Mr. Mole turned pale with anxiety.
"This is very serious," he exclaimed; "but I fully expect to become a king before I die, but in this case, what shall I do?"
"Why, become a pasha," said Jack; "it will be worth your while. We'll give you our assistance."
"But how am I to answer the messenger?" asked Mole.
"No necessity to answer him; make signs that you obey the sultan's mandate; you know how they do it."
Mole accordingly folded the firman again, placed it to his forehead, and then to his heart, bowing all the time with the most profound respect.
The messenger evidently quite understood, for he bowed too, and rode away rapidly.
"That's what you call having greatness thrust upon you, eh, Mole?" said Jack.
"I don't much care about it," answered the tutor. "I don't believe I shall be able to carry out the character of a pasha. It's a dangerous game."