Thar repeated his salute. The Pasha laughed so hard that tears streamed from his eyes. Without question, he seemed to be a very congenial gentleman. Mustafa hurriedly capitalized on the Pasha’s good mood and seeming willingness to forego punishment of his son: “For what he has done, please forgive him! He’s exceptionally bright and greatly gifted.” Yet his words accomplished just the opposite of what he had intended. In a flash, the face of the Pasha became serious again, almost threatening: “No speech of yours can gain the boy’s pardon. Your son has doubly transgressed— against me and against him over there.” The Pasha pointed towards the man from Ain Kahrim: “For this, he deserves punishment instead of a reward; and by my own hand, I will personally administer his whipping. Is there a switch nearby which suits this purpose?”
The African Bem heard this request. From his corner of the room, he brought out a thin, knobby walking-stick which had been used for all kinds of educational procedures. When the boy saw this, he began to talk— instead of prudently staying silent. The General grabbed the cane and air-lashed it several times as he tested it to and fro. Satisfied with the reed, the Pasha nodded his head and slyly squinted his eyes as he looked sideways at the boy: “Of course, you understand that your offenses will be punished?”
Thar nodded and quickly answered: “Yes.”
“Should I then pronounce judgment by using your given name?”
“Yes.”
“And also carry out the punishment in your name?”
“Yes.”
“So be it. By my own hand, the boy shall receive ten blows: five for injuries to me and five for you!” The General pointed to the blue-headed man from Ain Kahrim.
“Disappointedly, the man asked: “Isn’t that too few?”
The Pasha snapped at him: “Be silent!”