The orphan uttered a cry of despair.
"My flute that cost me twenty-five pounds only a week since," he wailed dolefully.
The bashaw pricked up his ears at these words.
A man who could afford to give twenty-five pounds for a flute must be possessed of property.
The scales of justice quivered whilst he whispered to his vizier—
"This Frank is rich, is he not?"
"Heaven forbid that I should venture to dispute your highness's opinion. Most of his countrymen are so," the subordinate replied.
"Let us see."
Looking towards the agitated grocer, the bashaw said, in a modified tone—
"The law pronounces you guilty. Still, in our mercy and clemency, we incline to show you favour. Your flute, for which it seems you paid twenty-five pounds, is forfeited; but, for another twenty-five you may redeem it."