The Pirate City | Page 9

thus obtained was held
for only a few days, or even hours, when it chanced that there were
several factions of pretty equal power, and two or three men of similar
vigour in the army. It is a fact that on more than one occasion three
Deys have ascended and sat upon this undesirable throne within
twenty-four hours, each having been strangled or having had his head
cut off by "the opposition" soon after occupying his predecessor's warm
seat!
Achmet, however, had reigned for a considerable period in peace, and
was on the whole a popular ruler.
At the time when we introduce him he was pacing the terrace, or roof
of the palace, with slow dignified steps, but with a troubled expression
of countenance. His chief adviser, Sidi Omar, the Minister of Marine,
and one of the most unscrupulous and cunning men in the nest, walked
beside him. They were attended and followed by a young but nearly
full-grown lion. It was a common thing for the Deys and his chief
officers to keep lion-pups as pets, but as a rule these were chained up
on becoming too large to be safe playthings. Achmet, however, being
of a bold, reckless nature, seemed to enjoy the occasional symptoms of
alarm betrayed by his attendants at sight of his overgrown pup, and
kept it by him until, as we have said, it was nearly full-grown. He
appeared to have no idea of personal danger. Possibly he did not
believe the huge playful brute to be capable of mischief. Perhaps he felt
confident in the keen edge of his Damascene scimitar, and in the power
of his arm to lop off even leonine heads. Whatever may have been the

truth on this point, his ease and indifference were evidently not shared
by Sidi Omar.
That sly individual was a strong-bodied, middle-aged Turk of
commanding presence but sinister countenance, which latter was
damaged by the loss of an eye and a sabre-cut across the nose.
"I have been asked," said Omar, continuing a conversation which had
already lasted some time, "to beg that your highness will grant an
audience to the Spanish consul; he claims as countrywomen the two
ladies who have been just brought in by Sidi Hassan, but I advise that
you should refuse him."
"Why so?" asked Achmet.
"Because, although there is, I believe, some ground for his claim, the
investigation of the question will only occasion useless trouble, as he is
unable to prove his case."
"Nay, then, your last reason seems to me in favour of granting an
audience," returned the Dey, "for if his plea be insufficient I shall thus
appear to be desirous of furthering justice without suffering loss. It is
always wise to act with urbanity when it costs one nothing."
Achmet smiled, and a gleam of mischievous fun twinkled in his eyes as
he observed his minister cast a furtive glance, suggestive of anything
but urbanity, at the lion, which had playfully brushed its tail against his
leg in passing.
"Your highness's judgment is always just," returned Sidi Omar; "and
were we desirous of maintaining peace with Spain at present, it would
be right to propitiate their consul; but, as you are aware, the treaties
which we have recently formed with various nations are not to our
advantage. The peace recently forced upon us by America has stopped
suddenly the annual flow of a very considerable amount of tribute, (see
Note 1), and the constant efforts made by that nation of ill-favoured
dogs, the British, to bring about peace between us and Portugal will, I
fear, soon dry up another source of revenue, if things go on as they

have been doing of late, it is plain to me that we shall soon be at peace
with all the world, and be under the necessity of turning our hands to
farming or some such work for a livelihood!"
"Fear not, Sidi Omar," replied the Dey, with a short laugh, "this fair
and ancient city has lived too long by war to be capable of
condescending now to arts of peace. We shall have no difficulty in
picking a quarrel with any nation that seems most desirable when our
coffers begin to grow empty--in regard to which, let us be thankful,
they show no signs at present. But have a care, Omar, how you speak
disrespectfully of the British. They are apt, like their representative at
your heels, to spring when you least expect it, and they have powerful
claws and teeth. Besides, they are my very good friends, and some of
their statesmen have a great regard for me. Being at war, as you know,
with some of the most powerful European nations just now, they know
that I do them good service in the Mediterranean