“So,”‘said he, “there’sa new tax imposed upon all those who cross the Bosphorus?”

“By proclamation of the Muchir,” replied the chief of police. “But,”he added, “surely the rich Kdraban is not complaining of it?”

“Yes,the rich Kdraban,” replied that individual. “And you are quite well, Seigneur Kdraban, I hope?” “Quitewell; as well as taxes will permit. Now, is this tax already imposed?” “Certainly.Since the proclamation was issued.” “Andif I wish to go across to Scutari this evening in my caïque, as I usually do—” “Youmust pay ten paras.” “Andas I cross the Bosphorus every morning and evening—” “Thatwill cost you twenty paras a day;’ replied the chief of police. “Amere nothing for the rich Seigneur Kdraban.” “Indeed!”was the answer. “Mymaster will get into some scrape,” muttered Nizib to Bruno. “Hemust give way though, eventually,” said Bruno. “He—giveway? You don’t know him yet,” replied Nizib. .Mcanwhile, Seigneur Kéraban, folding his arms and staring into the very soul of the chief of the police, appeared to be working himself up into a nice little passion. He spoke at length in a voice in which hs irritation was very evident. “Well,there is my boatman, who has come to tell me that my caïque is waiting for me; and as my friend Van Mi$ten2 and my sernt and his wilt accompany me—”

“You will have to pty forty paras,” replied the officer; “and,as I said before, you can very easily afford such a trifle.”

“That I have the means to pay forty paras, or a hundred, or a thousand, or a hundred thousand is nothing to the purpose,” replied Kéraban. “ButI will pay nothing, and I will cross just the same.”