Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-04-20
DUMAS IN HIS CURRICLE.

The BIackwood for March, gives, ia a
very amusing article, the salient points Of
humor contained in the work of M. Du.
mas upon Naples. From it we take the
following story of the late ex-dey of AL
giers.
In the first place, we are informed Of
M. Dumas's installation a: the Hotel Wit
toria, kept by M. Martin Zill, who, be-
sides being an inn-keeper, IS a man Of
much tastein art, distinguished antiquary
an amateur of pictures, collector of au-
tographs and curlosities Apropos of the
Hotel, we have an anecdote of the ex-Dey
of Algers, who, on being disposscssed OF
his dominions by the French, took refuge
al Naples, and established himself under
M. Ellis hospitabe roof. The third floor
was occupied entirely by his suite and at
PENDANTS, the fourth was for himself and
his treasure, the fifth, or the garrets, he
converted into his harem. The curious
arms, costumes, and Jewels, which Hessein
Pacha had brought with HIM, werc god
send TO the virtuoso tavern keeper, who
was never weary Of examining and admi-
ring them; and, before the African had
been week in the house, he and his host
had been sworn friends. Unfortunately
this harmony was not destined to last very
long.
zone morning Hussein Pacha's cook IA
Nuban, as black as ink, and as shining as
if he had been polished with shoe brush
entered the kitchen of the Hotel !, and ask
cd for the largest knife they had. The
head cook gave him "A sort of carving knife
some eighteen inches long, sharp as a
razor, and plant as a foil The negro
looked at it, shook his head as if in doub
whether ii would do, but nevertheless took
itup stairs with him. Presently he brought
it down again, and asked for larger one.
The cook opened all his drawers, and al
last found sort of cutlass, which he hard
ly ever used on account of its enormous
size. With this the Nubian appeared more
satisfied, and again went up stairs. Five
minutes afterwards he came down again
and returned the knife, asking for bigger
one still. The cooks curiosity was excl
ted, and he inquired who wanted the knife
and for what purpose.
"The African told him very coolly tha
the Dey, having his dominons rather in 9
hurry, had forgotten TO bring an eXecu
toner with him, and had consequently
ordered his cook to get large knife, anc
cut off the head of Osmin, chief of the
eunuchs, who was convicted of having
kept such negligent watch and ward ovel
his highness' seraglio, that a presumption:
Giaouar had made hole in the wall anC
established Il communication with Zaida
the Dey's lavorite odaliSque. Accordingly
Osmin was to be decapitated; and as tc
the offending lady, the next time the Dey
took an airing in the bay of Naples, SHE
would be put into the boat in a sack, ant
consigned to the keeping of the kelpies
Thunderstruck at such summary proceed
ings, the cook desired his Nubian brother
= to wait while he went for a larger knife
then Fastening to M. Martin ZllI, he tolc
him what he had Just heard.
NJ. Martin ZiIl ran TO the Minister o
Police, and laid The matter before him.
HIS exceIlency got into his carriage ant
went TO call upon the Dey.
He found His Highness reclining upol
divan, his back supported by cushions
smoking latakia in a chiboque, while al
icogan scratched the soles OF his feet, an
two slaves famed him. The ministe
made his three salaams: the Dey nodde
his head.
"Your Highness," said his excellency
Il am the minister of police"
% Il know you are" answered the Dey.
- Then your Highness probably conjec
Tres the motives of my visit"
mo. But you are welcome ell III
same"
81 come to prevent your Highncss fro
committing IA crime"