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In the great throne room of the palace at Mekran were assembled all the dignitaries of the nation -- sirdars, captains, kaids; muftis and mueddens from the mosques; civil officers and judges from the towns; high and lowly officials of the royal household. Even the obstinate and unbridled Zirag had yielded to Kasam's demand and, doubtless more through curiosity than obedience, had left his camp to enter the city and witness the day's event.
Of the nature or character of this event all were alike ignorant. They merely knew they were commanded to assemble, and the authority of the khan, backed by that of the Grand Mufti Salaman, ranking next to him, was sufficient to bring them to a man at the appointed hour.