The curtains covering the doors of the Porcelain Chamber bulged out, and immediately afterwards two men entered. They advanced to the steps of the Sultan's throne, knelt down there, and kissed the hem of the Sultan's garment.
Mahmud was sitting on his throne, the same instant Kabakulak clapped his hands and cried:
"Bring in their kaftans!"
At these words out of the adjoining apartment rushed Pelivan and the thirty-two Janissaries with drawn swords.
Mahmud hid his face so as not to see what was about to happen.
"Halil! we are betrayed!" exclaimed Musli, and placing himself in front of his comrade he received on his own body the first blow which Pelivan had aimed at Halil.
"In vain hast thou written thy name above mine, Patrona," roared the giant, waving his huge broadsword above his head.
At these words Halil drew forth from his girdle a dagger which he had secreted there, and hurled it with such force at Pelivan that the sharp point pierced his left shoulder.
But the next moment he was felled to the ground by a mortal blow.
While still on his knees he raised his eyes to Heaven and said: