" He gave
directions accordingly, and the litter soon reappeared with another pipe
of wine.
"It will be a heavy loss to a poor Jew--one pipe of good wine," observed
my master, as it was rolled out of the litter; and he took up his hat
with the intention to depart.
"Stay," cried the aga, "I do not mean to rob you of your wine."
"Oh, then, you will pay me for it," replied my master; "aga, you are a
considerate man."
"Thou shalt see," retorted the aga, who gave directions to his slaves to
draw off the wine in vessels. As soon as the pipe was empty, he desired
me to take the head out; and when I had obeyed him, he ordered his
janissaries to put my master in. In a minute he was gagged and bound,
and tossed into the pipe; and I was directed to put in the head as
before. I was very unwilling to comply; for I had no reason to complain
of my master, and knew that he was punished for the fault of which I had
been guilty. But it was a case of life or death,--and the days of
self-devotion have long passed away in our country. Besides which, I had
the deed in my pocket by which I was a partner in the business, and my
master had no heirs,--so that I stood a chance to come into the whole of
his property. Moreover----
* * * * *
"Never mind your reasons," observed the pacha, "you headed him up in the
cask--go on."
"I did so, your highness; but although I dared not disobey, I assure you
that it was with a sorrowful heart--the more so, as I did not know the
fate which might be reserved for myself.
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