Sulali dared not say it all at once. Only gradually did he let the cat out of the bag.
"I have found out the demands of the insurgents," said he. "They demand that the Kiaja Beg be handed over to them."
The Kiaja suddenly grew paler than a wax figure.
"Such a faithful old servant as he has been to me too," sighed Achmed. "Well, well, hand him over, and now I hope they will be satisfied."
With tottering footsteps the Kiaja stepped among the bostanjis.
"They demand yet more," said Sulali.
"What! more?"
"They demand the Kapudan Pasha."
"Him also. My most valiant seaman!" exclaimed Achmed sorrowfully.
"Mashallah!" cried the Kapudan cheerfully, "I am theirs," and with a look of determined courage he stepped forth and also joined the bostanjis. "Weep not on my account, oh Padishah! A brave man is always ready to die a heroic death in the place of danger, and shall I not, moreover, be dying in your defence? Hale us away, bostanjis; do not tremble, my sons. Which of you best understands to twist the string? Come, come, fear nothing, I will show you myself how to arrange the silken cord properly. Long live the Sultan!"