"'I was not, your excellency.'
"'And that he is dey of Algiers.'
"'May it please your excellency, I don't know what that is.'
"'You see?' said the minister, turning to the dey.
"'The devil! exclaimed Hussein.
"'Shall I?' said Gennaro, taking a pair of handcuffs from his pocket, and advancing a pace towards the dey, who, on his part, took a step backwards.
"'No,' replied the minister, 'it will not be necessary. His highness will do as he is bid. Go and search the hotel for a man named Osmin, and a woman named Zaida, and take them both to the prefecture.'
"'What!' cried the dey; 'this man is to enter my harem?'
"'He is not a man,' replied the minister; 'he is a corporal of gendarmes. But if you do not wish him to go, send for Osmin and Zaida yourself.'
"'Will you promise to have them punished?' enquired the dey.