"'You are the ex-dey of Algiers, and I am the Neapolitan minister of police; and, if your deyship is impertinent, I shall send him to prison,' added the minister very coolly. "'To prison!' repeated the dey, falling back upon his divan. "'To prison,' replied the minister. "'Very well,' said Hussein. 'I leave Naples to-night.' "'Your highness is as free as air to go and to come. Nevertheless, I must make one condition. Before your departure, you will swear by the Prophet, that no harm shall be done to Osmin or Zaida.' "'Osmin and Zaida belong to me, and I shall do what I please with them.' "'Then your highness will be pleased to deliver them over to me, to be punished according to the laws of the country; and, until you do so, you will not be allowed to leave Naples.' "'Who will prevent me?' "'I will.' "The pacha laid his hand on his dagger. The minister stepped to the window and made a sign. The next moment the tramp of heavy boots and jingle of spurs were heard upon the stairs; the door opened, and a gigantic corporal of gendarmes made his appearance, his right hand raised to his cocked hat, his left upon the seam of his trouser. "'Gennaro,' said the minister of police, 'if I gave you an order to arrest this gentleman, would you see any difficulty in executing it?' "'None, your excellency.' "'You are aware that this gentleman's name is Hussein Pacha.' "'I was not, your excellency.' "'And that he is dey of Algiers.' "'May it please your excellency, I don't know what that is.' "'You see?' said the minister, turning to the dey. "'The devil! exclaimed Hussein. "'Shall I?' said Gennaro, taking a pair of handcuffs from his pocket, and advancing a pace towards the dey, who, on his part, took a step backwards. "'No,' replied the minister, 'it will not be necessary. His highness will do as he is bid. Go and search the hotel for a man named Osmin, and a woman named Zaida, and take them both to the prefecture.' "'What!' cried the dey; 'this man is to enter my harem?' "'He is not a man,' replied the minister; 'he is a corporal of gendarmes. But if you do not wish him to go, send for Osmin and Zaida yourself.' "'Will you promise to have them punished?' enquired the dey. "'Certainly; according to the utmost rigour of the law.' "Hussein Pacha clapped his hands. A door concealed behind a tapestry was opened, and a slave entered the room. "'Bring down Osmin and Zaida,' said the dey. "The slave crossed his hands on his breast, bowed his head, and disappeared without uttering a word. The next instant he came back with the two culprits.