"Now, there'll be the devil to pay," whispered the Irishman.
Osmond, the ruling bashaw for the time, had heard that strangers were within the palace, and he hurried there with all speed.
When first he was apprised of this, his greed excited him, for some of the chief sweets of his office were the presents.
The deputy-pasha was ready to accept as many as he could send.
"Strangers are present," he exclaimed, addressing one of the favourite ladies; "now, by the beard of the Prophet, the intruders shall suffer!"
"What intruders?" said the lady.
The deputy-governor made towards the curtain.
But before he could enter, the lady with whom he had been talking placed herself in his way.
"Stand aside——"
"Restrain your temper here," returned the lady; "his excellency would not be pleased to hear of this."