le are in power in this
country."

The excitement of the moment and the influence of some spirituous
liquid he had taken before starting, so far bewildered Mr. Mole's
intellect, that he actually accepted Jack's explanation.

"Hang it, I will be pasha," he cried; "and risk all. Haven't I got the
sultan's own firman?" and he flourished that important document round
his head in the most defiant manner.

"That's right," said Jack; "keep up that spirit, and you'll make your
fortune. Remember, first thing to-morrow you are to be conducted to
your seat of government; the guard of honour will be at the door of
your hotel at five o'clock, you will reach Alla-hissar about ten, and
to-morrow morning you'll begin your public duties."

"What will your father say, Jack, when he hears of this? But I hope you
won't desert me, my dear boys," said Mole, imploringly.

"We'll go with you," answered Harry.

"Rather!" acquiesced Jack. "We'll never leave you, old boy."

The remainder of the day was spent by Mole in the further study of
Turkish.

These exertions were fatiguing, and Mr. Mole was tired when he retired,
as he expressed it.

He was not long falling asleep, and dreams of glory, power, and
magnificence filled his slumbers.

He was just dreaming he had been elected sultan when he was suddenly
and rudely awakened by a terrible knocking at the door.

Mole started up, and was told that he must prepare in a great hurry,
for the escort had already arrived.

The tutor, still half asleep, looked out of the window, and in the day
dawn he discerned a small body of horsemen at the door of the hotel.

Mole felt that he could never get into those elaborate Turkish robes
without assistance; luckily at this juncture young Jack put in an
opportune appearance, and offered to help him.

"You'll have to make haste, pasha," said our hero; "strikes me you've
rather overslept yourself. Where is your beard?"

"Here it is," returned Mole; "but why didn't some of you wake me
before? I was so busy dreaming that I was sultan, and--that's right, my
boy, help me on with the cork legs and boots, that's the worst
difficulty, and then all these things, and lastly the turban and
beard."

"I'll get Harry to help me," pursued Jack; "you'll have proper
attendants when you are installed in the palace. Remember what we
agreed upon last night; we are to pass off as your two sons, under the
names of Yakoob and Haroun Pasha."

"Just so," said Mole; "