nefysseh, you have brought me a step nearer to the throne, and
Taber is advancing me another.
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