"After all, you run little risk, as you shall see. When I asked the Dey, with whom I am familiar, for the pardon of the slave Sommers, he did not seem pleased, and objected that there had been too many revolts of late; that this man's case was a bad one, and that it was necessary to make an example or two. "`Very true, your highness,' I replied, `but may I beg you to make an example of some other slaves, and forgive Sommers?' "`Why do you take so much interest in this man?' demanded the Dey, who seemed to me rather short in his temper at the time. "`Because he is the father of one of my female slaves, your highness,' I replied; `and it is the fear that they will be separated for ever that makes the man desperate and the girl miserable. If you will permit me, I should like to reunite them. Your highness has often expressed a wish to do me some kindness for the privilege I once had of saving your highness's life. Will you now refuse me this man's life?' `Nay, I will not refuse you, Ben-Ahmed. But I do not see that my granting your request will reunite the father and child, unless, indeed, you are prepared to purchase the man.' "`I am prepared to do so, your highness,' I said. "`In that case you are at liberty to go to the Bagnio and take him out. Here is my ring.' "Now, Foster," continued the Moor, drawing the ring in question from his vest-pocket, "take this. Show it to the captain of the guard at the Bagnio, who will admit you. Tell him that I sent you for one of the slaves. After that your own intelligence must guide you. Go, and God go with you." "I will do as you command, Ben-Ahmed," said Foster; "but I must tell you frankly that I will not--" "Silence!" thundered the Moor, with a look of ferocity which the amazed midshipman could not account for. "Have you not understood me?" "Yes, sir, perfectly, but--" "When a slave receives a command," cried Ben-Ahmed in rising wrath, "it is his duty to obey in silence. Again I say--go!" The middy bowed with feelings of indignation, but on reaching the door paused, and again essayed to speak. "I give you fair warning, Ben-Ahmed, that I will _not_--" "Silence!" again roared the Moor, seizing an ornamental box and hurling it violently at his slave, who, dipping his head, allowed it to go crashing against the wall, while he went out and shut the door. "Well, old boy, I'm absolved from any allegiance to _you_," he muttered, as he walked smartly down the garden walk towards the gate; "so if I do a good deal more than your bidding you mustn't be surprised. But your sudden burst of anger is incomprehensible. However, that's not my business now."