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38 They would stultify themselves if they crossed the Bosphorus. Come, let us go to dinner."

"You may do as you please with me," replied Van Mitten, resigning himself to his impetuous friend.

"And you cannot help yourself," he replied. Then turning round he called out, "Nizib! Where is Nizib?"

The valet, who was walking about with Bruno, came hurrying up with him when he heard his master’s voice.

"Has the caïdji arrived with the caïque?" inquired Kéraban.

"With the caïque!" said Nizib.

"I will thrash him, he may be sure. Yes, he shall have a hundred strokes of the stick."

"Oh!" exclaimed Van Mitten.

"Five hundred," continued Kéraban angrily.

"Oh!" exclaimed Bruno.

"A thousand," cried the merchant, "if he disappoints me!"

"Seigneur Kéraban," said Nizib, "I see your boatman. He has quitted Seraglio Point, and in ten minutes will have reached the steps yonder."

While Kéraban loitered about with impatience, leaning upon the arm of Van Mitten, Yarhud and Scarpante did not cease to observe him closely.