It was all up with him.
But desperation inspired him with an artificial courage; he resolved to die game, and keep it up to the last.
"Tell the so-called Moley Pasha," he exclaimed, "that he is the impostor. Here, guards, stand round me, and defend your rightful governor."
The soldiers wavered.
They began to fear that all was not quite right.
Karam, the captain, also hesitated in enforcing the commands of Mole.
At this moment the scale was turned by Abdullah, the interpreter, rushing into the hall, and thundering forth, to the utter amazement and consternation of Mole—
"Down with the impostor, my friends. We have all been deceived by this usurper, who has forged the sacred signature of our mighty sultan."
Shouts of "Down with the impostor!" now resounded on all sides, and a rush was made to drag Mole from his seat.
Poor Mole, he was entirely defenceless.