He was quick in decision and action; and his slaves resembled their master.

He despatched a messenger immediately to the grand vizier, that the sultan's safety might be secured, and sent others to the magistrates in each quarter of Constantinople.

The large drums in the janissary aga's tower beat to rouse the inhabitants; and scarcely had they been heard to beat half an hour before the fire broke out in the lower apartments of Damat Zade's house, owing to a _coundak_ which had been left behind one of the doors.
"The wretches who had prepared the mischief came to enjoy it, and to pillage; but they were disappointed.

Astonished to find themselves taken into custody, they could not comprehend how their designs had been frustrated.

By timely exertions, the fire in my friend's house was extinguished; and though fires broke out during the night in many parts of the city, but little damage was sustained, because there was time for precautions, and, by the stopping of the spouts, sufficient water was preserved.