Do you think that when I came here my visit was not known to others than ourselves outside? Do you think there are not some who are waiting for my return? And do you think, too," he cried, lifting one hand and his voice together, "that my Master in heaven would not see and know it on an errand of mercy His servant perished?
Ben Aboo, ask pardon of God, I say; you are a fool."The Basha's face became black and swelled with rage.But he was cowed.
He hesitated a moment in silence, and then said with an air of braggadocio--"And what if I do not liberate the girl?""Then," said the Mahdi, "if any evil befalls her the consequences shall be on your head.""What consequences?" said the Basha.
"Worse consequences than you expect or dream," said the Mahdi.
"What consequences?" said the Basha again.
"No matter," said the Mahdi."You are walking in darkness, and do not know where you are going.""What consequences?" the Basha cried once more.
"That is God's secret," said the Mahdi.
Ben Aboo began to laugh."Light the infidel out of the Kasbah,"he shouted to his people.
"Enough!" cried the Mahdi."I have delivered my message.
Now woe to you, Ben Aboo! A second time I have come to you as a witness, but I will come no more.Fill up the measure of your iniquity.
Keep the girl in prison.Give her to the Sultan.But know that for all these things your reward awaits you.Your time is near.
You will die with a pale face.The sword will reach to your soul."Then taking yet another step nearer, until he stood over the Basha where he lay on the ground, he cried with sudden passion, "This is the last word that will pass between you and me.