io4 BIRD-HUNTING 



Here is another case of Turkish justice. A 

 governor of an inland town, having a grudge against 

 a man, asked him, as a favour, to take care of some 

 gunpowder for him. Having done so, he was de- 

 nounced to the police for having explosives concealed 

 in his house, and imprisoned. Being offered his 

 freedom on payment of a certain sum, he indignantly 

 refused to pay a penny for two years. Then the 

 horrors of a Turkish prison broke down his resolu- 

 tion, and he paid up the sum demanded. But he 

 didn't long enjoy his freedom, for on the second 

 day after his release he died suddenly. The official 

 report was to the effect that excessive joy at his 

 release had affected his heart ; but at the time it was 

 strongly suspected that poison was the real cause of 

 his so sudden death. 



A gentleman, whom I knew well, an Albanian 

 landed proprietor, told me he was imprisoned once 

 for murder. There was not the slightest foundation 

 for the charge, and after some months he was 

 released without having been tried. He didn't say 

 so, but I have no doubt he effected his release by a 

 backsheesh to the authorities. 



And these Turkish governors, governor-generals, 

 and other officials whom I have met, are to all 

 appearance charming and most courteous gentle- 

 men. Speaking perfect French, they talk most 

 eloquently and plausibly on education, the reforms 



