"He had not, then," Domiloff answered. "These batteries were a present from a rich fool of an American or his daughter."
"The fair Sara Van Decht! I heard that she was here."
"She visited at Colonel Erlito's in London," Hassen answered. "So did I. But that is of no consequence. You very well know that we relied upon your help to finish this campaign quickly. So far you have done nothing. Perhaps you do not understand the reason for haste. Let me tell you this. Even now the message is before the Sultan waiting for his signature which will recall the troops and bring the invasion to an end."
"Gorteneff is in Constantinople himself," Domiloff answered. "He will not allow it to be signed."
"Gorteneff! So is Sir Henry White in Constantinople. You seem to forget that."
"White! The Englishman! Bah! You will not tell me that your master fears the English any more. Their day is over. They have no longer a place amongst the Powers."
"You exaggerate," he said. "England is the only country in Europe at least who could bring our master's palace about his ears in twenty-four hours, and make beautiful Constantinople a heap of blackened ruins. No, no, Domiloff. My master is wishful to serve you. We are here--so far we have done all the work--it is for your aid now we ask. That is only fair. You do not seem to understand the real reason for haste. I know that at any moment the protest which White has already presented may be followed by an ultimatum."
"I am very sure that he would," Hassen answered, promptly. "It is not worth while attempting to deceive you. If England is really no longer a country worthy of consideration, fight her yourself. I am very sure that we shall not. And you must remember this, Domiloff, the agitation throughout England in favour of Theos is fed day by day with letters from this very city. The writer must be with you all the time. Yet you permit him to continue--you with your unscrupulousness and your secret agents. England's intervention, if she does intervene, is entirely your fault."
"Damn that fellow," Domiloff muttered through his teeth.
"And you permit him to continue? You have made no effort to close his mouth?"
"Oh, I have tried," Domiloff answered, hastily. "He is an Englishman, and he cannot be bought. He will not listen to reason. And so far as regards other means we have been unfortunate. He has a hat with two bullet holes in it."