And then, I admit, my head is too small for
so heavy an ornament!"
"I feel strong enough to bear this burden," said Taher, laughing,
"and now that I have it, I shall also know how to secure myself in
its possession. All Cairo already recognizes me in my new dignity,
and your recognition is now alone wanting, Mohammed Ali."
"I bow in all humility before the caimacan, and shall also recognize
him as viceroy as soon as an answer is received from Stamboul."
Taher smiled graciously. "And now receive my first instructions,
sarechsme. Send messengers to the Mameluke beys, I desire to make
peace with them; I wish them to be my friends. We have had bloodshed
enough. United with the Mamelukes, we shall be able to defy our
Turkish enemies."
"I am of the same opinion," replied Mohammed, bowing profoundly.
"Then carry out my instructions at once."
"Your command shall be obeyed without delay," replied Mohammed, as
he turned and left the apartment.
"He does not know what he is doing. It would have been dangerous for
me to send a messenger to the Mamelukes. Now, in his assumed
authority, he empowers me to do what I have long since done in my
own interests. O Taher Pacha, you think yourself entitled to the
throne because you have scaled the walls of the citadel; you are,
however, grievously mistaken."
After three days the messenger reached the bardissi's camp, and
delivered Mohammed's message.
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