of it all.

"There," he said; "so now go in peace, all of you; and if I find you
making another disturbance in the town, it will be bastinado and gaol,
as well as a fine. Go, infidels, and remember the grand Turk."

CHAPTER LXXXII.

THE CONSPIRATORS--THE DEED--THE FALSE INFORMERS.

The walls of Alla-hissar gleamed in the noontide heat.

The air was heavy with sleep, which weighed upon all living things, and
made them seek shelter from the burning sun.

All was still in the city.

It seemed as if the spirit of death brooded over all the habitations.

Yet there were some awake at that dreary hour.

Gathered together at one of the principal houses in secret conclave
were some of the chief Turks of the province.

In spite of the heat, the heavy curtains covered the doorways.

The door was shaded, and the assembly spoke in subdued tones.

At length Ibrahim Bey, a grave old Turk, subtle and resolute, arose.

"It is sacred then, friends," he said, looking round at the assembly;
"the deed must be done, and the hour is at hand."

"Such is the will of Allah," was the reply of the conspirators.

"'Tis decided then, that Moley Pasha, our new governor, has, since he
has assumed power, done all he could to destroy our old customs, and
introduce the manners of the infidel Franks, therefore he must die."

"He must die," murmured the assembly.

"Allah's will be done," said old Ibrahim, turning up his eyes piously;
"but by whose hand shall the blow be struck? Who will take upon himself
the dangerous deed?"

Up rose Abdullah, the interpreter, formerly of Mr. Mole's party.

"I will do it," he said, in a firm voice; "he dies ere another hour has
sped. I will risk the deadly danger, if you will guarantee, that if I
succeed, I shall be rewarded."

"That is but just," said Ibrahim Bey. "Should it be his sacred
majesty's pleasure that I succeed Moley, a post of honour shall be the
guerdon of your bravery."

"I accept the terms," said Abdullah; "I know a secret way into the
palace, I have a disguise and a dagger; doubt not my courage for the
rest. Wait here, my friends, and ere another hour strikes, I shall
return to say the deed is done."

He glided from the room, leaving the others wondering at the cool
audacity with which he undertook so desperate and criminal a deed.

The angel of sleep had spread her wings over the seraglio of Moley
Pasha.

The veiled beauties of the harem had retired to their luxurious