"Sirrah," said Amgiad, with a fierce tone, and angry look, "where have you been? What have you been doing, that you came no sooner?"
"My lord," replied Bahader, "I ask your pardon; I was executing your orders, and did not think you would return home so early."
"You are a rascal," said Amgiad, "and I will break your bones, to teach you to lie, and disappoint me." He then rose up, took a stick, and gave him two or three slight blows; after which he sat down again.