- deserved. It would, indeed, require an exceedingly
smart diplomatist to get over a man no one can bluff, for all his courtesy and kindness. The "wonderful little general" is always busy, but never too busy to see the friends of his country, who all delight in his wit.
"There is nothing he would not dare," said Colonel Mougin. "I can imagine him smoking a cigarette on the edge of Vesuvius! With a mere handful of men he held his own against regiments of Allies all along the line."
When I first met Refet Pasha we spoke of Colonel Mougin, with whom he had been photographed. I told him that I had been fighting the colonel ever since we met.
"Fighting with that charming man?" he exclaimed.
"The charm of friendship is to fight in peace," I replied, "or Discuter sans disputer, as the French say."
He laughed heartily, and then spoke with the deepest respect of General Harington.
"You have yourself given me an example," said I. "'Love your enemies', as it is written."
Colonel Mougin used to say that Refet Pasha had the glorious spirit of a pioneer, and that his country made good use of the quality. When he had cut his way through the wilderness of Anatolia, they sent him to take possession of Constantinople, though the Allies were still there! At the same time, he was to prepare the way for the axe that was once more to chop with severity, speaking metaphorically, of course, in the departure of the Sultan. When the Government machine at Constantinople was running smoothly, he was sent off to tackle Thrace!
Refet Pasha spoke warmly of Colonel and Mrs. Samson, not forgetting their charming little girl.
"He rendered great service to Turkey during the Seige of Adrianople. He likes the Turks."
"Like all British gentlemen," I interposed, to his amusement.
"Enemies, or not enemies," he said, "in spite of
