The revolt is
now general.
Taker Pacha, as well as Mohammed Ali, hears it; but the latter
remains quietly in his room. Taker Pacha, less discreet, hastens
forth to suppress, or, if the prospect seems favorable, to encourage
the revolt. He repairs to the citadel and sends the viceroy word
that he desires an audience.
"Tell his highness I wish to restore the city to tranquillity; and,
if possible, appease the soldiers."
The messenger soon returns with a dejected look. "It is in vain,
general, in vain! His highness desires no peaceful settlement. He
says he will make no compromise with rebels! You are to return to
your house; he says he can dispose of these rebels without any
assistance!"
"Is that his opinion?" asked Taher, bowing profoundly. "The wisdom
of the viceroy is inscrutable. I retire, as he commands."
He hastily quitted the apartment, went down to his soldiers and
called his bim bashis to his side.
"I was with his highness, and endeavored to settle this difficulty
without further bloodshed. But he declined, and said there could be
no settlement between you and him except at the cannon's mouth, and
that be would pay you with your own blood!"
The soldiers answered their general's words with a fierce roar; when
this at last subsided, he continued: "The viceroy says the defterdar
is to pay you--that you must look to him. Let us do so, soldiers!
Let us compel him to pay!"
"Yes, be shall pay us!" cried they; and the wild masses again rushed
to the house of the defterdar.
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