War and turmoil prevailed everywhere, and the
confusion became worse each day.
The Mamelukes now ruled once more in Cairo, and, with them, Mohammed
Ali, Bardissi's beloved friend.
Ismail Bey sat enthroned in the citadel, and was the outward
representative of the magnificence and grandeur of the Mamelukes,
but the real rulers were Bardissi and Mohammed Ali. And these two
found no pleasure in lying on soft cushions, and speaking of the
deeds of the past. They longed for renewed activity, for new glory!
And, even if this had not been the case, they would, nevertheless,
have been compelled to draw the sword again. For the Turks were
marching out from Alexandria, and many places in the south were
still in their hands.
Mohammed and Bardissi's united forces march out to a succession of
conflicts, ever returning to Cairo crowned with victory.
Bardissi and Mohammed are united in love and friendship, and, though
the former seems to be the ruler, the latter reigns in reality. The
whole city is aware of this, and those who have complaints to make,
and seek redress, come not to Bardissi, but to Mohammed Ali. To him,
also, come the consuls of other countries, of England and France,
and have long and protracted interviews with him.
The object of their meetings is known to no one. Their conferences
are always private, and Bardissi learns of them only what Mohammed
chooses to tell him.
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