"'Certainly; according to the utmost rigour of the law.'
"Hussein Pacha clapped his hands. A door concealed behind a tapestry was opened, and a slave entered the room.
"'Bring down Osmin and Zaida,' said the dey.
"The slave crossed his hands on his breast, bowed his head, and disappeared without uttering a word. The next instant he came back with the two culprits.
"The eunuch was a little round fat fellow, with beardless face, and small hands and feet. Zaida was a beautiful Circassian, her eyelids painted with kool, her teeth blackened with betel, her nails reddened with henna. On perceiving Hussein Pacha, the eunuch fell upon his knees; Zaida raised her head. The dey's eyes flashed, and he clutched the hilt of his kangiar. Osmin grew pale; Zaida smiled. The minister of police made a sign to the gendarme, who stepped up to the two captives, handcuffed them, and led them out of the room. As the door closed behind them, the dey uttered a sound between a sigh and a roar.
"The magistrate looked out of the window, till he saw the prisoners and their escort disappear at the corner of the Strada Chiatamone. Then turning to the dey—
"'Your highness is now at liberty to leave Naples, if he wishes so to do,' said the imperturbable functionary with a low bow.
"'This very instant!' cried Hussein. 'I will not remain another moment in such a barbarous country as yours.'
"'A pleasant journey to your highness,' said the minister.
"'Go to the devil!' retorted Hussein.