As for the possibility that these guardsmen might later develop in the M'zab region and launch revenge against Algiers, it was almost impossible. From now on, their lives would basically be a struggle against the Sahara Desert. If they could survive, that would count as success—where would they find the spare strength to head north and make trouble? On the contrary, after decades or even a century, the hundred-thousand-plus people bitterly fighting for survival in M'zab would most likely be assimilated by the wealthy French Province of Algiers, becoming wholly dependent on France economically, politically, and culturally.
By then, it was extremely possible that they would even take the initiative to request incorporation into the French province.
The warehouse of the Mitija Governor's Mansion was piled full of the vast amount of property Shefik had delivered. The figure the servants had just counted came to 210,000 riyals, which was 4.4 million francs.
All of this had been confiscated from the homes of the Algiers Guard Corps. Of course, more than half of it had been pocketed by the Algiers Navy forces. In Governor Ust's bedroom, Shefik knelt on the floor with a face full of panic as he complained, "Respected Governor, those tribal lowlifes robbed away a great deal of property, which is why I could only present Your Lordship with this little..."
He secretly glanced at the governor and sounded him out. "If you allow me to put those lowlifes on trial, I guarantee I'll recover every single gold coin they stole!"
Governor Ust glanced coldly at him and said in a deep voice, "This is your last chance. Do not disappoint me.
"Oh, right. I must remind you, you will need an army to deal with those lowlifes."
Shefik was instantly overjoyed. "Thank you for your advice! Then...