CHAPTER XIII
LOVE UNTO DEATH.
ON the afternoon of this fearful day, all was again restored to
quiet in the streets of Cairo. The terror-stricken inhabitants had
again ventured forth from their houses, and were standing in groups,
discussing in subdued voices the events of the day. But they ceased
conversing when they now saw the cadi approaching on horseback, and
in advance of him the public crier. In the cadi's name he proclaimed
to the people a general amnesty for all past offences: "The new
viceroy is to enter the city on the morrow. Let the city put on
festive attire, and let a hearty welcome be extended him. Remove
from the streets and houses all traces of conflict and bloodshed.
Bury your dead, and care for your wounded, ye wives of the Mameluke
beys and the kachefs. Do your duty, ye women and ye servants."
These orders of the cadi were proclaimed throughout the entire city
by the crier.
But now the veiled women come out into the streets with their
servants, and, in obedience to the prophet's injunctions, seek the
wounded and suffering, take them to their houses, and care for them
tenderly.
Many of the dead and wounded lie in front of Bardissi's palace--men
who had stood faithfully by their master, and fallen bravely in the
discharge of duty.
A number of women approach this place. Veiled like the rest is she
who precedes the others; yet her royal bearing, and the deference
shown her by the servants and Mamelukes who accompany her, proclaim
her to be Sitta Nefysseh.
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