"He was not," was the response.
"Let him die!" said the judge slowly.
"Let him die!" repeated the Grand Vizier.
The Sultan bowed in assent and withdrew.
The swift vengeance of the Padishah was hailed with applause by the officials, as if it had erased the blood guilt from the robe of royal honor; but the people shook their heads, and kept shadows on their faces for many days.
"I tire of this life in the barracks," said Captain Ballaban to the Sultan, shortly after this event.
"Speak honestly, man," was the reply. "You tire of me; my heart is not large enough to entertain one of such ambition."
"Nay, Sire, but I would get nearer to the innermost core of your heart, into that which is your deepest desire."
"And where, think you, is that spot?" said the Sultan smiling.
"Constantinople," was the laconic response.