merican ship just now detained in
port because the nation to which it belongs is also dilatory in paying
up what is due by treaty, therefore the American consul is also in the
Dey's black books; and I may add in regard to him that, at the time of
his appointment to his office, he gave the Dey a consular present of
sixteen thousand Spanish dollars. Even that notorious warrior Napoleon,
who is at present turning Europe upside down, thought it worth his while
lately to send to the Dey a present of telescopes and other things to
the amount of four thousand pounds; and England, that great nation which
styles herself mistress of the seas, cannot enter the Mediterranean with
her merchant ships until she has paid toll to this exacting city."

"Now," continued Bacri, stopping abruptly in his account of these
matters, "I must not waste more time on a subject which is
incomprehensible. Indeed, I would not have said so much were it not
that the hour is yet too early for the undertaking which I have in view
for you.

"Achmet, then, must be at once put on his guard; but to do so is no easy
matter, for his enemies surround him. It would be impossible for me, or
any one sent by me, to gain admittance to him. I am already under
surveillance, and should forfeit my life were I to attempt it. The only
method I can think of is to send to the British consul, and let him know
what is pending. He is the only consul here to whom the Dey will grant
an immediate unquestioning audience. You are active and strong,
Mariano, and are, I believe, willing to aid me."

"Indeed I am," replied the youth fervently.

"I need scarcely tell you," said Bacri sadly, "that you and your friends
are intimately concerned in the safety of the present Dey, for if he
falls it will go ill with all connected with him, especially with the
Scrivano-Grande, your brother Lucien, and your father."

"I guessed as much," said Mariano, with an anxious look; "but, tell me,
is there likely to be much danger to this house and its inmates?"

"I think not, I hope not, Mariano, but there is no place of absolute
safety for me or mine in the city. I might indeed take refuge in the
British consulate, but I prefer to remain where I am, and put my trust
in God."

"Then you and yours," returned the youth, with hesitation, "may want the
aid of a stout and willing arm. Is it well that I should leave you at
this crisis?"

"Fear not; I think there will be ample time for you to