Author. "But I did not contemplate going there; so I must change my route: I took no letters for that quarter."
Collector. "Leave all that to me; you will first go to Losnitza, on the banks of the Drina, and I will despatch a messenger to-night, apprising the authorities of your approach. When you have seen Sokol, you will admit that it was worth the journey."
The renegade having seen the Aga clear off, now came to pay his visit, and the normal good-nature of the collector procured him a tolerant welcome. When we were left alone, the renegade began by abusing the Moslems in the fortress as a set of scoundrels. "I could not live an hour longer among such rascals," said he, "and I am now in the khan with my servant and a couple of horses, where you must come and see me. I will give you as good a pipe of Djebel tobacco as ever you smoked."
Author. "You must excuse me, I must set out on my travels to-morrow. You were in Egypt, I believe."
Renegade. "I was long there; my two sons, and a married daughter, are in Cairo to this day."
Author. "What do they do?"
Renegade. "My daughter is married, and I taught my sons all I know of medicine, and they practise it in the old way."
Author. "Where did you study?"
Renegade (tossing his head and smiling). "Here, and there, and everywhere. I am no Ilekim Bashi; but I have an ointment that heals all bruises and sores in an incredibly short space of time."