Wait, Mohammed, only wait."
The Nubian returned and announced that a revolt had broken oat among
Taber Pacha's soldiers. They had gone to the citadel, and savagely
demanded their pay. The viceroy had received a deputation sent by
them, and told them to go to the defterdar, and demand payment of
him in the viceroy's name. In accordance with this demand, the
soldiers had then repaired to the house of the defterdar, and had,
upon admission being denied them, broken down the doors. The
minister of finance, however, rid himself of them by telling them to
demand their pay of Mohammed Ali, who had a few days before received
ten purses of gold from the viceroy for the payment of the troops.
"And now the soldiers have come here," said the Nubian, in
deferential, anxious tones. "They have surrounded the house, and
demand their pay. They are furious, and swear by Allah and the
prophet that they will not rest until they have received the money
due them. They complain, too, of being sent from house to house like
beggars."
"The poor fellows are right," said Mohammed.
Fierce cries now resounded from below:
"We will not be trodden under foot like dogs! We are no beggars!
Give us our pay, Mohammed Ali! The defterdar sends us to you! You
have our money, and we want it!"
He sprang to the window, tore it open, and, in tones that were heard
above the uproar, commanded silence.
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