"To be sure, the Turks are cowards," said Osman to himself; "and
against the Turks every Mameluke counts for two. Yet, as the scouts
announce, their forces are too strong for us. Youssouf Bey comes
first at the head of three thousand Turks, and the sarechsme,
Mohammed Ali, follows him with five thousand men. In addition to
these, Taher Pacha is also advancing with his forces; if they all
unite, it is impossible that we should be victorious, and yet we
must be victorious."
At last, intelligence is brought that L'Elfi Bey is advancing. He,
however, brings but few of his warriors with him, and his
countenance is sad and gloomy.
The beys, Osman at their head, gather around him, and impart to him
the intelligence brought by the scouts with regard to the strength
of the enemy.
"We should therefore advance against him as soon as possible, and
vanquish one of his corps after the other before they have time to
unite."
L'Elfi Bey shook his head. "We must wait, friends and companions in
arms," said he. "I think it would be rash and unwise to meet the
enemy, when his army is twice as strong as ours, and I came here to
tell you this."
"Then, by Allah, it would have been better had you not come!" cried
Bardissi, angrily. "Shall the Turks say of us that we, the brave and
haughty Mamelukes, have fled at their approach?"
"Let them say what they please, Osman Bey Bardissi," responded
L'Elfi Bey, throwing his head back proudly.
Pages:
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462