' I must be called to the throne by the people
themselves, then I shall be a legitimate ruler. To attain this be
your task, Mohammed Ali. Equip yourself and collect your energies.
Be the lion and the tiger, the serpent and the hero: in this way
only can you accomplish your end."
Early on the following morning the videttes announced to the
sarechsme that no trace of the enemy was anywhere to be seen.
"Then we shall return to Cairo," said the sarechsme to his bim
bashis; "give orders to prepare to march."
The loud shouts of joy that resounded without announced to the
sarechsme that the soldiers were well pleased to return home. "I am,
too!" said he to himself, smiling. "I am well pleased that we are
not compelled to confront the Mamelukes! Perhaps we shall soon be
fighting side by side!"
In the meanwhile intelligence of the defeat of the Turkish army had
reached Cairo. Many had heard it with intense satisfaction, many
with sorrow, according to whether they were friends or enemies of
the viceroy.
Yet, when Mohammed Ali's troops marched through the streets, they
were greeted with shouts of joy. They returned, as the sarechsme had
ordered, quietly to their barracks.
Mohammed Ali also repaired to his house to rest and to wait.
In the meanwhile the remnant of the defeated army had also returned
to Cairo; and Youssouf Bey, who had succeeded in making his escape
from the slaughter, repaired, at the very hour when Mohammed entered
the city with his troops to the citadel, to the viceroy.
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