Page:Islam, Turkey, and Armenia, and How They Happened.djvu/102

96 are you?" as one would say, "Whose horse is this?" And the poor Christian, more intelligent and less fortunate than a horse, was obliged to reply, "I am aga's giaour, sir," and would be dealt with according to his relation with the said aga. This tyrannical system of using the Christians as private property and slaves, for the purchase and support of which they paid nothing, would to some extent protect the Armenians against public attacks, but the main object of this system or protection was for the only purpose of worrying them privately, which may be illustrated by the following incident, which is one of the many that occurred every day:

The greatest effendi (chief) of a certain town once had heard that a certain Armenian bought a small garden under the name of a subordinate Moslem, whom he bribed to make this arrangement. The said effendi sent for this Armenian, on whose arrival the following conversation took place:

Effendi—"Chorbaji (soup-maker; wealthy Armenians are called by this title of honor), did you hear that Allah gave us a new child in these days?"

Armenian—"Yes, your honor; may Allah grant him long life."

Eff.—" But, you know, it is the custom of our city to give some present to new-born children."

Arm.—(hesitatingly). "Exactly, my lord; the treasures of Egypt are worthy to be offered to your son."

Eff.—"Let us see what will your present be for him,"