The bodyguard, after a fierce struggle, overpowered the Janissaries, and pending their impalement, locked them up in the cellar of the cloisters.
By this time Hassan Pasha was in the most horrible temper; and just at that unlucky moment who should arrive but Balló, the envoy of the Prince of Transylvania.
Hassan, who could not see very well at the best of times, and was now blinded with rage besides, roared at him:
"Whence hast thou come? Who hath sent thee hither? What is thy errand?"
"I come from Kiuprile, sir," replied Balló blandly.
"What a good-for-nothing blackguard this Kiuprile must be to send to me such a rogue as thou art, except in chains and fetters."
"Well, of course he knows that I am the envoy of Transylvania, and represent the Prince."
"Represent the Prince, eh? Art thou the Prince's cobbler that thou standest in his shoes? Hast thou brought soldiers with thee?"
"Gracious sir——"
"Thou hast not, then? Not another word! Hast thou brought money?"