Meanwhile he fell back on Yussuf Bey of the Debres, whose escape when lately at Janina still rankled in his mind.

As Yussuf was dangerous both from character and influence, Ali feared to attack him openly, and sought to assassinate him.

This was not precisely easy, for, exposed to a thousand dangers of this kind, the nobles of that day were on their guard.

Steel and poison were used up, and another way had to be sought.

Ali found it.
One of the many adventurers with whom Janina was filled penetrated to the pacha's presence, and offered to sell the secret of a powder whereof three grains would suffice to kill a man with a terrible explosion--explosive powder, in short.