Allah!" exclaimed Mr. Mole, who had slipped naturally into
a habit of using Turkish interjections; "what a life it is to be a
pasha. I used to think it was all glory and happiness, but now I find,
to my grief, that--if this sort of thing goes on, I shall bolt."

It being now far advanced in the evening, the pasha, wearied out with
the cares and excitements of the day, retired to rest in the Turkish
fashion, half-dressed, and upon a kind of sofa.

His cork legs, of course, were carefully taken off first.

In this Jack and Harry assisted him.

Moley Pasha went to sleep and to dream of bowstrings, scimitars, and
various painful forms of execution.

The next morning, however, he arose more hopeful, and fully resolved to
show himself a vigorous and successful ruler.

In his sumptuous seat in the divan, or hall of audience, Mole began to
feel like a monarch on his throne, and signed his decrees with all the
triumphant flourish of a Napoleon.

It was in the height of this power and glory that there arose a sudden
consternation in court.

Murmurs arose, shouts, mingled with the tramp of many steeds, were
heard outside.

"What's the matter?" asked the pasha. "Who dares to make a disturbance
and disturb the pasha? Officer, command silence."

A deadly stillness fell upon the assembly.

For some few moments one might have heard a pin drop.

But distant shouts in the streets, and the tramp of horses recommenced.

The interpreter and Harry and Jack, who stood on each side of the
pasha, exchanged meaning glances, which partook much of alarm.

Consternation could be perceived on every face in court.

It was evident that something serious was about to occur.

"Whatever is the meaning of this?" cried the pasha, who himself seemed
to feel no suspicion and alarm. "Abdullah, go and see what it means."

The old interpreter at once hurried to the door.

Jack and Harry, as if impelled by resistless curiosity, followed him.

Karam, the chief of the guard, did the same, and many of those about
the court followed in a now excited and expectant group.

At this moment, the shouts outside grew louder and fiercer.

An angry consultation, in which half a dozen at least were engaged, all
talking at once, could be heard, and then Karam, the chief of the
guard, came rushing back with a face full of dismay.

"Your highness----" he gasped.

"Well, Karam, what's the matter?" asked Mole.

"A grand officer, who calls himself Moley