While they were making their report, Mohammed sprung from his seat, and listened breathlessly to them.
"They refused to pay the tax," said the tschorbadji, in an angry voice. "And did you not go to the sheik and ulemas?"
"The men of Praousta went themselves, and brought out the sheik and the ulemas, that they might speak decisively for all. We were to take their answer to the tschorbadji."
"And they did this?" cried Mohammed, forgetting all proper reverence, and speaking to the men in the presence of the governor.
"Yes, they did this," returned the collectors, breathing hard.
"What did they say!" demanded the tschorbadji, excitedly.
"The sheik looked at us contemptuously, and ordered us to state to the tschorbadji that Praousta had no thought of paying either the double or the simple tax."
"And the ulemas?" asked Osman, rising from his couch, "did they confirm what the sheik said?"
"Yes, sir, they confirmed what the sheik said," answered the collectors.
"It is then an open revolt," cried the outraged tschorbadji. "They refuse obedience to my commands!"