He now had recourse to threats.
"In the name of His Imperial Majesty the Sultan," he said to the officer in command, "I command you to give up to me these Englishmen, who have escaped from justice."
"They are British subjects," returned the officer, "who have sought the protection of their flag."
"Shall British subjects commit crime and yet go free?" inquired Ibrahim.
"What crime have they committed?" asked the officer.
"Murder—the assassination of his highness, Moley Pasha."
"What evidence have you to show to connect them with his death?" asked the officer. "If you have but sufficient evidence, they shall be tried before a proper tribunal. Where the English flag floats, justice shall be done to all."
The pasha bit his lip.
He knew that his evidence against these Englishmen was very slight, being in fact only the assertion of Murray and Chivey, and that any mistake on his part would bring on political trouble that might be his ruin, so he began to draw in.
"At least," he said, "you can not refuse to give me back my own property, stolen from my palace."