"Nothing escapes your honour's penetration," answered the vizier.
"Such a crime deserves a heavier punishment. However, when his turn comes, give him twenty-five blows."
"It shall be done, illustrious governor," was the response.
And forthwith were summoned the two burly officials whose unpopular duty it was to administer castigation.
One bore a stout rattan, the other several pieces of strong rope.
The frame to which they were to be lashed was then brought into the room, it being the lieutenant's intention that the punishment should be administered in his presence.
The first prisoner was then seized, and his slippers—stockings not being worn by the majority of Turks—taken off.
He was then bound hand and foot, and securely tied to the frame.
The two executioners then took it in turns to administer ten heavy blows upon the bare soles of the criminal.
At the first blow, the patient set up a howl, which seemed but to increase the vigour and energy of the operator.