you can, but
not before making K. Pasha know his fate is in my hands.'

As the Grand-Vizier had already learned from the Ottoman ambassador at
London the news that Lord Danesbury was about to resume his former post
at Constantinople, his Turkish impassiveness was in no way imperilled by
Atlee's abrupt announcement. It is true he would have been pleased had the
English Government sent out some one new to the East and a stranger to all
Oriental questions. He would have liked one of those veterans of diplomacy
versed in the old-fashioned ways and knaveries of German courts, and whose
shrewdest ideas of a subtle policy are centred in a few social spies and a
'Cabinet Noir.' The Pasha had no desire to see there a man who knew all the
secret machinery of a Turkish administration, what corruption could do, and
where to look for the men who could employ it.

The thing was done, however, and with that philosophy of resignation to
a fact in which no nation can rival his own, he muttered his polite
congratulations on the event, and declared that the dearest wish of his
heart was now accomplished.

'We had half begun to believe you had abandoned us, Mr. Atlee,' said he.
'When England commits her interests to inferior men, she usually means to
imply that they are worth nothing better. I am rejoiced to see that we are,
at last, awakened from this delusion. With his Excellency Lord Danesbury
here, we shall be soon once more where we have been.'

'Your fleet is in effective condition, well armed, and well disciplined?'

'All, all,' smiled the Pasha.

'The army reformed, the artillery supplied with the most efficient guns,
and officers of European services encouraged to join your staff?'

'All.'

'Wise economies in your financial matters, close supervision in the
collection of the revenue, and searching inquiries where abuses exist?'

'All.'

'Especial care that the administration of justice should be beyond even
the malevolence of distrust, that men of station and influence should be
clear-handed and honourable, not a taint of unfairness to attach to them?'

'Be it all so,' ejaculated the Pasha blandly.

'By the way, I am reminded by a line I have just received from his
Excellency with reference to Sulina, or was it Galatz?'

The Pasha could not decide, and he went on--

'I remember, it is Galatz. There is some curious question there of a
concession for a line of railroad, which a Servian commissioner had the
skill to o