Page:Domestic Life in Palestine.pdf/269

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262
DOMESTIC LIFE IN PALESTINE.

of hotel, and his wife and niece quickly made ready their most cozy room for me. Our arrival was soon announced, and visitors thronged the large divan all the evening, for my brother was well known in Nablûs. Priest Amran, of the Samaritan community, came, speaking with earnest gratitude of the kindness of the English people, and of the English Government.

Kamîl Pasha—who had been my host at Hebron—sent an Effendi to convey his salutations to us, and a number of Turkish officials followed. I knew the Effendi very well. He was a Christian, and the first of his creed who had been raised to the rank of Effendi in the Jerusalem Council. I said to him, "Tell me, O most honorable, is it true that his Excellency Kamîl Pasha has offered a reward of thirty thousand piasters for the head of Ibrahîm, the chief of Senûr?" He answered, "Even so, most excellent lady!" I then said, "Will your honor salute the Pasha in my name, and inform him that I have the head of the chief, Ibrahîm Jerrar, in my possession ?" The guests who were present stared, and even my brother was taken by surprise. The Effendi said, "Are you throwing dust in our eyes? Is my lady laughing at the Pasha's beard?" I said again, "Let his excellency know that I have in my possession a head which he desires to obtain." I spoke in a seemingly-serious tone, and would give no further explanation. The people were evidently as much amused as they were puzzled.

The next morning, after a perfect rest, I rose and was called into the divan, where the Effendi awaited me. Kamîl Pasha had sent him to greet me, and had authorized him to receive from my hands the head of the rebel chief. I said, "Where is the purse of piasters, O your honor?" He replied, "The piasters are not with me, O my lady!" I answered, "Then I can not give you the head." So he went away and presently returned with the Pasha's page, who carried a large round tray of hot canâfi, a sweetmeat made of vermicelli, baked with butter, sugar, almonds, walnuts,