But where are your forces? We have assembled here to meet
them; are they not coming?"
"They will soon come," replied Mohammed; "my army awaits my orders.
I have hastened here in the mean while to tell you that I am your
faithful friend and ally. Great events have taken place in Cairo,
and others are now impending. Wait a short time, and I shall
probably be able to bring you the troops of the new caimacan, Taher
Pacha, as well as my own. The caimacan wishes your friendship and
alliance, and sends me as his messenger. But, as I have already
said, I advise you to wait. The caimacan's rule is an overbearing
one, and strange events are about to take place in Cairo. I do not
wish to take part in them, and have therefore come here with a small
escort. My soldiers are encamped near Cairo, and await my orders to
march here. I came alone to prove that I trust you, and, with your
permission, will remain here with you a few days."
"That was nobly thought and nobly done, Mohammed; you honor us more
by coming alone than if you had come with all your forces," cried
Bardissi, as he embraced Mohammed.
"Now you are mine, Mohammed, and I love you with all my heart.
United with you, my hero, we can defy all the Turks that may be sent
over from Stamboul."
Mohammed was right; strange events soon occurred in the palace of
the caimacan at Cairo. The revolt which he had helped to excite had
not yet subsided.
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