Ou one occasion the late Viceroy of Egypt was made to pay L 70.000 (or at the rate of LIO,OOO apiece) for seven large and splen* didly framed mirrors from Paris, the prime cost of which was L2."»0 apiece. The same man who pocketed this profit had a contract to supply Said's army with buttons, on the occasion of some change of uniform. Now, Said, who was fond of military tailoring, and little as he knew the prices of things did know nearly the fair cost of military buttons. Disgusted by the exorbitant charge for this item, be sent for bis favorite, the French contractor, and pointing to the total of his bill, flung it down indignantly, sayin», in French, “It is an infamous robbery,°l won’t pay it.’’ On this the Frenchman coolly replied, “If I don’t rob your highness, who the deuce would you have me rob ?” The Viceroy was so delighted at the impudence and humor of the man, that he passed his account, and the Frenchman received his money, and boasted of the presence of mind to which he owed it.
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Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2155, 2 April 1870, Page 2
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184Untitled Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2155, 2 April 1870, Page 2
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