expression
of the agony of his feelings, and, taking Francisco's hand, said, in a
low, deep tone: "Count of Riverola, I rely upon your solemn promise to
write me, and write soon and often. I shall experience a lively pleasure
in receiving and responding to your letters."

"Fear not that I shall forget my promise, your highness," responded
Francisco.

He then took leave of Ibrahim Pasha, and returned to the city of Rhodes,
whence he embarked on the same day for Italy, accompanied by the few
Florentine auxiliaries who had survived the dreadful slaughter on the
ramparts. The hustle and excitement attending the departure from Rhodes
somewhat absorbed the grief which Ibrahim felt on account of the
mysterious disappearance of his sister Flora.

Solyman left a sufficient force, under an able commander, to garrison
the island, which was speedily evacuated by Villiers of Isle Adam and
his knights; and by the middle of May the sultan, attended by Ibrahim
and the other dignitaries of the empire, once more entered the gates of
Constantinople.

Not many days had elapsed when, at a divan or state council, at which
Solyman the Magnificent himself presided, Ibrahim Pasha was desired to
give his opinion upon a particular question then under discussion. The
renegade expressed his sentiments in a manner at variance with the
policy recommended by the grand vizier; and this high functionary
replied, in terms of bitterness and even grossness, at the same time
reproaching Ibrahim with ingratitude. The apostate delivered a rejoinder
which completely electrified the divan. He repudiated the charge of
ingratitude on the ground of being influenced only by his duty toward
the sultan; and he entered upon a complete review of the policy of the
Grand Vizier Piri Pasha. He proved that the commerce of the country had
greatly fallen off--that the revenues had diminished--that arrears were
due to the army and navy--that several minor powers had not paid their
usual tribute for some years past--and, in a word, drew such a frightful
picture of the maladministration and misrule, that the grand vizier was
overwhelmed with confusion, and the sultan and other listeners were
struck with the lamentable truth of all which had fallen from the lips
of Ibrahim Pasha. Nor less were they astonished at the wonderful
intimacy which he displayed with even the minutest details of the
machinery of the government; in a word, his triumph was complete.

Solyman the Mag