The Governor himself had not nominally the power of life and death
over the people in his district, but he could if he chose send them
to Cairo, and have them hanged there.
I proposed, therefore, that
the prisoners should be threatened with this fate. The answer of
the Governor made me feel rather ashamed of my effeminate
suggestion. He said that if I wished it he would willingly
threaten them with death, but he also said that if he threatened,
HE SHOULD EXECUTE THE THREAT.
Thinking at last that nothing was to be gained by keeping the
prisoners any longer in confinement, I requested that they might be
set free. To this the Governor acceded, though only, as he said,
out of favour to me, for he had a strong impression that the men
were guilty. I went down to see the prisoners let out with my own
eyes. They were very grateful, and fell down to the earth, kissing
my boots. I gave them a present to console them for their wounds,
and they seemed to be highly delighted.
Although the matter terminated in a manner so satisfactory to the
principal sufferers, there were symptoms of some angry excitement
in the place: it was said that public opinion was much shocked at
the fact that Mahometans had been beaten on account of a loss
sustained by a Christian. My journey was to recommence the next
day, and it was hinted that if I preservered in my intention of
proceeding, the people would have an easy and profitable
opportunity of wreaking their vengeance on me.
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