Chapter 28
Effenden Pascha was breathless, and for such a phlegmatic individual seemed to be much disturbed. “Your Majesty,” he said, “I am here on a serious errand.” The King bowed. “Proceed, Effenden Pascha.” “Your Majesty has heard the news from Bekal?” Ughtred shook his head. “I have heard nothing!” The Turk raised his hands. It was incredible! “Yesterday,” he announced, “a party of my Turks riding harmlessly along the frontier were attacked without warning by a large company of mounted Thetians, and cut to pieces.” “It is amazing,” the King declared. “Was no provocation given? Were the Turks unarmed?” Effenden Pascha was clear on both points. They were simply a party of surveyors accompanied by a few soldiers. They were set upon without the slightest warning. “It is strange,” the King
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