Let them swear it
to me on the Alkoran. Take two from amongst you and let them convey my
desire to Halil."
Again a deep silence followed upon Achmed's words. The Ulemas fixed
their gaze upon the ground, not one of them moved or made even a show of
conveying the message.
"Perhaps, then, ye wish the death of my children also? Or is there not
one of you with courage enough to go and speak to them?"
A very aged, tremulous, half paralyzed Ulema was there among them, the
dervish Mohammed, and he it was who at length ventured to speak.
"Oh, my master! who is valiant enough to speak with a raging lion, who
hath wit enough to come to terms with the burning tempest of the Samum,
or who would venture to go on an embassy to the tempest-tost sea and
bandy words therewith?"
Achmed gazed darkly, doubtfully upon the Ulema, and his face wore an
expression of repressed despair.
Sulali had compassion on the Sultan.
"I will go to them," he said reassuringly; "remain here, oh, my master,
till I return. Of a truth I tell thee that I will not come back till
they have sworn to do what thou desirest."
And now Ispirizade said that he also would go with Sulali. He had not
sufficient strength of mind to endure the gaze of the Sultan till
Sulali should return. Far rather would he go with him also to the
rebels. Besides they already understood each other very well.
The envoys found Halil sitting under his tent in the Etmeidan.
Sulali drew near to him and delivered the message of the Sultan.
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