"
"Yes, yes! I hear, I hear. You want him to be allowed to provide the
Sultan's kitchen with the flesh of bullocks and sheep. So be it! He
shall have the charge."
"Would that the angel Izrafil might blow his trumpet in thine ear!" said
Musli to himself _sotto voce_. "I am not talking of his trade as a
butcher," added he aloud. "I say that he is to be made Prince of
Moldavia."
Kabakulak now thought it just as well to show that he heard what had
been asked, and replied very gravely:
"You know not what you are asking. The Padishah, only four days ago,
gave this office to Prince Ghyka, who is a wise and distinguished man.
The Sultan cannot go back from his word."
"A wise and distinguished man!" cried Musli in amazement. "What am I to
understand by that? Is there any difference then between one Giaour and
another?"
"The Sultan has so ordered it, and without his knowledge I cannot take
upon myself to alter his decrees."
"Very well, go to the Sultan then and get him to undo again what he has
done. For the rest you can do what you like for what I care, only beware
of one thing, beware lest you lose the favour of Halil Patrona!"
Kabakulak by this time had had nearly enough of Musli, but the latter
still continued diligently to consult his list. He recollected that
Halil Patrona had charged him to say something else, but what it was he
could not for the life of him call to mind.
"Ah, yes! now I have it!" he cried at last. "Halil commands that those
nasty palaces which stand by the Sweet Waters shall be burnt to the
ground.
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