ate," said Omar pointedly, as he began to suspect
that Hassan's thirst for revenge would carry him to any length.--"Are
these sbirros in search of _you_?" he added on observing several of the
officers of justice issue from the town gate.

Hassan turned pale.

"Your regrets come too late," said Omar significantly.

"My hand and party," said Hassan quickly, "are with you, Sidi Omar, if--
if--"

"Step in here," said the Minister of Marine, pushing open a small
side-door which led into his house.

Hassan obeyed, the door was shut, and he felt that he was now completely
in the hands of one whom he had hitherto regarded with suspicion and
dislike.

Of course the Minister of Marine understood this as well as himself, but
he was too wily to let him read his thoughts by his looks or words.

"Hassan," he said, leading him into a small chamber in the seaward
ramparts, which was lighted by a very small and strongly-barred window,
"you are safe from immediate danger. We may here talk over our plans--
for plans I at least have. The Dey fears me too much, as you know, to
permit me to remain here as Minister of Marine. He is also so savage
and hasty that I do not expect him to restrain his hand for more than a
day or two. But I do not mean to give him a chance. My friends are
already in possession of the casba--"

"Already!" exclaimed Hassan in surprise.

"Ay, and they hold other places besides. You and your party are of
course doomed."

Hassan started to his feet.

"Nay--_were_ doomed," said Omar, with a smile; "but what you have said
just now alters the case. Give me your aid, and that of your party, and
you shall have from _me_ the post which Hamet has failed to give you.
You know me to be a man of my word."

Whether Hassan was much comforted by the last remark is a point of
uncertainty; but, feeling that he was now entirely in Omar's power, and
knowing that although the soldiers whom he styled his "party" were not
nearly numerous or influential enough to place him on the throne, he
willingly fell in with Omar's views.

"When do you strike?" he asked.

"To-night," said Omar.

"So soon?"

"The sooner the better. Come, we have time to go together to the casba.
There thou wilt assemble thy chief men, and in my presence give them
instructions."

"You do not trust me," said Hassan reproachfully.

"I _have_ trusted you with my secret and my life," replied Omar, "it is
but fitting that thou shouldst give me