must have something to show, and he shall smart for it."
He followed up this remark with a series of amateur shrieks and howls so terrible that the hardened chaouses, being accustomed only to the genuine display of suffering, were overcome, and entreated him to desist.
The excitement of the exercise, the conflict of varied feelings, the smarting of his soles, the indignation of his soul, and the absurdity of the deception, had such an effect on Hadji Baba's spirit, that he experienced no difficulty whatever in limping like a confirmed cripple, and trembling like an aspen leaf when led into the presence of the tyrant.
"Ha!" exclaimed the Dey, "I think I have cured thee. Thou wilt talk no more nonsense, I warrant."
"Not a word, your highness, not a syllable," exclaimed the jester, falling on his knees, as the executioners retired. "Even though your highness were to hold the reins of power with a hand of gentleness and benignity, which I doubt not you will, I would not repeat such nonsense for the world."
"Gentleness and benignity," laughed the Dey, catching at the words, and paying little regard to what followed; "truly that were a novel feature in my character, as thou knowest well.—Now, listen, rascal: as thy feet are in good walking trim, I have
