"They wrote a great many falsehoods about us in Bulgaria," said the officer; "our journals say that the writers were bribed by Russia."
"Englishmen do not sell their pens," I observed; "this is a habit which is more likely to exist in your country than in my own."
"If England, Austria, and ourselves fight Russia," said the Pacha, "we shall annihilate Russia. Do you think France will be against us?"
"Probably not."
"I should be sorry if France were our foe," said the Pacha; "the French are brave soldiers, and were our friends in the Crimea."
"Allah only knows what will happen," said another of the company; "we are in His hands!"
I now mentioned to the Pacha that Mohammed had come with me as a servant from Tokat, and inquired if I might keep him during my stay in Asia Minor?
"Is he a soldier?" said the Pacha.
"Yes."
"Well, there will be no fighting at present; he can remain with you till you reach Batoum; a battalion from Tokat is in that town, he can join there."