Finally, the Sultan yielded to their summons, Surrounded by twenty
black eunuchs, and followed by a few soldiers, they entered a vast salon. "The windows are shuttered. Only one is half open, and through its panes we see the sun-bathed gardens dotted with trees." While they were waiting ,in the gloom, and noting the curious arrangement of mirrors and screens, which allows any person behind the screen to see, himself unseen, the least movement of any one who comes in, the Sultan and his son entered. The Sultan was dressed as a civilian, with a negligence which betrayed haste and agitation. "Ills arms hung by his sides, and his handa trembled slightly. His shoulders, bent more than usual, gave him an attitude of humility." Essad Pasha then spoke the fatal words. The Sultan's words in reply were neither of revolt nor of defiance. "They were abject." "And my life P " be asked in a weak voice. The answer was that the nation was noble and generous, and had taken no decision against his life. The Sultan bowed his head, reflecting for a few moments, "Then, as though speaking to himself, he exclaimed : They always talk like this.' " Once more assured that his life was not in immediate danger, the Sultan asked : " How shall I Pass my life? For two days I have scarcely had a servant. My food even is not assured. I am reduced to live with the women,' And almost in a supplicatory voice he concluded: 'I pray the nation may be so good as to give me Charagau Palace as a residence. I could pass through the garden and reach the residence without being seen.'" Lest any of the elements of melodrama should be wanting, the Sultan added, turning to Arif Pasha: "You know this secret passage."
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