"You are in my residence, ye Mamelukes," muttered he. "You are now
the toasters of Cairo, but I swear that I will drive you out of my
palace, as I drove out the viceroy, Cousrouf Pacha. I am awaiting my
time. It has not yet come, but I now know that it will come!"
CHAPTER IX
VENGEANCE AT LAST.
THE Mamelukes, so often driven from Cairo, are once more enthroned
in the citadel. Cairo reposes, and hopes for a long period of peace.
And it really seemed that peace had entered the city with the
Mamelukes and Osman Bey. The citizens could once more pursue their
daily avocations in tranquillity, and bands of disorderly soldiers
no longer roamed about in the neighborhood, destroying and
plundering.
Perhaps the wounds inflicted on the people by so many cruel wars
would have time to heal. But no, their hopes are vain. In Cairo
there is peace, for Ismail Bey, the oldest and wisest of the
Mamelukes, sits enthroned in the citadel, and with him Bardissi,
whom Mohammed Ali calls his friend.
In Cairo there is peace, for the Albanians and Armenians are under
subjection to their sarechsme, Mohammed Ali. But, without, war
raises its bloody head, and threatens Egypt with new misery.
Is not Cousrouf Pacha, the former viceroy, still in the country? Has
he not fled to Upper Egypt? Have not his troops followed him there,
and has not his reputation drawn many to his standard? And are there
not many who refuse to submit to the Mameluke rule, and remain
faithful to the flag of their master, Cousrouf Pacha, the Viceroy of
Egypt?
No sooner had Cousrouf heard of the death of Taher Pacha than he
started from Damietta, where he had lain encamped with his army, to
return to Cairo and resume his authority.
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