They are in great
want, for I have forbidden them to rob and plunder. They have long
waited patiently for their pay. But I beg you to give it them now,
Bardissi."
The soldiers who had heard all, cried loudly: "Long live our
sarechsme! Long live Bardissi, our chief!"
"Believe me, soldiers, he will give you your pay!--Will you not,
Bardissi?"
"Yes, sarechsme, your soldiers shall receive their pay. I give you
my word, they shall be paid to-morrow. Come to the citadel, to my
defterdar to-morrow morning, and he will pay you."
"You have heard it, soldiers: you are to be paid to-morrow. And now
go!"
But no one moved; they stood still, grumbling in low tones.
"What," cried the sarechsme, with sparkling eyes, "you dare to
remain when I have told you to go! Do you distrust the promise of
Osman Bey Bardissi, and of your general? Go, I tell you! You are to
be paid to-morrow. Therefore, go and wait!"
They no longer dare to defy, and quietly withdraw.
Bardissi grasps his friend's hand again. "I thank you. You have
freed me from much embarrassment; you have done me a great service.
But I beg you to lend me your kindly assistance still further. Tell
me where am I to get the money with which to pay the soldiers to-
morrow?"
"To-morrow? Why trouble yourself about to-morrow? I will endeavor to
keep the soldiers quiet for a few days, and, in the meanwhile, we
will devise new plans for raising money.
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