Stationed beside him, his guards prepared their cartridges, their eyes fixed on the landing-place.
The kiosk which he occupied was connected with a wooden structure raised upon pillars, like the open-air theatres constructed for a public festival, and the women occupied the most remote apartments.

Everything seemed sad and silent.

The vizier, according to custom, sat facing the doorway, so as to be the first to perceive any who might wish to enter.
At five o'clock boats were seen approaching the island, and soon Hassan Pacha, Omar Brionis, Kursheed's sword-bearer, Mehemet, the keeper of the wardrobe, and several officers of the army, attended by a numerous suite, drew near with gloomy countenances.
Seeing them approach, Ali sprang up impetuously, his hand upon the pistols in his belt.

"Stand!...

what is it you bring me ?" he cried to Hassan in a voice of thunder.