human
But apparently thou dost not fully realise that, now the Sultana Krenfla is dead, our power hath vanished,
gpt
replied his companion.
human
Thou art indeed right. Well do I remember that when we were but janissaries at yon gate, we conveyed messages for the pretty Krenfla to her lover, and sometimes would allow her to secretly meet him. But he was killed in the war against Awelimimiden, and then his mistress, having mourned for him many days, devoted herself wholly to our lord the Sultan, and became Sultana. In recognition of our services as Cupid's messengers, she caused our advancement, you to be Grand Vizier of the Ahir, and I to be Chief of the Eunuchs. But, alas! her sway hath ended, and consequently our careers are abruptly cut short. To-morrow we too may lose our heads-- who knoweth?
gpt
True, O Amagay! unless Allah showeth us mercy, the death of Krenfla sealeth our doom. If it pleaseth our lord the Sultan to fall under the bewitching caresses of Khadidja, our degradation and dismissal will be inevitable; while if Zobeide should secure the favour of Hamed, her power will be immediately directed towards our decapitation. Long hast thou held in the harem the lives of the houris in thine hands, and in consequence thou art held in awe and hatred; while, to tell the truth, I, as Grand Vizier, have ruled with the sword and bastinado, and the people would rejoice could they see my head mounted on a spear in the Azarmadarangh [place of execution]. But, His Excellency added with a pause,
human
Quite, replied my master reassuringly, peering in at my half-open shutter, but failing to detect me in the deep shadow.
gpt
Fear not eavesdroppers here. In thine own pavilion the very walls have ears; here, in the Court of the Eunuchs, it is different.
human
Then it is thine opinion that we must act quickly if we would save our heads?
gpt
(
human
We have no time to play at present
gpt
the Grand Vizier said. Then, dropping his voice until I could scarcely catch his words, he continued,
human
Viewed from all sides, our position is one of extreme peril, therefore we must set ourselves to avert the disaster which threateneth. The choice of the Sultan remaineth between Khadidja and Zobeide, and even to-night one or other may secure His Majesty's favour. In any case, our necks at this moment lie under the scimitar of the executioner, therefore must we act swiftly, firmly, and in a manner that showeth not mercy.
gpt
But how? I can see no way of saving ourselves except by flight.
human
Thy suggestion is impracticable. Such a course would condemn thee, interrupted the Grand Vizier.
gpt
Unless we could first secure the contents of the treasury, flight would avail us nought, and even then we should be overtaken ere we could get away to the Tsad. No; long have I foreseen the downfall of Krenfla, and have evolved a scheme by which men shall still abundantly utter the memory of our great goodness and sing of our greatness.
human
Thou hast? How?
gpt
Listen. My words are for thine ears alone, whispered the Grand Vizier.
human
My opinion is that Hamed, our Sultan, hath ruled the Ahir for sufficient time. Dost thou agree?
gpt
Yes, replied the Chief of the Eunuchs eagerly.
human
Art--art thou thinking of his deposition?
gpt
Hath it never occurred to thee that his son, 'Abd-el-Kerim, who is already in his twentieth year, is now fitted to rule?
human
Once or twice I have reflected that the youth hath been always under our tuition and influence, and that, trusting us as implicitly as he doth, we should be absolute masters were he to reign in his father's stead.
gpt
Truly, O Amagay, thou hast wisdom. If we placed 'Abd-el-Kerim upon the White Divan, I should most certainly remain Grand Vizier, while thou mightest even secure a post more lucrative than Chief of the Eunuchs. Instead of death, such an event meaneth for us increased wealth and the retention of our power.
human
But how dost thou propose to effect this sweeping change?
gpt
Render me thine assistance, and the means are simple. Our Sultan Hamed hath already ruled too long, exclaimed Mukhtar, adding, in a low, intense voice, after a pause, the ominous words,
human
He must die-- to-morrow!
gpt
Dost thou then intend to assassinate him?
human
Certainly. If he were thrown into prison, those who now bask in his favours would raise a serious agitation for his release; whereas, once dead, his memory will immediately be forgotten, and we shall hold the fortunes of the Fada entirely in our own hands. Think, O Amagay, will it not be better to act fearlessly, and by one sharp, decisive blow attain increased riches and honour, than to remain inactive and fall hapless victims to the hatred of those black-eyed doves in yonder cage who would deliver us unto the sword. We must decide upon our policy now--to-night.
gpt
Hast thou the co-operation of any others in this thy daring scheme?
human
Yes, the Chamberlain, and the Aga of the Janissaries have both promised to bear their part; but thine own trusty, unerring scimitar must deliver the death blow.
gpt
No! no! he cried in a low voice.
human
By the Prophet! I cannot strike. My nerve would fail!
gpt
Bah! Didst thou not strike off the heads of rebellious houris by the score; didst thou not for two years act as executioner in the Place of Azarmadarangh, where heads fell under thy keen _doka_ every day? Surely thou, of all men, hast courage with thy sword and confidence in thine arm? A single blow, and the deed is done!
human
But suppose I fail?
gpt
Even then, our fate will be not one whit the worse than it is at this moment,