"
"I will undertake this duty," said the kachef Youssouf, stepping
forward. "I will go over to Damietta and obtain the desired
information."
"You are a brave man, Kachef Youssouf," said Bardissi, "but consider
that you risk your life, and perhaps in vain."
"I shall, however, die in the performance of my duty! I will go over
and make the attempt!"
"As you are? And do you not suppose the first sentinel on the walls
of Damietta will shoot you down?"
"I shall not go as I am, Osman Bey. They will not be able to
recognize in me the kachef of Bardissi and of Sitta Nefysseh."
And he was right. He was not recognized. Disguised as a fellah, in
the long blouse that hung down to his feet, entirely unarmed, a
plain brown cap on his head, and carrying, suspended to a strap over
his shoulder, a basket filled with watermelons, Kachef Youssouf
entered the fortress of Damietta on the following morning.
He called out his fruit, and people hastened to him to purchase. The
kachef chatted gayly with them in the Arabian tongue, and told them
of the enemy who was approaching, but who could find no passage over
the canal; and Youssouf laughed at and derided the enemy.
They quickly observed that he was a faithful servant of the viceroy,
and therefore chatted with him unreservedly. Much was told the
fellah of the want of the soldiers, and of the longing of the people
to see the war terminated.
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