d with as deep a wound; nor did the
cadi's escape scatheless, but, even more deeply smitten than the two
pashas, he could not take his eyes off the Christian's face. All three
were seized at the same moment with an absolute determination to possess
her; and without stopping to inquire how, or where, or when, she had
come into the hands of the Jew, they bade him name her price. Four
thousand doblas, he replied. The words were no sooner out of the Jew's
mouth than Ali Pasha said he would give the price, and that the Jew had
only to go to his tent to fetch the money. Hassan Pasha, however, who
looked as if he had no mind to lose her, though she were to cost him his
life, interposed and said, "I myself will give the four thousand doblas
demanded by the Jew, though I would not interfere with Ali's bargain or
oppose his wishes, were I not compelled by motives the imperious force
and obligation of which he will himself acknowledge. This exquisitely
beautiful slave is not for us, but for the Grand Signor alone, and
therefore I say that I purchase her in his name. Let us see now who will
be so bold as to dispute the purchase with me."

"That will I," replied Ali, "for it is for that very purpose I buy her
of the Jew; and it suits me the better to make the present to his
Highness, as I have the opportunity of taking her to Constantinople in a
few days, and thus winning the favour of the Sultan; for being, as you
see, Hassan, a man without employment, I must seek means for obtaining
one; whereas, you are secure in that respect for three years, since
to-day you enter upon the government of this rich realm of Cyprus. On
these grounds, and as I was the first to offer the price demanded for
the slave, it stands to reason, Hassan, that you should yield her to
me."

"The satisfaction I shall feel in purchasing and sending her to the
Sultan," said Hassan, "is so much the greater, as I shall do it without
being prompted by any motives of interest whatever. And as for a
convenient means of sending her to Constantinople, she shall go thither
in a galley manned only by my own slaves."

Ali now started up in wrath, and, clutching his scimetar, cried out,
"Since we both intend the same thing, Hassan, namely, to present this
Christian to the Grand Signor, and since I was the first purchaser,
reason and justice require that you should leave her to me; if you will
not, this blade in my hand shall defend my right, and punish your
audacity."