I therefore did what I could,
drew my sword and fought in the ranks as a common soldier. The day
was adverse; the Turkish army lies defeated on the plain of
Damanhour! Now let us remain here and wait. If the victors, the
Mameluke beys, feel disposed to try their fortune in another battle,
by Allah they shall find us ready to receive them! But, if they do
not show themselves by tomorrow, we will turn and march back to
Cairo. Now go and announce to the soldiers what has taken place."
They bowed profoundly, and the deference and silence with which they
now left the tent were in marked contrast with their previous noisy
behavior. The general knew how to impress them with a sense of his
superiority; they all recognized in him a great man, and felt his
iron hand on their necks. All now grows still in the camp. The
soldiers retire to rest, and Mohammed also sinks down on his mat to
repose, and, if possible, to sleep after so much fatigue and
excitement.
But sleep refused to come at his bidding. He arose and walked to and
fro in his tent for a long time. At first he was merely the loving
man, and beheld only Butheita's countenance; but the hero in him
soon gained the upper hand. Mohammed profoundly considered Osman
Bey's words, and how he must shape his future. His keen vision had
observed and made him acquainted with the men who surrounded him,
and with the relations to which he must now either conform or
against which be must now rise in arms.
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