The Ambassador eyed me questioningly. I advanced towards him.
‘Considering,’ said I, ‘that I have only paid half the purchase-money, and that the other half is due to nobody—or to my own wife—I should not resent a proposal to double the tribute.’
The Ambassador reflected.
‘I will forward your proposal to the proper quarter,’ he said at last.
I smiled, and I asked:
‘Will that take more than a fortnight?’
‘I venture to hope not.’
‘And, of course, pardon and all that sort of thing will be included?’
‘I will appeal to his Majesty’s clemency,’ promised the Pasha.