h another
yell; "I must have _something_ to show, and _he_ shall smart for it."

He followed up this remark with a series of amateur shrieks and howls so
terrible that the hardened chaouses, being accustomed only to the
genuine display of suffering, were overcome, and entreated him to
desist.

The excitement of the exercise, the conflict of varied feelings, the
smarting of his soles, the indignation of his soul, and the absurdity of
the deception, had such an effect on Hadji Baba's spirit, that he
experienced no difficulty whatever in limping like a confirmed cripple,
and trembling like an aspen leaf when led into the presence of the
tyrant.

"Ha!" exclaimed the Dey, "I think I have cured thee. Thou wilt talk no
more nonsense, I warrant."

"Not a word, your highness, not a syllable," exclaimed the jester,
falling on his knees, as the executioners retired. "Even though your
highness were to hold the reins of power with a hand of gentleness and
benignity, which I doubt not you will, I would not repeat such nonsense
for the world."

"Gentleness and benignity," laughed the Dey, catching at the words, and
paying little regard to what followed; "truly that were a novel feature
in my character, as thou knowest well.--Now, listen, rascal: as thy feet
are in good walking trim, I have an errand for thee. Go, tell Sidi
Hassan that I want him, and see thou find him quickly, else another
beating awaits thee."

"Your highness shall be obeyed," said the jester, with a profound
obeisance, as he turned and limped out of the room.

Sidi Hassan had left the service of the British consul, without leave,
just before the insurrection, and was seated in his own town mansion,
sipping a cup of coffee, and conversing with Rais Ali, when the message
reached him.

"Thou art but a cowardly fellow, a weak villain after all," said Hassan
to some remark of the interpreter. "The man who plays fast and loose is
sure to be brought low sooner or later. Why not leave the British
consul's service now that a chance offers? It will be to thy advantage,
for I can speak a good word for thee with the new Dey."

"Because," said Rais Ali anxiously, "although I have not a sensitive
conscience, I cannot prevail on myself to betray my old master."

"Very good," said Hassan; "continue to vacillate until thy head is
shaken off. Adieu. I must not keep his highness waiting."

So saying, he hastened to the palace, congratulating himself on the
expec