"I was extremely interested with the very agreeable party I met in the cabin of your steamer at Mogadore, and I should be most happy to continue the acquaintance. If you suppose that I have any sinister motives, you are greatly mistaken."
"I have no ill-will against you, though you and your servants assaulted me in the street."
"If you will consider that you insulted me, you will take a different view of the subject," pleaded the Pacha.
"I simply expressed my views in plain language as they were then and as they are to-day," added the commander very mildly.
"You compel me to regard you as an enemy instead of a friend," said Ali-Noury, beginning to look very savage.
"That is my misfortune, but I cannot help it."
"Then you prefer my enmity?"
"I do not; but I do not tremble at even that."
"I came here on a mission in the service of my august master, the Sultan of Morocco. I have unlimited wealth at my command, and I can be of great assistance to you in your tour around the world," continued the Moor, still biting his lip, and evidently controlling his anger by a great effort.
"I shall be obliged to deprive myself and my friends of any aid you might render," replied the captain with dignity. "If you will excuse me now, I will attend to my own affairs."